Cables, Adapters, and Chargers, Oh My!

To continue on my last rant, of having to buy new printers because parallel cables have been replaced by USB, having to buy new mouse/keyboard, because they, too, have been replaced (for the third time!) by USB – or even Bluetooth wireless …

I had to buy a new cell phone and finally decided on the latest LG from Verizon. Oddly, my girlfriend had the previous model, which she no longer used, having switched to Blackberry. Would you believe that the power connectors were completely different? And, if you use a headset (as I insist on, particularly if driving) you will need a new one of those as well. I went with the Bluetooth earpiece – which of course is wireless and seems to be the ONLY standard among new cell phones.

So why can’t every manufacturer agree on the basic sound-card mini-plug for a head set? Why can’t they agree on the same charger connector? I would at least expect some standardization for every plug requiring x amount of voltage to have the same; so a 3-volt adapter would be smaller and incompatible with a six volt, but all 3 volt adapters would be interchangeable.

So instead of giving us equipment that plays MP3 (but not work as ringtones), gives us 3 megabit pixel cameras (upload-able to the computer only with great difficulty or great cost – as email), simulates GPS, makes omelets, disinfects bacteria-infested surfaces, chimes our daily BMI, changes channels on our TV, they all are totally insensitive to some real compatibility that would be downright practical.

Archie specializes in tutoring and training of seniors in PC security, Windows, Internet, and Microsoft Office. He holds the CompTIA A+ certification and is often featured speaker at Goodwin House in Alexandria; he can be emailed at ama3@tfci-us.com