Technically Speaking

Where did you go?

For many years, the dream of military people has been to make their men and machines totally invisible to the enemy. Instead of just hiding in holes or around corners, the use of new technologies may just give them the reality to that dream. In the UK, the Ministry of Defense has advised that they are testing technology they claim makes tanks and troops invisible. The highly secret trials (couldn’t have been that secret) were conducted by the Royal Engineers and scientists from specialist researchers QinetiQ, the former research arm of the MoD who described the tests successful after they were able to make a vehicle seem to completely disappear. According to the clever ‘boffins’, the breakthrough was made possible by using cameras and projectors to beam images captured from the surrounding landscape onto a specially adapted tank coated with silicon to maximize their reflective qualities, resulting in the naked eye seeing only the view which is behind the tank. The technology could reach the battlefield within five years, they say. Aside from the tank, the British military is also testing a combat jacket working on the same principles. So Big Brother may not only be watching you – he may be also invisible while doing it. Paranoia ‘r’ us!

Eye, eye

Last piece on laptops for a while - I promise. Lets talk webcams. Now, as many of you may know, a lot of newer, higher-end laptops come with built-in webcams and microphones. However, a large number of laptops do not and those that have microphones built-in have very poor sound pick-up and quality. So, a 3rd-party webcam is the solution and I have some very definite views on that. Firstly, always buy a webcam from a reputable company - Microsoft or Logitech. Why? Simple - in one word, drivers. You want to know that the manufacturer will support their product though the years and especially with updates for Windows and Mac OS 10. Secondly, the quality of the webcam you buy depends strictly on cost. How much do you want to spend? Typically, anywhere between $40-100 will get just the one you need. At present I am using the Logitech Quickcam Pro on my Acer laptop. This is a really nice item. It has a very clear and crisp picture thanks to it's 1.3 megapixel lens, auto focus and strong low light capabilities coupled with easy to use software. This is a terrific camera to use with Skype and MSN. Now $90 may be a little rich for some of you, so here is the Quickcam Deluxe at around $50-60. Much the same as the higher priced model but with manual focus instead - no real issue there. In closing then; ensure you get a webcam with USB 2.0, 1.3 megapixel resolution, built in microphone and ensure that the latest drivers are available. In addition, most webcams - at least from Logitech - come with a small pouch to carry them in, very handy.

Thomas and Gerold

Had a good weekend? Good - it's back to laptops again. Today we will look at mice. I have always found that the pads on notebooks are rather finicky to use and the only built-in pointing device I ever got the hang of was the 'pencil eraser' on the IBM (now Lenovo) laptops. Initially, I thought they were really silly - until I used it. However, my current laptop doesn't have this and I was forced to look for a better option. My son had just bought a new cordless mouse for his Dell, but decided not to use it, so it passed to me. It's a Logitech V400 cordless mouse and, so far, it's been a very nice and easy to use mouse. It uses a USB 'dongle' to transmit and this little USB key fits right inside the mouse making it almost impossible to lose. I also have looked at the newer V220 mouse as a replacement, but I have reservations. As with any high quality Microsoft or Logitech mouse in the past, it is a very clean and functional design with little in the way of 'frills'. As before, it uses a USB key for connection which, this time, clips to the bottom of the mouse when not in use. The sides are easy to hold with rubber grips and the finger rests are well contoured. My reservations? It's a little small for my hands although not uncomfortable to hold for short periods of time. It just shows that when buying a mouse, either for desktop or laptop PC's always test them out in the store first - it can save much misery when using an uncomfortable mouse. I do however, recommend a cordless mouse for a laptop - it doesn't get in the way and is easy to store. Do I recommend the V220 from Logitech? Well, yes! It may not be best for me but it's features and ease of use make it a contender.

Busy, busy, busy

Quick blog, can't talk, lot's to do.........What am I doing? I'm busy building a nice big paper model from Fiddlers Green, a JU 52 Bomber in Spanish colours. It's a beauty and seems to be a very nice model indeed. So far I have most of the fuselage done and will be starting on the wings soon - that will be an adventure. I do have one problem though, where the heck to put it when I'm done. Soon there will be another big (I mean BIG!) model coming, the ME 321 Gigant transport. I don't know if I will attempt that one, it may be too much for me. Ooops, I hear the call of the air - I'm off.

