Follow ZDNET: <\/em>Add us as a favorite source<\/span><\/a><\/span> On Google.<\/em><\/p>\n There’s a long-standing joke that some of us who live and work with gadgets have accumulated too much tech clutter. We have boxes of old cables and adapters that should have been thrown away months ago, but we hold on to these things like life preservers because “they’ll be useful…one day.” Sure, it’s been a long time since anyone needed a VGA-to-HDMI adapter, but \u2013 and hear me out on this one \u2013 what if my Aunt Jackie’s next-door-neighbor cat caretaker needed to borrow one? <\/p>\n In truth, though, I am going through a phase of minimization in my life, and while I am still far from gaining feng shui knowledge, I am getting rid of a lot of things. And the one in question is a collection of cables, adapters and dongles. <\/p>\n Also: This BlueAT power station with wheels has ruined the way I charge my tools and devices<\/strong><\/p>\n But when I’m hastily loading stuff into boxes to send so the seagulls at my local recycling center can deal with them, I know there’s a selection of cords and adapters I need to keep. Not for the cat sitter’s one-in-a-million request, but because they remain useful despite being functionally obsolete.<\/p>\n Of course, just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s worthless. At least, not yet. As I fill boxes and drawers with stuff, I grab a few things. This is a small part of the total bulk, but it’s stuff that is still important, or at least may still be needed.<\/p>\n let’s take a look.<\/p>\n Experts tell us USB-C connectivity will make everything better; One cable and charger for everything. But you’d be surprised how many gadgets with USB-C ports won’t charge from a USB-C charger with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable attached. This problem often occurs because the gadget lacks the circuitry to activate the charger. <\/p>\n Plus: These MagSafe wireless chargers are so much better than cords \u2014 and they’re on sale<\/strong><\/p>\n The biggest clue to the problem is that the item comes with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable. Another indicator that something is wrong is if nothing happens when you connect the device to your smartphone’s charging cable. <\/p>\n This issue explains why it’s still a good idea to have someone you trust USB-A-to-USB-C Cable<\/span><\/a><\/span> nearby. Oh, and a charger that can accept it.<\/p>\n Again, this is a port that won’t run out. Many cheap devices still use this port (for example, cheap power banks from Temu and eBay regularly use it). <\/p>\n MicroUSB is still around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Adrian Kingsley-Hughes\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n While connections are annoying, old, and prone to breaking, having one USB-A-to-MicroUSB Charge Cable<\/span><\/a><\/span> Still a good idea. <\/p>\n As our dependence on USB-enabled electricity increases, the power cord is slowly but surely disappearing. But don’t throw away all your old wires. I suggest having one C7<\/span><\/a><\/span> (two-pin, often called a “figure of eight”) and a three-pin sense C13<\/span><\/a><\/span>. <\/p>\n C13 power cord connector (left) and C8 (right).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Adrian Kingsley-Hughes\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Wireless may be important today, but cable connections still have their place. Just a few days ago, I needed an Ethernet cable to connect to a security camera during setup, and then I used the same cable to connect the camera’s base station to the router. <\/p>\n Also: I used a $4 timer to reboot my router, and it actually made my internet faster<\/strong><\/p>\n moral of the story? Keep a few Ethernet cables of different lengths (one, three and six feet). If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, hold on a reel of cable<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Some connectors, and an RJ45 crimping tool<\/span><\/a><\/span> To make your own. It’s a strangely satisfying process.<\/p>\n While USB chargers have largely replaced DC chargers, there’s still room for cordless handsets, routers, and other older devices. <\/p>\n There are a lot of warts on my wall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Adrian Kingsley-Hughes\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n If you don’t want a drawer full of mismatched chargers, pick up a universal tool<\/span><\/a><\/span>. <\/p>\n My Mac has an SD card reader, but no microSD slot, Ethernet port, or USB-A port. That’s why I always Keep a USB dock around<\/span><\/a><\/span>; It’s the Swiss Army knife of ports. Over the years, I’ve amassed a small collection of docks, and although I’m not keeping them all, I will keep a few “just in case.”<\/p>\n There are also a few things you can add to your tech gear utility belt. These items have utility beyond their size and cost, including:<\/p>\n These USB-C Boost modules are great for converting non-USB devices to USB. You just need a little information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Adrian Kingsley-Hughes\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n My power meter has seen a lot of faults, but it still works.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Adrian Kingsley-Hughes\/ZDNET<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Of course, I still suffer from that vague, nagging fear that as soon as I get rid of the cable or adapter, some bizarre, one-in-a-million situation will arise in which I’ll need it. But you know what? If Aunt Jackie’s neighbor’s cat sitter comes by, they’re alone. <\/p>\n<\/div>\nUSB-A-to-USB-C Cable<\/h2>\n
microusb cable<\/h2>\n
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electrical wires<\/h2>\n
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Ethernet cable<\/h2>\n
those dc wall warts<\/h2>\n
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usb dock<\/h2>\n
Other useful bits and bobs<\/h2>\n
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