Now look here. We're talking plasma, and not the sort of plasma that runs through your veins. This plasma is the very stuff of creation itself, so it's not to be trifled with. Because let's face it, it's not often you get to create your own lightning and fool around with the background matter of the universe.

Just let your fingers do the walking in the general direction of this miniature hand-blown glass ball and bingo, you're a one man Harry Potter who's just shouted Plasmacticus Digitatus or somesuch incantation. As iridescent red and blue light pours from its core at the speed of, well, light, you'll feel pretty pleased with yourself and pop your application to Hogwarts straight in the post.

Science fiction, we hear you say. But the Plasma Ball is far from poppycock. With a sphere so loaded with indescribably complex gizmology, this little wonder is straight out of the science factbook. And not only is it desperately visual, it's also clever little blighter. Plugging straight into the nearest USB port, it makes a uniquely dazzling bedside lamp and keeps the nippers in awe for ages. Perfect desktop wizardry.