What The Tech: Gadgets to help you get rid of your desk clutter
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Albert Einstein is believed to have said, “A cluttered desk is a sign of genius.” But for most of us, it’s just clutter.
And with more devices than ever, that clutter can get out of control fast. Laptops, phones, smartwatches, earbuds… and all the cables that come with them.
The good news is a few smart gadgets can actually reduce the mess without getting rid of the tech you rely on.
Even the Greats Had Messy Desks
Thomas Edison and Mark Twain were known for cluttered desks. So was Steve Jobs. But their clutter looked a little different.
No charging cables. No power strips. No tangle of USB cords.
Today’s clutter is powered.
One Charger Instead of Three
If your desk is covered in charging cables, start here.
A 3-in-1 charging station from Anker can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. That means one cable instead of three. It also charges faster than a standard plug and includes a built-in fan to help keep your phone cool. And it’s compact enough to toss in a bag if you’re working somewhere else.
Power Everything Without the Mess
When you’ve got multiple devices, a standard power strip doesn’t cut it.
Anker’s Nano 7-1 Charging Station can handle up to seven devices at once. It includes three AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and even retractable cables that stay tucked away when you don’t need them.
There’s also a small display showing how fast your devices are charging and when they’ll be ready.
Translation: fewer loose cables and less guessing.
Cut the Cord with Wireless Accessories
Two of the easiest cables to eliminate are your keyboard and mouse.
A wireless keyboard from Logitech can connect to multiple devices. With the press of a button, you can switch from your computer to a tablet or phone. It even includes a built-in slot to hold a device.
Pair that with a wireless mouse, and you’ve instantly cleared two more cords off your desk. Some newer models are rechargeable, so you won’t need to keep swapping batteries. Just plug it in about once a month.
Add More Ports Without the Headache
If you’re constantly plugging and unplugging devices, you probably need more ports. Most computers don’t have enough connections for everything we use today. A USB hub or port expander solves that quickly. Plug it into your computer, and you can connect hard drives, flash drives, and accessories all at once.
No more reaching behind your computer or juggling cables.
The Real Difference Between Then and Now
Edison, Twain, and even Jobs didn’t have to deal with charging cables.
We do. And while clutter may have worked for them, today’s tech-heavy workspace benefits from a little organization.
The right gadgets won’t just make your desk look better. They can make it easier to focus and get work done.
