As I was trying to think of a topic to write about this month, my mind wandered off into contemplating what this world would be like without wireless. A heavy duty, "what if" brain exercise for sure. Maybe discussing, or even thinking about, something that is not real is a huge waste of words, but it does make you appreciate what wireless has given us. If you work in wireless as I do, we should all demand more respect in the future. The rest of the world should just thank its lucky stars for wireless engineers.

Where I ended up in this process is trying to decide which wireless devices I really couldn't live without. There are many to choose from, of course, but which wireless conveniences would make life the most difficult, inconvenient, or unbearable? Before you read on, list three wireless products you would miss the most.

If you are not sure where to start with this worthless rainy Sunday afternoon, on-the-couch type of activity, first make a list of all the wireless devices you own. So it’s going to take you a while. Whatever. Just writing down all the wireless gadgets you use on a regular basis should open your eyes anyway. I did this one time for an introductory wireless class I was teaching in college. It surprised me. And when my students did this as an opening class exercise, I think they had a different view of wireless than they did before as well. Who would have thought?

Anyway, the really interesting part of this exercise is figuring out the ones that impact your life the most. Try to stick with the three that would cause you the most excruciating pain if you did not have them.

Let's start with broadcast radio. Sure we can live without it, but just think about what it brings: near instantaneous news, weather, and traffic info. Talk radio. And music. As old as it is, radio is still a major information and entertainment source. And it’s mostly free. Yet millions also pay for satellite radio.

How about TV? Radio is big, but TV is humongous. I cannot quote the latest statistics, but you’ve all heard how many hours of TV the average person watches TV every day. A huge number. God forbid we would have no TV and be forced to...take a deep breath...READ! Talk about your major entertainment and information source. Where would we get the latest news on the war in the Middle East or Jessica Simpson's latest boyfriend? Yet TV—with all its insipid programming—is a major waste of our time. Should we give this one up? We could learn a new language or musical instrument. Like that could happen.

There are many short-range wireless devices that really add to our quality of life. I think most of these things were created because we are just flat out lazy. Garage door openers and remote keyless entry on cars come to mind. The new wireless tire pressure gages in cars are pretty nifty, but a real splurge. What about those automatic infrared (IR) urinal flusher thingys? Those are wireless. Maybe these are a keeper because so many guys are just too rushed or too "manly" to flush. But we could probably give up the automatic faucets and paper towel dispensers.