21-270: Calculators

I made this announcement in class on Friday, but I wanted to repeat it here.


Initially, I told you that only one model of calculator would be allowed, the TI-30X IIS. After some questions from students, I've decided to allow a couple other models as well: the TI-30X IIB and the TI-30Xa.


You should note that the TI30Xa does not have the two line display, and doesn't allow you to go back and edit calculations you have entered. This was the model required for last year's class, and students found it difficult to deal with.

Giant Robot Dump Trucks

Some of the folks in the Carnegie Mellon community are teaming up with Caterpillar to build giant robotic dump trucks.

My take on this: Giant dump trucks - cool. Robots - cool. Giant robotic dump trucks - totally awesome!

Dude This is Totally Awesome

Who would have thought that 216 magnetic spheres would be so cool.

Babbage Difference Engine #2

I, like many math/science types, have always been fascinated by Charles Babbage's Difference Engines. They were undeniably revolutionary when he designed them in 1821 and 1849. One can only imagine what might have happened had they been built.

Well, now someone has built Difference Engine Engine #2, and it is on display at the Computer History Museum in San Jose (beginning May 10).

You Can't Beet That

Does this count as a technological advance?

via Boing Boing