Also, the low power consumption of the Crusoe means it gives off less heat - which is an advantage all of it's own. Yer darn right it is...especially since the fuel cell is alcohol-based... === -Ravagin
I've got me a fine TI-83 (old model), even while everyone around me has new mdoel TI-83s and 83+s. Maybe I'm just non-conformist that way. Anyway, I'd definitely go with a TI. The TI-83 is an excellent piece of machinery, except for the memory limitations. An 83+, 85, or 89 is probably your best bet, especially for school, because they get paranoid about QWERTY keyboards. I understand the 89 has a very good programming interface, which is an advantage over the 83[+], which does it all in little pasted tags. If you can spare the cash, go with the 89. Otherwise, an 83+ and its flash memory is a good choice, too. === -Ravagin
I think we might be taking the wrong approach. This perpetual attitude of Linux>M$ is kind of annoying. What if Win2K is good? What if it works? What if it's the greatest thing since sliced silicon? I'm not saying it will be, but give Microsoft a chance. Why pick Win2K's release date? Why not any other day? Why can't all OSes live in harmony? === -Ravagin
"It is understood the hackers stole computer "source codes" that are critical to programming, and threatened to crash the entire system. What? Call me Mr. Mentally Unstable, but I thought "source code" meant the code to a program...did these bums delete VISA's OS or something? No, of course not, because VISA is still in business. So I'm betting they broke into the system, found security flaws in the source code, and are now threatenting to exploit them. Or maybe I'm just crazy. === -Ravagin
Oddly enough, you can eat them. They taste like very bland Rice Cakes. They also dissolve in your mouth nearly instantly, which is kind of like having water evaporating before you can swallow it. I don't remember why I tasted them. Maybe it was because I was told they were edible. But it's much more fun to put them in the sink and watch them melt. NEXT: Flavored Corrugated Cardboard! Chocolate and Strawberry available! Also try our mint-scented Bubble-Wrap! Deary deary me.... === -Ravagin
Many of us have posted on the discomfort of having headphones attached to your watch. But functionality seems much more confusing. A headphone jack takes up considerable space, especially on a watch. So unless the headphones use the USB port, I'm really curious as to how this thing has 64 MB mem plus a sound system plus a time chip plus a display. Of course, a solution would be radio-linked headphones. === -Ravagin
I seem to remember that some weeks ago, a writer for the NYTimes' Circuits section did this. He stayed in his house ordering food, toys, entertainment, etc. online. If memory serves, the guy who delivered his danish suggested he was just go to the cafe up the street, it was quicker. Mind you, this was just for one day, but it's rather similar. So, what is this guy going to do if his ISP fritzes out? === -Ravagin
Well, at least we can expect version 1.0 to be Y2K-comp.:) Seriously, I think what'll be even more interesting is next year's timeline. With the rate at which linux has been growing and evolving (or devolving, depending on your point of view), who knows what next year holds? Well, the end of the world, for one thing... BTW...nah, never mind. === -Ravagin
Not only did Q have the ultimate job, but he was a constant. Be it Brosnan, Connery, or Moore (argh...Moonraker!...twitch...scream...) playing Bond, there was always Q. Good old Q. Good old "You must be kidding about the third nipple, Bond" Q. If you can't be a 00agent, Q is the next best job. Fake fingerprints, exploding pens, third nipples, grappling hook watches, laser rifles, explosive bolas....that's the life. Well, Q, you've given us words to live by. "Don't let them see you bleed. Always have an escape route." You won't be forgotten. As long as ballpoint pens sprout needles, speedboats navigate the streets of London, and wrist dart launchers blow out centrafuges, we'll remember you. === -Ravagin
Is sending probes and suchlike to Europa really a good idea? Consider: If Europa can sustain life, it's quite possible there is life there. Possibly some sort of dolphin-like species? With several billion years of time, there's no reason that intelligent life couldn't have developed. Just look at Earth. If Europans are on a par with or more advanced than us, then they will probably understand what those bizarre contraptions drilling holes in the sky are. But if these hypothetical life forms are less advanced than us, or more superstitious, we could have a drastic effect not only on their technological advancement but on their society and mythology. Wouldn't it be great to visit Europa in several hundred years and find them all worshipping the great messiah NASA... No...Star Trek flashbacks...argh... === -Ravagin
