As a techno-freak, one of my greatest pleasures is getting my hands on new technology coming out of Microsoft. (Okay, I know much of the hardware is OEM but it is configured and supported by MS).
My latest toy is the Fingerprint Reader. It works really well. To log on to Windows XP, I just have to, er... give it the finger and it looks up my credentials. If you believe the lawyers, Fingerprint Reader is not secure at all:
"The biometric (fingerprint reader) feature in this device is not a security feature and is intended to be used for convenience only. It should not be used to access corporate networks or protect sensitive data, such as financial information."
I already have the Streets & Trips with GPS Locator which is lots of fun on my laptop. The SPOT watch is too large for my wrist but fascinating to look at. I don't have the full MSN Direct subscription to get the full use from it. It would be better if I could write and upload my own software for it.
Let's see. What other technology do I have around my office... Wireless mice are pretty standard now, and I won't work without a Natural keyboard. My Pocket PC is a little outdated and doesn't hold a charge for long. I have a developer's version of the Windows-Powered SmartPhone which I'd like to dig into again some day. I have a gaming headset that I haven't used lately.
Unfortunately, I still don't have a Tablet PC in my geek toys collection - I just don't seem to win any of the contests where they're offered.
I'd like to see Microsoft Hardware come out with an Internet phone for use in Voice Over IP (VoIP) applications and tools like Live Meeting and Messenger. It is such as joy to be able to plug this stuff into a USB port on Windows XP Professional and have it work right away. I sure don't miss the bad ol' days of fighting with COM ports and interrupts whenever I tried to insert a peripheral into a slot on the inside.
Ken
Microsoft MVP [ASP.NET]
Toronto