HOME TRUTHS: New Gadgets to Keep Your Cords in Check

Flexity PowerSquid 3000
Flexity's PowerSquid 3000 offers a new take on the classic surge protector.

Traditionally, power strips lack the space between outlets to accommodate numerous bulky plugs. Problem solved with this calamari-like surge protector, which features a quintet of outlets attached to short, flexible arms. Comes with attached four-foot power cord. $55. 866-997-7843, powersquid.net.

LaCie Hub
LaCie's Hub corrals USB and FireWire cords while jazzing up your desktop.

A design-savvy solution to cable management, this glossy-white polycarbonate base contains four USB and two FireWire ports. Compatible with PCs and Macs. $90. 503-844-4500, lacie.com.

Cable Capture
Cable Capture's stackable gadgets hide your cords and look great.

Wrap up to eight feet of excess wire around the cores of these stackable cuties simply by lifting their rubber hoods. Not just for the home office, you can use them for countertop appliances and lamps, too. $6.50 each. cablecapture.com.