I have been spending a lot of time working remotely with my laptop in random locations. And usually just plug my mouse in via the USB dongle. But just curious if there is a noticeable battery difference doing this? Seems like Bluetooth would be better because it’s already powering other things anyway.

Edit: seems like it’s Bluetooth. Going to have to change my habits. Thanks all.

  • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    17
    ·
    edit-2
    2 months ago

    Dongles are usually 2.4ghz radios, supposed to be lower latency and more stable than Bluetooth.

    Edit- in reality though, bluetooth has come a long way and generally more convenient, users likely wouldn’t notice a difference in day to day work. Personally I still wouldn’t recommend gaming on a bluetooth connection when latency and micro stutters matter.

    • subtext@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      arrow-down
      4
      ·
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      That’s the same frequency as one of the main Wi-Fi bands, I would imagine they’re probably just reusing that technology for this communication

      • Admiral Patrick@dubvee.org
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        10
        ·
        2 months ago

        KB/mouse dongles use their own, often proprietary, protocols but on the same 2.4 GHz band. It’s like how WiFi and Bluetooth both operate on 2.4 GHz but use different framing and protocols.

        • subtext@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          5
          ·
          2 months ago

          Interesting, I did not know how widely used the 2.4GHz band is, thanks for correcting me!

      • shonn@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        2 months ago

        It’s also the frequency of Bluetooth and your microwave because it’s unregulated. Dongles aren’t Wi-Fi or anything like it.