Start me up

We'll take a break from laptops for a while and explore the wonderful new world of Mac OS 10.5 or Leopard, if you prefer. It's early days, but so far no real issues have arisen that say 'no to Leopard'. The main new features appear to be:

Time Machine - automatic file back-up

Stacks - related files and folders grouped automatically Spaces - keep separate desktops for different uses

Quick Look - Examines the contents of a file without having to open the related program

Coverflow Finder - flick through files and folders like album art in iTunes

Boot Camp - run Windows on a Mac

The one major thing that has come up is the final demise of Mac Classic, the OS that originally appeared back in 1984 with the first Mac. You would be amazed how many people that will upset - it's scary how many businesses are running on non OS 10 compatible applications. It's like PC people running on Windows 3.1 (you know who you are). I am not in favour of upgrading just for the sake of it, after all, our main PC is still on XP, but you must try to keep up with the times.

Put a sock in it!

Among the issues with laptops are that people find that others don't want to hear what they are doing and you have difficulties in listening to movies and music in high-traffic areas such as an airport. Over the years I have used headphones and headsets from just about every manufacturer around, if fact, just looking around the house, we have headsets from Sony, Phillips, Sennheuser, Microsoft and Logitech. This doesn't cover the ones we must have discarded over time for breakages and so forth. Obviously, with a laptop, heavy full-cup headphones are a real bugger to carry around and take up valuable space and rarely fit nicely into a laptop carry case. I have been testing the Logitech Premium Notebook headset ($59.99) and must admit I like them very much. They are a foldable, behind-the-head design with limited earpiece adjustment and an adjustable microphone boom attached. They can be attached to standard 3.5mm connections or a USB port with the included adapter. Initially, I was rather confused on how to actually wear them, but once sorted out they are a absolute joy to wear. In fact, you would hardly know they are there although they do hug the head quite closely - no loose flappy earpieces here. They come with a rigid carry case and a nice long lead with in-line volume and mute controls complete the ensemble. The sound quality isn't bad - highs appear crisp and clear although the lows (bass) could use a little (a lot) of help. Worth $60 - ummmmm! Not really; they strike me a great for $25-30, but $60 would make me think twice. Don't get me wrong, I like them and do use them - but that $60 price tag is an issue.

Standing tall

We're up to part four. Today we will look at one of the most underrated accessories; a stand. As you may have found, using a laptop on a standard computer desk can be a bit of a pain. Luckily, many PC companies and 3rd-parties produce a plethora of various stands, some quite ornate. Unless you will always be working from a fixed position at home and need all the benefits of a desktop - larger screen, full size keyboard etc. - then you need something just a bit less 'over the top'. Logitech to the rescue - the Altos series of stands offers a nice range of solutions. I have been using the Altos Express stand and here are my thoughts: remember you get what you pay for - in this case around $30. As you can see, it's a very straightforward and 'clean' design (very Logitech) so it doesn't dominate the desk and is very light and portable. It holds the laptop securely but does cover any front ports - so that may be of concern to you (doesn't worry me). In addition, my laptop's feet are just too far apart to fit on the stand and need careful alignment. The curved design at the rear allows room for cables and good cooling. You can still fairly comfortably use the keyboard, but an external mouse may be a benefit. The screen is held at a nice high level, perfect for computer desks. However, it is far too high when used on a dining table and there is no adjustment - again, you get what you pay for. Worth the money? Yes, I think so - it does what it says it will do in a very unobtrusive fashion - if you want more functionality then there is more out there - just be sure you need it.

You want chips with that?

