Atomic says Pfft! to the iPad launch - there's only one personal computing device we want.
So some thing called the iPad launched today. All our colleagues at Haymarket are going crazy getting unboxing videos online, or talking to retailers, or... I don't know. Staring raptly at the thing imagining story angles.
Bugger that. All we want is the PADD.
The Personal Access Display Device is the only computing accessory you need. As used by the Federation's Starfleet on all recent deployments, the PADD runs on sarium krellide power cells, and has an outer fascia made from boronite whisker epoxy, . It's tough enough for any mission, capable of operating after drops of up to 35 meters.
These clever devices run off a mix of dependable PCB components and more high-powered isolinear chips. Capable of independent computing, they far outmatch the lowly standard of the more terrestrial Apple device.
The PADD, however, comes into its own when networked with the vaster systems on board a starship. It is in fact possible to operate any major shipboard function from one of these devices, including flight operations.
Apple 0, Starfleet Corp of Engineers 1.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012