How do you organize your gadgets?

Reba

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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/famil...fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&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? :P
 
This is the mess that I'm trying to organize:
 

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

Good luck being brain storming! :thumb:
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 :deal:
 
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?
 
Heh my pda phone gets charged via USB cable plugged to my computer so it's not big of a deal. :)
 
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
 
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.
 
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 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. :)
 
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.
 
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.
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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.
 
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?
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?
 
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.
 
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