الوسم: Accessories Tip

Traveling brings immense joy, but that thrill often diminishes during the journey itself. The hours spent on airplanes, trains, or buses can be exhausting—especially if you’re taller than average, like me at 6’3”. Watching a movie or TV show can provide a welcome distraction from the cramped seats and limited legroom, but it introduces its own problem: ergonomics.

Placing my phone on the tray table or holding it in my lap works temporarily… but on long flights or slow trains crossing state lines, it quickly becomes uncomfortable. Even if you aren’t as tall as I am, chances are you’ve experienced neck strain from hunching over your phone for too long. It’s even more bothersome when combined with the discomforts of travel. Nobody wants a kinked neck right at the start of their trip.

That’s why I swear by Beyond Cell’s travel phone mount (also found on Walmart). This compact, affordable, and straightforward accessory has been my travel companion on long journeys. It offers a hands-free setup that positions my phone ergonomically, making a significant difference. I never travel without it anymore.

This phone holder has two main components. The first is a spring-loaded arm that grips objects up to 1.5 inches thick, featuring rubber pads for a firm hold. The second is a hinged arm allowing my phone to rotate, swivel, and pivot for perfect alignment.

Mark Knapp / Foundry

The concept is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly effective.

During flights, I typically clip the holder onto the back pocket of the seat in front of me, allowing my phone to sit directly in front of my face for optimal viewing comfort. I’ve also used it on buses, trains, and even in cars—it’s surprisingly versatile.

What if the plane has built-in screens on the seatbacks? I still use the same setup, attaching it to the top of the tray table when in the upright position. It might not be perfect, but it remains quite comfortable, and it offers advantages such as keeping my phone accessible during announcements and letting the media continue playing while everyone disembarks.

The adaptability of this small travel gadget (also available on

Mark Knapp / Foundry

If you’re trying to print something and Windows 11 can’t locate your printer, it can be frustrating. Often, this issue occurs even when the printer is powered on and connected correctly. It might happen after a system update, reboot, or switching to a different device. Fortunately, resolving this problem usually involves a few straightforward steps.

1. Confirm the physical and network connections

This is a common yet simple troubleshooting step. Check that all cables are securely connected, the printer is turned on, and, if wireless, connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Restarting both your printer and computer can sometimes resolve these issues effortlessly.

2. Manually add the printer

While Windows automatically detects many devices, some may need manual setup. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners, then select Add device. If the printer doesn’t appear shortly after, click on The desired printer is not listed. Select Add manually to run the setup wizard and complete the connection.

3. Update the printer drivers

If Windows doesn’t identify your printer, it could be missing a driver. Access the printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers compatible with Windows 11. Installing updated drivers can often fix connectivity problems quickly and effectively.

4. Use Windows troubleshooting tools

If all else fails, utilize Windows’ built-in troubleshooting features. Head to Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters, then locate and run the Printers troubleshooter. Allow it a moment to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue automatically.

Final thoughts

Printing issues in Windows 11 can sometimes be due to quirks in the system. Most of the time, they are fixable with a few simple steps, like updating drivers or restarting devices. Persistent problems might indicate a faulty or outdated printer, which could require servicing or replacement.

Hello, PCWorld community! In a previous article, I shared how I mend my worn-out cables using affordable heat-shrink tubing from Amazon. However, that method addresses the problem only after it occurs.

These days, my focus is on preventing cable damage before it happens. I’ve discovered a simple yet effective trick, particularly aimed at stopping fraying at the cable ends, which is where I notice the most wear and tear. This quick fix can significantly prolong the life of your cables, and all you need is a cable and a ballpoint pen.

Steps to Follow:

• Grab the cable you want to protect along with a ballpoint pen.
• Take apart the ballpoint pen and remove the internal coil.
• Carefully wrap the coil around the vulnerable part of the cable, especially near the connector where bending occurs frequently. Be gentle to avoid damaging the cable ends. This coil acts as a safeguard, reducing excessive bending and minimizing fraying.

Tip: This method is more effective with thinner cables rather than thicker ones.

That wraps up this handy tip! If you’re interested in receiving more tech insights like this one straight to your inbox each week, consider signing up for PCWorld’s Try This newsletter!

