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Minor things that bother you

Started by planxtymcgillicuddy, November 27, 2019, 12:15:11 AM

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Scott5114

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 09:08:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PMHow do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.
Look, I dislike capitalism as much as you do, but the simple truth is that it may not be cost-effective to offer, say, one version of the iPhone that has a headphone jack and one that doesn't.  And offering one Galaxy with a physical keyboard and one without would be a logistical nightmare, even if it was cost-effective.  And then there's the fact that, if you offer a consumer too many choices, they won't buy anything at all.

Well, I don't even necessarily have to have a Samsung Galaxy or an iPhone that meets my needs. I'm fine with it being a Bobwrote Nebula or a jPhone. I don't care who the manufacturer is–I just want to be able to buy those features at all!
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef


abefroman329

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 09:16:07 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 09:08:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PMHow do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.
Look, I dislike capitalism as much as you do, but the simple truth is that it may not be cost-effective to offer, say, one version of the iPhone that has a headphone jack and one that doesn't.  And offering one Galaxy with a physical keyboard and one without would be a logistical nightmare, even if it was cost-effective.  And then there's the fact that, if you offer a consumer too many choices, they won't buy anything at all.

Well, I don't even necessarily have to have a Samsung Galaxy or an iPhone that meets my needs. I'm fine with it being a Bobwrote Nebula or a jPhone. I don't care who the manufacturer is–I just want to be able to buy those features at all!
I would be shocked if you couldn't find something that closely resembles a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, only with a headphone jack and/or physical keyboard, on AliBaba or Wish.

And "Bobwrote Nebula" might be the worst pun I've ever heard.

Scott5114

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 10:02:10 PM
And "Bobwrote Nebula" might be the worst pun I've ever heard.

I aim to please. :-D
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

zachary_amaryllis

Quote from: hbelkins on August 22, 2022, 09:04:47 PM
Heartburn.

My cure for this has always been baking soda, so what's worse than the heartburn? The whatever-you-ate-flavored burp that comes after the baking soda.
clinched:
I-64, I-80, I-76 (west), *64s in hampton roads, 225,270,180 (co, wy)

kphoger

Quote from: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:44:37 PM
For the record, there are still plenty of phones with headphone jacks on sale. It's just the mainstream phones that people buy over and over again (pretty good indication of market satisfaction?) that have lost the jack. Personally, I've used wireless earbuds for a few years, so good riddance!

Minor thing that bothers me.  My phone has a proprietary headphone jack, so nothing I own plugs into it.

Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

Scott5114

That looks like the headphone jack on the walkie-talkies we used at the casino.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

thspfc

#4706
Remember when the iPhone 7 came out and people were shocked that it had no headphone jack? Thinking there was no way wireless earbuds would ever catch on? And now headphones with wires are far outnumbered by headphones without them.

vdeane

^ I can't help but wonder if that's because people actually wanted wireless headphones, or because they have no choice with both Apple and Samsung getting rid of the headphone jack.

I have noticed that it's getting harder to find good quality earbuds these days (such was true even before the whole wireless thing since headsets became popular with smartphones), which is an issue for me since my desktop doesn't support wireless headphones (and even if it did, my speakers don't, and the computer's base headphone jack gives me a lot less volume than the one on my speakers).
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

hbelkins

Quote from: vdeane on August 28, 2022, 03:40:01 PM
^ I can't help but wonder if that's because people actually wanted wireless headphones, or because they have no choice with both Apple and Samsung getting rid of the headphone jack.

I have noticed that it's getting harder to find good quality earbuds these days (such was true even before the whole wireless thing since headsets became popular with smartphones), which is an issue for me since my desktop doesn't support wireless headphones (and even if it did, my speakers don't, and the computer's base headphone jack gives me a lot less volume than the one on my speakers).

Does your desktop have Bluetooth? If so, wouldn't it support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds?

BTW, I don't like the single earbuds. They look too prone to falling out. I'm using a Bluetooth headset that has the earbuds wired to each other. But about the only time I use it is when I'm mowing.


Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

vdeane

^ It doesn't, but even if it did, I'd still lose out on the amplification provided by my speakers (which conveniently have their own headphone jack).  The main reason I use headphones is because I like listening to music loud, which is hard to do in an apartment (and even if it weren't for my apartment, it became a habit in college).
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

Scott5114

20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

abefroman329

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.

Scott5114

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 29, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.

Adding an auto-reverse feature = if you don't like it/find it useful, you don't have to use it.

Removing a headphone jack = You now have to buy new wireless earbuds because your old wired ones don't work anymore. The company responsible for removing the headphone jack would be happy to sell you some. Unlike your wired ones, the wireless ones have batteries, meaning now you need to charge them (which you didn't before). The batteries only have a service life of a year or two and are not replaceable, meaning that now you are buying new headphones every other year (whereas the wired earbuds would continue to work just fine indefinitely until your idiot cat inevitably eats the cable).
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

kphoger

Related...  Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?
Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. DickIf you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

SSOWorld

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 29, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.
Scott O.

Not all who wander are lost...
Ah, the open skies, wind at my back, warm sun on my... wait, where the hell am I?!
As a matter of fact, I do own the road.
Raise your what?

Wisconsin - out-multiplexing your state since 1918.

