Many people associate the USB ports on their computer with the kinds of cables used to plug in their digital camera (for uploading pictures) or their MP3 player (to download their favorite music files). USB ports, however, actually have the ability to take more wires out of your way. Wireless routers and printers can be “connected” through USB devices that act as antennae, for lack of a better term. The same can be said of a wireless mouse or keyboard – common desktop items these days.

One For The Road

USB-connected devices can also be charged or powered in your car using a 12-volt DC adapter. This can disconnect you from your computer altogether, saving you time in a convenient way that you’ll probably only appreciate until you get used to having it. And while it still has a cable running out of it, the Eagletron USB Tracking Pod allows you to direct your webcam with a computer-linked controller, so you don’t have to reach over and try to position it by hand.

Peace of Mind at Work or Home

Even if all you plug into your computer is your USB-powered personal tropical aquarium, the tranquility it provides may be priceless in the long run – you know, the one that takes place on the treadmill, at the doctor’s office during your stress test. Soothing music piped through USB-connected speakers can have much the same benefit. USB ports are so useful, in fact, that one of the more popular USB devices is a hub that expands out to – you guessed it – multiple additional USB ports.

Even if you happen to be stuck with a printer, modem or another apparatus that is essential to your computer, yet remains mired in the Old World of parallel ports or other such antiquated methods of connectivity, there’s probably a USB adapter out there to fit your needs. As with so many other computer-related purchases, a little looking around goes a long way.