Boy, part three already - doesn't time fly? Today, as promised, CPU's and RAM. One simple rule - the more the better. CPU or RAM, it's the same. Whatever you buy today is, essentially, what you are stuck with tomorrow. Purchase any laptop with a minimum of 1gig of RAM (preferably DDR2) and a 64-bit (e.g. Turion or Sempron ) or, preferably, a dual-core CPU. If money is very tight, then a Centrino based unit is acceptable - stay away from Celerons - they really are too slow. In terms of CPU speed - as above - the faster the better and the best you can afford. It's OK to get a laptop with just 512mb RAM, but I would certainly advise upgrading especially if using Windows Visa. Now you notice I don't mention Apple laptops - there is a simple reason - I am not familiar enough with them and don't want to mislead you out of ignorance. See, at least I'm honest about it! Tomorrow we start on accessories.

Laptops 'r' still us

Made your list? Checked it twice? Not quite. I see - still some questions. Lets look at a couple of the usual things I hear asked. What sized screen is best? Remember, larger screen = more weight = more money. The screen really depends on you - if you will be using the laptop for traveling, then a 12" screen is fine; more of a home unit - the 15" or larger is your baby. Watching movies, gaming or using the unit from a fixed area - then the 17" or larger wide screens are worth investigating. If you have ever used a wide screen monitor on a regular PC, then you will find it hard to go back to a regular monitor - it will seem like a porthole on a ship. I find the other screen issue is with glare and viewing angles. Some manufacturers think it looks good to have a hi-gloss screen and push that feature as really hi-tech. Honestly, I prefer the more matte look of my Acer to the gloss finish of my son's Dell. There is still some glare on mine, but is much better for daytime viewing and the angle of view seems enhanced. If you are physically investigating laptops, then I really advise getting one outside to see how good the screen really is - it will save you many regrets later on. When it comes to the video processor, many of the rules above still apply - what are you expecting. If you're a gamer, then the higher powered video chips with independent memory (not all shared) is a must. The usual lower powered on-board video that most consumer laptops have will just not 'cut it' for you. If the laptop is mainly for work with a little play thrown in for 'down time', then the standard video is adequate, but you will find some newer games that will not run or even install. Tomorrow we will discuss the other 'guts' of the unit - CPU and memory. TTFN

Laptops 'r' us

Another missed day, but I'm much better now thank you. Well, let's get started. Laptop and notebook PC's eh? I am finding that the convenience and portability of the laptop makes it an ideal replacement for the more 'stay at home' desktop PC. In addition, the prices of the laptops available has dropped and, unfortunately, the choices have increased. So, how to choose? The first considerations should always be requirements and budget. In addition, spending the time getting knowledgeable about what's out there. Don't walk into a store and loudly proclaim, 'I want a laptop' - you wouldn't buy a car like that, would you? Oh, you would. Then stop reading this and go away! ..... is he gone? OK. As an informed purchaser, you are in a better position to zero in on just the right laptop for your specific needs. Be aware that whatever you buy will have limited upgrade potential and that may be a concern in the long run (especially if you are a gamer). Most laptops will allow an increase in RAM, the ability to change the harddrive and that's it! Better video, better screen, faster CPU - dream on, it isn't going to happen. So sit down and make a list of what you what the laptop to do and how much money you are willing to spend. Tomorrow, we will look at the next step.

They took away my toy

Just a quickie, in a manner of speaking. TV-links is shut down for linking to illegal video feeds. Never mind that YouTube and Google do much the same. Oh well, I'm sure they will surface somewhere else. I'll let you know when I do.

Oooooh! I'm ill

Sorry I missed a post yesterday, but I've been stricken with the dreaded Lurgi - probably the flu. I think that I'm just getting over it with plenty of vitamin C and lots of fluids. These things seem to attack with such ferocity and tend to leave you gasping for days afterwards. I'm just starting to eat properly again and get myself back to the land of the living - a good night's sleep would help. Anyhoo, I have a treat for you all, due to some very gracious support from those wonderful folks at Logitech, I will be spending the next week or so giving you ideas about using and accessorizing laptops. Many people are now using these as their main PC of choice and there are many products that 'say' they will improve their use, but do they? We will see. TTFN

It's the end of the world

I have some homework for you - see this show . Cast your minds back to the blackout of August 2003. Considering it was over fairly quickly, it was seen as a rather amusing situation. Now, what if the power never came back - what would you do - how would your survive? I'll bet that you couldn't bring yourself to kill people threatening you or your family - would you even know where to get a gun or even use it. Would you know how to plough a field or how to butcher a cow? On the TV-Links web site I found an almost forgotten BBC TV show that, in their first episode, addresses this very situation. It really makes you question our secure little lives and the fragility of the technology we rely on.

