Nomadic Computing Defined--* Does it mean taking your computer (PowerBook, Portabtle, SE/Plus, MacIIxx or Quadra-WOW!!, Classic or LC, even!!!) "one the road"??? * Does it mean sitting in your skivvies working from home??? * Join AFC Dan and AFC Sarah as they chat with Nomadic "Regulars and Irregulars, including: JCPrice, Frank900, Gemm, RuggerMoo,Mimmi, Databoy421, The Big A1, Jahan, SwordofGod, Todd34, RicoV, DHackerott, Radomir, Dark1, and GregoryD4. *
* Answers to the above and other topics are covered, including mega-nomadic computee, Steve (Wordy) Roberts--He rides across the country on his B.E.H.E.M.O.T.H. * Just WHAT is a behemoth? Read this lively account for a SURPRISE answer! * And say, what about hardwiring yourself to your computer? * Or a 10meg, HEAD DRIVE...ohhhh, yipes...These and other wacky concepts are touched on...almost anyone will find an idea or story to enjoy in this chat!
* MCM Nomadic SIG Chats are GREAT---no waiting, download and enjoy them right away! * (MCM's Nomadic SIG Conferences are held Fridays in the Mac Telecommunications Conference Room at 10pm Eastern time) * (Keyword MCM) *
*******************************************************************AFC Dan : Tonight's topic: NOMADICNESS IN ITS TRUE FORM. WHERE'S
DOES IT STOP.....OR DOES IT?
AFC Dan : ok, let's wait a coupla minutes for our banner then
we'll start.
AFC Sarah : Say...what????
AFC Dan : welcome JC
JCPrice : Pardon my ignorance, but what does AFC stand for?
JCPrice : Hi AFC Dan
Frank900 : Automatic Frequency Controller :)
AFC Dan : sure. AFC = America Online Forum Consultant
JCPrice : Thank you.
AFC Dan : :)
AFC Sarah : Hee hee...assembling more items to PowerBook road kit
every day...Dan, do you have your SE in MINN?
AFC Dan : I don't Sarah, I have my PLUS :(
Frank900 : I have a Quadra..:)
AFC Sarah : Ohh, good, Dan, glad you have your own there!
AFC Dan : hi XTC..welcome!~
AFC Dan : :P to Frank!
AFC Jeff : Banner off the port bow!
Frank900 : our Banner!!
Frank900 : :P to Dan!
AFC Dan : goodie! ::opening the second door::hi Rugger!
ok, let's begin. Hi Gemm.
Gemm : Hello
AFC Dan : Tonight we explore NOMADICNESS in its true sense. How far does
NOMADICNESS reach? Does this mean PowerBook? YES. But not
limited to PowerBooks. We're talking about all forms of online
communication.
AFC Sarah : Being a Nomadic is fun, Dan, don't you agree? Take
your friends with you everywhere!
AFC Dan : you bet!
AFC Dan : We now can EASILY communicate from car, plane, train,
boat, and EVEN bicycle! I was recently in Europe traveling, and I
have never seen so many PowerBooks!
Frank900 : Bicycle??
AFC Dan : yes, Frank, have you heard of Steven Roberts?
Frank900 : No
AFC Dan : Steve is THE nomad of nomads. He rides across the
country on his B.E.H.E.M.O.T.H--Big Electronic Human Energized
Machine.Only Too Heavy. His bike has computers, modems, faxes,
and so much more on it.
RuggerMoo : yes, but can he mouse and ride simultaneously?
AFC Dan : That one I'm not sure about!
Frank900 : Does his secretary follow him on a big wheel or
moped?
AFC Dan : LOL, Frank :)
AFC Dan : Has anyone heard about the new plans to install a
full communications consol in every plane passenger's
seat back?
RuggerMoo : i saw something like that in an American Airlines
magazine, I think.
AFC Dan : hi Mimmi, Brent!