Anyone remember that lousy Star Wars novel which unfortunately became a CD and a video game? I don't remember the title, but I do recall that the main villain made himself buff by lying in a box while his nervous system was systematically stimulated to exercise his muscles. Perhaps a bit far-fetched, but... One of the issues of prolonged space flight, if memory serves, is loss of muscle tone. If cosmonauts (or astronauts) have to, say, remain strapped in for extended accelleration and suchforth, this technology would allow them to keep the muscles active. Wacky. Of course, one can't help but recall the German scientist in Dr. Strangelove... === -Ravagin
I think that Blake Stone is being seriously neglected in all the hooplah about Wolfenstein. I personally liked Stone much more than Wolf. (For those of you who don't know, Blake Stone was made after Wolf3D with much of the same code but multitudinous improvements) Forget Germans screaming things at you, you can't beat the bald guy who periodically materializes to boom, 'Hohoho! You'll never catch me, Stone!' Then he shoots at you, and dematerializes with a cry of, 'Hahahaha!' And the Biotechs who wonder around, saying thoughtful things like, 'Is that thing loaded?', 'Only guards should have guns! You're a bad man!', and 'I've never mutated a Stone before!' Anyway, that's my tirade. I think, though, that Stone deserves a port just as much as Wolf, if not more. === -Ravagin
Right on! And here I thought I was unique... Legos, like some sci-fi/fantasy, strike me as a sort of "gateway" entertainemtn form into higher thinking: critically looking at things and figuring out how and why they work. Of course, then you run the risk of getting into programming, and it's just down the tubes from there. 8) PS-My automatic sig has nothing to do with the the original subject line. Pure coincidence. === -Ravagin
'tis unfortunate that they seem to be corrupted now. All these specialized pieces really get on my nerves. Hah, back in my day we didn't ave any chrome-coloured pieces! No sound makers for us! Wait. I guess it's still "my day", isn't it... Anyway, it seems that all the wacky specialized pieces that don't fit nearly universally with other pieces are sort of stifling. === -Ravagin
Yah, this'll definitely give Handspring a boost. Their website, last time I checked, said that color models were a "definite possibility," but that there weren't any plans in the works. But maybe I should hold off on buying a Visor... === -Ravagin
1 meter resolution doesn't strike me as a significant threat. Unless you decide to go in for blaze orange body suits, tracking individuals will not be easy. === -Ravagin
There's that "assuming there's a way." I wouldn't put it past the army to try something like that. "We're going to generate a black hole of Chna, and so waht if it does swallow the entire solar system, it's in the name of democracy..." === -Ravagin
"Pay no attention to the hacker behind the curtain," kind of thing? It's probably harmless mistakes. Just as it's harmless for us to poke fun at it. Of course, if it becomes a habit, we'll all become antisocial, bitter, and completely against anything having to do with MTV. And we wouldn't want that. The only thing wrong with things like MTV's portrayal is giving a bad name to anyone who enjoys computer programming. I think it's the job of such people to show that we aren't like that. Godlike capabilities are okay, as long as they aren't abused. We just have to make sure they don't turn into demonlike powers (what? do you have a better synonym for "anti-god?"). And having fully expended my philosphical capabilities, I'll stop this post. === -Ravagin
Well, of course. Everoyne knows you can't program computers and maintain a 4.0 GPA (or at least 3.x). Frankly, I really think quitting school to spend all day in a garage hacking is pretty stupid. But whatever works...
Right on, there. MTV strikes me as a pop-culture outlet, and hackers don't...quite...fit that mold. They should just bill it as a comedy and avoid the hassle. The problem, of course, is that only the computer-savvy will really see the humor. Everyone else will either a) get freaked out and go unplug their modem, or b) completely forget about it. I'd like to see Real Life:I'm Dictator of a Small Country with Enough Nuclear Capacity to Destroy the East Coast. ("I could either apply myself in school, or go build a nuclear arsenal...") Gods save us all from mass media. === -Ravagin
Slashdot Mirror
===
-Ravagin
Also, the low power consumption of the Crusoe means it gives off less heat - which is an advantage all of it's own.
Yer darn right it is...especially since the fuel cell is alcohol-based...
