How do you organize your gadgets?

Reba · 01-04-2008, 02:37 PM

How do you keep all your electronic hand-held gadgets organized? Do you have one place that you keep them while they are charging? Something for your PDA, cell phone, iPod, GPS device, etc.

I'm trying to come up with the best stylish way to keep all my gadgets neat and charged. I've found some charging valets online but they don't they still seem bulky and stodgy.

I might end up designing and making something for myself. But I don't want to reinvent the wheel, so if you already have a tried and true solution I would love to see it. I especially like creativity that uses existing things for new purposes. Like maybe using a woven basket, or an old tackle box, or something like that made over for a new hi-tech use.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family...1&SearchPage=1

charging valet, Cradles, Cradle Chargers items on eBay.com

Best Bets Daily - Frontgate Charging Station

Mahogany Charging Station - Frontgate

Charging Valet, Charging Station, Wooden Charging Valet

Charger Station: A space-efficient electronics charging valet.

Joy Mangano Charge-It-All Valet - Large at HSN.com

Faux Leather Charging Station, Charging Valet

The above are more "executive" looking (leather and heavy dark wood) than I want. I want something more "homey."

A more hi-tech solution:

Callpod - Chargepod CDHS-0001 - Multiple device charger for cell phones,cameras,bluetooth,gps and more

So far, I like this one best:

Pottery Barn | Shop

I don't like the idea of leaving the transformers plugged into the power strip when not charging. They still suck up power if they are left plugged in. But I also don't like frequent plugging in and unplugging the transformers. Would a power strip with an off/on switch solve that problem? Could I leave the transformers plugged into the power strip and just flip the switch as needed? Would that cut down on energy use?

So, what is the cozy solution to a hi-tech problem?

Reba · 01-05-2008, 12:16 PM

This is the mess that I'm trying to organize:

LakeTahoe · 01-05-2008, 12:37 PM

Ahh I see why you are asking..ummm it is up to you. I usually put mine on my desk and charge it or by my bed. Right now I disconnect my SK2 for a while.

Reba · 01-05-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeTahoe

Ahh I see why you are asking..ummm it is up to you. I usually put mine on my desk and charge it or by my bed. Right now I disconnect my SK2 for a while.

Yes, I need to decide for myself. I was just hoping someone might have some creative suggestions.

Tousi · 01-05-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Yes, I need to decide for myself. I was just hoping someone might have some creative suggestions.

Maybe between yourself and your hubby, you could design and construct something? Use early American maple wood, lol....

Babyblue · 01-05-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Maybe between yourself and your hubby, you could design and construct something? Use early American maple wood, lol....

Make a small (recharge desk) drill holes for the wires to go through the desk, lay the (electronics) on top and hide the plugs under the desk.

Just remember where you got the idea LOL

***VamPyroX*** · 01-05-2008, 02:36 PM

Just put it under the table or the bed so that it's out of sight.

For me, I don't have a problem because I keep it simple. I only have one mobile device. The plug is next to my bed next to my alarm clock. When I go to bed, I just plug in my Sidekick 3 and I'm done.

As for my desk, I have a power pad. The power pad is almost like a power strip, but it has multiple power switches for each outlet as well as a master power switch. This power pad is designed for computer setups. It has 6 switches: master, computer, monitor, printer, aux1, & aux2. Since I don't use the last 3, I use the printer switch for my portable DVD player that I have sitting in front of me. The power switch on my portable DVD player is so tiny that it's a lot easier to just use the power switch on the power pad. I also have a heating pad for scented candles. That's plugged into aux1.

Whenever I want to watch a DVD while using the computer, I just turn on printer. If I want to use the candle, I just turn on aux1. When I'm done for the night, I shut down my computer then turn off master. Now, there's no power... period.

LakeTahoe · 01-05-2008, 02:39 PM

That's an idea! I like that...small desk like 20 inches long or maybe less?

Good luck being brain storming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babyblue

Make a small (recharge desk) drill holes for the wires to go through the desk, lay the (electronics) on top and hide the plugs under the desk.

Just remember where you got the idea LOL

Babyblue · 01-05-2008, 02:45 PM

or you can get Vampyrox make you one out of his origami

shel90 · 01-05-2008, 03:26 PM

My daughter is starting to collect a number of gagdets..ipod, Nitendo Ds, her cell phone and some other weird gagdet. She seriously needs a place to charge them all up.

Maybe create a wall shelf (in an area where it is not commonly seen) with a surcharge/recharger nailed to the wall next to the shelf and use that shelf for that purpose?

sequoias · 01-05-2008, 03:29 PM

Heh my pda phone gets charged via USB cable plugged to my computer so it's not big of a deal.

jasin · 03-16-2008, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

This is the mess that I'm trying to organize:

Thats nothing, you should see all the wires I got under my desk. lol

WBHarley · 03-16-2008, 02:06 PM

Reba i like the one you picked out of pottery barn..

I might order one for me since I got too many plugs to use too. I have CI battery charger, Husband's cellphone, my sidekick LX etc... so I might as well get that one maybe next fri..

