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NEWS

05.02.08 - Microsoft promising to deliver 'Surface' sooner

Even though it was in its infancy when first unveiled, Microsoft's Surface PC was one of the most drool-worthy concept designs the company has ever created. And although it claimed that consumers shouldn't expect the technology until 2011, the company said on Monday that it could be coming sooner than originally planned.

Speaking to industry analysts, Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer told those listening in that his company has received a slew of messages from consumers asking for the technology as soon as possible. Although the firm originally planned to install the Surface PC in restaurants and other service industries first, Ballmer thinks Microsoft should "follow [its] nose" and give consumers what they want. Click here to see what 'Surface' has to offer.

24.01.08 - Warning Over School Wi-Fi Systems

Teachers are calling for a full scientific investigation into wireless computer systems, following reports of electromagnetic radiation among staff and students.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, lack of concentration, memory loss and behaviour changes in children.

Around 80% of secondary schools and 50% of primary schools may already have wireless networks.

The Professional Association of Teachers says schools should be discouraged from installing wireless networks until the potential effects have been fully investigated.

Concerns are also being expressed internationally, with the Austrian Medical Association lobbying against the deployment of Wi-Fi in schools

Sir William Stewart, chairman of the Health Protection Agency and a former chief scientific adviser to the Government, is privately pressing for an official investigation of the risks Wi-Fi may pose.

A biologist at Imperial College, London, Dr Andrew Goldsworthy said that the signals were weak were not valid.

He said weaker currents did more to "massage" and break down human cells, affecting DNA, than stronger ones.

The concerns are not slowing down sales, with more than 1.6 million Wi-Fi terminals being sold in the last 18 months and a number of cities developing wireless networks across large areas.

Wi-Fi systems essentially take small versions of mobile phone masts into buildings, emitting the same kind of radiation.

Campaigners claim several hundred people have suffered ill-effects from larger outside masts and this could be more acute with Wi-Fi.