The lost weekend, found!

Betsy is up and running again. Whew! What a roller coaster ride. Yes, it was the RAM and, yes, we should have checked, but we were fed-up by then. The only extra purchase we made was a SATA CD drive - talk about cheap now - under $40 for a decent one from LG. So now we are running really fast with a nice new Intel chip and 1TB of internal storage (1TB!) and 250GB in an external NAS drive. Should be able to fill that lot in about a week. To be honest, although we had difficulties, it's not that hard to build your own PC. Just make sure you have a good case with lots of access and room to move around in.  One word of warning however; this particular case comes with a type of bungee cord suspension for the drives - don't use it - the cords will break after a year of so due to heat and dryness. Use the trays supplied - much better.

More of the same?

Here we go again! The latest and greatest Mac OS 10.5 or Leopard for you wanna-be show offs is on it's way. The official release is Friday, Octstober 26th at 6.00pm. Minimum specs: Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor with 512MB of physical RAM. $129 for a single-user copy or $199 for a 5-user, single-residence family pack. As usual,this will start a new round of updates,patches and 'bug fixes'. Of course Apple doesn't use those words, only nasty evil Microsoft does that, Ho hum, it never ends.

The lost weekend

Let me start by saying - I HATE COMPUTERS - there, that's better, much better. You would think that installing a motherboard, RAM and a CPU would be child's play, but nooooo. According to the Asus website, the motherboard was supposed to support the fast chip (updated in January), however it appears that the retailer must have had the board in stock for a long time - so no boot-up power. We tried two power supplies, but no go. So, back to return the board (15% restocking fee, damn) and get another one with native support. Yay! We now have power and all the fans spin up as expected. That's more like it, but, now what. No video, bugger! So, off we run to get a new video card - thank goodness for Futureshop's return policies - so did it work? Of course not, that would be too easy. We checked the monitor and the cable; all OK there. So, as we speak, the PC is in the shop for them to work out which of their bits aren't working (we think it's the RAM). Man, that was a whole weekend down the tubes and it's just a blooming computer! Good job it wasn't anything important.

Evolution in progress

It seems that the argument between creationism and evolution will just not go away despite the constant debunking of the pseudo-science of creationism. It may be comforting to think that there is a benign presence watching over us and directing our lives from cradle to grave, however I believe that the universe is more than that, a wonderful, scary and more miraculous place than we can imagine. Think of the technology today and try to explain how a cell-phone or a television works to other people - tough, isn't it? Now think of how your great-grandparents would see these modern 'miracles'.  As Arthur C. Clarke would say, 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic'. I don't think that it's  bad thing to say 'it's magic' when you don't understand how something works - after all, isn't it the magic around us that makes us wonder at the universe round us. Sorry to sound so 'preachy' today - it's a day of rest and reflection. Oh, and the picture - that's my cat showing how technically gifted she is.

Bringing light to the dark continent

Slowly but surely Sub-Saharan Africa is being opened up to the world. Mainly based on South Africa’s in-place internet infrastructure and the laying of the long-delayed East African Submarine Cable System (Eassy), which is set to run from South Africa to Sudan. Kenya has awarded an $82m undersea internet cable project to the same French-American company Alcatel-Lucent. The fibre-optic cable will be the region's first submarine telecoms link to the rest of the world and should cut costs and provide high-speed access. The contract for The East African Marine Systems (Teams) will be signed by the end of the month, a Kenyan information ministry spokesman said. The cable will run from Mombasa to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Kenya’s information ministry also said the company edged out their four competitors (Fujistu, NEC, Tyco Telecommunication and Huawei Technologies) on price and time-scale. Work on Teams is expected to start as soon as the deal is signed and the high-capacity fibre-optic cable should be in place within 16 months, before the end of the second quarter of 2009.

