So today I received my order for a new 16-port gigabit network switch, to replace my aging, and in one case, failing, pair of 8-port 100mbps switches. While this won't entirely reduce the clutter under my desk, it will free one power board slot, and remove the extra trouble shooting work needed when part or all of the network dies on me.

As I took the unit out of the box and saw the power adapter, I got to thinking why manufacturers still insist on making power adapters that don't always fit side by side with other connections on a power board. Surely its not that hard to put the transformer half way along the cord for example. I'd much rather have that, and simply tie back the cable, than have many power bricks squeezed for space on a power board.