Computer restarts

[Zaen]

This isn't really a problem, just a curiosity.

I have a lit mousepad that draws power from usb. Every once in a while when I touch the cord my computer will do a hard reset. It might be linked to static electricity, I'm not sure. Has anyone else had anything like this ever happen/ have a suggestion to what the cause might be?

Zaen

[SishGupta]

I was making a stupid little usb powered device once and I found that a short in the wire can have odd effects on a computer like it freezing or rebooting.

Try bending the wire in places and see if it has the same effect. Either way I would try and have it returned or exchanged if it is under warranty.
The restarting is potentially dangerous to your computer.