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Jefferson Graham runs down the winners and losers of CES 2018. USA TODAY

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LAS VEGAS—The least popular gadget in the news last week—and the latest shopper-beware lesson from the tech industry—may have been a single device in a corner of a Kodak exhibit at the CES convention here.

That rectangular gadget was a high-powered computer made to “mine” Bitcoin by performing the increasingly intense calculations that generate more of the digital currency.

By itself, Bitcoin has already earned a bit of a toxic reputation for such traits as its extreme instability, the growing number of scams targeting the Bitcoin-curious, and its status as the currency of ransomware. But wait, there’s more.

The former photography giant had put this machine on display to attract renters, not buyers. A Kodak licensee called Spotlite USA would have you pay $3,400 for two years’ use of one of these contraptions, housed at a facility near Kodak’s Rochester, N.Y. offices. In return, Spotlite would keep half of all the Bitcoins it generated over that time.

More: Kodak shares have more than tripled since announcing new cryptocurrency 'KodakCoin'

More: Kodak creating KodakCoin, develops its own cryptocurrency system

In a conversation on the show floor Thursday, Spotlite CEO Halston Mikail put that as a good deal that’s already attracting customers.

"Your $3,400 becomes $9,000," he said, adding that Spotlite benefits from low electricity costs of just 4 cents per kilowatt from a local coal-fired plant.

(Your own home may have much cleaner power, but you wouldn’t want to keep a Bitcoin miner there anyway. Beyond its voracious appetite for electricity, its cooling fans make a racket that Mikail compared to having a hair dryer on high.)

The dubious math behind Spotlite’s pitch drew an extra level of scorn.

The basic problem, as BuzzFeed’s Ryan Mac explained in a post headlined “This Is Why Experts Are Calling Kodak's New Bitcoin Scheme A Scam,” is that it gets progressively more difficult to mine more bitcoin. So unless Bitcoin’s value increases far above its current level—the classic expectation behind a doomed market bubble—a renter of Kodak’s miner can’t possibly make the promised returns.

In that aspect, this Bitcoin play looks uniquely bad among gadget debuts for not just surfing on an overhyped trend but for banking on consumer innumeracy.

But in too many other ways, it fits quite well with a longstanding tradition of tech excess disconnected from real-world utility. Think of 4K screens on phones and 8K displays in TVs that pack in more resolution than human retinas can perceive at normal viewing distances. Or contemplate Apple and Google removing headphone jacks on smartphones because making a mobile device infinitesimally smaller outranks keeping a perfectly functional, universally supported connector.

More: Here's what we wanted to see from CES, but didn't

More: I just bought a 4K TV. Don't tell me 8K is coming!

More: These are the best phones that still have a headphone jack

In all these cases, the problem isn’t just tech companies selling something most people don’t need, but also the diversion of effort and expertise that could have gone into something that people actually need. For example, extremely fast computation is a lot more useful in a self-driving car that can make the roads more efficient and safer.

But as long as the gadget business stays this wide-open and this potentially lucrative, you’re going to keep seeing dubious propositions like Spotlite’s bitcoin-mining deal. When you see them, just remember to ask one simple question: What’s the actual problem you’re trying to solve here?