===
-Ravagin
Hey, they never said The Revolution Will Not Be Webcast!
===
-Ravagin
Somebody wanna clarify for a non-Linux-user? Is Mobile Linux a functional equivalent to PalmOS or WinCE?
===
-Ravagin
I've got me a fine TI-83 (old model), even while everyone around me has new mdoel TI-83s and 83+s. Maybe I'm just non-conformist that way.
Anyway, I'd definitely go with a TI. The TI-83 is an excellent piece of machinery, except for the memory limitations. An 83+, 85, or 89 is probably your best bet, especially for school, because they get paranoid about QWERTY keyboards.
I understand the 89 has a very good programming interface, which is an advantage over the 83[+], which does it all in little pasted tags. If you can spare the cash, go with the 89. Otherwise, an 83+ and its flash memory is a good choice, too.
===
-Ravagin
I think we might be taking the wrong approach. This perpetual attitude of Linux>M$ is kind of annoying. What if Win2K is good? What if it works? What if it's the greatest thing since sliced silicon?
I'm not saying it will be, but give Microsoft a chance. Why pick Win2K's release date? Why not any other day? Why can't all OSes live in harmony?
===
-Ravagin
"It is understood the hackers stole computer "source codes" that are critical to programming, and threatened to crash the entire system.
What? Call me Mr. Mentally Unstable, but I thought "source code" meant the code to a program...did these bums delete VISA's OS or something? No, of course not, because VISA is still in business. So I'm betting they broke into the system, found security flaws in the source code, and are now threatenting to exploit them.
Or maybe I'm just crazy.
===
-Ravagin
Oddly enough, you can eat them. They taste like very bland Rice Cakes. They also dissolve in your mouth nearly instantly, which is kind of like having water evaporating before you can swallow it.
I don't remember why I tasted them. Maybe it was because I was told they were edible. But it's much more fun to put them in the sink and watch them melt.
NEXT: Flavored Corrugated Cardboard! Chocolate and Strawberry available! Also try our mint-scented Bubble-Wrap!
Deary deary me....
===
-Ravagin
Many of us have posted on the discomfort of having headphones attached to your watch. But functionality seems much more confusing.
A headphone jack takes up considerable space, especially on a watch. So unless the headphones use the USB port, I'm really curious as to how this thing has 64 MB mem plus a sound system plus a time chip plus a display.
Of course, a solution would be radio-linked headphones.
===
-Ravagin
I seem to remember that some weeks ago, a writer for the NYTimes' Circuits section did this. He stayed in his house ordering food, toys, entertainment, etc. online. If memory serves, the guy who delivered his danish suggested he was just go to the cafe up the street, it was quicker.
Mind you, this was just for one day, but it's rather similar.
So, what is this guy going to do if his ISP fritzes out?
===
-Ravagin
Well, at least we can expect version 1.0 to be Y2K-comp. :)
Seriously, I think what'll be even more interesting is next year's timeline. With the rate at which linux has been growing and evolving (or devolving, depending on your point of view), who knows what next year holds?
Well, the end of the world, for one thing...
BTW...nah, never mind.
===
-Ravagin
Not only did Q have the ultimate job, but he was a constant. Be it Brosnan, Connery, or Moore (argh...Moonraker!...twitch...scream...) playing Bond, there was always Q. Good old Q. Good old "You must be kidding about the third nipple, Bond" Q.
If you can't be a 00agent, Q is the next best job. Fake fingerprints, exploding pens, third nipples, grappling hook watches, laser rifles, explosive bolas....that's the life.
Well, Q, you've given us words to live by.
"Don't let them see you bleed.
Always have an escape route."
You won't be forgotten. As long as ballpoint pens sprout needles, speedboats navigate the streets of London, and wrist dart launchers blow out centrafuges, we'll remember you.
===
-Ravagin
Is sending probes and suchlike to Europa really a good idea? Consider:
If Europa can sustain life, it's quite possible there is life there. Possibly some sort of dolphin-like species? With several billion years of time, there's no reason that intelligent life couldn't have developed. Just look at Earth. If Europans are on a par with or more advanced than us, then they will probably understand what those bizarre contraptions drilling holes in the sky are. But if these hypothetical life forms are less advanced than us, or more superstitious, we could have a drastic effect not only on their technological advancement but on their society and mythology.
