Laptops vs. Learning

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/06/AR2007040601544.html

This article provides an interesting insight on the use of personal laptops in the classroom. I agree completely with the author of the article, who believes that laptops make students more engaged in the classes, althought the level of distraction when using them is massive. He makes an interesting point when he says that handwriting makes us focus more on the lesson as it is slower and gives us time to think. Despite all this, I still think that the advantagdes of handing essays and projetcs in which have been word-processed are many, and that the correct path to follow would be allowing the use of laptops in the classrooms.

Biometrics: Unlocking Doors With Your Eyes

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071204100422.htm

How will we open our houses in the following decades? Will keys become part of the past or will they still be a bothersome item?. Biometrics is a science that scientists work on regularly, so that people have increased safety and comfort. This article talks about how we'll be opening doors with our eyes, probably in the next 10 or 20 years.

Hacking

What we can see in this video is that even though one has the newest hardware and software, we are still prone to being hacked. In this video, the hacker is entering the other computer by just sending an email (the other has to open it). Also, while the hacker is setting up new usernames and gaining full control of the computer, the 'host' thinks it is just a Windows Office malfunction, and doesn´t realize that he is being hacked. This is dangerous, as shown by the video, because now the hacker will know every password the 'host' types, and therefore being able to gain access to email accounts, bank accounts, etc.

Why choose biometrics?

This video makes some interesting issues arise with respect to the advantadges of biometrics over passwords. Firstly, biometrics allow for fast access, without the need of remembering a password or typing it in each time. Secondly, Biometrics are much more secure as one controls precisely who enters the system. Lastly, and related to the previous point, Biometrics allows the user to keep a record of who entered the system, which you can't do with a password. Overall, it is certainly the way to go.

Music on memory cards

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2008-09-22-sandisk-_N.htm

It would be great if this project takes place as it is just a natural step further from CD's. Firstly, the reduced size would mean less clutter in one's house. Secondly, it would be much easier to read music files from them, especially when one has to transfer them to one's computer, which nowadays most of us do.

E-Commerce - at the tipping point

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10542171

This article talks about how when e-commerce started all those years ago, some people thought that the marketing world would change immediatly. Well, this didn't happen as they thought. It has been a hard road for the entrepeneurs who saw potential in this type of commerce. Today, like a lot of years ago, people are saying that we are in a turning point. Has it finally arrived?

Ergonomics: A Mouse that Tilts for a Better Fit

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/technology/personaltech/09mouse.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

The idea of a mouse that can tilt and stretch to the users needs sounds interesting, especially as most of us spend so much time in front of a computer. Another positive aspect of this is the larger size of the mouse which releases a lot of strain on the hand. One would definatley have to get used to using a mouse with these characteristics, which differ so much from those of the conventional mouse, but overall the benefits would be noticeable.

Jules: The New Robot Species

Realistic isn't he? This is what we are more likely to see in the near future. Isn't he a bit too real? Well, he's not as intelligent as humans yet but he is self-conscious and seems to show feelings. It's a good start, but Terminator-like robots are still a long way off.