What does this do? Useless unused features on things that you own.

[don't ask]

Driving home tonight I was looking for the button for the rear window demister and my eye fell upon the dashboard light dimmer button. What a waste of effort that is. I have never brightened or darkened the instrument display on any car I have ever driven.

My watch has a host of never to be used functions - world times, stopwatch (I use a stopwatch for that), countdown timer, phone book (I use a phone for that).

My blender has a pulse setting if you switch the dial the other way. Why bother? You have to hold it there as long as you want it to "pulse." I just switch it to 1 and back to off. Same result without the holding.

Surely there are hundreds of these things? Do you have any?

[Smapti]

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

[Eats_Crayons]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

I use "delete" all the time, I've never used "insert". I must not e the only one who doesn't use it, since "insert" isn't even on this keyboard at all.

Oh, and I've also used the dimmer for my dashboard lights when driving on completely unlit country roads late at night.

[Moonlitherial]

Damn those multiple people using the same items.

For me, and I'm perfectly clear about the fact that it's well used by others, it used to be the camera on my phone. Then I discovered that when I don't have time or the artistic inclination to be able to capture the whiteboard after a meeting a quick snapshot with my phone solves the problem. I now have a camera roll on my phone tracking all the design decision on my project.

One that I haven't found a use for yet - the single rack only setting on my dishwasher. I can't imagine that it saves that much water either.

[BMalion]

Why would I need a digital clock on my stove, coffee maker, fridge, DVD player, cell phone, TV, stereo, et all... It's like we need to know, to the micro-scond, the exact time whichever way our eyes are turned.

A couple of years ago I removed the 'caps lock" button from my keyboard, I was tired of hitting it accidentally, one of my supervisors questioned me about that, and the next day when I came to work, it was back on my keyboard!

[Crafter_Man]

My AR-15 has a forward assist. I've never used it. Not really sure why it is even there.

[LionelHutz405]

CTRL + ALT +any arrow key, will flip the screen in Windows.

Useful for practical jokes, but it's hard to imagine this being useful to most people.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by Crafter_Man

My AR-15 has a forward assist. I've never used it. Not really sure why it is even there.

What's an AR-15 and what is forward assist supposed to do?

[Chefguy]

Originally Posted by MsWhatsit

What's an AR-15 and what is forward assist supposed to do?

The AR-15 is the civilian version of the military M-16 rifle. The forward assist is used to seat the round in the chamber, as the weapon supposedly has a problem doing this all by itself on occasion. The only time I ever used it was when inserting a fresh magazine and releasing the bolt, to make sure the first round was seated.

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by LionelHutz405

CTRL + ALT +any arrow key, will flip the screen in Windows.

Useful for practical jokes, but it's hard to imagine this being useful to most people.

Actually, it's useful if you want to show someone something on a laptop screen without having them over your shoulder. I've used this feature before to show picture slideshows and websites. It's also good if you have a projector that isn't or can't be oriented correctly; it's easier to flip the laptop screen than it is to flip the projector.

Likewise, the dashboard dimmer is helpful if you need to have the car on or at least run the battery, but you don't want a lit dashboard distracting you. I do this at drive-in movie theaters when I want to watch the screen.

[Unintentionally Blank]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

SysReq is used on my KVM to switch between computers (multiple computers sharing one Keyboard, Mouse, and Video.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by Chefguy

The AR-15 is the civilian version of the military M-16 rifle. The forward assist is used to seat the round in the chamber, as the weapon supposedly has a problem doing this all by itself on occasion. The only time I ever used it was when inserting a fresh magazine and releasing the bolt, to make sure the first round was seated.

Thanks! I was just curious.

My contribution to the thread: 1st or 2nd gear on any automatic transmission vehicle. I guess there's a theoretical purpose for those to be there, and I'm sure some people use them, but I'm not one of them.

[BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break"

I used to use pause when playing Doom deathmatch. Seems a bit specific, but I played a lot of Doom back in high school.

I also use the dash dimmer on unlit roads. It's really bright when there's no other light around.

[enipla]

Originally Posted by MsRobyn

Likewise, the dashboard dimmer is helpful if you need to have the car on or at least run the battery, but you don't want a lit dashboard distracting you. I do this at drive-in movie theaters when I want to watch the screen.

Uh... Wouldn't you just turn off your headlights?

With that said, I do sometimes use it on night time drives.

And a count down alarm on a watch is great for cooking. I use my phone for this also.

[ralph124c]

As far as I can see, its a good way of getting dust, dirt and road noise into your car..plus it removes about 2" of headroom.
I have one-never open it.

[BrotherCadfael]

Originally Posted by MsWhatsit

My contribution to the thread: 1st or 2nd gear on any automatic transmission vehicle. I guess there's a theoretical purpose for those to be there, and I'm sure some people use them, but I'm not one of them.

If you live in a mountainous area, you use them quite often on steep downgrades.

When driving long distances at night, I like to keep the dashboard lights very low - or even off -- to reduce distractions and eyestrain.

[Larry Mudd]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

The Scroll Lock key gets a lot of use in software that isn't very esoteric. (Excel, for example.) The break key, too. I haven't used SysReq for its original purpose with any regularity since about 1995, but I hit that bad boy several times a day to take screengrabs.


Now, my contribution for inexplicable/useless features:

In the closet of the master bedroom in my apartment, there is an electrical timer built into the wall, with a three-way switch for ON/OFF/TIMER and a timing dial. I only recently discovered that this controls the exhaust fan in the bathroom, just in case you want to override the switch that's you know... in the bathroom, and instead have the fan turn on and off at pre-determined times and schedule your showering and pooping accordingly.

[Chefguy]

Re: the dashboard dimmer. My Saturn had a feature where you could brighten the dash lights over and above the high setting. I thought this was odd until I was in bright sunlight one day, which washed out the digital display; flick the switch and it was bright and clear again.

[Chimera]

1> I like to keep the dash lights lower than "glare in my face"
2> If you've ever done any cross-country night driving, it is a godsend.

I have used the scroll lock. I used to be a programmer.

[Shagnasty]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

I use Pause/Break fairly often. It is useful for halting scrolling output in DOS windows. Yes, many people still need to use DOS screens even within Windows.

[Swallowed My Cellphone]

Originally Posted by BrotherCadfael

If you live in a mountainous area, you use them quite often on steep downgrades.

When driving long distances at night, I like to keep the dashboard lights very low - or even off -- to reduce distractions and eyestrain.

Yup. I've also used the lower gears in my previous car (automatic) when driving on unplowed backroads.

And a bright dashboard is great in the city when they are competing with a lot of headlights and other light sources, but when I'm on remote roads and there are no other cars for miles, it's easier to see the road (illuminated by headlights only) and a lot easier on the eyes.

[aruvqan]

Originally Posted by BMalion

Why would I need a digital clock on my stove, coffee maker, fridge, DVD player, cell phone, TV, stereo, et all... It's like we need to know, to the micro-scond, the exact time whichever way our eyes are turned.

A couple of years ago I removed the 'caps lock" button from my keyboard, I was tired of hitting it accidentally, one of my supervisors questioned me about that, and the next day when I came to work, it was back on my keyboard!

I know someone who took the caps lock key off, and super glued something under the spring thingy and popped the key back on on their laptop. I have been so tempted to do that.

[it was a work laptop and they couldn't go in and change the key mapping on it, no admin rights.]

[Cat Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Eats_Crayons

I use "delete" all the time, I've never used "insert". I must not e the only one who doesn't use it, since "insert" isn't even on this keyboard at all.<snip>

As a secretarial-type, I use delete, backspace, and insert as required - if you're in front of the word, use delete; if behind the word, use backspace, and change to insert if you want to insert without affecting what's already there. I can see where most people who don't type documents for a living wouldn't get much out of it, though.

There are all kinds of things on my computer that I don't use at all. I could make a movie, or write a song, or make a website, but I don't.

[aceplace57]

Dash dimmer is a separate switch now? It's always been part of the headlight switch in my vehicles. Pull out for headlights and turn to dim the dashboard.

My new microwave has this Inverter Technology feature I never use. Nor do I use the idiotic program modes. After 25 years experience I know how long it takes to heat up a plate of food or cook popcorn.

