If you think you've seen it all, then I think I found something for you- a pumpkin computer. Someone took a pumpkin and used it as a case to build a computer.

Here's the link.

It also has a link to step-by-step instructions to make one yourself. Hmm... wonder if I have enough old parts to put one together with that extra pumpkin I haven't gotten around to carving yet?

-JRO

It looks like the $100 laptops are finally here. I remember reading about them sometime back- the idea is to produce computers primarily for children in developing countries at a cost they can afford. We seem to take it for granted that kids would have access to computers growing up, but that's simply not the case in developing countries (and even parts of our own country).

Here's an article on these computers.

These computers will use flash memory instead of a hard drive, have a 400 MHz processor and run Linux- hardly state-of-the-art, but certainly something to help kids learn fundamentals of computers. I think computer literacy is becoming one of the key things distinguishing those who end up in "desirable" jobs and those who do not. It seems that those who learn computers while growing up and are comfortable with them end up being more successful in college and then better equipped for the job market.

I think this project is a great step towards helping give kids a more level playing field and providing opportunities for their future success.

-JRO

The browser wars continue... Microsoft has just released Internet Explorer 7 and if all goes according to plan, Mozilla should be releasing Firefox 2.0 next week.

IE 7 seems a big improvement over 6. It finally brings tabbed browsing to IE (one of those features you don't know how much you like until you're used to it). It's supposed to also provide enhanced protection from phishing and similar security threats. It got a facelift to look more like the new version of Office as well.

Mozilla promises some pretty cool features too- my favorite is the ability to restore an open web page when your computer does an automatic restart. It's quite annoying to have several tabs open and find that Windows did an automatic reboot and have to pull them all back up again.

As long as there are multiple companies competing on web browsing technology, that should provide us with some good quality products. We benefit by seeing them compete to provide better features and innovatations, thereby continuing to push forward with better technology.

-JRO