[permaculture-oceania] for the luddites - in support of low-tech...

[Russ Grayson]

On 17/9/06 12:26 PM, "kdawborn" <kdawborn at bigpond.com> wrote:

> Hi Folks,
> Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device,
> trade named: BOOK
> 
> BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no
> wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be
> connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child
> can operate it.

Now, I have to ask... just how good can a device without an on/off switch
and battery be? Sounds... inert!

And no operating system as well! So how do you download content into it?
 
> Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere --
 
But... not in the dark as it's screen emits no light to read by. Hah!

> even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful enough to hold
> as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:
> 
> BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper
> (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of
> information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit
> device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their
> correct sequence.

Primitive. The pages can't be sorted and shuffled according to different
criteria. Not like an ePaper reader or the Sony reader which, of course, is
possibly lighter and thinner and even holds a number of volumes in the one
device. And... it does not attract dust mites!
 
> Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use
> both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density
> and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for
> further increases in information density;

Unlikely. Ergonomic problems which would discriminate against its use by
small children. Teachers would declare a moral panic. Parents would complain
to the Anti-discrimination Commissioner. Lawyers would swarm like flies
around a dead horse.

> for now, BOOKs with more information simply use more pages.

Bizzarre. They need to learn about file compression.
 
> Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information
> directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to
> the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used
> merely by opening it.

Can you download it into an iPod?
 
> Unlike other display devices, BOOK never crashes or requires
> rebooting, and it can even be dropped on the floor or
> stepped on without damage. However, it can become unusable
> if immersed in water for a significant period of time. The
> "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet
> and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an
> "index" feature, which pinpoints the exact location of
> selected information for instant retrieval.

Something like a keyword search?
 
> An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to
> the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if
> the BOOK has been closed.

So does my laptop's video player- AND it has pictures that move and speak!
In colour.

> BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used
> in BOOKs by various manufacturers.

So how do manufacturers develop their market if the one device plays all
formats?

> Conversely, numerous BOOKmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user
> wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the
> number of pages in the BOOK.
> 
> You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries
> with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib
> Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).

Requires literacy. Not like moving pictures and sound files.
 
> Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a
> precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal
> seems so certain that thousands of content creators have
> committed to the platform and investors are reportedly
> flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
> 
... but... it doesn't even have a keyboard!
> 
> Cheers,

> Kerry Dawborn
> 
>  
> 
> Work like you don't need the money,
> 
> Dance like no one is watching,
> 
> Love like you've never been hurt.....

...saying of an introverted glutton for punishment.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
RUSS GRAYSON
journalism, online content production, photojournalism, instructional
manuals, media services for overseas aid

PO Box 1045, Manly, NSW 1655 AUSTRALIA
info at pacific-edge.info
P: 0414 065 203
www.pacific-edge.info

TerraCircle international development team, Oceania
www.terracircle.org.au

Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network
www.communitygarden.org.au
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^