Dealing with a cumbersome desktop PC is just not for me. With two 27-inch monitors, some chunky Bluetooth speakers, and a full-sized mechanical keyboard already taking up plenty of space, I really can’t afford to squeeze in a bulky PC case too. Plus, I often need room for a laptop, making the situation even tighter.

However, tucking your PC beneath the desk introduces its own challenges, as my friend Dominic Bayley found out the hard way. To get straight to the point, I’d never leave my PC directly on the floor without a stand. I browsed through various options on Amazon and ultimately chose the Io Crest tower stand, which is quite affordable at just $14.

So, why is a stand necessary for a PC that sits under a desk? Even if your machine has feet (which have a frustrating knack for falling off), it’s just a few millimeters above the ground. This proximity invites dust, insects, and even spider webs into the airflow of your system.

The issue intensifies if your flooring is carpeted. Even low-pile carpets can obstruct air vents, causing your CPU and GPU to overheat and throttle—definitely not ideal for gamers.

Another consideration for floor-situated PCs is moisture. My office is in the basement, which has experienced frequent water leakage in the past few years. Even a small amount of water could short-circuit your PC’s power supply.

I’ve bought three of these Io Crest stands—one for each custom PC I’ve assembled—and they’ve proven reliable over time. The stand is a durable, adjustable X-shaped bracket that can stretch from 6 to 10 inches in width. It’s robust enough that I’ve never worried about my PC tipping over.

Ben Patterson/Foundry

Each stand comes with casters, which, when installed, elevate your PC approximately 4 inches off the floor. This height helps maintain clear air vents, even on plush carpets. I personally opt not to use the casters, and even then, my PC remains about two inches above the ground.

If the Io Crest stand doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of alternative solutions available on Amazon. Trust me, having some type of stand for your PC if it’s positioned under your desk is essential, unless you’re a fan of dust bunnies snuggling up to your graphics card.

Whenever I buy new gadgets, it seems like they collect scratches and scuffs almost instantly. It’s not like I’m mishandling them; they just end up rubbing against all the odds and ends I stuff in my bag, such as my headphones and USB cords. Though they continue to function perfectly, I do wish that shiny new look would last a bit longer.

For instance, I noticed some scratches on my headset right after I got it, and I even managed to mark up my smartwatch’s screen because I tossed it in the same pocket as my laptop charger.

However, my gaming mouse has managed to escape this fate! The secret? I made sure to order a dedicated mouse case to arrive alongside my mouse, and I’ve been using it religiously ever since.

The case is constructed from lightweight materials, featuring a hard outer shell covered with a woven fabric. Inside, it’s lined with a soft, suede-like material that feels wonderfully tactile.

This hard/soft combination takes me back to when I had a violin case as a child, and I feel a similar satisfaction when I store my mouse away after use, just like I did with my violin post-practice. There’s great comfort in knowing my valuable gear is well-protected.

Thanks to its snug fit within the case, my mouse is shielded from drops, scratches, and any pressure from other items crammed into my bag.

This case has been invaluable, consistently keeping my gaming mouse in excellent condition despite the years and all the travel—from my daily commutes to work (where I also use it as my work mouse) to trips to places like San Francisco, New York, and Nashville.

Needless to say, my mouse still looks brand new; the buttons function perfectly, and there’s no annoying dust that typically settles into the crevices after a few months of use.

I picked up this $15 mouse case from eBay, though you can find a similar one available on Amazon. Although it was designed for the Logitech MX Vertical, it fits my Razer Cobra Pro nicely, thanks to their comparable sizes.

If you’re looking to grab one for yourself, I recommend searching for a case tailored to your specific mouse model. But if that’s not an option, a generic case could work as long as you confirm that the dimensions are a good match. Happy hunting for the perfect mouse case!

Do you have electronic devices in your bedroom? Experts generally advise against it, but my bedroom often serves as my workspace, which means I am surrounded by various gadgets that emit distracting LED lights. In fact, I’ve got these annoyingly bright indicators scattered all over my home, particularly in my entertainment setup.

