Cable Management To Defeat Clutter? 323
igny writes "I have just recently cleaned up my home office, reducing the clutter, but I could not come up with a neat solution to my cable problem. I believe my cable usage is even below average for a slashdotter, but still I have three computers with a bunch of ethernet and power cables, two cellphones, video and photo cables, with several proprietary chargers/AC adapters, printer, two NASes with a couple of external drives, phone, audio system, routers/switches, modem ... Everything requires cables of different kinds. I believe that AC adapters still draw some power even with no device hooked to it. So I organized my power cables by usage with several power strips to turn off adapters which I use less frequently. I am asking for advice from experienced slashdotters. How do you cope with your cable problem? Do you use dedicated tables, shelves, armoire for the cables? I am still looking for a neat, efficient, and safe (I have small kids) solution."
Do it yourself! (Score:2, Interesting)
I would recommend you design and build your own desk. Nothing beats being able to locate features fit to your own requirements and workspace. Mmmmm cables and oak.
Confused (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:ac adapter losses are close to zero (Score:3, Interesting)
Well. From my experience, they still get hot. And the low-power connector still can "electrocute your floor" (or cat). Not big, but both things it can draw power.
Also, I don't know why, but on some adapters, there is a warning, that prolonged use without the device connected, could damage the adapter.
Wax string (Score:4, Interesting)
Do it the old school way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_lacing [wikipedia.org]
Re:Velcro strips (Score:2, Interesting)
wrap it with Bubble wrap
Raceway (use rain gutters) (Score:3, Interesting)
Raceways might work in some places but they are a bit expensive. Here's something that works like raceway but is far less expensive. Use plastic rain gutters. The metal ones are likely to damage the cables so stay with plastic. This solution does not look very professional but it works for me.
Re:Plastic or Velcro zip ties (Score:4, Interesting)
Avoid protrusions and the bulk and waste of a bag of hundreds of cable wrap zip ties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_lacing [wikipedia.org]
Re:Belink Conceal or the like (Score:1, Interesting)
Also depends on who wrote the review! [slashdot.org]
Re:Hide them all (Score:3, Interesting)
My wife is due to have our first child around christmas, and she keeps "reminding" me my mass of wires and plugs needs to go.
But I don't want to let go of the control have all the plug switches exposed gives me!
Surely there is some plugs strip that has USB control?
Then I can hide the cables to stop baby coming to harm (or causing damage!).
At the moment this look like it will have to be self build.