What is IT?

What is IT? First GUI desktop

What is IT? The birthplace of Silicon Valley

Birthplace of Silicon Valley This garage is the birthplace of the world’s first high-technology region, “Silicon Valley.”  The idea originated with Dr. Frederick Terman, a Stanford University professor who encouraged his students to start up their own electronics companies in the area instead of joining established firms in the East. The first two students to follow his advice were William R. Hewlett and David Packard, who in 1938 began developing their first product, an audio oscillator, in this garage. California registered historical landmark no. 976

What is IT? Remote Presence (RP7) medical robot

This remote presence robot allows doctors in different geographical locations to teleconference right by a patient’s bedside. Real-time video allows for detailed viewing, examination and digital image capture of human anatomy, bedside monitors and equipment, EKG strips and light box images. The robot, made by InTouch Technologies,  has two-way cameras, microphones and other wireless technology, including joystick-controlled mobility.

What is IT? Telepresence studio

Both the HP Halo collaboration studio and the Cisco TelePresence Meeting solutions look a lot like a traditional conference rooms — except the people on the far side of the table are in another studio on the opposite side of the globe. Very Star Trek.

What is IT? The world’s smallest RFID chip

These RFID chips are made by Hitachi. The ones in blue have 128 bits of ROM and can store a 38-digit number. They are billed as being the smallest RFID chips and are 64 times smaller than the tiny chip you see on the person’s finger (right). The black line you see in the middle photo is a strand of human hair. Hitachi reps have said they don’t know what they’re going to do with the tiniest chips, which are being called “RFID powder” for now. You can read more about the chips here.

What is IT? The world’s smallest full-featured motherboard

This is the world’s smallest full-featured x86 motherboard. It’s designed for ultra compact embedded PCs, gaming systems and appliances. It’s made by VIA and it measures 10cm x 7.2cm. Here’s a review.

What is IT? A paper battery that can be powered by blood, sweat or tears

The new battery is a nano-composite paper made by growing carbon nanotubes on a silicon substrate and impregnating the gaps between the tubes with cellulose, which is essentially paper.

The carbon nanotubes act as electrodes allowing the device to conduct electricity while maintaining its flexibility. The cellulose means that it can be activated by the natural electrolytes found in bodily fluids like blood and sweat.

The design allows the battery to maintain its integrity despite being bent, folded or even cut into pieces.

Ian Williams, Boffins patent paper battery

What is IT? Keyboard for pirates

I’ve seen this several places — if anyone knows who I should credit, please let me know. Cute.

What is IT? Data center floor puller

In many data centers, cold air runs parallel to the floor under raised tiles. Matt Stansberry explains more in
Raised floors and efficiency: Controlling cooling matters

What is IT? Watercooling motherboard

MSI’s new HydroGen waterblock will be offered as a limited edition on some of its next generation Intel X48 boards.