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Archives for Cable Clutter
Wireless iPod streaming
Products that are wireless immediately gain my attention. Monster’s new iSoniCast is now shipping and it allows you to stream your iPod wirelessly to your home stereo. It also makes your iPod into a remote control so you can select what you are listening to on your stereo. From Monster:
The Monster® iSoniCast™ turns your iPod into a wireless jukebox, so you can easily enjoy all your iPod music on your home stereo system. With the iSoniCast, you use the iPod itself to control playback with full access to all the familiar iPod controls! You don’t need to turn on your TV to view menus or use a clunky separate remote to control your iPod. Even better, the iSoniCast is also incredibly easy to hook up and no batteries are needed: the smart low-power consumption lets you listen for extended periods.
I currently use a Y-Cable for my iPod listening needs. It adds a wire to the mess that lurks behind my receiver and it doesn’t allow me to change tracks remotely. This wireless gem will set you back $100, which isn’t bad for a brand new iPod accessory. Additionally, if it gets rid of another cord, I’m interested.
(via Crave)
Posted by Matt on Mar 20, 2008 |
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Bluelounge’s SpaceStation helps with cable clutter
Cable clutter is a scourge all to its own. The tops and back sides of desks are usually wrapped in a web of cables and wires. Here at Unclutterer we have a whole category dedicated to this pesky problem.
Bluelounge has a new product which tackles the wires and cables on the top of your desk. The SpaceStation creates a nice tidy area to confine this desk top mess. From Bluelounge:
Hovering just 5mm above the desk, cords are free to enter or exit the hub at any point – on the side to connect a scanner, the front for an iPod, the back for a laptop or camera. An internal 4-port USB 2.0 hub will keep all peripherals connected. One USB plug exits the station right where needed to connect a laptop. Just tip the front of the SpaceStation up to access the hub and cords.
And here are before-and-after photos to see what the SpaceStation can do for your workspace:
Before:
After:
Posted by Matt on Mar 13, 2008 |
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Multifunctional home office hub
CNET’s positive review of the Brother MFC-685cw Color Inkjet Multi-Function Center caught my attention mainly because of the inexpensive price and all the functions it performs. For a price as low as this ($130), you can’t really expect to have high quality photo printing when the device consolidates so many functions into one product. But, if you are in the market for an all-in-one printer, fax, scanner, copier, phone, answering machine, wireless network interface, and photo printer, this may be for you.
You are sacrificing quality for quantity and run the risk of losing all functionality if one of the devices breaks, but you are saving space. Fewer wires and a smaller footprint for your home office can be beneficial to an uncluttered workspace.
Posted by Matt on Feb 25, 2008 |
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The Socket Sense Surge Strip
Have you ever had to plug a large black cube type of plug into a surge strip? The size of the black cube takes up two or possibly three outlets on the strip. That’s not fair, is it? So, what can be done about this outlet injustice? Well, take look at the Socket Sense Surge Strip and this problem looks to be solved by the clever folks at Ideative. The outlets on the strip are not only angled, but they can also be moved to accomodate bulky black plugs. From Ideative:
The Socket Sense surge protector handles all power adapters with ease. Simply expand or contract the movable sockets to adjust for the best fit. Compare this to a typical surge strip where power adapters typically block one or more sockets. Socket Sense can do the job of two ordinary surge strips.
Instead of using two surge protectors or possibly swapping plugs in and out of your surge strip, this looks like a very useful and innovative alternative in the war on cable clutter.
(via Crave)
Posted by Matt on Feb 21, 2008 |
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The beauty of organized cables
The blog Royal Pingdom knows how to make an Unclutterer’s heart go pitter patter. Their post, When data center cabling becomes art, sent me into a blissful tizzy gawking at the well-organized cables. Swoon. Here’s a teaser to entice you to click through to the site:
Photo courtesy of Jef Newsom
Posted by Erin on Feb 9, 2008 |
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Make your own earbud caddy
Walking around with an earbud cord that is too long can hinder your range of motion and get in the way. People come in different shapes and sizes, but earbud wires are all one size, which is usually super long. Why not take some time and easily make yourself a little earbud caddy to neatly wrap up that extra wire?
Over at wikiHow, you can easily follow the steps and have yourself a cheap do-it-yourself solution made from material you may have around your house already. Or, if you’re not feeling handy, you can just purchase the one pictured with this article for $2.
Posted by Matt on Feb 7, 2008 |
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The wireless Wii nunchuk
The Wii remote control is quite an amazing development in game console controllers. The Wii remote is wireless, but not completely so because there is a wire that connects to the nunchuk to the controller.
Nyko, a third party supplier for gaming accessories, now has Wii owners covered with the wireless nunchuk. But what about the Wii owners who already have all their controllers purchased and don’t want to buy new wireless nunchuks? Well, Nyko has you covered there, too. You can purchase an adapter for your wired nunchuk and the wire will be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the adapter won’t be available for another month.
(via Engadet)
Posted by Matt on Feb 4, 2008 |
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Gadget ‘gas station’
Anthro, an office furniture company, has a product for sale that appeals to my techie sensibilities. The eNook is a “gas station for your gadgets that has channels for you to plug in and charge all your gear.”
