I was very surprised how difficult it was to find _any_ quiet place in our rather large open office. Cafeteria has ping pong and sports TV blasting, conference rooms would be reserved, etc.
That fancy, exotic technology you're describing only works well if you actually have some place quieter to move to, or have music you can blast that you can listen to while working.
Not everyone works in an office with spare rooms. And not everyone enjoys listening to metal or house. Cranking up the volume on, say, Erik Satie won't do much to mask background noise.
Laptop ergonomics aren't great, and headphones can damage your hearing. Up to you, of course.
we have these things called "laptops" with "wifi" access technology. Typically you should be able to unplug your power cord, stand up and move your feet to quieter areas.
My mac laptop also has command-Q technology built into all my programs -- including chat and email.
Also I have these things that go over my ears and delivery music.