Wendy

XBGMER · 03-21-2008, 01:15 PM

I really never have thought about organize my gadgets! till you bring it up.. Most time I use USB into blackberry via PC for recharge if necessary.

Reba · 03-21-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBGMER

I really never have thought about organize my gadgets! till you bring it up.. Most time I use USB into blackberry via PC for recharge if necessary.

If I'm synchronizing my Yahoo calendar and my BB, I plug in my upstairs PC USB to charge my BB. But if I just need to charge the power in my BB, I use the power strip downstairs. It's just more convenient to use the power strip downstairs because it's closer to the door so I can grab my BB on my way out.

We just have too many gadgets, heh, heh. Last week, on our trip out of town, we had Hubby's cell phone, my BB, and my GPS all plugged into the dash of the van. What a mess!

Reba · 03-21-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WBHarley

Reba i like the one you picked out of pottery barn..

I might order one for me since I got too many plugs to use too. I have CI battery charger, Husband's cellphone, my sidekick LX etc... so I might as well get that one maybe next fri..

Wendy

That's a nice choice.

Pacman · 03-21-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoias

Heh my pda phone gets charged via USB cable plugged to my computer so it's not big of a deal.

Are you using Missing Sync for your PDA? How is work with that? I just wonders about that.

Pacman · 03-21-2008, 04:44 PM

All of my heavier, thick plugging are full, just plugged for iMac, MBP, external HDD, SK3, DSL modem and Linksys router, also use USB power for my iPod Touch and SD reader.

I got one in 2002 for used my PC as battery back-up when power went out, I'm not good with design with gadgets.

XBGMER · 03-22-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

If I'm synchronizing my Yahoo calendar and my BB, I plug in my upstairs PC USB to charge my BB. But if I just need to charge the power in my BB, I use the power strip downstairs. It's just more convenient to use the power strip downstairs because it's closer to the door so I can grab my BB on my way out.

Reba, Yes I see your point. Did you know that BB and Yahoo can synchronizing via OTA without PC?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

We just have too many gadgets, heh, heh. Last week, on our trip out of town, we had Hubby's cell phone, my BB, and my GPS all plugged into the dash of the van. What a mess!

Oh I got you, Wow you junk gadgets. Ha .. But you bother me that GPS you using. May I asking you, why you need GPS?

Reba · 03-22-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBGMER

Oh I got you, Wow you junk gadgets. Ha .. But you bother me that GPS you using. May I asking you, why you need GPS?

In my work, I can get a quick call at one assignment to hop in my car to another town to a new assignment. I need to be able to get quick directions to new addresses. Some places, like downtown Charleston, are tricky because many of the streets are one-way, and limited parking areas. Almost every time I go there, different roads are closed or detoured because of constant repair work. The Garmin also shows me where near-by restaurants and gas stations are so I don't waste time searching for services when I'm in a new place.

XBGMER · 03-22-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

In my work, I can get a quick call at one assignment to hop in my car to another town to a new assignment. I need to be able to get quick directions to new addresses. Some places, like downtown Charleston, are tricky because many of the streets are one-way, and limited parking areas. Almost every time I go there, different roads are closed or detoured because of constant repair work. The Garmin also shows me where near-by restaurants and gas stations are so I don't waste time searching for services when I'm in a new place.

Yes Now i understand why you using GPS.. Because you are interpreter, correct me if i am wrong? anyway I am wondering if GPS will tell you where detour or block street in area you avoid to go thru?

***VamPyroX*** · 03-22-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBGMER

Yes Now i understand why you using GPS.. Because you are interpreter, correct me if i am wrong? anyway I am wondering if GPS will tell you where detour or block street in area you avoid to go thru?

That depends on the GPS service you get.

If it's a service that updates constantly, it will tell you of any detours that you have to make. If it's a service that doesn't update often, then it could be outdated. It happened to a friend of mine who was using a GPS in her car that was run of a CD. She ended up getting lost because of road construction and her CD is based on monthly update. She forgot to get a new CD after 5 months.

Reba · 03-23-2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBGMER

Yes Now i understand why you using GPS.. Because you are interpreter, correct me if i am wrong?

You are correct.

Quote:

anyway I am wondering if GPS will tell you where detour or block street in area you avoid to go thru?

It will recalculate and give alternate routes and/or show a map of the area so I can pick a different route, if I go off course.

XBGMER · 03-23-2008, 05:24 PM

I am sorry this is little topic-off. there is the GPS that really interesting me and fill me within knoweldge about GPS for car or van by Reba or someone's feedback. I will let people stick this topic. promise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

That depends on the GPS service you get.

If it's a service that updates constantly, it will tell you of any detours that you have to make. If it's a service that doesn't update often, then it could be outdated. It happened to a friend of mine who was using a GPS in her car that was run of a CD. She ended up getting lost because of road construction and her CD is based on monthly update. She forgot to get a new CD after 5 months.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

You are correct.

It will recalculate and give alternate routes and/or show a map of the area so I can pick a different route, if I go off course.

Reba, its very interesting me. Last question is you using GPS, you have to pay months? Because I notice GPS on BB, GPS require users pay months

Vamp, very interesting. why not GPS device can update over the air itself if update necessary instead of getting the updated CD? So She is GPS user and does she pay months also?

