Monday, April 17, 2023 – Wireless anti-static wrist straps are a waste of money – How to schedule an email reminder for yourself

Heads-up: Wireless anti-static wrist straps are a waste of money

Regular readers of my blog and this newsletter know I always recommend using an anti-static wrist strap to prevent static discharge from damaging your expensive computer gear any time you’re working inside the case.

Spotting a new retail niche, a number of companies have started hawking wireless (i.e. cordless) anti-static wrist straps that supposedly will prevent static electricity from building up in the first place, negating the need to wear a corded anti-static wrist strap.

As you might imagine, these things are selling like hotcakes. After all, it really is a hassle having to strap yourself to ground every time you open up your computer’s case, am I right?

Well here’s the thing: they don’t work.

My own tests have proven (at least to my satisfaction) that cordless anti-static wrist straps are extremely ineffective at preventing the build-up of static electricity.

In short, while they might make an attractive bracelet (in a somewhat geeky kind of way), they are virtually useless when it comes to performing their intended function.

And you don’t have to take my word for it. NASA engineers have arrived at the same conclusion based upon the results of their own testing.

Bottom line: I strongly recommend that you use a good anti-static wrist strap any time you’re working inside a computer. Just keep away from the wireless ones and get one that will actually provide a wired connection to ground.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Schedule an email reminder for yourself or others with NudgeMail

It’s easy (and it’s safe).

• Q&A: How can I hide the pages I’ve ‘Liked’ from my Facebook friends?

This post has step-by-step instructions.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

Onite USB LED Light

Simply put, I love these lights! They only draw a measly 5 watts, but the light they provide is simply awesome for the wattage.

A small $20 portable battery bank like the one you use to charge your phone will keep one of these bulbs “burning” for several hours, but truth be told, you can power it with any type of USB power source – even a USB port on your laptop.

In my humble opinion, one of these little gems belongs in every room in your house to provide emergency lightning during extended power outages. Don’t be left in the dark !

Note: There is a newer version of this light available but I prefer the white light provided by this one to the yellow light from the newer one. That being said, if you prefer yellow light, I say go for it.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

Remembering Katherine Johnson: The ‘computer who wore a skirt’

She was an absolutely amazing lady.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• Will a bigger MacBook Air cure Apple’s slumping laptop sales?

• Security researchers find LockBit ransomware can target macOS devices

• Android 14 now in public beta for Google phones

• Twitter Blue is gaining 10,000 character tweets

• Seagate unveils new 22TB IronWolf Pro hard drive

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Every penny of your tip will go towards my blog’s web hosting and other related fees, which are substantial.

2 – You can Forward this email to a friend along with a short note of recommendation. (Just click the “Forward” button or link.)

Rest assured that anything you can do to help me keep helping folks will be greatly appreciated.

Have a question, comment or suggestion? Hit the Reply button and reply to this email. I love hearing what you have to say…

Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.ricksdailytips.com