Scott5114

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related...  Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

jeffandnicole

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

There wasn't a single auto repair shop until the auto came along.  Before that, horse and buggies got people around just fine.

This is all 20th century technology.

Scott5114

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 29, 2022, 09:47:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

There wasn't a single auto repair shop until the auto came along.  Before that, horse and buggies got people around just fine.

This is all 20th century technology.

This is missing the point.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

jakeroot

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 07:34:30 PM
Removing a headphone jack = You now have to buy new wireless earbuds because your old wired ones don't work anymore. The company responsible for removing the headphone jack would be happy to sell you some. Unlike your wired ones, the wireless ones have batteries, meaning now you need to charge them (which you didn't before). The batteries only have a service life of a year or two and are not replaceable, meaning that now you are buying new headphones every other year (whereas the wired earbuds would continue to work just fine indefinitely until your idiot cat inevitably eats the cable).

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-usb-c-headphone-adapters/

I feel like not enough attention is paid to the advantages of wireless earbuds. First, they can be quite cheap; you can get some bluetooth earbuds for $20 to $30. Not amazing quality, to be sure, but they're very cheap. Second, they don't have wires. This seems like a disadvantage in that, without that wire, they need to be self-powered. True, but no wires means no more trip hazard or accidental yanking, plus a much longer listening distance (eg: leave your phone on the patio while you mow). Third, they often offer additional features such as voice activation and noise cancellation/amplification, which is very helpful when doing daily chores as you can adjust their settings to avoid taking them out to hear other people and whatnot. Fourth, battery life is usually quite good. Most offer quick-charge options through the case and at least four to six hours of listening time, more after a quick charge. Wired earbuds may offer unlimited battery life, sure, but like gasoline or diesel vehicles, not having to worry about having enough "go juice" is only an advantage in specific, relatively rare scenarios, as you usually won't run into battery life barriers day to day. Wireless earphones also have battery life in the multiple-day range, which works for pretty much everyone in every other scenario, even with devices that are not portable, like desktop computers. If anything, the issue with those is forgetting to charge them.

So, to me, wireless earbuds are the more practical choice. They're not my only choice, to be clear. Apple sells a dongle to plug in headphones and earbuds. But I don't want any wires at all, as long as it's a practical option. And with the insanely low price of some options, it just makes more sense to me, especially when I consider the disadvantage of wires.

Bruce

My wired earbuds are just fine. $10 for a decent-sounding pair that lasts a few years, does not need to have its battery replaced, can work with no charge, and is good for however long I need it to last. The wire doesn't really get in my way unless I'm moving and it gets cut off by something, but that's fairly rare. No dongle needed either, which means I can charge AND play media without a fuss.

If my earbuds do break, then I can go find a random store that will sell me a very cheap pair (even a dollar store pair if necessary) until I can find my preferred type. Buying a very very cheap pair of wireless earbuds is going to cost more and come with risks related to cheap batteries.

I hope the EU or another consumer-focused government agency is able to push through some mandatory design rules for smartphones. All of them should be able to charge off USB-C and have a usable 3.5 mm jack.

thspfc

#4720
Wireless earbuds >>> wired earbuds, and wireless earbuds would be mainstream by now whether Apple had taken away the headphone jack or not.

1. Easier in and out.

2. No tangled wires.

3. Cleaner appearance with no wires.

4. Easier storage.

If you personally like wired earbuds, that's fine, but I don't see a reason for preferring wired earbuds other than disdain for changing technology, a feeling that I think a lot of forum members share. Same reason why some of us have inexplicable hatred for roundabouts.

Takumi

Wireless earbuds also don't become useless when your puppy breaks through her enclosure and rampages through the house, chewing up numerous objects.

Uh, allegedly.
Quote from: Rothman on July 15, 2021, 07:52:59 AM
Olive Garden must be stopped.  I must stop them.

Don't @ me. Seriously.

dlsterner

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related...  Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

Mine actually does.  Although (I guess) to their credit, they've never pushed me to buy from them.  If my prescription has barely changed, they'll say there's no need to buy a new pair.

formulanone

#4723
I still carry the Apple-included wired headphones for watching movies on flights. Sometimes the airline offers free headphones, other times they charge you (which was formerly the more common option; making it one of the very few "free" services airlines have given the flying public...I'm surprised they hadn't figured out a way to charge you for using their apps.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related...  Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.

My experience is that you're allowed to request the prescription and take it to any other place you wish. Lately, the local eye docs have loads of shelves with $600 frames and just one tiny shelf with sub-$200 frames that just seems sketchy. I know quality counts to a point (and insurance might cover the first 150-200 in frames), but I feel a little robbed at that price level, since I require all sorts other needs and conveniences with lenses, which push it to $400+ overall.

I kind of loathe picking out new frames because it's hard for me to see what exactly I'm trying on.

Scott5114

One problem with wireless earbuds I haven't seen pointed out is the tremendous amount of waste that throwing them away when they die causes. They're basically a bunch of rare earth metals in a shell of non-biodegradable plastic. Not exactly a great deal for the environment.

And it's not just me being stodgy and not liking changing technology. I would have no problem with them if you could pop them open with a screwdriver and swap the battery out yourself. What I have a problem with is the business model of selling you something unfixable so you have no choice but to buy a new one when the old one breaks. The world would be a better place if we forced every tech company MBA or marketing exec and forced them to sell salmon for a living instead.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef



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