Not only does this look like a fantastic docking station, but could easily be used as a fold-away desk. In its compact state, it sticks out only 7″ from the wall. In my mind, this would be perfect in a studio apartment for a traveling consultant or in a busy family’s kitchen.
Posted by Erin on Jan 24, 2008 |
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Wall-mounting flat screen televisions without the need for a wall or a stand
Along the lines of last week’s post praising the “no wall-mounting necessary” versatility of the new Elfa Freestanding system, I want to discuss similar systems for flat screen televisions.
The first one I found was at Crate and Barrel, which they call the Loop Media Center (pictured) for $600:
“Install your flat screen TV on our clever plasma panel rather than drilling into your walls. Four recessed cubbies along each side hide up to 48 DVDs.”
Target has a similar Platinum Entertainment Center model for a hundred less than the Loop in a blonde veneer.
And, for $1,200 (ouch!), Pottery Barn has the Caleb Flat-Panel TV Stand.
If you’re interested in mounting your flat screen television without the use of a wall or a television stand, then hopefully these options will get your search headed in the right direction.
Posted by Erin on Jan 19, 2008 |
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More wireless, please
Wires are one of my biggest pet peeves and I dream of a life without them. Every year, the Consumer Electronic Association holds it’s International CES Convention and I follow it closely to see if any companies are unveiling wireless electronics. At the convention, consumer electronic companies trot out their new innovations and try to create some buzz for their products.
One new innovation that I have been reading quite a bit about is Wireless HD. Belkin is unveiling their FlyWire box that sends uncompressed 720p and 1080i or compressed 1080p signals up to 100 feet “with the same quality as HDMI cable.” Also, according to Engadget, Westinghouse will debut their Wireless HDMI HDTV at the convention.
From WirelessHD.org:
WirelessHD will serve as the first and only wireless digital interface to combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, intelligent format and control data, and Hollywood approved content protection. For end-users, elimination of cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theater system installation and eliminates the traditional need to locate source devices in the proximity of the display. Also, the technology will support the development of adapter solutions that will be capable of supporting legacy systems.
With the quick advances that have been made over the years in consumer electronics, it was only a matter of time before companies started to tackle the wire issue. Here’s to an uncluttered, wireless future in HD entertainment!
Posted by Matt on Jan 7, 2008 |
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Rock Band clutter
One of the most popular games this holiday season is Rock Band. Think Guitar Hero, but multiplied by three. The game not only includes a guitar, but a drum kit and a microphone. Now, all your friends can pretend to be rock stars at the same time!
I’ve never played Guitar Hero (and I don’t intend to start), but Rock Band seems like an unclutterer’s nightmare. The storage space needed for all of these fake instrument controllers is ridiculous. For all the strides that gaming has made in making their systems smaller and wireless, they have been demolished by Rock Band. Not many homes are equipped for impromptu jam sessions, so be forewarned as to what you are purchasing for your children. You will have to deal with the consequences of your clutter. And more often than not, you will most likely have to play the roadie and clear the stage of all the fake instruments. That is when I would threaten to sell the game and all of its peripherals. Mom and Dad aren’t roadies and the den isn’t going to be a studio.
For more on Rock Band, here is an article in the Charleston City Paper.
Posted by Matt on Dec 29, 2007 |
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Hide your desk’s power strip
Hiding cables is one of the reasons, if not the reason most people come to our site from search engines. As a result, we are always on the lookout for creative solutions to this problems.
Today, we share reader Greg’s solution for how to hide power strips and cables under your desk. And, because Greg is fabulously organized, we also share the link to his step-by-step instructions for how he did it from Instructables. We want to note, though, that we recommend using a solid plastic basket as an alternative to avoid accidental electrocution.
Also seen on Lifehacker.
Posted by Erin on Nov 20, 2007 |
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Eye-Fi eliminates the need for USB wires
Eye-Fi is an SD memory card that wirelessly uploads your photos to your computer without the need for an extra wire or stand alone card reader. This little 2 GB card will make those wires and cables obsolete. Here at Unclutterer, we are always on the lookout for products that conquer the wire beast that lurks around your desk or entertainment center.
Unfortunately, the folks over at Engadget have thrown cold water on the Eye-Fi by giving it a marginally poor review. It’s at least a step in the right direction, and we look forward to future generations of this wireless SD card.
Posted by Matt on Nov 19, 2007 |
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Interesting way to hide powercords
Powercords are a necessary evil that ruin the aesthetic of almost any room in your home. Finding ways to hide them and get them into a manageable arrangement is always a struggle. I came across a rather unique and interesting way to hide your wire clutter over at Underwire.
From the Boiler design site:
The Picket Fence adapts to older homes and cleanly manages the electrical necessities of the occupants. The baseboards have a certain thickness to them, typically much thicker than an electrical cord. By sticking these pickets onto the baseboard, a space is created between the wall and the picket points. This space serves as a track for routing all of the wires cleanly around the room. They can go wherever they like and double back as much as they need to, all concealed behind a picket fence. Because of the gaps between the individual pickets, a plug can jump out wherever it is needed.
