Digital Home Thoughts: Can There Really be One Protocol to Connect it all?

"Yes, I realize I’m ranting a little here and you’re probably thinking, “what’s the big deal as long as it works?” If you’re asking that question, you probably haven’t used a mobile device that has a limited number of USB ports. I have, and I simply don’t want to clog up a USB port needlessly for a mouse. I have 3G adapters, flash drives, portable external USB hard drives, phones and cameras that I’d rather — or must — use with those ports."

Bluetooth is great. I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse at home. I have a Bluetooth headset at work. My car talks to my phone through Bluetooth. Some of my best friends use Bluetooth. As flexible as it is, there are still some limitations that prevent it from becoming the all in one solution for peripherals that it was originally dreamed to be. First, and possibly most importantly is that the power drain, while improved, is still pretty high with Bluetooth. Bluetooth mice cannot hold a candle to ones that use a proprietary connector when those mice start boasting battery lifespans of six months or more. Second, Bluetooth is not simple. There is the whole pairing process that provides security and hassle. Sure, one can theoretically pre-pair Bluetooth devices with specific receivers like Logitech, but then you are back to the same problem as before. Of course, there is the potential that Wireless USB could be THE solution, but right now, it looks like the cost of using Wireless USB is about the same as the GDP of some countries. Until then, there are always mini USB hubs for when you run out of ports!