Computers & Accessories

Most people in galaxy use some sort of computer (usually a PAD of some type), but runners, sysops, and similar individuals tend to invest in equipment with more processing power.

### BIG RIG

Big rigs are computer terminals that are too large to be easily portable. Such rigs can run from the size of a large crate to a tower a couple of meters tall. Their interfaces vary from holographic haptic interfaces to voice recognition, although many tend to be set up with a BMI (brain-machine interface). Most people have little use for these terminals, as their PADs have all the processing power they would ever need. Thus, big rigs tend to be owned and used only by runners and independent sysops.

A big rig is a computer that can have up to four icebreakers and six pieces of ice active on its system at once (for the purposes of Network encounters). It has both wired and wireless connection ports to the Network.

### BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACE

A BMI typically uses a flexible, net-like sheath full of neural receptors that bridges the user’s neurons with electrical connections. In short, it lets runners make “deep” runs in the Network, with full sensory immersion.

A BMI is not a computer, but may be connected to any computer. While using a BMI during a Network encounter, a runner can choose to "go deep" as a maneuver. Until they "go shallow" as a maneuver, they may only interact with the Network (performing Network maneuvers and Network actions); they cannot interact with the regular world (such as by performing regular maneuvers or actions). However, they may perform a second maneuver each turn during Network encounters without spending strain.

### MONOCAMS

Popular with newscasters, videographers, and aspiring filmmakers, monocams are small digital video recorders worn over one or both eyes like a monocle or glasses.

A monocam is not a computer, but allows your character to record any visuals they see and download the recordings to a linked computer or PAD.

### PAD

The Personal Access Device, or PAD, is perhaps one of the most common pieces of technology in the solar system. A combination phone, Network access terminal, data storage unit, and personal computer, the PAD is descended from older devices like personal data assistants, smartphones, and tablets. Made by a number of large technology and electronics manufacturers, PADs are what most New

The average citizen uses it to communicate, access the Network, or do anything they might need a computer for.

Small, lightweight, and eminently portable, PADs are built from tough, lightweight polycarbonates and alloys. They come in a variety of sizes, are powered by tiny rechargeable power cells, and can be hand-held or wearable. Most PADs have touchscreen and voice-recognition interfaces, but some higher-end, more expensive models respond to holographic and gesture inputs. Some can even interface wirelessly with cybernetics or HUDs to allow remote control. The difference is mostly cosmetic, since no matter their size, PADs all do largely the same things. They are all designed with constant access to the Network in mind—without that access, PADs are much more limited in functionality.

A PAD is a computer that can have up to one icebreaker and one piece of ice active on its system at once (for the purposes of Network encounters). PADs generally only have wireless connection ports to the Network.

### PORTABLE RIG

Portable rigs offer a compromise between the portability of a PAD and the power of a full-sized rig. About the size of a backpack or satchel, they are basically PADs with extra processing power, memory, and adaptive and responsive programming.

Some runners prefer portable rigs because they can use them to conduct runs while on the move. A portable rig is a computer that can have up to two icebreakers and two pieces of ice active on its system at once (for the purposes of Network encounters). It can have both wired and wireless connection ports to the Network.

### READER

Second only to PADs in their abundance and variety, readers are small devices used to read IDs and credit information. Popular with street vendors, artisans, and bouncers, these tiny devices can be worn as jewelry or implanted beneath the skin. They are perfect for point-of-sale transactions and for processing many ID chips in a short period of time.

A reader is not a computer, but may be linked to a computer. It can also be a link into a system.

### SMARTSPECS

Smartspecs allow an individual without a skulljack or cybereyes to interface with smart technology. Available in a variety of styles, from bulky welder-style goggles to stylish aviator goggles and wraparound shades, smartspecs are one of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of smart tech.

Most sets of smartspecs are wireless and can sync up to as many as four smart systems at once. Information is displayed on the goggles and appears in the wearer’s peripheral vision.

Smartspecs are not a computer, but may be linked to a computer. They provide a heads-up display for the computer.