I saw this in my MAKEzine and thought I'd share it. It's a cheap, easy and innovative solution for that giant bright blue powermate you don't want.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Desk...olume_Control/

video:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1N7ucyC9hg[/media]

maybe don't use a rc car wheel for the knob...