Mimmi : Virgin Airlines is planning an entertainment console
AFC Dan : Yes. well, let me explain. A rival company of AIRPHONE,
the company that has installed telephones on most major
airlines, has begun testing a full electronic consol that will fit
into every passenger's seat back. The user will have a screen
in his seat back, a controller in his armrest.
RuggerMoo : I just wish they would make seats where my feet touch
the floor.
AFC Dan : From the plane, users will be able to check stock quotes,
make calls, check hotel & other reservations, and so much more.
AFC Dan : hi Brad, Data
Databoy421 : dude.
BradD2210 : Hi everyone!
AFC Dan : Hi Jahan, A1!
The Big A1 : Howdy Dan!
AFC Sarah : Hi, Skip, what's going on with you?
The Big A1 : Hey Sarah! Long time no talk...I've been busy doing
outside stuff!
AFC Sarah : Well, glad to see you getting used to the MCM
forums...hope you will keep that up and begin to
AFC Sarah : get ready to do your own chat one night, Skip
Jahan : Good evening, Dan
Databoy421 : I saw that on tv...
AFC Dan : It's incredible to think that we are no longer limited by an
extension cord and our strength to carry our 200 lb computer!
Databoy421 : portable computers attache to the plane seats right
above the tray.
Frank900 : Where does video transmissions fit into this
NOMADICNESS? Is fiber optics essential component or not?
AFC Dan : Well, Frank, explain how you would find it essential.
AFC Dan : Ahh Frank, video transmissions are right at the
heart. Again, we are no longer limited to text, we can even
SEE our connections!
Frank900 : No I was asking if fiber optics were an essential
element in this form of communication and if so how does the
prohibitive cost hinder the progression of this technology?
AFC Dan : ohh, I see Frank, it really depends on the type of
communication. Well, with our economy, Frank, definitely.
AFC Dan : Who here has actually experienced NOMADICNESS? Most of
us have, believe it or not...every time that you connect to AOL,
you are being a Nomad.
The Big A1 : I look forward to doing my own very soon. As soon as
I nail down my schedule...
The Big A1 : In a couple of weeks I will be able to tell everyone
about a new product which will show this nomadicness at its
best! It costs money, but it is neato stuff
AFC Dan : tell us about it A1
AFC Sarah : Ohh, Skip...give us a hint...
The Big A1 : I'd get in trouble right now. I should be able to
tell you next week. Sorry, I got warned today
Frank900 : Who do you work for Big A1, if I may ask?
The Big A1 : InterCon Systems Corporation. The Mac to Unix
Connectivity people!
AFC Dan : Ok, well be sure to come back next Friday and let us
know.
The Big A1 : Sure. but right now I got to get going to the city.
Have a good talk. See you all later.;)
AFC Dan : I will give 30 minutes of free time to the person who
can come up with the best use of nomadic communications.
BEST = most useful and most original.
AFC Dan : hi Mac, Sword.
Frank900 : I Have one!
AFC Dan : ga Frank.
Swordofgod : How 'bout using a PowerBook as an interactive map?
AFC Dan : explain Sword.
Swordofgod : I'm downloading, so I may come across as being a bit
slow during our conversation. Sorry :(
AFC Dan : ok.
Frank900 : My friend and I are constantly e-mailing each other
over AOL so I used a newly acquired Spigot and camcorder and shot
a 10 sec video e-mail and attached t to as a file and my friend did
the same and we played them using quicktime it was pretty neat
and gave me a idea of what he looked like.
AFC Dan : Those are both quite original.
AFC Dan : Sword, explain your interactive map.
Swordofgod : Anyway, it seems to me that it would be nice to be to
have a program that would let you tell it where and where you
wanted to be and it would show you the best way to get there! :)
Frank900 : Only problem was the uploading and downloading time
of the file.
AFC Dan : hmm, I like those both. LET me think for a little
while.
Swordofgod : Hi Sarah! Where's Ellen?
AFC Sarah : Ellen is on another mission tonight!
