The problem with being connected in the consumer electronics world is that it can create quite a mess, from the precarious pile of gadgets on your desk to the snarl of cables hiding behind your desk. While cutting down on devices is heresy, scaling back on cable clutter is a very realistic goal. All you need is a little patience and a few clever accessories to help you keep those unruly cords in check.
1. Tying Up Loose Ends
Some electronics, such as certain notebooks, come with cords that are too short. Other gadgets provide enough cabling to climb the Tower of London. If you've got miles of excess wires dangling behind your desk or media cabinet, you can try to neaten things up by shortening the cord.
One way to eliminate surplus wires is by investing in a couple of cable-winding doohickeys. With the $15 XL Cable Organizer, all you have to do is spool any extra cabling around the center of the wheel--the device's rubber shell is thick enough to accommodate multiple cords.
If you are dealing with thinner wires, like those from an MP3 player or a cell phone, the $5 Cableyoyo lets you wind up any slack from unduly long cords. Clasps keep the wound cord in place, and when you're ready to unwind it, simply press in the center and pull. The device also comes with a spindle that adheres to your wall or the back of your desk or computer, so you can snap the yoyo to it, and unsnap it, at any time.
Another option is to bundle up loose cables using fasteners like Case Logic's self-attaching cable ties ($5 for a pack of six). Made of nylon, these Velcro ties are nearly 7 inches long and come in several different colors. OXO's cord and cable clips ($7 for a pack of four) are a handy alternative because they include a notch inside the clip that keeps it tethered to the cord itself along with a hole that allows you to hang it on a nail or hook.
2. Out of Sight
Your new flat-screen television might look cool in your living room, but you know what doesn't look so hot? That mass of cables and electrical bricks shoved under your media cabinet. KangaRoom Storage's aptly named Black Box Cord Organizer tames the cords for your TiVo, DVD player, game console, and other devices by storing them away in an understated black box.
This $60 container, which measures 13-by-13-by-3 inches and is made of flame-resistant acrylic, features two shelves for storing wireless adapters and other unsightly devices, along with nine prongs for winding excess cabling (a sliding door gives you access to the innards). Openings on either side let you feed cords through while a cutout at the bottom accommodates your surge protector. Five ventilation holes ensure that things don't get too hot on the inside.
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