My Computer IS a Tennis Shoe
Kirt's Cogitations™ #71

RF Cafe University "Factoids," "Kirt's Cogitations," and "Tech Topics Smorgasbord" are all manifestations of my ranting on various subjects relevant (usually) to the overall RF Cafe theme. All may be accessed on these pages:

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My Computer IS a Tennis Shoe

Adidas has announced the world's first microprocessor controlled sneaker, named "1." Now, being digital, I don't know where the "0" went, but then marketeers do not necessarily understand the technology. This shoe sports an embedded computer that which "can perform 20,000 operations in the time it takes your brain to realize your hand is touching a hot stove. And in terms of speed - it has a motor which spins at a rate faster than the rotors of a Blackhawk helicopter." A magnetic sensing system makes 1,000 measurements per second. A motor-driven cable system constantly adjusts the cushioning of the shoe to adapt precisely and optimally to the wearer's needs. The price for this technological marvel is a mere $250, but it is not clear whether that is for a pair, or per shoe.

RF Cafe began life in 1996 as "RF Tools" in an AOL screen name web space totaling 2 MB. Its primary purpose was to provide me with ready access to commonly needed formulas and reference material while performing my work as an RF system and circuit design engineer. The World Wide Web (Internet) was largely an unknown entity at the time and bandwidth was a scarce commodity. Dial-up modems blazed along at 14.4 kbps while tying up your telephone line, and a lady's voice announced "You've Got Mail" when a new message arrived...