Computer designed for granny offers a friendly interface
Article Abstract:
Hauser, a product development consulting company, has designed a computer for senior citizens. Called the Generationally Relevant Appliance for the Non-technical New user and a Yardstick for the future, or GRANNY, it features a simpler graphical user interface with icons for functions likely to be appreciated by older users. Instead of typical desktop icons for trash, folders or mailbox, users would see icons for birthdays, shopping lists, to-do lists and appointment reminders. Instead of a mouse or keyboard, users would operate the system through a voice-activated interface and a remote control, the reasoning being that most people already know how to use these. At set-up, the computer would configure itself for its user by interviewing him or her about their age, family, friends and earlier life. It could also query the user about any special medical needs. On the basis of the interview, the computer would configure the screen to make the most useful functions the most accessible.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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What has the computer done for us lately?
Article Abstract:
Economists concede that computers have not contributed significantly to national productivity, but some feel that computers' contribution to the national economy may not yet be measurable. By traditional standards of productivity in which output is measured by dollar inputs, computers have disappointed expectations. A panel of economists recently concluded that incorrect statistics that registered some price increases as inflation rather than as computer output have made computers seem less productive than they are. Another possible conclusion is that the benefits of computers will not be evident until their consequences, such as better students who become better workers, are fully exercised. Some of the conveniences afforded by computers cannot be represented in terms of productivity. One economist calculated that Americans would have to spend $70 billion to pay for those conveniences.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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PC 101: some tips for the fall
Article Abstract:
As college administrators and instructors migrate more student-school enrollment, bookkeeping, assignment and grade posting functions to college computer networks, more parents are faced with adding a computer to the already long list of college expenses. The cost-conscious may ask their student to first investigate whether computers are available for student use around campus. Second, find out if the school recommends a particular computer, and if they sell it at a discount. Third, desktops are more affordable than laptops. Fourth, get a security cable for a computer. Finally, free computer deals are often predicated on the purchase of 3 years of Internet service. This probably duplicates (at a slower network speed) computer connections the school provides.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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