Beam me up

The immortal line, 'she canna take it captain' will be heard again when the latest (earliest?) Star Trek movie is unleashed in the near future. Set in the academy days of our favorite crew from the original series, the studios are keeping a tight rein on plot information. However, some casting news has been released. It appears that the role of Montgomery Scott will be taken by Simon Pegg and Chris Pine (who?) is in talks to play the young Captain Kirk. Pegg as Scotty may be a very good fit and it's just another step in the career of this very talented comic actor. In my humble opinion, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are arguably the funniest movies in the last few years and moving into a more 'straight' role is a logical next move. Look for a release around Christmas next year. By the way, the words 'beam me up, Scotty' were never said. What has this to do with anything technical? Who cares, it's Star Trek - almost as good as Dr. Who!

My election rant

Everyone has an election rant today - here's mine - enjoy. I am reminded of a quote from H. G. Wells in the preface to the War in the Air; 'I told you so. You damned fools'. Before the recent municipal and yesterday's provincial fiascoes - oops, I mean elections, I predicted that Miller would be mayor of Toronto again despite his obvious failings and that the liar McGuinty would be re-elected. It just proves to me that the population of Ontario and specifically Toronto have no political or social memory beyond yesterday. How else to explain the overwhelming victory of a party that was panned by just about everyone you spoke to or listened to on radio or television. The main issues with any election remain constant and are the main reasons why we get the results we do. Firstly is the pathetic turnout (50% this time), then are the people that vote for a particular party no matter what, then those that just vote for the hell of it and have no idea of who to vote for and, finally, those who are swayed by the last argument they hear. It seems that no-one (or very few) looks at the track record and makes a informed decision. I bet you that people with autistic children didn't vote Liberal. Ah well! Lets just sit back and see how much money we will lose in the next four years. Does this sound familiar?

Buck Rodgers; eat your heart out

The future is here! Looking very like the vehicles from a 50’s pulp science-fiction magazine cover, the Aptera may be gracing our streets soon if the hype is to be believed. After promising a 200 MPG output, the company is taking the next step to availability by accepting pre-orders for the car, which apparently now boasts a range of 300 MPG in typical driving conditions. What's more, the company says it’s also readying an  all-electric version of the vehicle in addition to the plug-in hybrid model, with promising to last for around 120 miles before needing a recharge. Both models will also apparently come packed with features, include driver and passenger side airbags, interior and exterior LED lighting, a ‘solar assisted’ climate control system (whatever that means), and an ‘advanced drive computer’ that includes GPS, a rear-view camera, and a complete vehicle diagnostic system. How much is this environmental goodness to cost you? According to the ‘blurb’ on their site, the electric and plug-in hybrid models are available for $26,900 and $29,900, respectively. If you’re feeling flush, you can reserve yours now for a mere $500, with the first vehicles promised to be in drivers hands in 12 months or so.

New lamps for old

Well, it's official, we are upgrading old Betsy. Went out yesterday and have nice new bits ready for unveiling. What did we get? Here goes; 2GB of Corsair DDR2 RAM sticks, a 500GB SATAII drive (to replace our 120GB boot drive), an Intel E6750 2.66 GHz CPU and a nice motherboard as a home for them, an Asus P5B board. Very nice stuff indeed. All that remains is to install all this silicon goodness. I was reflecting on how things have changed since I started working at Conpute all those years ago. At that time the IBM AT was the hot ticket item ($2000) with 1Meg (not GB) of RAM running at 12Mhz and including a 'huge' 40Meg harddrive with the nice addition of a 3.5" floppy drive and a 12" or (if rich) a 14" monitor in VGA colour! Remember, this was in the bad old days of Windows 286 and DOS (ask your grandfather).