With my bedroom housing several electronics, including a modem and router with some of the brightest LEDs imaginable, I depend on LightDims to help maintain my sanity and improve my sleep quality. For just $5 a sheet, these LED-dimming stickers are an absolute lifesaver.

Even though I rely on my keyboard daily, cleaning it is usually the last thing on my mind. Once I log off my PC and leave my workspace, that thought tends to fade away. I tend to do everything at my desk—from grabbing quick lunches (and yes, crumbs happen) to giving love to my rescue greyhound (his fur likes to spread everywhere). One day, while absentmindedly eyeing the gunk between the keys, I realized just how grimy my keyboard really was.

This is where my quirky little slime cleaner comes into play. It’s a bright yellow, gooey blob that effortlessly slips into the tight spots of my keyboard. Compared to compressed air, it’s a game-changer. While canned air just shifts the debris around, this slime actually grips onto the grime and pulls it out. Plus, it has a fresh lemon scent that I find quite pleasant. It may not be high-tech, but it’s engaging and a bit silly.

I’ve started using this gooey cleaner almost every day—not just because it’s effective, but also because it’s oddly satisfying. It’s reminiscent of those addictive pimple-popping videos that you can’t seem to look away from. After I’m done, I simply tuck it back into its plastic container, ready for the next time. My keyboard is a mechanical one with Cherry MX Red switches (the Corsair K70), so the keycaps are tall, creating the perfect hideaway for crumbs, making this slime ideal for the job. Oh, and just a heads-up: always switch off your PC before using the slime or you’ll end up typing a whole lot of nonsense!

This quirky slime also works wonders on the dust that gathers on my desk. Just by gently rolling it around, it picks up dirt without leaving a single trace. It’s particularly great for getting into those pesky nooks around my oddly-shaped dual monitor setup, making it easier to keep my workspace tidy with minimal effort.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Sometimes, when I’m trying to brainstorm or during breaks between meetings, I’ll break off a small piece to play with. It actually helps clear my mind.

Although the slime doesn’t last indefinitely (it will eventually turn dark and a bit grimy), replacing it is simple and inexpensive. Right now, you can grab a two-pack on Amazon for just $9.99—marked down from $15.99, a savings of around 38 percent! And it’s not solely for keyboards; this slime can also clean car vents, air conditioning units, calculators, and just about any narrow space that gathers dust.

Initially, I thought cleaning gadgets were unnecessary, but I’ve grown to enjoy using this quirky blob on my keyboard several times a week. It’s a little messy, a lot of fun, and surprisingly efficient. What more could one want from a ball of slime? If your keyboard is starting to resemble a small ecosystem, it’s definitely time to consider getting your own cleaning slime.

Recently, I had a comical mishap that involved my coffee and a USB cable. While I was clearing up my desk, I inadvertently plunged the tip of the USB cable into my coffee cup. “Looks like my coffee decided to give me a jolt today,” I chuckled as I pulled it out, inspecting the connector for any signs of the flavorful brown liquid.

Despite the humor of the situation, it sparked a thought: Could I still use my USB cable immediately, or had I rendered it useless? Uncertain of what to do, I embarked on a little investigation. Here’s what I discovered…

Understanding Wet USB Cables

While many USB cables boast a degree of water resistance, think of it in terms similar to a cheap 1980s watch—okay for a few splashes, but not built for immersion. Submerging them is typically a bad idea.

The connector is the most at risk, as it’s exposed and lacks protective casings. If your cable happens to get wet, it’s crucial to power off your device immediately and disconnect it from any power sources as soon as possible.

It’s also essential not to rush into using the cable again; let it dry for at least an hour to prevent any moisture—be it water or coffee—from reaching your device’s USB port or damaging the cable. There are a few techniques to expedite the drying process.

How to Effectively Dry Your Cables

If your cable has gotten wet, begin by drying it with a cloth. Run your hand gently along its length. If any liquid has pooled inside the connector, shake it lightly to dislodge excess droplets. Then, use a tissue or a microfiber cloth to carefully soak up any remaining moisture inside.

I tried these methods on my soaked USB cable, and to my relief, it functioned perfectly when I plugged it back in.

