In the world of battery-powered devices, there's a spec that reigns supreme: the watt. Yet, manufacturers often overlook it in favor of more marketable metrics like milliamp-hours (mAh) and megahertz. According to Sean Hollister, a senior editor at The Verge, watts are the key to understanding a device's true power and capabilities.

Hollister argues that watts provide a more accurate representation of a device's performance than mAh or megahertz. Watts measure the literal power under the hood, including the energy provided by the battery and the power coursing through the chip. This, in turn, determines how much cooling is required to prevent overheating and throttling. Moreover, watts can be used to calculate battery life, making it a more practical and useful spec for consumers.

The Steam Deck gaming handheld is a prime example of the importance of watts. With a 15-watt maximum processor wattage and up to 9 watts of overhead for other components, users can estimate their battery life based on the watt-hours (Wh) of battery remaining and the wattage at which the device is draining. This simple math can help users plan their gaming sessions and make informed decisions about their device's performance.

Despite the significance of watts, manufacturers often prefer to quote more impressive-sounding numbers like mAh or gigahertz. This can be misleading, as these specs don't provide a complete picture of a device's capabilities. Hollister notes that some chip makers even hide the wattage of their chips, making it difficult for consumers to make informed comparisons.

The reason for this lack of transparency may be rooted in history. James Watt, the inventor who lent his name to the unit of measurement, popularized the phrase "horsepower" as a way to sell his improved steam engine. This marketing coup led to the widespread adoption of horsepower as a unit of measurement, which has since been criticized for being misleading. Hollister suggests that this legacy of confusing specs may be responsible for the industry's reluctance to prioritize watts.

So, what can be done to change this? Hollister advocates for manufacturers to start sharing watts with consumers, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their devices. By prioritizing watts, manufacturers can provide a more accurate representation of their products' capabilities and help consumers better understand their devices. As Hollister puts it, "Free the watt, or else I'll start measuring gadgets in horsepower out of spite."

In conclusion, the watt is a critical spec that deserves more attention in the world of battery-powered devices. By understanding the importance of watts, consumers can make more informed decisions about their devices and manufacturers can provide more accurate representations of their products. It's time to prioritize watts and move away from misleading specs like mAh and megahertz.