I'm considering buying a new iMac soon and I was wondering from current users what you all use for cable management. I suppose this is more of a general computers question but I was thinking that twist ties would work (like the ones you get with loaves of bread). I'm not looking to spend any more than a few dollars and I figured this would be a good solution. Thanks!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Cable Management?
- Thread starter mhokie
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Apple famously has this picture on their iMac page:
I don't know what cables you will need to be managing. Could you elaborate? The circular hole in the iMac's stand is perfect for cables to go through.
I don't know what cables you will need to be managing. Could you elaborate? The circular hole in the iMac's stand is perfect for cables to go through.
Apple famously has this picture on their iMac page:
I don't know what cables you will need to be managing. Could you elaborate? The circular hole in the iMac's stand is perfect for cables to go through.
Well in addition to the iMac I would have several other things on my desk. Laptop (not Apple), external hard drive, speakers, extra display, battery backup, ect. So I was wondering if anyone has used the twist tie method and if they do in fact melt which is what I am concerned about.
twist ties work well if the cables are stationary an are never moved.
Velcro straps work really well, reusable and stronger.
For some alternative www.cableorganizer.com
Velcro straps work really well, reusable and stronger.
For some alternative www.cableorganizer.com
get a wireless mouse to eliminate one part (wireless keyboard too if you don't mind not having a numerical keypad). Use zip ties or twist ties to manage the rest. The keyboard and mouse are an upgrade through the apple store.
Head to your nearest Home Depot (or any hardware/home improvement store) and just pick up a bag of cable ties and enjoy. $2.95 for a bag of 100 in the link. I imagine that is what JML42691 was describing too.
While you are there, you will also see a bunch of other little things that can make for a very neat installation with a little forethought/organization.
While you are there, you will also see a bunch of other little things that can make for a very neat installation with a little forethought/organization.
my cable management SUCKS and when i got a new desk for Christmas i unplugged everything moved it, put in the new desk and started from scratch. i got the same results i had before.
damn PCs...
anyways, i'm not gonna bother cable managements until i upgrade anything. otherwise i'll get nowhere.
damn PCs...
anyways, i'm not gonna bother cable managements until i upgrade anything. otherwise i'll get nowhere.
I too have thought about a shelf to move cables (for external hardrives and the like) behind the desk. I thought about a 4-6" PVC pipe cut in half lengthwise and laying the cables and power packs in that, then just running the plugs into the surge.
I have 3 external drives...I lost/recovered a hard drive last year ($1700!!
) so I like to have more than 1 backup.
I have 3 external drives...I lost/recovered a hard drive last year ($1700!!
) so I like to have more than 1 backup.
I use a combination of spiral wrap, velcro ties and small tie wraps (zip ties) to organize all my cables which include 4 CAT5, 1 COAX, 5 A/C adapters, 1 surge protector and other USB, speaker, phone and display cables. It sorta helps that I do telecomm. cable plant 40 hrs. a week so it's kinda part of my job. I got lucky and was able to get all my supplies from work for free.
What's that?
My "below desk" is not a pretty sight.
So many cables and wires:
Mac Pro, Apple keyboard, Dell 24", JBL speakers, Logitech "cordless", Printer, scanner, router, Sky + box, Elgato EyeTV, 2 X Ext Firewire drives, iPhone, Skype phone, digital camera battery charger, Headphones, desk lamp
Bleaghh
I feel your frustration. Trying to make my PC's cables look neat and tidy drove me nuts. I would rip everything thing apart than zip tie it all back togeather and end up with the same mess I started with. I have just given up and thrown the whole mess (PC included) behind my desk which now looks like some horrid rats nest
The iMac put such a big smile on my face with just the power cable to plug in
If you want your desk clean, and have other peripherals to plug in that use USB and you have an iMac....I suggest putting only the mac, keyboard and mouse on the desk. Running the power cord to the mac.
Then run a 6 foot USB cable out the back of the iMac down around the back of the desk and mount your stuff underneath the desk on a piece of pegboard which you can get for CHEAP at home depot or lowes.
As shown here in #1 it's completely customizable and you can change it around whenever...I also particularly like #3 if your desk sits close enough to the wall.
http://lifehacker.com/364054/top-10-ways-to-get-cables-under-control
I really really wish I could do this myself, but unfortunately I have a nice desk that is glass that is not great for cable management of any kind.
http://lifehacker.com/395523/keep+a+cable-manages-your-desktop-cord-clutter
These are nifty too.
Then run a 6 foot USB cable out the back of the iMac down around the back of the desk and mount your stuff underneath the desk on a piece of pegboard which you can get for CHEAP at home depot or lowes.
As shown here in #1 it's completely customizable and you can change it around whenever...I also particularly like #3 if your desk sits close enough to the wall.
http://lifehacker.com/364054/top-10-ways-to-get-cables-under-control
I really really wish I could do this myself, but unfortunately I have a nice desk that is glass that is not great for cable management of any kind.
http://lifehacker.com/395523/keep+a+cable-manages-your-desktop-cord-clutter
These are nifty too.
Ebay is wicked for things like this, Under bulk buy you can get Hundereds for pence..
I feel your frustration. Trying to make my PC's cables look neat and tidy drove me nuts. I would rip everything thing apart than zip tie it all back togeather and end up with the same mess I started with. I have just given up and thrown the whole mess (PC included) behind my desk which now looks like some horrid rats nest
The iMac put such a big smile on my face with just the power cable to plug in
lol which is just one reason i want to save up for either an iMac or Macbook and get rid of my current stuffff.
The problem with those is when you need to move... i nearly cut a power cord accidently
The twisty wrap is good... i prefer clear over black.
The problem with those is when you need to move... i nearly cut a power cord accidently
The twisty wrap is good... i prefer clear over black.
Yeah that can be a pain if you're not careful. Imagine having to cut them off of individual fibers (which are extremely fragile) from a 1000+ ft. run lol...Let's just say you learn to be VERY careful when doing that or else you'll be pulling another 1000 ft. of cable if there's no service loop. The secret is to go at it directly from the side with just the tip of the scissors.