LaCie’s USB hub with its round base allowing it to wobble back and forth certainly raises eyebrows. While it certainly is high in artistic value, but unfortunately scores low in usability tests. But the peripheral maker hasn’t given up yet. It now returns with a USB hub designed with users in mind. The aptly-named Core7 7-port USB hub isn’t quite as eye-catching as its predecessor, yet it comes with several user-friendly features as well as a recession-proof pricing.

For starter, the Core7 sports the same compact design as Little Disk; it can be laid flat on a desktop can be hung on a wall. Five ports are located on the recessed area beneath the Core7; one port on top is for flash drives and portable hard drives that require quick and easy access. A tethered mini-USB cable which replaced one of the ports can recharge compatible MP3 players and cellphones, but it can also connect to USB gadgets with a mini-B interface. Perhaps what’s most important here is the pricing. At 19.99 MSRP, the Core7 hub will appeal to a lot more people than the wobbling hub.