This is the 10171st most frequent Russian word.
бесполезные
Useless.
The word 'бесполезные' is used as an adjective to describe the devices as not having practical use in the context mentioned.
Эти устаревшие устройства бесполезные в современной работе.
These outdated devices are useless in modern work.
Here, 'бесполезные' describes the efforts, implying that they lack efficacy or purpose according to the speaker's opinion.
Он сказал, что все наши усилия бесполезные, но я не согласен.
He said that all our efforts are useless, but I disagree.
In this sentence, 'бесполезные' characterizes 'вещи' (items), indicating they are of no value or use to the recipient.