CES 2018: The coolest tech you have to see
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Casio's G's Eye is a wearable action on display at
Casio's G's Eye is a wearable action on display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The G's Eye is waterproof to 50 meter, wth a super wide angle lens, has slow motion capabilities and image stabilization.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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Tomer Yehezkel takes part in a virtual reality demonstration
Tomer Yehezkel takes part in a virtual reality demonstration in the automotive area of the Samsung display a the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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People crowd around a display of service robots at
People crowd around a display of service robots at the LG display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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People crowd around a display of service robots at
People crowd around a display of service robots at the LG display.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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People take snapshots before entering extensive Samsung
People take snapshots before entering extensive Samsung display.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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People walk through LG's tunnel of OLED TVs at the
People walk through LG's tunnel of OLED TVs at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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The TLC display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show
The TLC display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is filled with their OLED TVs.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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People crowd around the Huawei display to look over
People crowd around the Huawei display to look over the company's cellphones.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Huawei Mate10 Pro cellphone on displayed.
The Huawei Mate10 Pro cellphone on displayed.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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Weibin Chen, left, and Zhuo Li look over the Huawei
Weibin Chen, left, and Zhuo Li look over the Huawei Mate 10 Pro cellphone.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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Attendees watch a 3D version of the classic movie "It's
Attendees watch a 3D version of the classic movie "It's A Wonderful Life" at the Stream TV display.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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Stream TV, based in Philadelphia, showed off their
Stream TV, based in Philadelphia, showed off their Ultra 3D technology at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Stream TV 3D does not require the viewer to wear glasses or goggles and provides content conversion from any 2D or 3D source.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Tainerz, a rap and dance group from New Orleans,
The Tainerz, a rap and dance group from New Orleans, entertain a large crowd at the Monster display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK
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Cara Tass takes a selfie on an adjustable bed at the
Cara Tass takes a selfie on an adjustable bed at the Ergomotion display.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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The R-Pur is an anti-pollution mask. The company says
The R-Pur is an anti-pollution mask. The company says their product will clean air filtered of toxic particles, allergens, viruses and bacteria.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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ProGlove is a smart glove that features sensors and
ProGlove is a smart glove that features sensors and scanners embedded in them. The company says the ProGlove will allow manufacturing and logistics staff to work faster and more safely.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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The Mito underwater drone is demonstrated at the Navatics
The Mito underwater drone is demonstrated at the Navatics display. The Mito can be used at depths up to130 feet, with a 2 hour run time and has video recording and live-streaming capabilities.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Morgan Sanserino, of TotoUSA, demonstrates the company's
Morgan Sanserino, of TotoUSA, demonstrates the company's toilette bowl cleansing system. TotoUSA says their Water+ mists the bowl with electrolyzed water, which has a slightly acidic pH value, keeping the bowl fresh and clean longer.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A robotic prosthetic hand is controlled by CES attendee
A robotic prosthetic hand is controlled by CES attendee Ephraim Sng at the BrainCo display. In the Background is BrainCo's Matthew Hur.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Orbit is one of several companies showing off bluetooth
Orbit is one of several companies showing off bluetooth tracking products and apps. Orbit gives users the ability to find keys, wallets, glasses and other personal items at the touch of a button your connected device.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Autel Robotics showed off their Evo Drone.
Autel Robotics showed off their Evo Drone.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Robomart is a driverless, electric, mobile market that
Robomart is a driverless, electric, mobile market that delivers groceries on demand also allows customers to select their own fresh produce.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Attendees get a chance to play the Golfzon Vision Compact
Attendees get a chance to play the Golfzon Vision Compact Simulator.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A Jimu Robot dances at the Ubtech. The Jimu Robot
A Jimu Robot dances at the Ubtech. The Jimu Robot gives children 8 years old and up the ability to design and program their own robot.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Orbit is one of several companies showing off bluetooth
Orbit is one of several companies showing off bluetooth tracking products and apps. Orbit gives users the ability to find keys, wallets, glasses and other personal items at the touch of a button your connected device.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A new app for the Litter-Robot Open Air, an automatic
A new app for the Litter-Robot Open Air, an automatic self-cleaning litter box, is demonstrated. The app will allow pet owners to receive status notifications, monitor litter box usage and view the waste drawer level.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Juliana Fernandez tries DJI's immersive goggles that
Juliana Fernandez tries DJI's immersive goggles that monitor the action of their drones and cameras.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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James Hill looks over Kodak's Super 8 movie camera.
James Hill looks over Kodak's Super 8 movie camera. The camera has a digital display but will shoot several different films the company will have available.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Attendees at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show try
