Computers and Consumer Electronics

This Section is about electronics that need computer use checks but are not for Surveillance. Rules for operating computers appear under the Computer Use skill with expansions to the skill from D20: Future.

Some of the items in this section have monthly subscription costs as well as initial purchase costs. The purchase DC account for both costs; once a character has obtained the item, he or she doesn’t have to worry about ongoing subscription costs.

## Communications

A digital communications device that comes in a hand-held model or as a headset, a cell phone uses a battery that lasts for 24 hours before it must be recharged. It works in any area covered by cellular service.

This combination of a cellphone, Personal Data Assistant, and cellular modem allows a character to perform Computer Use and Research checks, However, access speed is slow, and any check involving the Internet takes half again the normal time (multiply by 1.5) and imposes a -2 for the small screen and keyboard. It uses a battery that lasts for 12 hours before it must be recharged. It works in any area covered by cellular service.

This object looks much like a bulky cell phone, and functions in much the same way as well. However, because it communicates directly via satellite, it can be used anywhere on earth, even in remote areas well beyond the extent of cell phone service. Portable satellite phones are very expensive to use. When used in a place not served by regular cellular service, each call requires a Wealth check (DC 6).

This hand-held radio transceiver communicates with any similar device operating on the same frequency and within range. This dime-store variety has only a few channels. Anyone else using a similar walkie-talkie within range can listen in on the character’s conversations. It has a range of 2 miles.

This hand-held radio transceiver communicates with any similar device operating on the same frequency and within range. This high-end civilian model allows a character to program in twenty different frequencies from thousands of choices, making it likely that the character can find a frequency that’s not being used by anyone else within range. The device can be used with or without a voice-activated headset (included). It has a range of 15 miles.

## Computers

Whether a desktop or notebook model, a computer includes a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, speakers, a CD-ROM drive, a dial-up modem, and the latest processor. A character needs a computer to make Computer Use checks and to make Research checks involving the Internet.

Bulky but powerful, these machines are common on desks everywhere.

Slim, lightweight, and portable, notebook computers have most of the functions available on desktop computers.

A character can upgrade a desktop or notebook computer’s processor to provide a +1 equipment bonus on Computer Use checks. Increase the purchase DC of a desktop by +1 or a notebook by +2 to purchase an upgrade.

Personal Data Assistants (PDA) are handy tools for storing data, writing simple notes, and reading books or articals loaded onto them. They can be linked to a notebook or desktop computer to move files back and forth, but can’t be used for Computer Use or Research checks.

## Computer Accessories

All computers come with dial-up modems (internally) which allow a connection to the Internet but without the speed of broadband or the flexibility of cellular. A dial-up modem uses a standard telephone line; while it’s connected, that telephone line can’t be used for another purpose.

Cable modems and DSL services bring high-speed Internet access into the homes of millions and nearly all big businesses. A broadband modem gives a character on-demand, high-speed access to data, allowing Computer Use and Research checks involving the Internet to be made in half the normal time (multiply by 0.5).

A cellular modem allows a character to connect her notebook computer to the Internet anywhere he or she can use a cell phone. However, access speed is slow, and any Computer Use or Research check involving the Internet takes half again the normal time (multiply by 1.5).

To use a cellular modem, a character must have a cell phone.

The color inkjet printer described here is suited for creating hard copies of text and image files from computers.

A color flatbed scanner allows the user to transfer images and documents from hard copy into a computer in digital form.