Current mood:	cheerful
Current music:	Johnny Pachecco - Mambo Inn
Entry tags:	anime, computers, gagets, mercury, sailormercury, technology

iMercury Article
New Article!! I've added some new opinions. This time on something that might interest a lot of people:


With the second release of Apple's iPhone (and subsequent software update), it struck me: technology is developing at an alarming rate! Yea, I'm slow. However, the progress the industry is making is ridiculous: communication devices that fit in our ears, phones that play music, music players that act like phones; have we finally created Sailormercury's futuristic devices?



Bluetooth vs. Mercury Headset
Bluetooth Wireless Technology may have started out as a business "must-have," but it is slowly connecting our personal lives on a new level. How does the gentle Mercury headset stand-up?

This earpiece almost resembles a leech as it wraps around the ear (and kind of feels like it too), but this techno-creature has revolutionized communication like none other! Since 1999, bluetooth technology has been used to further wireless technology. ^[1] The headset allows for hands-free phone use (which is a life-saver considering the new cell phones laws in PA and CA). Its design is sleeker and smaller than the Mercury headset, extending about 2.0 ins. rather than all the way to the mouth (about 4-6 ins.).

Reception is pretty impressive: it transmits conversations clearly and quickly. Bluetooth also keeps your conversation one-sided to eavesdroppers. The Mercury headset seems to be limited in its reach since it has a stationary mic placed directly in-front of the mouth. Nonetheless, it has a very impressive range (as evidenced in the manga), well above the bluetooth's meager 30 ft.^[1]

Set-up for Bluetooth technology is simple -- at least for the latest phones. Fit it over your ear, turn it on, and get connected! Newer cells are equipped with a search feature for Bluetooth which automatically syncs with running equipment through the click of a button. Of course, this added feature comes with extra cost. Cars are still behind a little as "some handsets work with most cars" and "some cars will recognize only a limited number of handsets."^[2] CNET.com offers a Bluetooth Car compatibility wizard to show which sets different cars like. BlueTomorrow.com offers a buying Guide for Bluetooth car kits.

You can obviously see the Mercury headset's advantage. It is always at hand, conveniently attached to Sailormercury's earring. It appears to be compatible with all technology through the computer system located beneath Crown Arcade/Karaoke Bar (possibly through a hacking program).

Verdict: Though Bluetooth's take on wireless communication is pretty neat; it's compact, compatible (with most technology), and powerful. So close, but not quite. The Mercury Headset still a good lead on the bluetooth with its retractability and all-around compatibility - truly what we are heading towards. Just give it time and very soon all phones will be an implant in the ear!


Mini-laptop vs. Mini-computer
The laptop has been around for sometime now, providing a portable connection for college student, business people, and those on the go. But it's not as compact as the mini-computer -- until now! Dell is planning to release a set of Mini Inspiron Ultra Portable Laptops as early as August of this year! These "subnotebooks" challenge HP's mini-note laptops in style, memory, and price (an estimated $300 compared to HP's $600).^[3] Could the age of pocket-sized 8-hr handheld computers be near?

Both mini-laps are light designs, weights less than 3lbs. Screen sizes vary from 8.9" models to 12.1" ones. System memory comes installed with 1024 MB (or 512 if you choose the smaller Dell verison). HP's version packs a 120-GB 5400 rpm removable hard drive and touchpad. Dell hasn't released their expected hard drive but do offer a touchpad and a "much larger keyboard than on other notebooks." Both minis are compatible with Linux or Windows XP/Vista. Dell takes the cake with a reported 5-hr battery length compared to HP's weak 2-hr pack.^[3][4]

Verdict: Although these minis are not analytical program machines, they appear to be super-fast computers with a lot of power. I think the size and the QWERTY keyboard are getting closer and closer to mini-comp. Dell's model looks more impressive with its sleek design and comfortable price; I think its customizable style really looks like the mini-comp. Maybe they'll add a Mercury symbol on the 2nd generation!


Technology's getting closer and closer than ever! I'd love to see the day when I can whip out my sidewayz-like computer from my pocket and get online. The "genius girl" of the 90s may need GeekSquad to help her upgrade to the new millenium. Should Merc trade in her wears for new gadgets? What do you think?