Attendees at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show try the Dr. Fuji Cyber Body Shaper FJ700 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Cyber Body Shaper is a platform fitness massage full body vibration machine that the company says increases blood flow.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A Jimu Robot dances at the Ubtech booth. The Jimu Robot
A Jimu Robot dances at the Ubtech booth. The Jimu Robot gives children the ability to design and program their own robot.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Attendees stream into the Sands Convention Center for
Attendees stream into the Sands Convention Center for the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Natsuka Nakauchi takes a snapshot of a Polaroid instant
Natsuka Nakauchi takes a snapshot of a Polaroid instant print camera.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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"Samsung City" is what the company is calling their
"Samsung City" is what the company is calling their extensive display of smart products.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Retired astronaut Captain Scott Kelly talked to a large
Retired astronaut Captain Scott Kelly talked to a large crowd at the Nikon display. Kelly is an avid photographer and is one of several guest lectures Nikon has scheduled for CES.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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An attendee at the opening day of the 2018 Consumer
An attendee at the opening day of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show gets up close to look at an LG AI OLED television.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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George Chityat participates in a demonstration of Samsung's
George Chityat participates in a demonstration of Samsung's VR technology.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Shuichun Peng looks over retro-50's products at the
Shuichun Peng looks over retro-50's products at the Victrola display.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Shuichun Peng looks over retro-50's products at the
Shuichun Peng looks over retro-50's products at the Victrola display.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Steve Murray tries Flexisport, which combines work
Steve Murray tries Flexisport, which combines work and exercise by incorporating a desk with a stationary bike.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Attendees at the opening day of the 2018 Consumer Electronics
Attendees at the opening day of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show get shaken up during a demonstration of Samsung's VR technology.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Simon Carlback looks over the variety of humidifiers
Simon Carlback looks over the variety of humidifiers demonstrated at the at the Objecto booth.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Bell Helicopter offered a sneak peek of its first electric
Bell Helicopter offered a sneak peek of its first electric flying taxi.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Polaroid's Pop is a camera and printer combined.
Polaroid's Pop is a camera and printer combined.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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The controller for LG robot lawn mower draws a crowd.
The controller for LG robot lawn mower draws a crowd.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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TLC features their 4k curved televisions.
TLC features their 4k curved televisions.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Xu Li goes upside down at the Samsung display showing
Xu Li goes upside down at the Samsung display showing off the company's VR technology.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Attendees walk by a wall of Haier televisions.
Attendees walk by a wall of Haier televisions.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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This is the newest generation of the Aibo robot, which
This is the newest generation of the Aibo robot, which uses artificial intelligences.  DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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Chinese tech company Baidu demonstrates Raven R a six-axis
Chinese tech company Baidu demonstrates Raven R a six-axis robotic arm.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Keecker, the first voice-enabled multimedia home robot.
Keecker, the first voice-enabled multimedia home robot.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Jeffrey Levy demonstrates the Coravin Wine Preservation
Jeffrey Levy demonstrates the Coravin Wine Preservation Opener. The product allows users to pour wine without removing the cork preserving the rest of the bottle for weeks, months or years according to time company.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Alan Naim demonstrates Foldimate.
Alan Naim demonstrates Foldimate.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Jake Tivy tries Realmax’s new 100-degree mobile Augmented
Jake Tivy tries Realmax’s new 100-degree mobile Augmented Reality Glasses.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Jack Mudd rides the Onewheel+ XR.
Jack Mudd rides the Onewheel+ XR.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Drone pilot Colby Curtola flies a small consumer drone
Drone pilot Colby Curtola flies a small consumer drone at the Fat Shark display.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Drone pilot Travis Ames demonstrates an aircraft during
Drone pilot Travis Ames demonstrates an aircraft during the annual during the Drone Rodeo held annually the day before the start of the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. Drone Shark is showing off their first drone, which will be sold in a complete kit for $249. The Drone Rodeo brings together manufacturers, pilots, media and drone enthusiasts where they can get a close up look at new drones and technology.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A Volocopter, the first Intel-powered autonomous air
A Volocopter, the first Intel-powered autonomous air transport.   Ethan Miller, GETTY IMAGES
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These are the Sony WF-SP700N noise-canceling earphones.
These are the Sony WF-SP700N noise-canceling earphones.   John Locher, AP
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This is Sony's Aibo robot dog.
This is Sony's Aibo robot dog.   John Locher, AP
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People look through Sony PlayStation VR headsets.
People look through Sony PlayStation VR headsets.   John Locher, AP
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These are Vuzix augmented reality smart glasses.
These are Vuzix augmented reality smart glasses.   DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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Eric Chen, of Bellus 3D, holds up a lifelike 3D rendering
Eric Chen, of Bellus 3D, holds up a lifelike 3D rendering of his face that was captured by the company’s new camera and app.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A woman takes pictures of the R-Pur face mask.
A woman takes pictures of the R-Pur face mask.   LARRY W. SMITH, EPA-EFE
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This is a SABINETEK SMIC recording condenser microphone.
