Most people here love gadgets. That's pretty much the definition of a geek--someone who believes there's a technological solution for every problem.

However, like you, I wonder if trying to gain that additional 5% of optimisation is worth it. Modern Honeywell thermostats already offer enough settings (wake/leave/return/bedtime) that I don't see a Nest making my life significantly better.

Internet-connected smoke alarms, on the otherhand, I feel are useful. Just like I get an alert when my credit card is used, I'd like to know if something set off the alarm in my house. The microphone doesn't need to be in it, though.