Lovely Rita, meter maid

I bet you I can guess what the most annoying thing about driving downtown is that drives everyone nuts – parking! I was right wasn’t I? It always seems that there is nowhere to park and when you do find that elusive spot, the dreaded meter maid is never far away. The other thing is, often the stupid meter only takes the change that you don’t have in your pocket or are those dumb ‘pay and display’ machines that are always miles away from the parking spot you took ages to find. The town of Eastbourne in the UK has decided to go all ‘high-tech’ with it’s new ‘secure and intelligent’ meters. Costing over $6,000 apiece, these meters include a number of clever options, including their own SIM card that can be used to call for help if anyone attempts to break one open. The new meters, called the Alfia 300 CI, are solar powered, and each is also covered by a CCTV system to catch anyone vandalizing the meter – as if anyone would. I have a better idea; well, not really me – it’s Kenny Everett’s, one of Britain’s funniest men of the 80’s (passed away now, unfortunately) – watch and enjoy.

I hate this guy!

The Rubik's Cube World Championship was held in Budapest this year and a Japanese teenager won, taking less than 13 seconds to finish. Yu Nakajima, 16, took home $7,000 after winning the main event of the three-day tournament. Nearly 300 contenders from 33 countries tried their hands - and feet (?) - at the puzzle, some completing it blindfolded. Hungarian architect Erno Rubik invented the cube in Hungary in 1974. More than 300 million cubes have been sold since. Nakajima solved the classic 3x3 version of the six-coloured cube - which has nine squares on each side - with an average time of 12.46 seconds in five attempts. US contender Andrew Kang took second prize and Nakajima's countryman, Mitsuki Gunji, came third. None were able to beat the world record of 9.86 (wow!) seconds set by French cube enthusiast Thibaut Jacquinot in May. The competition marked the 25th anniversary of the first Rubik's world championships, also held in the cube's birthplace, in 1982. Mr. Rubik, 63, made a rare public appearance at the championship to give out the main prizes at a medal ceremony. Although invented in 1974, the cube was not available outside Hungary until 1980. It has been listed in the Oxford English dictionary, inspired a stage play, a TV series and, the Rubik's company claims, its success contributed to the reform of Hungary's communist economy in the early 1980s. Following the success of the cube - which is said to have 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible configurations - Mr. Rubik invented several other mechanical puzzles, including Rubik's Magic, Rubik's Clock and Rubik's Snake.

He ain't arf hot, mum

Not the best of days today. My son has had a high fever (over 101F) and a hacking painful cough for more than a week now and today was hospital time. Thank goodness for Telehealth, they helped us make the best decision. The diagnosis? After a ambulance dash to Bowmanville and a one hour wait, there was a x-ray and the result was - pneumonia - nasty. Well, the lad is home and we have a shelf full of various anti-biotics and painkillers to fight the infection. He is improving and that is a very good sign. He's unhappy though, but not with being sick; oh no, not him! He was planning to upgrade this PC this weekend with lots of nice shiny new bits. A new CPU, motherboard, RAM and a big 500GB harddrive (maybe even a 1TB drive). It can wait - his health is first. Please wish Jonathan better everyone. 

Expanding your vision

How I missed this I'll never know. Samsung has released a new monitor to the world - ho hum, you may say - but wait, it has something really neat - a USB interface. No, I don't mean a USB hub, but an honest and true USB video connection (UbiSync Technology (USB Graphic Interface)). So, if you have a laptop or a desktop PC and need an additional external screen, just plug this into your USB port - no extra video connection needed. How does this work? Now this is the neat thing; when you initially connect the monitor, it installs a virtual video card. Obviously, if your 'host' PC doesn't have a decent processor (preferably dual-core) then the performance on the second monitor may suffer. This is a really cool idea and one I may make use off. The next step? A wireless monitor - awesome!

A step back

Chalk this up as a win for the bad guys. Jammie Thomas from Minnesota has been ordered to pay $222,000 in damages for illegally file-sharing music. This is to pay for sharing 24 specific songs online - a cost of $9,250 per song. Record companies said she had illegally shared a total of 1,702 songs. So far, about 26,000 lawsuits have been filed against alleged file-sharers, but most defendants settle privately by paying damages amounting to a few thousand dollars. Her lawyer states that Ms. Thomas was reduced to tears by the verdict (no kidding). ‘This is a girl that lives from pay cheque to pay cheque, and now all of a sudden she could get a quarter of her pay cheque garnished for the rest of her life’. The US record industry said investigators located an individual with the screen name ‘tereastarr@KaZaA’, using the Kazaa file-sharing software program. A spokesman for the record companies said he hoped people would understand the verdict – sure we do, you greedy b***terds. John Kennedy, chief executive of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industries, which represents record labels, said they were ‘reluctant litigators’ oh really? From what we understand, the recording industry lawyers didn’t even have to prove she had Kazaa on her PC or even that the song tracks were ever on the PC in the first place! Can you say ‘stitch up’?

