[Tfug] Opine: Bricks, warts or...?

[Bexley Hall]

Hi,

Wall warts and bricks are an easy way for a manufacturer
to work through the UL issues regarding product safety.
I.e., you pass the buck to the wall wart manufacturer!

<grin>

To be thorough, they also offer *some* packaging options
that aren't available if you house the power supply inside
the device itself.

But, how do consumers perceive these things?  Personally,
I detest wall warts as they hog at least one receptacle
(and sometimes the adjoining receptacle!) and are not
suited to "inverse" mounting.

Bricks are kinder in terms of receptacle usage/compatibility.
But, then you end up with another blob on the floor, etc.

Many devices have no need for an external power supply
(most scanners have plenty of room; PDA charging bases
*could* easily be made larger to house the tiny power
supply they require; etc.)

Of course, purely portable devices (withOUT cradles) -- like
calculators -- are hard pressed to house this extra stuff
(plus the extra weight).

But, where should theline be drawn (neglecting costs)?