Everything is going wireless. First, we started with mobile phones and laptops. The lack of wires made them easier to bring along while traveling. Now, it seems everything has a wireless version. With the power of Bluetooth, connecting these wireless items is a piece of cake. All you need is a decent base of operations – most likely your mobile phone – and you are all set.
However, is everything great about these wireless versions? Or can the traditional wired items of yesteryears still offer something of value in today’s modern times? Let us review the most popular examples of wireless technology.
Wireless Earbuds
Wireless earbuds are fantastic for those who want an active lifestyle. Gym goers, joggers, and or even just commuters prefer a wireless earbud to the traditional. The appeal here is simple. The wireless connection means you can pocket your phone and still listen to music. Those who need their hands for activities do not want to hold a phone the entire time they are listening. A wireless earbud connected to your phone can give you all the music you want while freeing up your hands to do something else.
A negative thing about these is that you have to charge them constantly. Wired earphones do not require power as they merely connect you to your phone. Wireless tech requires constant charging to utilize regularly. This can range from weekly to even daily. So you have to ask yourself – is it worth the hassle? Or can you rely on just your average headset – wires and all – to do the job without any maintenance?
Another issue is the Bluetooth connectivity itself. It can be a pain sometimes to connect your gadget to your phone. There are several factors at work here. First, the phone itself – older models have a harder time maintaining connections wirelessly. This can lead to a turbulent listening experience. The battery life of the gadget itself can also affect connectivity. Lower battery levels make it harder for your gadget to keep the connection going with your phone. If you are on the road a lot, this can prove to be quite troublesome. You spend more time fixing the connections than you are using it.
Lastly, there is the issue of price. Decent wired earphones cost about $10. Most wireless earbuds cost over a hundred dollars. This begs the question: is convenience and freedom of movement worth that price?
Wireless Mouse
The wireless mouse is a fantastic upgrade – and definitely a long overdue concept. The problem with a wired mouse is that it can be difficult to control. The wires can prevent you from moving the mouse. Wireless eliminates that, while only asking you to charge once a month in exchange. Of course, a wireless mouse can cost a pretty penny, going close to the $100 range. Still, if you can afford it, you can never be satisfied with a wired mouse ever again.
Wireless Speakers
Similar to wireless earbuds, these channel sounds via a Bluetooth connection. The same perks also apply. You can move them wherever you want without limitations created by wires. Wireless speakers can create an ambience – sounds can come from different directions depending on what is on the screen. This can be a great thing to have when playing games or watching movies. It makes it more immersive, giving you the feel of being in the story. It can create a great experience by creating sounds from various locations.
Of course, prices are higher when dealing with wireless speakers. However, the versatility of your settings, combined with the ambient sounds make up for the price.
Wireless Keyboards
These keyboards work the same way as the wireless mouse. It comes with its own USB Bluetooth connector and all you need is to plug and play. Wireless keyboards are great for those who want to move out of that desk chair while working. You can bring your keyboard with you so you can work while moving around the room. The need for consistent charging can be annoying however, and wireless keyboards can go up the $100 range.
Wireless Charging
The idea is as simple as its namesake is. Wireless charging involves placing your smartphone onto a surface, hitting a button, and start charging. There are no wires connecting whatsoever. The idea is that you do not have to charge your phone actively. With wireless charging, it is as easy as placing your phone down a surface. You can place the charger somewhere you usually place your phone. You can place it at your bedside table or at your desk, for example. Wireless charging provides convenience.
It also has its negatives. Many critics point at laziness over convenience when it comes to wireless charging. I mean, how hard is it to plug your charger into a wall? The time wasted versus the time gained is not a lot. The charging speed also varies, with wireless charging providing slower rates than wired. Price is also an issue, as wireless chargers are more expensive than basic wired ones.
Wireless Future
To sum up, wireless items offer convenience and mobility – in exchange for a heavier price tag. A lot of these wireless versions cost more than double their wired counterparts. If you can afford it, then go for it! The main obstacles are the price and charging needs. But if you can make it work, you will have an easier time doing all these daily activities.
The future is going wireless, but it is also okay to stick with the past. The traditional wired gadgets still hold up. That is, as long as you can withstand the restrictive environment these items create. For most people, convenience is worth a good price, one worth getting as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Perhaps in the near future, when wireless tech becomes more common, they will eventually go down in price. Once the old, wired tech start becoming obsolete (and who is to say that is not today) and wireless becomes mandatory, we can see what is up ahead.
What does the future hold? Is wireless but another step in technological improvements?