A close shave

Those great folks at Razer never seem to rest. In addition to superb, if expensive, gaming mice (mices?), they have also announced a new keyboard and headset to add to your gaming pleasure. The Lycosa keyboard uses many of the features already used by Logitech on it's G15 keyboard (I'm using one now); it uses backlighting for keys, especially those so important WASD keys, a non-slip rubberized finish and up to 10 separate profiles. In addition, they have also announced the Piranha headset - it bites your head off - with standard game headset features such features as a noise-filtering microphone, an in-line remote with volume and microphone-muting controls and, of course, that lovely blue glow. Look for it to be available sometime this month for $80, with the keyboard set to follow in November for the same price.

I'm getting old

It's hard to believe, but tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of one of the most important events in human history. Sounds quite pretentious, doesn't it? On the 4th of October 1957 the world officially entered the space race with the launch of Sputnik 1. Who knew then that this little beeping metal ball would lead to man on the Moon (shut up, conspiracy people), space shuttles, robots on Venus, Mars and Titan and space probes heading to the stars. I must admit though, as with many of my generation, disappointment that we haven't done more. I thought that by now we would have a decent space station not a collection of tin cans in orbit, a base on the Moon and manned landings on Mars and the asteroids. Maybe it's a matter of wanting too much and reading too much science fiction. However, the future is so bright, I need to wear shades. Recent scientific developments hint at faster-than-light drives, force fields, invisibility cloaks and an understanding of the universe itself - maybe a great unified theory of everything - I thought it was 42. M-theory even hints at what happened to cause the Big Bang (God clapped his hands) and maybe what happened before the Big Bang.

Call me

Just think, there is a country in the world today that records the contents of every landline and mobile ‘phone call as well as all text messages and, in addition, will log and store these records for a year. Data about calls made and received will also be available to 652 public bodies, including the police and local authorities. Where is this totalitarian and oppressive wonderland? Burma, China, the US – no, it’s the UK! Surprised? Don’t be; Britain has one of the most watched populations in the world and the use of technology to enforce and facilitate this surveillance just makes things that much easier. The Home Office in the UK has said that the content of calls and texts would not be read and insisted the move was vital to tackle serious crime and terrorism – yeah, right. Recent changes to the law require phone companies to log data on every call or text made to and from every 'phone in Britain. The minister for Security and Counter-terrorism said that the data could provide three levels of information, the simplest being about the 'phone's owner. The second level of data is not simply the subscriber, but also the calls made by that 'phone. The third level which is purely for the security forces, police, etc, is not just the subscriber information and the calls made, but also the calls coming in and location data - where the calls are made from. Of course, this will never happen here – can you say Echelon – I knew you could.

Pixies in the garden

This is a case of what were they smoking? The Tokyo Motor Show is certainly one of those places for the really weird ideas to surface. It amazes me that car companies will pay someone money for this. This time it’s Suzuki that has pushed the limits of motoring nuttiness. This sustainable mobility concept is called PIXY + SSC. PIXY is Suzuki's low-speed, three-wheeled, single-passenger runabout. Two PIXYs can be driven into an SSC (Suzuki Sharing Coach), a hexagonal thing, sorry, vehicle that resembles many of the intra-airport people mover systems. Once loaded with two PIXYs, the SSC acts as a car, transporting the pair to another location together. It looks like the lead PIXY operator becomes the driver of the SSC, whose side trim and corner markers are then illuminated in red to denote which end of the symmetrical vehicle is the rear. Will these strange objects ever grace our streets? I hope not! Mind you, look at the Smart car.