AFC Dan : Also, believe it or not, new NOMADICNESS technologies
are making life safer for us all. How so? well, say your flying in a
plane. Isn't it easier for a pilot to actually see an up-to-the-minute
map rather than numbers and words through his radio?
AFC Dan : is anyone awake?
Swordofgod : I'm just going to listen guys.I'm using AOL Aid to
download a bunch of stuff and it's slowing me down
AFC Sarah : Hmm, so, Dan...
Frank900 : Geez, I wish my 2.0 AOL would get here.
AFC Sarah : Frank, you WILL like it..when did you order the
Update!???
Frank900 : Yes, about 2.5 weeks ago, I check mail night!
AFC Dan : hi Todd!
AFC Sarah : Evening, Todd
Todd34 : Howdy, I'm not quite sure what the topic is.
AFC Dan : Todd, we're looking at the best (original and best
use) idea for NOMADICNESS. (for 30 minutes credit)
AFC Sarah : Meaning, taking your computer, no matter how large,
on the road, Todd....more or less!
Swordofgod : Dan, speculative or realistic (actually available
now) uses?
AFC Dan : speculative Sword
AFC Dan : would you like to give it a shot, Todd?
Frank900 : Dan, I saw a report of where Nomadicines are helping
travelers avoid congested areas.
AFC Dan : explain, Frank!
Frank900 : Well, this company was offering up-to-the-minute
info. on area of travel I think out west somewhere and anyway
subscribers simply use their cellular phone and request info. on
their route, the service provides alternate routes. They were talking
about prototype cars equipped with online screens with maps that
detailed (graphically) problem areas.
AFC Dan : that's true Frank, another way NOMADICNESS can
actually make our daily lives safer.
RicoV : Hi all...what's the general conversation about
AFC Dan : Welcome Rico
AFC Dan : Well, we're speculating(for free time) the best (most
creative and best use of) idea for NOMADICNESS
RicoV : Well...in that case...I have an idea
AFC Dan : tell us Rico
AFC Sarah : Please, Rico, give us the idea!
RicoV : Wireless...it's a reality and should be coming to a
store near you soon. I work for RAM mobile companies are
working on PCMCIA cards for PC thatwill allow you to work
untethered from a phone line
AFC Sarah : Hi, Dharckerott
DHackerott : Hello all...
DHackerott : Just popped in to see what's shakin...
Frank900 : Hopefully not Calif.:)
AFC Sarah : Dhack...we are talking about what is REALLY nomadic
about carrying your computer around
DHackerott : That would be tough, Not very_portable_
AFC Dan : not only your computer, Hack
Frank900 : Doesn't have to be portable to be nomadic!
AFC Dan : so True Frank! :)
RicoV : I have an idea for a true electronic mailbox..the radio-based
comm system would buffer messages for you. When you turn it
on.your messages are there.no need to download
AFC Dan : hmm, explain this one Rico.
RicoV : sorta like a pager/memory small enough to fit in a vest pocket
AFC Dan : sort of like an Alphanumeric pager?
RicoV : yes Dan, but it should allow for 2 way
Frank900 : Hey, wouldn't it be neat to come home an flip on a
control panel and receive all U.S. postal mail electronically, I
wonder how many trees we would let live!
AFC Dan : It would, but how is that different from e-mail now?
AFC Sarah : hmm, actually, I have carted my SE around quite a bit...but,
I would prefer a folding keyboard with a cellular, high speed
modem built in it!
AFC Dan : hmm...hi Radomir!
Swordofgod : Personally, I think the best form of nomadic computing
would be to have you computer implanted.in your head and
wired into a radio system & your brain--Instant telepathy! :-)
AFC Dan : actually Sword... you're right ;)
DHackerott : are we talking "packet-Radio" not familiar with the
term "nomadic"
AFC Dan : yes, Hack, and much more.
RicoV : Dan...today e-mail systems are basically store and
forward systems...my idea is immediate send radio packet is
the way to go
Radomir : Hi AFC Dan
Frank900 : We, for one thing these type of services are limited
to a certain people with hardware, software and overall the
entire populace is not using it.
