While in previous columns I've expressed deep reservations about the
"technologism" of the postmodern world, this has never killed off my
great fascination with gadgets - and handheld gadgets in particular. I
was once the proud owner of a handheld device known as the Palm
Tungsten T3. You've probably never heard of this machine because it was
discontinued some time ago, and it wasn't very popular even when it was
available. But one thing set it apart: It had an extendable screen. For
a little more screen space, you just pushed up the visible part of the
screen and - lo and behold - more screen emerged! When fully extended,
the T3 thus became the Harley Davidson Chopper of handhelds. When you'd
had enough of it, you slipped the extra bit of screen back into its
metal pouch. The moment I saw it, I found this extension feature
mesmerizing, and after I bought the T3 I tried to hypnotize others with
it. My success was limited.
