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Cable Management To Defeat Clutter?

Posted by timothy on from the why-not-just-use-wireless-versions dept.

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."

9 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. Do it yourself! by Steegest · · 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.

  2. Confused by indre1 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I don't get it - you have all those devices in one room that you're having cable problems?

  3. Re:ac adapter losses are close to zero by Hurricane78 · · Score: 2, 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.

    --
    Any sufficiently advanced intelligence is indistinguishable from stupidity.
  4. Wax string by Nethead · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Do it the old school way.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_lacing

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    -- I have a private email server in my basement.
  5. Re:Velcro strips by JustOK · · Score: 2, Interesting

    wrap it with Bubble wrap

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    rewriting history since 2109
  6. Raceway (use rain gutters) by wfstanle · · Score: 2, 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.

  7. Re:Plastic or Velcro zip ties by zippthorne · · Score: 3, 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

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    Can you be Even More Awesome?!
  8. Re:Belink Conceal or the like by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Also depends on who wrote the review!

  9. Re:Hide them all by jabjoe · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This is what I'm being told to do!
    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.