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.

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

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