When 'Wireless' Isn't Magic: The Hilarious Tale of the Monitor That Needed a Power Cord
If you’ve ever worked in tech support, you know that the line between magic and technology is razor-thin for some users. It’s not uncommon to field questions about “the cup holder that keeps retracting” (spoiler: it’s the CD drive), or requests for more “internet memory.” But every now and then, a story surfaces that so perfectly encapsulates the daily absurdities of IT life, you can’t help but laugh—and maybe cry a little inside.
Recently, a gem from Reddit’s r/TalesFromTechSupport made the rounds, and it’s a doozy: a user, irrevocably certain that their new “wireless monitor” should not require a power cord, submits a ticket because—shockingly—the device won’t turn on. The ensuing conversation is an absolute masterclass in patience, humor, and the eternal struggle to explain that “wireless” doesn’t mean “runs on pure vibes.”
Wireless: The Word That Launched a Thousand Support Tickets
The story, originally posted by u/1kmilo, begins with a classic IT ticket: “Monitor won’t turn on.” So far, so good. The support technician does what any seasoned pro would do—check the basics.
“Can you check if the power button is lit?”
“No, it’s completely dark.”
“Okay, let’s check the power cable. Is it firmly plugged into the back of the monitor and into the wall outlet?”
Cue the long, confused silence.
“What power cable?”
At this point, you can almost hear the tech support heart rate rising through the phone line. The user, it turns out, believes that because they requested a “wireless” monitor, it should be completely cable-free. Not just data cables—any cables. Including, yes, the humble power cord.
Magic Monitors and the Limits of "Wireless"
There’s something both hilarious and oddly endearing about this misunderstanding. In the user’s mind, “wireless” means no wires. At all. Why shouldn’t a $300 monitor harbor a tiny nuclear reactor or a hamster wheel inside, silently powering itself with no need for earthly electricity?
The technician, displaying saintly patience, explains that “wireless” refers to video transmission only—the monitor still needs a power source. Otherwise, we’re in the realm of fantasy. The user’s retort?
“Well, that’s false advertising! What’s the point of it being wireless if I still have to plug it into the wall?”
It’s a question that, in its own way, cuts to the core of the modern tech experience. We live in a world where phones charge on pads, cars drive themselves, and ChatGPT writes blog posts (hi!). Why shouldn’t a monitor be completely untethered? (Science, that’s why.)
Tech Support: The High Priests of the Digital Age
The best part of this saga might be the technician’s field report: after dispatching a tech to physically plug in the power cord, the user watched, eyes narrowed, as if witnessing a forbidden ritual. The cord was plugged in; the monitor, at last, sprang to life. No magic words, no secret handshake—just the power of electricity, flowing through, well, a wire.
This kind of interaction is daily bread for tech support teams everywhere. It’s a reminder that for many, technology remains a mysterious force—one that sometimes requires a little faith, a lot of patience, and the occasional in-person demonstration.
Why This Matters (and Why We Should Laugh)
On the surface, it’s a funny story—one to share over coffee with your IT colleagues. But it’s also a gentle nudge: as technology becomes more “magical,” the gap between expectation and reality can widen. To the average user, “wireless” is a promise, not a technical specification. It’s up to those in tech to bridge that gap with empathy, humor, and, sometimes, a well-timed field visit.
So next time you’re tempted to roll your eyes at a “silly” question, remember: every innovation brings its own set of misconceptions. And every support ticket is a chance to demystify the magic—one power cord at a time.
Have your own tales of wireless woes or magical misunderstandings? Drop them in the comments below! And if you’re ever unsure whether a device needs a power cord, just remember: even wizards need a wand.
Source: A user insisted their "wireless" monitor was broken because it needed a power cord. (Reddit)
Original Reddit Post: A user insisted their 'wireless' monitor was broken because it needed a power cord.