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Cutting the Cords

Posted July 01, 2009 10:53 AM

The proliferation of wire and connectors is a growing problem, especially as laptops shrink. The number of ports provided seems to be increasing as the overall device size shrinks. And you still need to provide power to the device as well. Some suggest wireless charging as a way to free up space and eliminate the need for battery chargers. MacNewsWorld posits other potential solutions that may reduce the number of required connectors while still providing high-performance and acceptable connectivity. Future laptops may have just three connectors: USB, Ethernet, and wireless. How can we continue to add device function while shrinking its size?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Appliance Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Appliance Technology today.

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palinurus
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Knoxville, Tn
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Good Answers: 2
#1

Re: Cutting the Cords

07/01/2009 11:00 PM

Wouldn't you still have to plug in your "wireless" charger?

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babybear
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#2

Re: Cutting the Cords

07/02/2009 1:55 PM

Hello to you..........

By 'wireless' do you mean some kind of 'Induction charging'? Whatever is used to do the charging, it has to be connected to the mains right? I cannot see how it can charge otherwise, unless you charge from a system with a Battery?

I fully understand what you are getting at, with so many possible wired connections.

This has been taken account of by smaller connections, but I know you can get a 'MAT' on which you can lay any appropriate item to be charged. But you still need space for the MAT!

bb

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bwire
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Cutting the Cords

07/02/2009 2:22 PM

Eventually the mat could be built into various surfaces, tables, desks, carry-on compartments, and counter tops etc. allowing independent use.

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babybear
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Cutting the Cords

07/02/2009 5:54 PM

Hi wire,

Yes of course that has to be the way things are going for sure I would say. The MATS I refer to I think are solar charging also.

Take care my friend............

bb

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Take care, bb ----- >> "HEAR & you FORGET <-> SEE & you REMEMBER <-> DO & you UNDERSTAND" << =$=|O|=$= >> "Common Sense is Genius dressed in its Working Clothes" << <> [Ralph Waldo Emerson]
edignan
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#5

Re: Cutting the Cords

07/03/2009 11:07 AM

What blather!

I'm working on a netbook at the moment that *apparently* has hours of operation on a charge.

As for *proliferation* can I point to my endlessly upgraded full-size on the desk?

RS-232, Parallel, various and sundry proprietary input ports (keyboard vs PS2 compliant vs serial) USB, Ethernet, Firewire, video out in two flavors, broken out power and two flavors of HD interface for troubleshooting, a slotted 7 flavor memory card reader, the RS-232 and parallel ports have a variety of standard changers that adapt them to RS-485?, parallel controller interfaces, etc.

This netbook came with 2 USB and wireless and an SD slot. I think manufacturers have it pretty easy now.

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