01-04-2008, 02:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 14,770	How do you organize your gadgets? How do you keep all your electronic hand-held gadgets organized? Do you have one place that you keep them while they are charging? Something for your PDA, cell phone, iPod, GPS device, etc. I'm trying to come up with the best stylish way to keep all my gadgets neat and charged. I've found some charging valets online but they don't they still seem bulky and stodgy. I might end up designing and making something for myself. But I don't want to reinvent the wheel, so if you already have a tried and true solution I would love to see it. I especially like creativity that uses existing things for new purposes. Like maybe using a woven basket, or an old tackle box, or something like that made over for a new hi-tech use. Here are some examples of what I mean: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family...1&SearchPage=1 charging valet, Cradles, Cradle Chargers items on eBay.com Best Bets Daily - Frontgate Charging Station Mahogany Charging Station - Frontgate Charging Valet, Charging Station, Wooden Charging Valet Charger Station: A space-efficient electronics charging valet. Joy Mangano Charge-It-All Valet - Large at HSN.com Faux Leather Charging Station, Charging Valet The above are more "executive" looking (leather and heavy dark wood) than I want. I want something more "homey." A more hi-tech solution: Callpod - Chargepod CDHS-0001 - Multiple device charger for cell phones,cameras,bluetooth,gps and more So far, I like this one best: Pottery Barn \| Shop I don't like the idea of leaving the transformers plugged into the power strip when not charging. They still suck up power if they are left plugged in. But I also don't like frequent plugging in and unplugging the transformers. Would a power strip with an off/on switch solve that problem? Could I leave the transformers plugged into the power strip and just flip the switch as needed? Would that cut down on energy use? So, what is the cozy solution to a hi-tech problem?

01-05-2008, 12:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
LakeTahoe ~~SPRING!!~~ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost somewhere on the Earth! Posts: 10,970	Ahh I see why you are asking..ummm it is up to you. I usually put mine on my desk and charge it or by my bed. Right now I disconnect my SK2 for a while. __________________ My fairy name is Bramble Elfglitter LakeTahoe

01-05-2008, 02:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 23,362	Just put it under the table or the bed so that it's out of sight. For me, I don't have a problem because I keep it simple. I only have one mobile device. The plug is next to my bed next to my alarm clock. When I go to bed, I just plug in my Sidekick 3 and I'm done. As for my desk, I have a power pad. The power pad is almost like a power strip, but it has multiple power switches for each outlet as well as a master power switch. This power pad is designed for computer setups. It has 6 switches: master, computer, monitor, printer, aux1, & aux2. Since I don't use the last 3, I use the printer switch for my portable DVD player that I have sitting in front of me. The power switch on my portable DVD player is so tiny that it's a lot easier to just use the power switch on the power pad. I also have a heating pad for scented candles. That's plugged into aux1. Whenever I want to watch a DVD while using the computer, I just turn on printer. If I want to use the candle, I just turn on aux1. When I'm done for the night, I shut down my computer then turn off master. Now, there's no power... period. __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

01-05-2008, 03:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
shel90 So ready for Springtime! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: A Desert Rat that has found herself in Maryland Posts: 11,051 Blog Entries: 1	My daughter is starting to collect a number of gagdets..ipod, Nitendo Ds, her cell phone and some other weird gagdet. She seriously needs a place to charge them all up. Maybe create a wall shelf (in an area where it is not commonly seen) with a surcharge/recharger nailed to the wall next to the shelf and use that shelf for that purpose? __________________ ~Shel~

01-05-2008, 03:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
sequoias Sequoia trees are kings! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Evergreen State Posts: 9,577	Heh my pda phone gets charged via USB cable plugged to my computer so it's not big of a deal. __________________ In memory of Socks the Irish Rat born, Feburary 2006 passed away, March 2008

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01-05-2008, 02:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
Babyblue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 812	or you can get Vampyrox make you one out of his origami

03-16-2008, 02:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
WBHarley Multitaskin' Wanderin'Mom Join Date: May 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 1,342	Reba i like the one you picked out of pottery barn.. I might order one for me since I got too many plugs to use too. I have CI battery charger, Husband's cellphone, my sidekick LX etc... so I might as well get that one maybe next fri.. Wendy

03-21-2008, 01:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
XBGMER HARDCORE Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Coast to Coast Posts: 3,103	I really never have thought about organize my gadgets! till you bring it up.. Most time I use USB into blackberry via PC for recharge if necessary. __________________ Hop myBB UP <<Click, if you're BB users.

03-21-2008, 04:44 PM	#18 (permalink)
Pacman mAc OwNs Pc Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 11,246	All of my heavier, thick plugging are full, just plugged for iMac, MBP, external HDD, SK3, DSL modem and Linksys router, also use USB power for my iPod Touch and SD reader. I got one in 2002 for used my PC as battery back-up when power went out, I'm not good with design with gadgets. __________________ Mac rulez

03-24-2008, 09:08 AM	#25 (permalink)
PowerON Please don't click me! D: