When Monitors Run on Magic: The Hilarious Tale of “Self-Powered” Screens in Tech Support
Have you ever wished your electronics could just… work? No cords, no fuss, just pure, unadulterated convenience? Well, apparently, so did the manager in this tech support tale, who seemed convinced that 24” monitors could run on hopes, dreams, and a DisplayPort cable alone.
It’s the kind of story that makes you appreciate both the power of technology—and the power of office myths.
Let’s set the scene: A company, like many in recent years, is sending employees home with all the essentials for remote work. Among the trove of home office gear: shiny new 24-inch monitors. But there’s a twist—a well-meaning (or perhaps just wildly misinformed) department manager has been telling folks that these monitors are, in fact, self-powered. No power cords needed. Just plug in the video cable and voilà! Instant productivity.
Cue the incoming flood of tech support calls.
“Why won’t my monitor turn on?”
The support team, bemused and slightly exasperated, starts getting call after call. Each user swears up and down that their manager told them power cords are optional. No need to plug the monitor into the wall. The manager said so!
But here’s the thing: these monitors aren’t some futuristic, wireless, self-charging marvels. They’re not even USB-C powered (which, to be fair, can carry both video and power for some monitors—just not these). No, these are regular monitors requiring a good old-fashioned power plug.
The best (or worst) part? The users are so certain of this new “cordless revolution” that they demand a demonstration. The tech support team is asked to set up a monitor in the office—on display like a science fair project—to prove, once and for all, that yes, dear colleagues, electronics still need power.
It’s the kind of scenario that would make even Elon Musk jealous. If only Teslas could run on the same magic as these mythical monitors, we’d all be cruising the highways for free, no Superchargers required.
Why Do These Myths Spread?
It’s easy to laugh, but this story is a masterclass in how quickly tech misconceptions can spread, especially from figures of authority. The manager, perhaps misremembering a demo or confusing different models, becomes the unwitting source of “truth” for the whole department. Suddenly, a dozen workers are convinced they’re on the cutting edge of monitor technology.
It’s a phenomenon familiar to anyone in IT: one well-intentioned but ill-informed leader, and suddenly you’re fielding questions about whether “cloud storage” means files are literally floating in the sky.
A Teachable Moment (and a Chuckle)
The beauty of stories like this is that they’re both hilarious and educational. They remind us that:
- Most monitors (especially those without USB-C) definitely need power cords.
- DisplayPort and HDMI carry video and sometimes audio, but not enough juice to run a 24” screen.
- If your electronics aren’t working, check the basics first—starting with “Is it plugged in?”
As for the tech support heroes, they deserve a medal (or at least a coffee) for keeping a straight face as they demonstrate the ancient art of “plugging things in.” Sometimes, you just have to show, not tell.
Powering Down (with a Smile)
So next time you set up your home office, give your power cords a little love—they’re doing the heavy lifting. And if you ever find yourself wishing for self-powered gadgets, just remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unless Elon Musk is secretly working on it.
What’s the wildest tech myth you’ve encountered at work? Drop your own tales of tech confusion in the comments below—let’s keep the laughs (and the learning) going!
Are power cords really optional? Only in the land of office legends. Share this story with your favorite tech support hero—they’ve earned it.
Original Reddit Post: Power cords optional