For $US10 a newton’s cradle provides about 10 minutes worth of distraction at work. If you want piss away the whole day, you’ll need to spend a bit more. Like the $US125 pledge needed for this Ferrite ferrofluid toy.
A clear tube filled with water and black goo might sound like the biggest con since Jack bought those magic beans. But when that black goo is the mesmerising magnetic substance known as ferrofluid, you start to realise how much fun this tube could be. In addition to a stylish aluminium base, the Ferrite “interactive liquid sculpture” includes a pair of magnetic styli that can be used to attract and manipulate the ferrofluid from the outside.
A smaller, less interesting version called the Ferro will also be available for a pledge of $US100. But with a magnet permanently stuck in its lid, it looks more like a piece of desk art than a tool for whittling the hours away. [Kickstarter via TechCrunch]