blink(1) Gives Your Computer A Notification Light Via USB

For mobile tech, a notification light is one of those handy reminders that something is going on that you need to check out. You don't need to even be online, or have the app open — your phone checks up on things for you! Why should the phone have all the fun, though? With the blink(1), it doesn't have to.

The blink(1) is a small USB dongle that does one thing — notifies you of things. Whether it be an email, Twitter mention, or anything else you want to keep an eye on, blink(1) can. Best of all, it's fully customizable, so your blue email flash won't be confused with your pulsing red Facebook alert.

blink(1) is also open source, so if you've got a favorite shell script you'd like to run — feel free. The notification light also works with IFTTT, so you can fully automate your life, even when you're away form the desk. It's also a great way to ge more granular with your blink(1) alerts. Have it alert when certain topics pop up in your RSS feed, or when ESPN pushes news about your favorite team.

The blink(1) works with all desktop platforms, and even a Raspberry Pi for the true tinkerers out there. They have APIs for most major programming languages, too. With all you can do with it, the blink(1) may be the best $30 you've spent in a long time.