I enjoy my computers. I don't think I'm that excessive - yes, I have three computers plus a full complement of accessories - but I keep it all very neat. The problem I run into is cable management - both connection cables and power cables.
I can tuck all my cables neatly out of the way - but inevitably, as soon as I do that, I have to change the configuration of something and I end up having to tear it all apart so I can change a piece of hardware or add something new. For example, today I started having wifi issues. I had to test everything to find out what was wrong, swap out different pieces of equipment, then raise my wireless box higher up so I could get a better signal and replace the router. All that meant swapping out cables and resetting equipment and threading cables out through the back of my computer hutch and down into my power strip area (which I have contained in a vented box, which is great for appearances but not so great for access). And all this is in a very small apartment office where the furniture is tucked into crevices and is not easy to move.
Now I have a bundle of wires hanging down from the wireless box, since I had to move it to a high bookcase shelf to get the best signal. (Power cable for Airport, ethernet cable from modem to Airport, ethernet cable from Airport to hard wired computer, ethernet cable from Airport to Tivo, USB cable for external drive, power cable for external drive.) I'd like to disguise them or tuck them out of the way, but I'm afraid that as soon as I do, I'll need to change something else which will mean disconnecting them all again. It seems like most cable management systems assume you configure your cables once and never touch them again, which isn't true for me. The minute I configure the cables into neat and pretty bundles, I have to tear them apart again.
Any suggestions for someone who is constantly changing their computer setup, but doesn't want to see wires hanging everywhere?
