Talking about portables: a roundtable discussion about present usage - and futuristic fantasies
Article Abstract:
A large panel of both average consumers and noted computer journalists discusses the future importance of portable computing on the WELL electronic network. The discussion took place over a period of two weeks. User Tom Mandel notes that portable devices blur the distinction between work and leisure, sometimes causing social friction. Douglas Rushkoff, a free-lance journalist, says that computers have not changed his work life much but that portable tape recorders have revolutionized interviewing; computer journalist Steven Levy notes that use of portable computers is inappropriate in some situations. Art Botterell states that portable information technology places a new psychological burden on its users as they must find new boundaries between their work and personal lives. Many others also share their opinions.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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If you don't like hearing all the dirt, don't get a scanner; devices tap cellular phones, pagers and baby monitors; 'better than soap operas'
Article Abstract:
Users of cellular phones, paging systems and radio-based baby monitors may not be aware that their conversations can be easily monitored by home users of low-cost scanning equipment. Hobbyists who previously monitored only police frequencies can now catch telephone conversations and even home conversations via baby monitoring devices. There are no regulations against listening in on radio conversations, and many hobbyists say the conversations they monitor are better than most soap operas. A 1986 law against listening in on cellular-phone conversations is commonly ignored. A mail order industry servicing hobbyists has come into being, with an entry level scanning system available for around $250.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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A new medium: bulletin boards become a major means of communication
Article Abstract:
The use of computer bulletin boards is on the rise in 1991 and their focus is shifting away from local communities and on toward global networks. Industry analysts estimate that there are 77,000 computer bulletin boards worldwide in 1991, as compared with only 20,000 in 1990. Users can link themselves to a computer bulletin board with a modest set up that includes a microcomputer, modem and communications software. Observers note that the erratic proliferation of bulletin boards is due to computer hobbyists who choose a particular bulletin board based on their interests. Users can choose topics and discuss them with someone on the other side of the globe.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
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