Whenever the tech groupies slaver over some new device coming out, I always have to ask why it is that my coffee maker and other such devices need a computer chip. It appears that absurdity has no end, however. Have a look at this latest:
http://www.withings.com/en/bodyscale
These people actually think that having your bathroom scale talk to your Twitter, Facebook, and blog accounts for you is a good idea. Your scale can now send you e-mail. It can tell you what you weigh in kilograms, pounds, or stones and can graph the same over time. It can recognize different members of your family. The bloody-minded dingus can even send your information to your on-line medical records–protected by a password, if that gives you any comfort.
Excuse me for a moment while I explode with curses. . .
I admit that I’m a Luddite. I also pay little attention to my daily weight, figuring that as long as I eat something, I shan’t shrivel away to nothing. If I wanted a scale in my bathroom to determine how much extra weight my wallet, notepad, carry gun, spare magazine, pocket knife, and other such bric-a-brac add, I’ll have one with a simple spinning dial connected to a spring. (I do admit that having a scale that gives its readings in stones appeals to me, but this isn’t worth it.)
Those of you who want one of these ridiculous gadgets can have one for $159.00. But if you’re that silly, just send me the money, and I’ll tell you that you’re healthy, happy, and beautiful. I’ll even write that on your Facebook wall, if you so desire.
Greg Camp's Weblog 