AFC Dan : True, Frank. but the world of NOMADICNESS is just
beginning. There are ages to come.
AFC Dan : Let's recap our ideas.: Frank said he uses e-mail and a video
camera to communicate...
Swordofgod : Think of it Dan, we'd all have infinite memories
because of our access to all the world's mainframes
AFC Dan : we had an alphanumeric pager like idea, we had the us
e-mail system, and we had the implant idea.
Dark1 : :) :)
AFC Dan : hi Greg, Dark1. :)
GregoryD4 : ?
AFC Dan : ga Greg
Frank900 : Sarah want to try it?
AFC Sarah : Frank, MOI...no, will not deprive you of the
opportunity!
GregoryD4 : Hi All!
AFC Sarah : (((((Dark))))) :) Greg
Dark1 : {{{{Sarah}}}} ;)
GregoryD4 : I was wondering if anyone was familiar with tape
backup drives?
Dark1 : <-- not
RicoV : Tecmar makes good drives and be sure to get Retrospect
Radomir : Yes, a little, GregoryD4
AFC Dan : Greg, the best place to check for that is the
Hardware forum.
AFC Dan : Use keyword: MHW for Mac Hardware.
GregoryD4 : Yes i have a APPLE Sc40 that i can't get to format
right ...keep getting "media failure"
GregoryD4 : I am using retrospect.
RicoV : perhaps you have some bad tapes
GregoryD4 : They are brand new.
Radomir : I've heard that TDK tapes sometimes have that problem
GregoryD4 : Does a tape drive have to be mounted and should it
show up on your desktop.
GregoryD4 : I have IIci... does that classify as a MacII.
Radomir : It does not for MacIIs, GregoryD4.
Frank900 : Oh, I would be curious on seeing our forum consultants,
wouldn't it be neat if when we entered a chat your on-line
real-time picture appeared?
AFC Dan : Frank, it's not only a dream :)
RicoV : Frank...isn't that overkill? Besides right now you'd need fiber to
get the band width
Frank900 : Well, not really its might seem without a meaningful
purpose but I think overkill is necessary to further some ideas and l
letting people overcome skepticism.
AFC Dan : Ok, I am going to award our 30 minutes now...any more
ideas? going once. 2ce...
RicoV : 30mins...hardly enough time to even download a good
game
Dark1 : (wondering if this is the hardware forum. Did I hit
the warp to MHW button? <<giggle>>)
AFC Dan : ::using the warp user command for Darkie::
Dark1 : *poof*
Swordofgod : I think Darkie is already warped. :-)
Dark1 : :P :P :P ---> Dan Meanie!
AFC Dan : hehe
Dark1 : <-- knows he's warped... ;)
Dark1 : ok, I award -30 minutes to AFC Dan for warping me to
MHW! <<giggle>>
AFC Sarah : LOL, marky..yuppers, DanO gets the award!
AFC Dan : ok, I award the 30 minutes to Frank900 for his video
e-mail ideas.
Frank900 : Thank you, I am overwhelmed this is my first award
for my mind.
GregoryD4 : Ok, another question...are their any networking
people online!
RicoV : yes Greg
GregoryD4 : Are you familiar with Novell's Netware.
RicoV : yes Greg
GregoryD4 : What is your opinion of the software? Are you a CNE?
RicoV : non-cne...we have a small network(20 nodes) 5 macs
and 15 pc's...good software
GregoryD4 : Am thinking of taking the CNE course...thought
someone might have some input!
RicoV : Greg...should be worth the money--lots of jobs for CNE's
GregoryD4 : That's what i have heard...is the job difficult...I
mean to take care of the network.
RicoV : Well...I'm looking forward to when I can take my
PowerBook to the beach and do some e-mail
AFC Sarah : RicoV...it is fun to take your PB to the beach,
right, Dark1 !!!
RicoV : I've taken it to the golf course
Frank900 : Try taking a Quadra to the beach you'll throw your
back out.