Wouldn't it be great to visit Europa in several hundred years and find them all worshipping the great messiah NASA...
No...Star Trek flashbacks...argh...
===
-Ravagin
Anyone remember that lousy Star Wars novel which unfortunately became a CD and a video game? I don't remember the title, but I do recall that the main villain made himself buff by lying in a box while his nervous system was systematically stimulated to exercise his muscles. Perhaps a bit far-fetched, but...
One of the issues of prolonged space flight, if memory serves, is loss of muscle tone. If cosmonauts (or astronauts) have to, say, remain strapped in for extended accelleration and suchforth, this technology would allow them to keep the muscles active. Wacky.
Of course, one can't help but recall the German scientist in Dr. Strangelove...
===
-Ravagin
I think that Blake Stone is being seriously neglected in all the hooplah about Wolfenstein. I personally liked Stone much more than Wolf. (For those of you who don't know, Blake Stone was made after Wolf3D with much of the same code but multitudinous improvements)
Forget Germans screaming things at you, you can't beat the bald guy who periodically materializes to boom, 'Hohoho! You'll never catch me, Stone!' Then he shoots at you, and dematerializes with a cry of, 'Hahahaha!' And the Biotechs who wonder around, saying thoughtful things like, 'Is that thing loaded?', 'Only guards should have guns! You're a bad man!', and 'I've never mutated a Stone before!'
Anyway, that's my tirade. I think, though, that Stone deserves a port just as much as Wolf, if not more.
===
-Ravagin
Right on! And here I thought I was unique...
Legos, like some sci-fi/fantasy, strike me as a sort of "gateway" entertainemtn form into higher thinking: critically looking at things and figuring out how and why they work. Of course, then you run the risk of getting into programming, and it's just down the tubes from there. 8)
PS-My automatic sig has nothing to do with the the original subject line. Pure coincidence.
===
-Ravagin
'tis unfortunate that they seem to be corrupted now. All these specialized pieces really get on my nerves. Hah, back in my day we didn't ave any chrome-coloured pieces! No sound makers for us!
Wait. I guess it's still "my day", isn't it...
Anyway, it seems that all the wacky specialized pieces that don't fit nearly universally with other pieces are sort of stifling.
===
-Ravagin
Yah, this'll definitely give Handspring a boost. Their website, last time I checked, said that color models were a "definite possibility," but that there weren't any plans in the works. But maybe I should hold off on buying a Visor...
===
-Ravagin
1 meter resolution doesn't strike me as a significant threat. Unless you decide to go in for blaze orange body suits, tracking individuals will not be easy.
===
-Ravagin
There's that "assuming there's a way." I wouldn't put it past the army to try something like that. "We're going to generate a black hole of Chna, and so waht if it does swallow the entire solar system, it's in the name of democracy..."
===
-Ravagin
"Pay no attention to the hacker behind the curtain," kind of thing?
It's probably harmless mistakes. Just as it's harmless for us to poke fun at it. Of course, if it becomes a habit, we'll all become antisocial, bitter, and completely against anything having to do with MTV. And we wouldn't want that.
The only thing wrong with things like MTV's portrayal is giving a bad name to anyone who enjoys computer programming. I think it's the job of such people to show that we aren't like that.
Godlike capabilities are okay, as long as they aren't abused. We just have to make sure they don't turn into demonlike powers (what? do you have a better synonym for "anti-god?").
And having fully expended my philosphical capabilities, I'll stop this post.
===
-Ravagin
Well, of course. Everoyne knows you can't program computers and maintain a 4.0 GPA (or at least 3.x).
Frankly, I really think quitting school to spend all day in a garage hacking is pretty stupid. But whatever works...
===
-Ravagin
Right on, there. MTV strikes me as a pop-culture outlet, and hackers don't...quite...fit that mold. They should just bill it as a comedy and avoid the hassle.
The problem, of course, is that only the computer-savvy will really see the humor. Everyone else will either a) get freaked out and go unplug their modem, or b) completely forget about it.
I'd like to see Real Life:I'm Dictator of a Small Country with Enough Nuclear Capacity to Destroy the East Coast. ("I could either apply myself in school, or go build a nuclear arsenal...") Gods save us all from mass media.
===
-Ravagin