At 20 Jul 2008 15:28:19 -0700 zwsdotcom@gmail.com wrote:

> > > can't print to my portable Sipix printers, or double as a TV remote
in a
> > > pinch!
> >
> > And I'm peeved that most notebook PCs are leaving IR off.
>
> Aside from using it as a TV remote, what practical use is IrDA these
> days?

Legacy support for my older non-BT PPCs, phones and printers.

> It was devised in an era when it was going to be "the" short-
> range communication mechanism. Because of its directionality, short
> range and susceptibility to light interference, IrDA has kind of died
> out in favor of various RF technologies (including, but not limited
> to, Bluetooth).


Agreed.


> Even if your notebook had it, what use would it be without other
> peripherals to talk to? How many IrDA peripherals do you see in the
> stores?

Zero, these days...

> I personally have a lot of equipment that uses an RS232 link, so I
> mourn the loss of serial ports from regular computers. But I
> understand the reason for it.


Agreed, but it doesn't mean I have to like it! ;-)