I understand the significance to physics, but what can a magnetic monopole be used for assuming we could free them from spin ice and put them to work?  What would be a magnetic version of electricity?

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EDIT

Sorry this wasn't clear.  The question is mixed between the quasiparticle and the theoretical elementary particle based on some similarities between the two. I am more interested in the quasiparticle and if they have properties in some way that are similar to particle version:

> There are a number of examples in condensed-matter physics where
> collective behavior leads to emergent phenomena that resemble magnetic
> monopoles in certain respects, including most
> prominently the spin ice materials. While these should not be
> confused with hypothetical elementary monopoles existing in the
> vacuum, they nonetheless have similar properties and can be probed
> using similar techniques.
> 
> http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/breaking/2009/01/29/making-magnetic-monopoles-and-other-exotica-in-the-lab/
>
> "[The Anomalous Hall Effect and Magnetic Monopoles in Momentum
> Space][1]". Science 302 (5642) 92–95.
> 
> "[Inducing a Magnetic Monopole with Topological Surface States][2]"
> 
> "[Artificial Magnetic Monopoles Discovered][3]"

and comments in articles about quasi-particles like this:

> Many groups worldwide are currently researching the question of
> whether magnetic whirls could be used in the production of computer
> components.

led me to wonder what application might they have?  Mixing these two concepts is probably a bad way to present this question.  A true magnetic monopole would effect protons whereas the artificial ones don't.

What I don't understand is what advantages an artificial magnetic monopole would have.  And does this relate to some theoretical aspect of a true monopole?


  [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/302/5642/92
  [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1167747
  [3]: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130531103910.htm