[blindboyard]

Alt-SysReq is used for special purposes on Linux systems, so it's best to have it. Scroll Lock, I don't even know what it does. My keyboard has it on the F12 key. My laptop has a special bluetooth button, but no bluetooth.

[Leaffan]

Originally Posted by Chefguy

Re: the dashboard dimmer. My Saturn had a feature where you could brighten the dash lights over and above the high setting. I thought this was odd until I was in bright sunlight one day, which washed out the digital display; flick the switch and it was bright and clear again.

Yours went up to 11?

[buddha_david]

My cable remote has about a hundred buttons which appear to have no function whatsoever.

[needscoffee]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

My dog broke my Scroll Lock key two years ago and I've never bothered replacing it, since I've never once needed it. On the other hand, my brother is so "thrifty" that when his L key broke, he remapped it to one of the Function keys rather than replace it.

[Zsofia]

Originally Posted by ralph124c

As far as I can see, its a good way of getting dust, dirt and road noise into your car..plus it removes about 2" of headroom.
I have one-never open it.

If you live in South Carolina and have no choice but to park in the sun, that sunroof is a godsend - anything you can to replace that 130-degree air faster is a big help.

[phreesh]

Microwaves - anything other than time, defrost, start and stop. I never use less than 100% power and my cooking life is seemingly unaffected.

My iPhone has a gazillion features I never look at.

Clocks on things that aren't clocks. I hate setting the time on my coffee maker, but I hate seeing 12:00 blinking all the time even more. I have maybe a dozen digital clocks in my house that I never consult, but have to set everytime we have a power outage - stove, microwave, coffee maker, etc.

I don't even know what most of the options on my dishwasher mean. Regular wash? Sure. Maybe 6 times a year I'll run a 'delicate' load after using the fancy glasses, but that's it.

[Chimera]

Originally Posted by buddha_david

My cable remote has about a hundred buttons which appear to have no function whatsoever.

And the ones you use 99% of the time are tiny and in difficult to find locations.

Goddamn it, give me a remote with huge Volume, Channel and Mute buttons and relegate the rest of that shit to the tiny out of the way buttons.

[Cat Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Chimera

And the ones you use 99% of the time are tiny and in difficult to find locations.

Goddamn it, give me a remote with huge Volume, Channel and Mute buttons and relegate the rest of that shit to the tiny out of the way buttons.

Add a "Last" button to that list (so you can flip between two channels), and I'm there.

[johnpost]

Originally Posted by Smapti

I propose that nobody sitting here reading this thread has ever had a purpose to use the "Scroll Lock", "Pause/Break", or "SysRq" functions on their keyboard, and few have found a situation where "Delete" was preferable to "Insert".

i use the "Scroll Lock" key dozens of times every day.

[Anamorphic]

Originally Posted by BMalion

Why would I need a digital clock on my stove, coffee maker, fridge, DVD player, cell phone, TV, stereo, et all... It's like we need to know, to the micro-scond, the exact time whichever way our eyes are turned.

On a coffee maker, at least, there is a purpose for having a clock, even if you don't use this feature. It's so you can set it to automatically brew coffee at a set time so it's waiting for you fresh and hot when you wake up.

[johnpost]

Originally Posted by Larry Mudd

In the closet of the master bedroom in my apartment, there is an electrical timer built into the wall, with a three-way switch for ON/OFF/TIMER and a timing dial. I only recently discovered that this controls the exhaust fan in the bathroom, just in case you want to override the switch that's you know... in the bathroom, and instead have the fan turn on and off at pre-determined times and schedule your showering and pooping accordingly.

that is for when the spouse/SO is stinking up the place while on the toilet, you can already smell it and they aren't about to get up and turn the fan on. you can ventilate from a safe distance.

[johnpost]

Originally Posted by phreesh

Clocks on things that aren't clocks. I hate setting the time on my coffee maker, but I hate seeing 12:00 blinking all the time even more. I have maybe a dozen digital clocks in my house that I never consult, but have to set everytime we have a power outage - stove, microwave, coffee maker, etc.

use black electrical tape

[Chronos]

On the "pause" key, either Ubuntu or Wine (I'm not sure which) doesn't recognize it, and I really wish it did. There's an old game I play (Dark Reign) where the pause key pauses the game, and there's no way to remap it to a different key. One of the nice features of that game was the ability to pause it to give orders to your units, which they would carry out when you unpaused (to let you keep up with the AIs that could do everything at once), but that's just not possible now with my setup.