Obviously this design isn’t for everyone, but I think it is creative and lends itself to different interpretations.
Posted by Matt on Nov 13, 2007 |
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Storing extension cords
I stumbled upon a suggestion in Stephanie Winston’s Best Organizing Tips that was so easy and inexpensive that I may have a crush on it. From page 141:
Are your extension cords all tangled up in a pile? Mary Ellen suggests winding each cord loosely and slipping it into a cardboard tube from paper towels or toilet tissue.
Love it!
Posted by Erin on Nov 8, 2007 |
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Sound bar with a little extra
Back in June, I pointed out a couple of sound bar options from Polk Audio and Yamaha. Philips now has an interesting addition to this category of surround sound alternatives with the Philips AmbiSound Home Theater Sound Bar.
The Philips version includes an integrated upscaling DVD player. It is a bit larger than the Yamaha and Polk systems, but it does multitask by adding the DVD player (which isn’t HD or BluRay). On the negative side is the iPod dock that is included is not integrated into the unit which adds to the space that is needed to house the unit. If you are in the market for a surround sound system, but you don’t want to deal with all the wires you may want to check out this Philips, Yamaha, or Polk system. Each of them are relatively compact and if you go with the Philips it offers a bit more.
Posted by Matt on Nov 6, 2007 |
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The wireless speaker lamp
Over at Wired’s Gadget Reviews, they take a look and listen at a cool concept from Soundolier. The concept is rather interesting. It’s a lamp that doubles as a wireless speaker. Unfortunately, although cool in concept, the reviewed product seems to be lacking in what it delivers. From Wired:
Going wireless means shelling out an extra $80 for the Maestro wireless transmitter. Tinny audio makes the Duo fit only for rear positions in surround setups. Lamp lacks storage for MP3 players or other line-in accessories. Wireless transmitter interrupted network traffic regardless of which channel it was set on.
If a lamp/speaker multitasker could be developed that delivers a decent sound quality, I would definitely be interested. It would save space while getting rid of those evil speaker wires. But, the review isn’t exactly glowing, so I’d hold off on this concept until it is a bit more reliable.
Posted by Matt on Nov 1, 2007 |
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Workspace of the Week: Cable basket
This week’s Workspace of the Week is not really a workspace, but a really good idea belizardi added to our flickr pool.
He explains: “This is my charging basket. I took an old basket we had in the basement and drilled a hole in the back to fish the wires through. Cell phone goes here when it needs a charge for the weekend and my iPods plug in where they sync and charge.” Very cool.
Want to have your own workspace featured in Workspace of the Week? Submit a picture to the Unclutterer flickr pool. Check it out because we have a nice little community brewing there. Also, don’t forget that workspaces aren’t just desks. If you’re a cook, it’s a kitchen; if you’re a carpenter, it’s your workbench.
Posted by Jerry on Oct 19, 2007 |
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Pop-up TV
The Sharp 52-inch LCD TV prototype is only a miniscule 29-mm thin and has been fit with an automatic pop-up mechanism that discreetly sinks the super thin television into a bed’s footboard. I’m not too crazy about televisions in the bedroom, especially a 52-inch TV that is only about 7 feet away, but I think the idea of hiding your television in a similar contraption that isn’t a bed is a great idea.
With TVs becoming less cumbersome in depth, the ability to hide them when not in use is so much easier. The pop-up mechanism is a fantastic idea when it is taken out of a bed’s footboard and incorporated into an entertainment center. Here are a few options that may be of interest to you:
- The Theater Lift Cabinet by Touchstone
- Casual Series Plasma/LCD Lift Cabinet by Prime
- The Longmont Theater Lift Cabinet (pictured)
Or if you are handy and you want to save some cash, you can purchase the lift mechanism and fit it into custom built cabinetry.
(Footboard pop-up via Engagdet)
Posted by Matt on Oct 5, 2007 |
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SecondRotation.com: The online pawn shop
The best cure for clutter is to avoid it. That’s why I always try to sell a gadget when I buy a new one to replace it. This way I don’t end up with drawers full of old cell phones and half-megapixel cameras. To this end, eBay and Craigslist are modern miracles you should certainly employ. But if they have any drawbacks, it’s that you have to spend time marketing your items nicely so they will sell well, and then you have to manage the transactions with the buyers.
Well, if you want to avoid these potential hassles, check out SecondRotation.com, a service brought to my attention by Leo Laporte on MacBreak Weekly. Basically you visit the site, search and find the gadget you want to sell, rate its condition (e.g. do you have the original manuals and cables, is it nicked or scratched), and it calculates a trade in value for the item. If you’re happy with the offer, you schedule a free package pick-up with DHL and send it to them. They inspect it and if everything is as you described it, they mail you a check or credit your PayPal account. That’s it. Nothing else to do.
You’ll probably get less money for your gadget this way than you would buy selling it yourself, but the difference is convenience. What they do with your gadget is a mystery I couldn’t solve, but I imagine they sell them on eBay or a similar market. (If you have an idea, let us know.)
Posted by Jerry on Oct 2, 2007 |
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