TechWatch
Gadgets that Do Everything but Slice and Dice
Staff -- School Library Journal, 6/1/2000
If things could talk
Wouldn't it be nice if books could actually tell you when they're misfiled? Now they can, with 3M's new Library Management Identification System. Here's how the new ID system works. A tiny transponder is attached to each library item, containing information, such as the book's or CD's call number and circulation status. Then, instead of scanning the shelf with your eyeballs, the old-fashioned way, you can simply run something that looks like a ray gun (3M calls it a wand) along the shelf--and items that are out of place make themselves known by emitting a soft beep. (For more information, visit www.3m.com/library/index.jhtml.)
Don't leave home without it
Britannica Traveler, an application that enables Palm VII users to search the entire Britannica, also provides local information for business travelers. The Palm's screen for Traveler is extremely simple--a search box and button for the encyclopedia, and a second button for local information. Versions are expected for other wireless personal digital assistants in the near future. Although we don't expect that there'll be too many K-12 students consulting a wireless britannica.com this year, this free encyclopedia demonstrates what students may one day consult over wireless networks in schools. In what may seem like another move by the respected Britannica name into the world of high-tech business deals, Tom Panelas, director of communications for britannica.com, says that the local information portion of the Traveler will soon link to online ticketing, restaurant reservation, and cultural information services. (More information is available at 
When your trigger finger is itchy
 |
Big Momma
 |