RicoV : ha ha frank
AFC Dan : hehe...
Dark1 : <-- takes PB to the pool.. (but not to close to the
edge...)
Frank900 : They just came out with a new release.
Dark1 : secret (shhh): Took PB into the restroom with me <<giggle>>
Dark1 : :)
RicoV : I've done that too dark
AFC Dan : oops...thanks all for coming.... Sarah will finish up
here. BE SURE TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK!
Frank900 : Ever heard of FirstClass? that's good Stuff!
RicoV : Frank900 I've seen the demo
Swordofgod : I heard version 2.0 of FirstClass is going to be a
show stopper. :)
Frank900 : 2.0 is SUPER!!
Swordofgod : You have 2.0?!
Frank900 : Not yet but have seen a Beta-version.
AFC Sarah : Passing out virtual watermelon, cantaloup, beers,
wine, sodas, and fresh iced water!, Salt and plates and forks-
no extra charge!
Frank900 : Hey, how are your pixels on the PB's any problems?
RicoV : Frank...every so often a couple of pixels stay off
Dark1 : ::diving into a big piece of watermelon:: <<slurp>>
AFC Sarah : Frank...no pixel problems on the 100s, mostly on the
170s
Frank900 : Does the 100 have a disk drive internal or not.
Dark1 : the only problem with the PB 100s are you can't get
'em any more..
GregoryD4 : What is First Class?
RicoV : bulletin board software
Frank900 : FirstClass is the total solution to work group
communications.
RicoV : frank...sounds like you rep them
Frank900 : :0......Spitting watermelon seeds at people in the
crowd!!
Frank900 : No. I don't rep them but I am a shareholder by buy
their product they take care of their users.
GregoryD4 : How many sysops are using it...I haven't run across
that one!
Dark1 : 100 has internal HD, external diskette drive
RicoV : 170 is the way to go--sold my mac+,SE and LISA to get the
down payment for the 170
Dark1 : Lisa? (your wife? <<giggle>>)
Dark1 : Naw.. got too many as it is.. ;)
RicoV : har har dark...take my wife please
Swordofgod : By folks, I'm going to go browse a couple of boards
before going nite, nite.
GregoryD4 : Thanks all.
AFC Sarah : niters, sword!
Frank900 : Lisa's are collector's items.
RicoV : frank...all I got for it was $400
Frank900 : I know it still trying to sell (cough-unload) my 2c.
Swordofgod : Before I go, let me agree with Rico. I wouldn't sell
my 170 for anything.
AFC Sarah : Rico....I have a friend with a 140..trying to get it
to mate with the PB 100 to see if we get a 170!
AFC Sarah : Right, Sword...feel the same about my 100!
RicoV : dark...you work for apple?
Dark1 : Nope.. why do you ask?
RicoV : just curious
Dark1 : <-- gotta go.(phone-sharing with RL person) :/
Dark1 : Peace and Love {{All}} ;)
AFC Sarah : Niters, Dark!
RicoV : frank...do you want a flat panel for it?
Frank900 : heheh
Frank900 : How does the PB stack up against outbounds?
RicoV : don't know
Swordofgod : Night again.
AFC Sarah : Pushing in chairs..wiping down tables....anyone want
melon to go?
Frank900 : Yes please!!!!!!
AFC Sarah : Frank...keyboards are different
RicoV : ok I get the hint...bye bye
Frank900 : I like Outbound's slide better.
AFC Sarah : Ok, Frank..here is a melon shell filled with goodies,
just for you! congrats on you r prize!
AFC Sarah : Glad yo are becoming a regular MCM chat family
member, Frank! hope we see more of you!
Frank900 : I enjoy the chats immensely and look forward to guest
hosting. Bye!
Frank900 : Thanks a bunch thanks for the melons they were
deliciously juicy!!;)
AFC Sarah : Ok...see you soon!
AFC Sarah : ********CLOSING THE LOG********
Dark1 : *****Kicking the LOG closed with left foot****
