From: popec@freeside.com (PopeC)
Newsgroups: alt.cyberpunk.tech
Subject: Re: Chord keyboards, heads up displays Now!
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 92 23:16:52 CST
Organization: Rivendell BBS / Hou, TX. / +1 713 941 2236

dplatt@cellar.org (Douglas Platt) writes:

> Note: This message was originally posted to the extropians e-mail list. It 
> was in response to discussion of paper-based organizers such as the Day 
> Timer.
> I thought it would be of interest to this group.
> 
> First of all, they are not easy to back up, so if you lose them, you're
> screwed. A palmtop can be quickly backed up daily and insured, so that if you
> lose it or have it stolen - no biggie. Also, your personal info can be
> encrypted on a palmtop. Since you can't easily encrypt with a paper-based
> system you are less likely to record the really personal stuff that could be
> very valuable down the road (say to help revive you from suspension). Another
> disadvantage of p.i.s. is the extreme difficulty of integration with computer
> based personal information managers. I suppose if you print very neatly and
> have a high end o.c.r system you could get your notes into digital form, but
> who's willing to go through that now? For those whose work lives are seperate
> from the rest of their lives, these disadvantages may not matter as much as
> to me, an EXTROPRENEUR (de we like this word?) who needs to access contact
> info, record ideas and expenses wherever/whenever.
> 
> Other problems associated with organizers not related to not being digital
> are the ergonomics. The comprehensive/expensive ones are bulky. This
> objection may be amusing to those who have seen me wearing my 4 lbs prototype
> wearable computer system (the Hip PC), but it is a serious impediment to many
> suit wearing types who can't wear hip packs and whose briefcases may be
> stuffed with papers, notebook computers, cell phones, etc.
> --
> 
> So, here's the scenario. A modified poquet pc riding in inside suit pocket
> most of the time, but for taking notes at a trade show, or while walking,
> driving, holding a briefcase or cell phone, you attach it via velcro to your
> vest. It looks a little radical to some, but you're an extropian and don't
> care. In fact the radicals on the list won't mind attaching the Private Eye
> headset mounted miniature display for even more evolved capabilities. Voila -
> you've gone from conservative businessman to cyborg in two fell swoops!
> 
> BTW, there is a palmtop with chord keyboard called the AgendA that I have
> been using for a couple years, but can not really recommend due to it having
> no distributors in the U.S., though I can recommend it wholeheartedly to our
> London based contingent, as it is a British product. The screen is tiny, and
> its not dos based, but you can velcro it to a vest or hip pack and write
> while driving!
> 
> 
> Note to Boston area extropreneurs: Marvin Minsky has invited me to speak at
> the media lab. Tentative date is Monday December 21. Stay tuned for more
> details if you would like in on my Hip PC presentation.
> 
> 
> Douglas Platt
> Select Tech, Inc. 215-277-4264
> dplatt@cellar.org
> 
> 
> ------
> dplatt@cellar.org (Douglas Platt)
> The Cellar BBS - (215) 539-3043


There is a new Chordal Keyboard available here in the U.S..
This is the 'Twiddler" from Handykey. It's retail list is $199.00.

Handeykey's # is 516-474-4405 if anyone wants to find the nearest dealer.

Pope Charles     SubGenius Pope Of Houston.

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* Pope Charles - Subgenius pope Of Houston & The Golden Triangle Area*
*       Laughing at everything in the Universe, including the        *
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Newsgroups: alt.cyberpunk.tech