How do I clear my desk of computer wires?
- Make sure your cables are long enough – Many messy wire situations are caused by using cables that are too short.
- Route your cables using velcro straps – Bundling wires together and routing them out of sight can help you keep your desk clear. Black electricians tape is another option if your wire setup doesn’t change too often.
- Get rid of equipment you don’t need – If you have a bunch of gadgets that aren’t being used, remove them from your desk. For example, your scanner might be better of keeping in the closet if you only use it once or twice each month.
- Use wireless – WiFi for networking and bluetooth for keyboards, mice, and audio can cut down on the amount of wires on your desk.
- Use a KVM – If you have multiple computers, you may benefit from using a single keyboard and mouse and using a switch to change between computers.
- Use a monitor with many ports – Using a monitor with built in speakers, USB ports, and multiple video in connections can reduce the amount of equipment and wires on your desk. Since monitors are usually large they can easily hide the required wires and generally take less room than adding separate speakers, USB hubs, etc.
How do you keep the wire clutter to a minimum on your desk?
My favorite trick is to use multi-purpose wires. For example, get devices that are powered by USB; then you have one cord (USB) versus two (USB plus power). I also like devices with retractable cords; you can have just as much cord out as you need.
I recently posted 5 Ways To Cut Cord Clutter which gives some solutions to organizing the cords that you can’t get rid of.
@LJ – Good advice. Awhile back I found a USB to 5.2v “round” adapter that lets me recharge my Sony reader off my computer. It is one less adapter I need to carry with me when I travel. Plus it has a regular USB connector so I can use it for my phone or other USB devices.
Great advice. I’ll try to implement some of these this weekend.
Hi Mark,
Good question you’ve posted here. Messy, tangled computer wires is an annoyance that we all have to deal with. You ignore the problem, until the day you have to unplug something. Ugh, what a hassle.
I recently heard about Socket Sense – an expandable surge protector that fits oversized AC adapters. I thought it was a much-needed invention.
Check them out: http://ideativeinc.com/socketsense.cfm
@Dina – That is pretty cool. I hadn’t seen that before. I like the Belkin concealed powerstrip. It can handle the larger wall warts and it keeps the bulk of the cables hidden.
try these…to sort your wires and keep them ready to hook up…
Cordies… a simple product that holds cables on your desk.
http://www.quirky.com/products/11-Cordies?r=6d3d0d519ae2407bcbb4374fc75d3c23
PowerCurl… prevents apple adapter from overheating and winds cord.
http://www.quirky.com/products/15-PowerCurl?r=6d3d0d519ae2407bcbb4374fc75d3c23