5 new technologies, 1 basic claim: The power to make your life easier. Do they deliver?
1. BlackBerry
The promise: Corporate email and phone in your pocket; anywhere can be your office.
The reality: At first: Ah, sweet freedom. Then: Let me catch up on some email before bed. Finally: Damn ball and chain.
Simplify-your-life grade: F ("A" for the rare person who actually skips out of the office periodically and turns it off at 6 pm)
2. In-home wireless network
The promise: A PC for each family member. One Internet connection. One printer. No wires.
The reality: The set up abuses you mentally for six weeks before magically working.
Simplify-your-life grade: B+
3. In-car navigation system
The promise: Never get lost again, thanks to audible turn-by turn directions.
The reality: Arguably more useful than a map. But real-time traffic with suggested alternate routes... Well, that's the killer app. Given Indian dug-up roads, we would much rather chart our own course depending on where you are likely to meet lesser traffic.
Simplify-your-life grade: C- (A+ someday)
4. Mini vacuum cleaners
The promise: Cleans up those hard-to-get places.
The reality: It keeps the place presentable. And sucks those breadcrumbs before your girlfriend can make a huge cry about it. But then so does your Kanta bai.
Simplify-your-life grade: D+
5. Wireless surround sounds
The promise: Full, rich, 5.1-channel surround sound, without running cords under the carpet.
The reality: Sure enough, great sound, no wires!
Simplify-your-life grade: A