Reducing Wires at a Computer Workstation
- The mouse and keyboard that are attached to your computer can be traded in for wireless models. At about $35 to $50 each, these can be a low-cost alternative to at least two of your wires. The keyboard and mouse communicate with your computer through a USB receiver or mini-receiver that is plugged into one of your USB ports. The keyboard and mouse can then be set between eight inches and six feet away---or further, depending on the model.
- To avoid having extra wires going to speakers, you can choose to buy a monitor that has speakers built-in. Wireless speakers are also available and can be purchased in 2:1, 5:1 or 7:1 surround sound systems. Wireless speakers run on USB wireless technology or on Bluetooth technology, depending on which system is purchased. Wireless speaker systems are sold in a variety of price ranges---from as little as $75 to intricate and expensive stage-ready systems.
- Networking your home computers through a wireless router will eliminate yet another wire from behind the desk. A wireless network can be set up with a hardware access point in your home that sends signals to and from the wireless computers in your home. This access point is a wireless modem that receives Internet signals and sends them back and forth through your computers.