Get Rid of Wires and Plugs: Top 7 Solutions
And what can we do to get rid of them? Well, it seems nothing can do it. No matter how much we try to mask and organize them, they still get twisted. It’s like they have a mind of their own. But fear no more, there is a solution for this, and it’s called “wireless”. Although not every device is wireless, and every one needs as little as one, wireless devices can clean up pretty good. Wireless products means you have to invest a few extra bucks in them but it will definitely make your work space look cleaner. Wire managers are another solution but nothing seems to beat cordless products. Let me give a few pointers for getting rid of those nasty wires and make your home or office look better and not like a server room.
1. Use Wireless Mouse, Keyboard
Using such devices gets rid of at least two wires on your desk. And because technology has made great advances in battery technology and wireless technology, they no longer lag so much you can’t even play a game. There are lots of these devices scattered in every computer shop. Some can even satisfy the most hard-core gamer out there, having response times that rival wired solutions. There are lots of wireless mice and keyboards, and I’d recommend those from Logitech or Microsoft. There is even one wireless keyboard that also has solar charging (featured in our top solar powered gadgets article).
2. Wireless Speakers, Headphones
Wireless speakers and headphones will help you get rid of cables around your house. From your home entertainment system to your desk speakers and headphones, they will give you a cleaner look and more tidy aspect. Also, as with wireless keyboards and mice, they now have excellent fidelity, giving you a great sound. Now you can walk around the house listening to your own songs without tripping on cables.
3. Wireless Printers
Wireless printers also have the potential to make some wires obsolete. Especially in an office environment, where you have more than one printer connected to more than one computer. So, going for a wireless solution might make a lot of sense. Check out our printer buying guide to understand what to look for when buying a printer. The biggest advantage with a wireless printer is that you can place it inside the room but not near your computer so that makes your working space less cluttered.
4. Wireless Appliances
Other wireless devices can be found throughout a home: such as a wireless TV transmitter (the new generation, that also has LAN connection), or wireless thermostat (remember NEST, featured in our top appcessories post?) and media center. All of these can make your house look better and tidier, eliminating those nasty wires running all over the place. Also, other devices such as stereos, CD players or DVD players have the possibility to work wireless, so you might give them a try. These will definitely give you a helping hand in getting rid of cables. And in the future, many more devices will have wireless capabilities and making them controllable from smartphones or tablets will make our lives much more easier.
5. Wireless Router
A wireless router will get rid of the majority of cables from today’s household. Think of it, if you have 2 computers, 2 laptops and a smart TV that has network integration, then you have at least 4 more cables to worry about. So, the wireless router is a great solution. Keep in mind, if you want to connect all your Internet enabled gadgets to the router, you might need wireless network cards for your computers. Smart TVs usually have Wireless capability, and laptops, tablets or smartphones have it, so it only makes sense to get yourself a home wireless connection. Just keep in mind to have a strong password, you don’t want your neighbors to use your Internet connection. All these wireless solutions are a brave step towards making a smart home.
6. Use Sleevings, Wire Managers
You can find sleeving materials and wire managers (such as those plastic cable covers) at any Home Depot or IKEA store, and in fact, at any other Home Improvement store. They can help you mask and organize your cables. A sleeving can make all of those power cables into one and you can quickly hide them. And if you want to act like a little designer, you can play with colors and make it look just like a part of the wall, carefully covering it.
7. Hide Cables
Some cables you can’t do without. Such as power cables, video input cables or TV cables. These you just can’t get rid of. And because of that, you have to mask them as good as you can. Using sleeving materials will only get you so far, but then, you have to the old fashioned way and hide them under the rug of behind the bookcase. Use stickers, adhesive tape, everything it takes to make those cords disappear! In the future, we will definitely see more wireless devices appear and replace today’s ones. The first step is made: as you might of known, the new Nokia Lumia 920 has wireless charging capabilities. This technology will definitely get better and better and it will migrate from smartphones to other household appliances. The future Smart House will be totally wireless, using no cables and where we will control everything with just our smartphones, or who knows, even our minds. Ironic, no? The future promises more connectivity, but with less connectors.
