Reduce Number of Extensions. Currently I Have 2 HDMIs, 4 USBC-A, 4 USBC- C

chrismatt on 02/10/2023 - 12:08
Last edited 02/10/2023 - 12:31 by 1 other user

I own a MacBook equipped with two external adapters, each containing USB-C and USB-A ports, as well as HDMI connections for monitors, headsets, and other peripherals. The setup is quite cluttered, and you can see the mess here.

I'm looking for suggestions on how to conceal or organize this tangle of cables. Additionally, I'm wondering if there's a single hub available that can meet all my connectivity needs, potentially simplifying the wiring setup by consolidating everything into one hub instead of the current convoluted configuration.

Computing

Comments

  • geekcohen on 02/10/2023 - 12:20
    +1

    headsets

    Go Bluetooth / Wireless

    other peripherals

    Whatever you can, go Bluetooth or Wireless.

    If you can go wireless as much as possible, it'll make it easier to run a single hub and reduce cables at the same time.

    • chrismatt on 02/10/2023 - 12:55

      I have two Logitech cameras, Monitor with HDMI and Wireless headset. I have tried as many things wireless/bluetooh as possible. Unsure if we have wireless monitors, cameras, etc. As someone said, even if it is there, it might cost mountains

  • askbargain on 02/10/2023 - 12:38
    +1

    It’s gonna cost a lot

  • soan papdi on 02/10/2023 - 12:48
    +1

    USB-C monitor if you can afford it. Otherwise attach a cable management box or pouch under the table.

  • bobbified on 02/10/2023 - 13:28

    How many of those things are "permanently" connected? Can you try hiding (cable-tie) the hubs and cables underneath the table so that there's a single cable between the hub(s) and the laptop only? Is there such thing as a docking station for the macbook?

    • chrismatt on 02/10/2023 - 13:57

      All of them I guess. Since I work from home most days, dual monitors (2 HDMI), Mic, 2 cameras. I have Poly headset and it's charging base needs to be connected.

      • bobbified on 02/10/2023 - 14:00
        +1

        So won't hiding the hub under the desk and cable-tying the excess cables make things much neater? I've got mine setup in a similar way. A docking station is used at work so that only a single cable needs to be connected to the laptop each time.

        • chrismatt on 02/10/2023 - 14:12

          The key challenge is the USBC-A adapter connected to the laptop has a small cable. So all the cables connected to this extension hub is all staying on the table. Do you recommend any other hubs that has a longer cable?

  • freefall101 on 02/10/2023 - 13:52
    +3

    I mounted my hub underneath my desk then ran the monitor cables down the arms and behind the desk, same with the webcam cable, to mostly be out of sight.

    Only thing obviously visible is the USB-c cable for the laptop and headset cable, which I'll replace with a bluetooth headset one day. External harddrive is on the floor. There's a charging cable for the mouse/keyboard (they're bluetooth but the mouse needs charging every now and again) but I have a keyboard tray so it runs under the desk and is usually attached to the back of the tray with a clip.

  • ihfree on 02/10/2023 - 16:23

    Thunderbolt Dock. You can buy an adapter to either mount it under, on the side of the desk or in some cases behind a monitor.

  • kanu666 on 02/10/2023 - 17:09
    +2

    Just attach all of that to the back of the monitor on 3M sticky tape, put all cables into monitor leg, that's it

  • capslock janitor on 03/10/2023 - 11:58

    scissors

  • mistermr6 on 09/10/2023 - 15:56

    There are some good suggestions in here a mix of them plus a dock is probably best: 10 Proven ways to reduce cable clutter around the home

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