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Plugs, batteries and cables
"I am travelling quite a lot. It used to be simple: take your (printed) files and go. Now, I have a laptop, a phone, a headset, etc.. Each of them is wireless, but I have to carry a cable and a (heavy) battery for each of them? Why?"
Batteries and cables are a fundamental part of our gadget-loving lives. Without them, we would not be able to power or connect our portable devices. Unfortunately, the diversity in cables and plugs leads to an unmanageable tangle of cords. As technology has progresses, we've slowly seen the increase in use of wireless technology. Wirelessly transmitting information from one device to another has become much easier, reducing the clutter of cables. However, we are still left with the problem of a power supply. Today's batteries are heavy and bulky. Some suggest a central connection point or universal charging unit that would work on most devices. A short term solution might be to use the laptop itself as the charging base to power other devices. Whatever the method, it is time for manufacturers to realize that a univeral cable/charging system is more likely to entice potential customers over new, unnecessary features while solving the age old question of 'Why do I have so many cables?'.
8 comment(s) so far

Simpler thinks: Ideally we should get rid of all these cables and connectors. There are technologies both for transmitting power and signals. We should aim for wireless standards that enables us to get rid of plugs, batteries and cables. Risk is that this creates a whole new set of problems (ever tried setting up a wireless network?)...
(89% of 9 votes AGREE)
vankuyckg thinks: Since everything works on rechargeable batteries these days, a single connection point would be brilliant. I'd also appreciate not to have to deal with power plug converters, but the idea to charge everything via for example the laptop or an independent "charging unit" would be excellent.

Would also be great if each hotel would then actually have one of those charging units in the room... :-)

(86% of 7 votes AGREE)
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