Need a Quick Fix? Consider This…

A hairdryer can be a game changer for drying out a wet connector, but some precautions are necessary to avoid damaging your cable with heat.

First, always set the hairdryer to its lowest heat setting.

Additionally, maintain a safe distance of about 14 inches between the cable and the hairdryer’s nozzle to ensure a steady stream of warm air without overheating the cable or its connector.

Using a hairdryer can dry your cable sufficient enough for use in as little as 15 minutes, as opposed to the hours it might take otherwise. Just remember to ensure it’s completely dry before reconnecting it.

In conclusion, while most USB cables can withstand a bit of splashing or brief submersion in liquids, caution is key. Always dry them thoroughly before reusing, to safeguard your devices from potential damage.

As a tech editor and reviewer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve come across countless devices. While that’s great for my expertise, it has resulted in an overwhelming collection of cables that have morphed into an absurdly tangled mess. Seriously, it looks like a dense thicket that could surely rival the most impenetrable regions of the Amazon rainforest.

This jumble consists of all sorts of cables: USB-A, USB-C, power cords, HDMI cables, and various chargers. With so many options that share similar connector sizes, differentiating them can be a daunting and time-consuming challenge. It’s clear that I needed a practical solution — and fortunately, I’ve discovered one that works wonders.

The Lightbulb Moment with USB Cables

The breakthrough occurred when I found these cable identifiers on Amazon. Admittedly, I felt a bit silly realizing the remedy to my chaos was so straightforward, affordable (as low as $7), and could be delivered in just a few days.

I’ve taken to labeling nearly every new USB cable I acquire, as well as retrofitting the ones already in my chaotic pile. The transformation in my workspace is already noticeable; it’s beginning to resemble a level of organization I had previously thought unattainable.

These practical tags come in a spectrum of colors, allowing me to color-code my cables based on type. They are large enough to not only indicate the device they belong to, but also detail their purpose, making it easy for me to grab the right cable in no time. Furthermore, they are waterproof, self-adhesive, and compatible with laser printers.

In addition to restoring order to my cables, I feel relieved knowing that my devices are less likely to be at risk of damage from using incorrect cables.

With my newfound labeling system, I’m saying goodbye to my old, inefficient ways that could have me spending over an hour searching for the right connection. Often, it’s the simplest solutions that yield the most significant improvements in our daily lives. I’m actively on the lookout for more life hacks like this one to enhance my workflow and maximize my time. I encourage you to do the same!

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, such as G-Sync and FreeSync, adjusts a monitor’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of games. While this improves gameplay smoothness, it can sometimes lead to issues like flickering, which is notably problematic on VA and OLED panels, though some IPS and TN screens may also experience it.

This flickering often results from the game’s fluctuating frame rates or sudden changes in frame time, particularly during shader compilation or when entering new areas in open-world games. VA panels are especially sensitive to voltage changes tied to refresh rate adjustments, making flickering more pronounced in these displays.

One straightforward solution to avoid flickering is to disable VRR. While this requires reverting to V-Sync (vertical synchronization) and accepting potential tearing, it consistently eliminates flickering issues. The bright side is that you can selectively turn off VRR for specific games in your GPU settings without affecting all your applications.

Alternatively, you might consider capping the frame rate in games that exhibit flickering. By setting a maximum frame rate that your GPU can consistently achieve, you can often prevent tearing. For games sensitive to slight frame rate fluctuations, limiting the frame rate to a stable 60 FPS may help mitigate the flickering.

IDG

If flickering is less prominent at higher frame rates, consider tweaking your graphics settings. By optimizing these settings, you may allow your graphics card to maintain frame rates above 75 FPS consistently. At frame rates reaching around 100 FPS or higher, VRR-related flickering should diminish significantly.

In the event that these solutions don’t resolve the flickering issue, the most drastic option would be to invest in a new monitor. If you’re currently using a VA panel, switching to an IPS panel may reduce susceptibility to VRR flickering. Conversely, if you have an OLED monitor, a move to a different display type might mitigate the problem since OLEDs are particularly prone to flickering.

However, it’s advisable to try the other methods before considering a purchase. Many times, simple adjustments to your settings can yield significant improvements and may completely eradicate flickering.