There seems to be a ton of attention for Microsoft’s latest product, so I thought I’d throw in my 2ยข. Microsoft’s Origami project produced their latest attempt to reinvent the mobile PC, now dubbed the “Ultra Mobile PC.” (which BTW is something Intel has been working on for some time) They should’ve just called it the Tablet Mini, but I digress. What’s new about Origami is a 2-fingered touch-screen interface, otherwise it’s just another tablet. (not to mention it’s slower, has a low-res screen and is generally less of a PC than the tablets of 3-4 years ago) Perhaps this will change once the first commercial products are released. The real key to making this work will be cheap CPUs with decent mobile performance. (something you’re not likely to find in a sub $1000 product) On the other hand, the small form factor, light (approx. 2 lbs) weight and lower price could be what many tablet users have been waiting for. If the hardware vendors can extend the battery life, this product might actually get off the ground.
PATRIOT renewed with little change
President Bush signed the PATRIOT act renewal into law ensuring that it wouldn’t expire today. The reauthorization does make a couple of minor changes, but mostly postpones the expiration of certain provisions for another 4 months. Russ Feingold made a statement expressing his concerns and pledged to work towards adding additional safeguards. I’m mostly happy with what’s happened. Libraries are mostly exempted from producing their lending records, and the law still isn’t permanent. It’s a long way from being fixed, but there’s still a chance and that’s a good thing.
Bush agenda crippling NASA, forecasters
CNN.com – NASA satellites feel budget crunch – Mar 6, 2006
The Bush administration’s agenda of returning manned missions to the moon is draining critical funding from NASA’s earth science programs. According to the article above, this could cause the loss of data critical to weather forecasting and early warning systems. Many of the satellites being used currently are old and in need of replacement, and some are quite literally on the brink of failure. I wish I could see the logic behind another manned mission to the moon. While there is certainly more to be learned, I can’t help but feel this program is a knee-jerk reaction to the Chinese Space program. I’m also reminded of the Katrina disaster when I see politicians changing NASA’s mission with little to no regard for the consequences.