Moving toward USB-C while prolonging tech lifespan
I've been thinking about ways to prolong the life of equipment while also getting around the fact that I'm currently using at least three types of charging cables.
- USB-A to Lightning
- USB-A to micro-USB
- USB-A to USB-C
- USB-C to Lightning
- USB-C to USB-C
Kindle Voyage: 10 years old, micro-USB, I'm thinking about replacing it soon-ish. I'm amazed at how hard it is to find page-turn buttons on e-readers. The Kobo Libra Color ($230) is probably my best option, although I don't like the assymetry. I was thinking about how expensive that seems for an e-reader. I made myself look up how much I spent on the Voyage in 2016: $290! I can now get a color e-reader with USB-C AND its optional stylus AND not made by Amazon for the same price.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II: There is a fairly simple way to mod these with a USB-C port, so that's is my plan. I might also swap out the battery (even though that would require getting a soldering kit).
- USB-C Modding Adventure: Upgrading My Bose QC35 II Headset
- Bose QC35 battery replacement on AliExpress
- Bose QC35/45 USB-C charging port PCB
- Pinecil soldering iron
AirPods Pro (1st gen): Honestly, I've never really had a good experience with my AirPods. This particular pair had sound/crackling issues with ANC, the earbuds were replaced under a special service program, and now I have the issue again (but it's been 6 years since they were released). I know the Sony ANC earbuds are highly rated, I just don't see spending $330 on them. There's a very good chance I'll go for something like the Nothing Ear (a) for $90, which charge via USB-C. For now, I'm just using the AirPods without ANC.
iPhone 14 Pro: OK, this will probably remain Lightning for another year or two. I'm really trying to hang on to electronics. Now that the base iPhone comes with a high refresh rate OLED screen, there's a very good chance that I will just get that the next time I upgrade.
It would be nice to at least relegate micro-USB to my emergency equipment (like a USB-powered battery charger, and the USB charger for my weather radio).
P.S.—I recently fixed our 10-year-old Samsung washer and dryer. Maybe this is just us becoming poor, but I'd much rather fix the things we have than buy new and toss what we have.