New “Solar-Sequin” Handbag Isn’t Hideous

Geeks are a picky lot–I can admit this without shame because i’m a choosy geek myself. Anything functional should also be aesthetically pleasing, since any real tech-lover will be using the thing, maybe even in public, on a fairly regular basis.

So. Solar-powered bags have been around for a while and for the most part, have not caught much of my attention. Why? Because they’re so damn ugly. Sure, I can charge my phone while I’m away from my car or desk, but if I have to carry around the least attractive accessory in design history to do so, well… I’ll just check my email less often.

Today on Engadget, though, I saw this lovely thing. I don’t hate it. In fact, I think the “solar-sequin” idea is kind of interesting and modern-looking in a good way. And according to the Diffus press release:

At night or in dark surroundings, opening the bag activates optical fibres attached to the inside of the bag that give a diffuse glow and assist in the search for keys, purse or other objects of vital importance.

That’s maybe a bit hyperbolic, since the contents of my purse usually fall between “Why do I have this?” and “Oh, I forgot about that” range, but it is a cool idea for excess stored energy to power an interior light. I do wish the bag were a different shape, since this one smacks of 80s corporate to me, but I think future versions of Diffus’s solar handbags may not suck. I’ll hold out a bit before laying down any cash, but I foresee good things.

What do you think? Yea or nay, Geeks?

[source and image: Engadget]

 



Commercial Quantum Computers for Sale, Only $10M

The first D-Wave One, a commercially available 128-qubit quantum computer, has been sold to Lockheed Martin. The agreement between Lockheed Martin and D-Wave Systems was announced this week.

If you have a spare ten million bucks in your sofa cushions, you too can own the D-Wave One. Rather than relying on transistors and classical mechanics, a quantum computer uses principles of quantum mechanics to operate. So, rather than storing bits that read zero or one, quantum computing utilizes qubits, which record both the state of particle entanglement and memory. In the barest of layman’s terms, quantum computing is better, stronger, faster. And now we have the technology.

Predicted functions of quantum computers include code decryption, solving number theory and optimization problems, and modeling complex biological systems. But can it run Crysis?

[Venture Beat][image]



Hobbit Casting News Brings Geek Rage, Fangirl Joy

"What's that? Oh, yes. It does seem I've upset some Middle-earth enthusiasts this day."

Last week’s announcement of Stephen Fry being cast as the Master of Laketown in Peter Jackson’s upcoming “The Hobbit” was great, and there was much joy in the Shire. But today’s announcement that Orlando Bloom will reprise his role as Legolas in “The Hobbit” is inspiring both joy and rage.

Comments on the news range from elated to furious on just about every site that’s posted about this. Why? ask the uninitiated. Well, Legolas isn’t actually in The Hobbit as written by Tolkien, and since the movie isn’t made yet and no one is exactly certain how Bloom’s character will be integrated into the film, already a rift has begun to spring up between the purists and fans of Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Sure, Bloom is beautiful. Yes, Legolas is a great character. Does that mean he needs to be in the prequel even though he technically isn’t? I’m not sure yet.

Personally, I trust Jackson to do justice to the source material. He’s maybe the ultimate Tolkien fanboy and I’m sure he has a legitimate (and faithful) interpretation of Bilbo Baggins’s story, which he is obviously trying to connect to the LotR movies for those who haven’t read the books. If that means including events from between The Hobbit and LotR, then I’m okay with that. But if this is a unforgivable ploy to get Bloom-swooning preteens to the box office, then I can’t say I approve. Do not want, Peter Jackson.

I’m on the fence. What do you think, Geeks?

[source][image]