[ZipperJJ]

Aren't all of those things with clocks also things that have timers? My coffee maker, stove, microwave and DVD players all have timers and thus need clocks.

I suppose the gripe might be that they have clocks that are always on, not just functional when they are being used as timers.

I have an issue with my cell phone. When I want to send someone a text message I have to choose the person, choose the "message" icon then choose whether I want to send them a text, voice or picture message. SRSLY!? There are three other ways to do the latter two why can't there be a quick way to just send a text?

[garygnu]

I'm painting a lot right now and I'm reminded again how much I dislike the ArtBin holding my paint. It has numerous removable smaller containers that are just too small to hold anything I use, and they just take up space inside where I need it.

I'd buy a new one but I'd rather buy more paint (or a giant easel).

[Zsofia]

Originally Posted by Cat Whisperer

Add a "Last" button to that list (so you can flip between two channels), and I'm there.

No, I really need that stupid "Input" button they're always hiding.

[Larry Mudd]

Originally Posted by ZipperJJ

Aren't all of those things with clocks also things that have timers? My coffee maker, stove, microwave and DVD players all have timers and thus need clocks.

My coffee maker, stove, and microwave all have timers which are effectively useless. I've gotten some use out of the coffee timer, but something just feels wrong about letting ground beans sit out overnight; I end up just making it it in the morning and don't see any tangible benefit in having it start in the morning. (This may have been more useful in my twenties, when I took it for granted that the morning was going to be a struggle to achieve consciousness. Now, it just lets the coffee oxidize overnight and lets the pot get a jump on that been-on-the-warmer-too-long taste.)

My DVD player has a clock on the front for no earthly reason. The VCR needed to know what time it was, but the DVD player doesn't, it's just "Hey, let's display the time with this LED panel when it's not doing anything else!" Hey, let's not!

[Lukeinva]

About that dashboard dimmer, I've used it. About three summers ago... during an intimate moment. The g/f got frisky and... y'know... the lights just had to go down.

[Cicero]

Yesterday I went through everything on my 2 year old car. I found a computer system giving me a lot of data about fuel consumption and average speed I have never used. Prior to today.

[GuanoLad]

My washing machine has about fifteen different settings. I use just one.

The only variable is how much water it needs for each load, and it figures that out by itself.

[cochrane]

Originally Posted by aceplace57

Dash dimmer is a separate switch now? It's always been part of the headlight switch in my vehicles. Pull out for headlights and turn to dim the dashboard.

My car (a 96 Ford) has a three-position rotary knob on the dashboard for the headlights. Position #1 for off, #2 for parking lights, and #3 for headlights. Like this, actually. The dimmer is a small thumbwheel that is next to it. It sets inside the dash with the edge with the wheel sitting flush.

[MsRobyn]

Originally Posted by enipla

Uh... Wouldn't you just turn off your headlights?

With that said, I do sometimes use it on night time drives.

And a count down alarm on a watch is great for cooking. I use my phone for this also.

When you leave the drive-in you need the parking lights so you can see to get out. That's when the dimmer is good.

[Double Foolscap]

My iPod touch has a Stocks app which I've never used.

I've also never used that music mixing programme on my Mac, even when I've had to mix music (there are better programs available online).

My phone has a text scanning and transcribing tool, which I tried once for the novelty of the thing and haven't used since.

I've never gone above the 4 setting on my toaster, or used the defrost button.

[Diceman]

We got a flat-screen tv for Christmas. The remote control has a row of four colored buttons that do nothing. Seriously. The instruction booklet even admits, "These buttons have no function at this time."

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by aceplace57

Dash dimmer is a separate switch now? It's always been part of the headlight switch in my vehicles. Pull out for headlights and turn to dim the dashboard.

What are you driving there, grandpa, a Studebaker?


mmm

[Gatopescado]

Gee, my old LaSalle runs great!

I rarely use my cell phone, and when I do, its only to make a call. Don't even know what the hell else it can do.