Computer Shopper - UK (2021-01)

(Antfer) #1

14 JANUARY2021|COMPUTER SHOPPER|ISSUE


The much-lovedfeature whereourwriterslet offsteamand(occasionally) found

something to waxlyricalabout.Here aresomeofourfavourites

YOUKNOWWHATthe biggest problem with technology todayis?
It’s just toodamn cheap.There was atime when the latest kit was
properly expensive,and would staythat wayfor ages. How jealous
was the Ludo-playing 1950s family of their TV-owning neighbours?
How green were the faces of those bolting their evening meal in
time forDoctorWho,when next door would calmly record to
Betamax and watch at their leisure? How insecure did the Betamax
owner feel when witnessing the mind-blowing picture quality and
beautiful cover art of their rich friend’s LaserDisc collection?
Now,everything has changed. Unless you have aTesla Model X
or aHyperloop in your garden, there’s very little to brag about.
Technology gets smaller,faster,more capable and, crucially,
cheaper at an astonishing rate. What’s the point in bragging about

yournew4KTVwhenSkinflintBobnextdoorpicks
oneupinTescotwomonthslaterforafifthofthe
price?Therewasatimewhenthosewithseveral
grandtospendonaPCcouldblowtheirfriendsaway
with 3D space operas such as Wing Commander,
eaving those less fortunatewiththeir pathetic 2D
ptformers and non-interactive plots. Now any mug can
spend the price of awinterjacket on the latest console and
dive intothe finest example of the game-maker’s art.
In this digital world, there’s not even that much point in paying
topdollar in the hope of getting better quality.Very fewpeople are
going to be able to tell the difference between a£2,000 Blu-ray
player’s output and that of a£50 supermarket special. And don’t
even get me started on premium HDMI cables.
Youmight argue that this is avictory forglobalisation,
competition and mass consumerism, but Isay it’s sucking all the
fun out of showing off.Now please excuse me while Iblow this
year’s wages on awrist-mounted device that just tells the time
and doesn’t even have abuilt-in calculator.
OriginallypublishedinShopper

CChhrriiss FF
iinnnnaammmoo
rre

le
plat

FORMANYYEARSnow,we’ve been hearing promises
government (whichever one is in power) that technology is the
answer to many of ourproblems. Everything from the Brexit-
complicating Irish border question to easing the burden on the NHS
can be solved by asprinkle of computing magic, or so we’re told.
Reality is very different. Technology already exists that could see
doctors’ waiting rooms emptied, thanks to online video consultations
and wearable tech that transmits our data to medical professionals.
Or better still, forgo the human element altogether and send this
straight to an AI system, which can compare your results against
millions of others with similar symptoms and deliver adiagnosis.
The trouble is, while technology is ready forthis medical
revolution, us humans aren’t quitethere yet. Many of us still prefer
talking to adoctorinperson, and we don’t all relish the idea of
devices collecting, storing and sharing our vital statistics.
Even where the government has managed to go digital, the
results aren’t always helpful. First, there’s the problem of whole

oups ofsociety being locked out ofcritical online-
nlyservices. And then there’s the fact that
government departments aren’t always as joined-up
as theylike to think theyare.
Irecently received aletter from HMRC, warning me
hat if Ididn’t paymyVAT bill within 14 days, I’d face a
nalty.MyVAT accountshows I’m in credit by roughly
ame amount as the sum owed. Itried phoning the
pline several times to confirm theycould use this
balance to paymybill, but each time Imanaged to get as farasthe
security measures only to be told,“We’resorry,wecan’t deal with
your call at the moment. Goodbye.”
When Ifinally managedtospeak to someone,heexplained that
although Ihad the right amount in credit to coverthe bill, the system
hadn’t been updated. I’d need to phone the original number (which I
can’t get through to)torequest arefund, and then repaythe bill.
His other advice was to phone back in December,when the
system should have updated. Yes, December.It’s currently May.
So I’ve admitted defeat. As there’s no waytospeak to someone
to requestarefund, I’ve simply paid the lump sum again.
As to the chances of the Irish border issue being miraculously
solved by government-run technology? About as likely as the
government finding adeal equally loved by Leavers and
Remainers, I’d say.
OriginallypublishedinShopper

sfrom our

gro
o
g
a

th
pen
the sa
VAT help

MMaaddeelliinn

ee BBeennnne
tt
Free download pdf