Do you remember the cluster of wires that once resided under your desks? Some were probably tied. Most were not. They were often tangled, confusing, and heavy enough to leave a permanent impression on the floor.
Wait — you still have that? If you haven’t converted to enjoy a computer experience that is completely wireless, here are some gadgets that will cut the cords and give your desktop (or even better, your laptop) complete freedom from the wired world in which we live.
Wireless USB Hub
This is essential, especially for laptop users who can be hampered by the wireless USB host adapters. It gives you a single connection through which you can plug in the four essential USB wireless adapters, thus consolidating your needs to one protrusion.
It can be associated with up to three users, and can easily share peripherals like Digital cameras, Camcorders, and Printers.
MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse
This high-performance mouse gives the best of both worlds: precision and speed. It’s contoured design fits well into most hand sizes and offers a technology that nothing else has.
On your desk, advanced laser technology gives you precise tracking and instant response. In the air, innovative Freespace motion sensing transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls.
Sit back and listen to music, browse photos, or surf the Web—from your desk or across the room.
Vidabox Premium Wireless Keyboard
For the price, there is nothing better on the market today. With its optical trackball, everything from navigating the web to playing games is possible, and it’s maintenance-free. It provides 800dpi of resolution for precise control.
Unlike other conventional infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) wireless keyboards, special high frequency wireless technology allows a pronounced increase in performance - with a minimum in dropped signals and “dead zones.”
Wireless Routers
Routers are like cell phone providers. They are a personal decision - some people love a certain brand while others hate them. Instead of offering a recommendation on which one to pick, we recommend using the CompNetworking section of About.com.
It will walk you through 6 preferences, allowing you to rate them on a scale from 1-5. At the end, it makes recommendations based upon how each router scored compared to your responses.
As a test, we rated cost, warranty, and popularity as not important, but security, speed, and size as very important. The funny part is that I actually use the one it recommended.
BONUS: Wireless Electricity?
The technology for wireless power is emerging, and Intel Corp. took a significant stride toward a power cord-less future Thursday when it demonstrated a system that made a light bulb glow when it was several feet from its power source.
Intel’s setup was more science fair than Best Buy, but wireless power researchers say the technology points to a future when electricity hot spots coming from a single source in a room provide juice to any number of electronic devices within range.
* * *
Read more about tech productivity at NetHackz.
Intel’s project is great! We can’t wait for this market to mature. We are also producing a method for transferring power without wires at PowerBeam. We use IR lasers and photovoltaics. Check out more info at powerbeaminc.com if you are interested in wireless electricity!