This is a SABINETEK SMIC recording condenser microphone.   DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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Saxophonist Eddie Rich plays at the Dassault booth.
Saxophonist Eddie Rich plays at the Dassault booth. SYOS offers saxophone players an on-demand sound thanks to 3D printed custom mouthpieces using Dassault solutions.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A RAPAEL Smart Board, which assists rehabilitation
A RAPAEL Smart Board, which assists rehabilitation for stroke victims.  DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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These are E-vone smart shoes.
These are E-vone smart shoes.   DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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ZeTime hybrid smart watches.
ZeTime hybrid smart watches.   DAVID MCNEW, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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The Caveasy One connected wine rack.
The Caveasy One connected wine rack.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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Gabriel Pleszowski gets his skin analyzed using Neutrogena's
Gabriel Pleszowski gets his skin analyzed using Neutrogena's Skin360 and SkinScanner.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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The Electron Wheel converts a traditional bicycle into
The Electron Wheel converts a traditional bicycle into an electric, pedal-assist bike.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Victoria Roa-Stevenson shows myBrain Technologies's
Victoria Roa-Stevenson shows myBrain Technologies's Melomind, a relaxing headset.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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An attendee creates a postcard with his selfie using
An attendee creates a postcard with his selfie using Postmii, a tricycle based photo-printing service.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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Mirian da Silva demonstrates the HiMirror Plus smart
Mirian da Silva demonstrates the HiMirror Plus smart mirror.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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The Benjilock, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint
The Benjilock, a rechargeable lock that uses fingerprint technology.  Jae C. Hong, AP
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The HiMirror Mini, an internet-connected smart mirror
The HiMirror Mini, an internet-connected smart mirror with Amazon's Alexa.   Jae C. Hong, AP
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Byton CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Carston Breitfeld talks
Byton CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Carston Breitfeld talks about the new Byton electric car.   LARRY W. SMITH, EPA-EFE
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An exhibitor demonstrates the Virtual Reality headset
An exhibitor demonstrates the Virtual Reality headset and foot rudder by 3dRudder, Inc.  LARRY W. SMITH, EPA-EFE
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Some of GDU Technology's drones.
Some of GDU Technology's drones.   LARRY W. SMITH, EPA-EFE
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Raboo smart chargers.
Raboo smart chargers.   Alex Wong, GETTY IMAGES
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The LG PuriCare TM 360 air purifier with SmartThinQ.
The LG PuriCare TM 360 air purifier with SmartThinQ.   Alex Wong, Getty Images
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LooxidVR, the first mobile VR headset to provide an
LooxidVR, the first mobile VR headset to provide an interface for the eyes and the brain with two eye tracking cameras and six brain-wave sensors.   Alex Wong, GETTY IMAGES
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CareOS, the first smart health and beauty hub for the
CareOS, the first smart health and beauty hub for the bathroom.   Alex Wong, Getty Images
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Shane Chen rides his latest invention a self-balancing
Shane Chen rides his latest invention a self-balancing "hoverboard" called the IotaTrax.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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"Buddy" a companion robot from Blue Frog Robotics.
"Buddy" a companion robot from Blue Frog Robotics.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Dingua Zhong and Bastiaan Vroegop (rear) try the Aurasens
Dingua Zhong and Bastiaan Vroegop (rear) try the Aurasens smart chair. The smart chair features 32 points of contact to give the user an enhanced music experience.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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Austin Yu, of Neofect, shows off the company's Rafael
Austin Yu, of Neofect, shows off the company's Rafael Smart Glove a device with movement and position sensors on the fingers and wrists to help patients with rehabilitation.   Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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A man walks past a sign for the 2018 Consumer Electronics
A man walks past a sign for the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2017. The 2018 CES runs from Jan. 9-12.  MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images
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The registration tent can be seen at the Las Vegas
The registration tent can be seen at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2017.   MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images
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Workers prepare a sign at the Panasonic booth at the
Workers prepare a sign at the Panasonic booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center ahead of the opening of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2017.  MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images
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Workers prepare exhibits outside the Las Vegas Convention
Workers prepare exhibits outside the Las Vegas Convention Center for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 7, 2018.  DAVID MCNEW, AFP/Getty Images
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The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.  Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
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The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
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The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.  Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Fullscreen
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as
The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is expected to as many as 175,000 people to Las Vegas, to see the latest in new gadgets, TVs, cars and the like. Companies exhibiting include Sony, Google and Samsung. The show starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.   Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
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    Rob Pegoraro is a tech writer based out of Washington, D.C. To submit a tech question, e-mail Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/robpegoraro.

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