---
author: ''
category: ''
date: 2013/06/19 23:18:41
description: ''
link: ''
priority: ''
slug: the-two-cable-desktop
tags: ''
title: The Two Cable Desktop
type: text
updated: 2013/06/19 23:18:41
url_type: ''
---

.. figure:: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNK0CtLCMAAP2L1.jpg:large

   It's not pretty yet, but it's functionally complete.

For a long time it has pissed me off the number of things I have to plug into my 
notebook when I use it on my desktop. After putting some thought into it, I have reduced it to
two cables to plug everything I want.

How is it setup?

Cable 1: USB Hub
----------------

Yes, you need a large one. I got a 7-port Belkin powered USB Hub, because the ASUS Zenbook 
has only two USB ports.

Cable 2: Power
--------------

I got two power adapters, one is permanently on the desktop, so that I can throw the cable
down the back and not have it cross in front. The other lives in my backpack,
so I don't have to crawl under the desk to plug/unplug it.

Audio
-----

A 2.1 speaker set. These speakers have a volume wheel, which
is nice, and they are rather loud, even if I know they are not all that good, they are
good enough for me.

To avoid plugging them into the notebook, they are plugged into a bluetooth audio
adapter (the white dongle in the USB Hub) which I got out of dx.com for cheap.

I also have a Bluetooth headset (charging in the image), which I can use for phonecalls,
hangouts, etc without being tied to the computer.

Keyboard/Mouse
--------------

The combined keyboard/trackpad shown, by Logitech, works with a tiny dongle that's plugged in
the hub, so when I plug the hub it "just works", no pairing needed.

It's not really all that much better than the Zenbook's keyboard, but:

* Having the pad on the right means I don't brush it while typing
* Having it in the shelf with the Zenbook on the table makes for better ergonomics.

Network
-------

This is actually a wired network. There is a USB/Ethernet adapter plugged in the hub.
That lets me use the high priority port in my router. Plus I don't lose the adapter.

Device Charging
---------------

I can charge up to 4 devices. The headset has a weird cable, so it's plugged to the hub. 
When not charging, it drops behind the table. 

The red extensible cables, I got from dx.com (they are, very cheap) and they are *awesome*. 

* They retract, so when not in use they don't tangle.
* They are both mini and micro USB cables, because the head has both connectors. They were also
  30-pin old iPhone cables, but I didn't need that, so I removed the connectors.
  
Since the hub is powered, I can charge all the devices even when the notebook is not there.  
  
Random Devices
--------------

I still have the right-side USB port free, so I can plug random things there, like the golden 200x 
USB microscope shown in the image, or a USB plasma ball.

Conclusion
----------

Nothing very strange, but I think I achieved a very clean setup, where I can plug my notebook 
into all the peripherals in 10 seconds and turn it into a "desktop" with a minimum of 
annoyance.