We've talked design pet peeves and design allergies before, and it got me wondering, whether we have the same strong feelings towards the gadgets and technologies inside our home...tech pet peeves? To be honest, I didn't have to wonder about this very long, because I know we do — or at least I know I do.
Rather than frame this post around what myself or others dislike about others' decisions regarding their tech, I wanted to start a conversation on what we wouldn't do personally. For instance, you'll never catch my smartphone wrapped in a big bulky rugged case that doubles its thickness. I waited years to finally have a phone thin enough to slip in my front pocket — no way I'm going to go back to a holster. (*Side Note: Yes, I had a phone holster at one point in my life, and probably about the same time I rocked color-blocked polos. It wasn't pretty.)
Another thing I wouldn't do is don a bluetooth earpiece in public, mainly because I've embarrassed myself too many times around those who wear them — "You talking to me?" I reluctantly purchased a wireless bluetooth ear piece myself last year. Working full-time from home with a lot of teleconferences to dial into, it was practical and necessary. I'm still pretty guarded about it, though, and only put it on when I'm actually on a call — I even take it off temporarily when the UPS guy knocks on the door needing a signature.
I removed all the standard-def duplicates on my television guide so I don't make the mistake my parents do all too often — watch a standard def channel instead of the HD version. I simply have to take advantage of the HD set I bought and those HD channels I'm paying good money for.
I know there a few things I do that people would probably never do themselves. I have a prominent big screen TV that demands attention in our living room, with surround speakers reaching out of the walls. I also rock a set of those thick cushioned headphones, that I'll admit look big and awkward on me. But I really love them, the tunes sound great, outside noise is cancelled, and I sometimes catch myself just putting them on without even listening to music — it's cozy and meditative.
What are some of your tech peeves? What tech decisions would you never make?
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Tech makers: I wish all these hardware makers would get together and agree on a universal charging connector. mini USB, micro USB, and whatever Apple uses, just creates unneeded junk. I have a bunch of chargers I can no longer use. And I have to send extra $$ to buy extra chargers for different areas of my life (Home, Work, etc.) Also, who's the genius who came up with the micro USB? So aggravatingly flimsy! I've gone trough 7 micro USB chargers in the last 2 months.
Websites: Improved commenting environments (I'm looking at you Apartment Therapy/Unplggd). More choice is always a good thing. While some people like a closed-off web experience, some don't. Giving web users the option to have their comments shared with the rest of the internet community is good for reader retention and brand exposure.
There's tons more to nitpick about commenting systems, but I'll leave at that.
Individuals: People who own HDTVs, subscribe to HD cable programing but continue to watch TV in standard definition. It's really none of business use it's your TV, your cable bill, but for the love of God can you at least make an effort to seem like you vaguely understand basic technology when you have company over!
That they quit making huge old fashoned speakers
agreed.. apple needs to start allowing usb as the main connector.. or at least mini usb.. that works on all items.
Me three on the universal charger/power cord form factor.
Also, I know it's hard to believe, but some of us want to use only a few essential functions of our tech gear, not all of the millions of tricks bells whistles gizmos gee-whiz glitzy sparklies etc that manufacturers add-on.
It would be great if I could hide all the icons and menu list items for things I never use so I could have an efficient interface for my phone. It would be great if I could turn off voicemail or incoming text messages at will -- for example, when my mother-in-law is in surgery and I know for the next three days I won't be available.
So, tech manufacturers, don't spend all your time thinking about all the things you believe we want. Spend at least a little time thinking about all the things we don't always want!
I try to hide the cords to thecomputers, printers, lamps, etc, although I'm never completely successful. I also wish the big-screen tv were not the focal point of my small living room...
It bothers me so much when people put their TVs above their fireplaces. No, I'm not going to come to your olympics-opening-ceremony-viewing-party if I have to strain my neck and look UP all night.
I'm with you on the headsets. I endeavor not to be a "blue douche" wandering around with a headset at all times.
@ VJ: "blue douche"! LOL!!!!!!!! I can't stand that guy!!!
When I see that guy wandering around talking to himself I can't believe that his world and phone calls are THAT important that he has to be connected 24/7. I mean, c'mon, he's wandering around in the Goodwill shoe section talking about whose going to buy the cat food! And ya know, even if he was discussing with Will Smith which one of them was about to take down the evil alien invader- he'd STILL be a "blue douche"!