Go back five years....do you remember...The WikiReader?
The WikiReader is the portable version of Wikipedia. You don't need a computer, smart phone, WiFi, or anything electronic to use it. Pocket sized at about 4” x 4" the WikiReader has just 3 buttons, and an on/off switch. The interface is pretty basic and the instructions are even more basic. Turn it on, type what you’re searching for on the virtual keyboard and you’re on your way. After playing with the Random button for a few minutes information about a parental lock that isn't mentioned in the manual came up. Maybe that's supposed to be part of fun. Your searches are saved in “history”. If you press the "History" button twice you have the option to save or to erase your browsing history. That's not mentioned in the instructions either. The device has a removable 4 GB MicroSD card which I discovered when I checking if the WikiReader could be updated. The instructions do tell you that the "Search" button serves two functions. One push brings up the virtual keyboard and the second push hides the keyboard and returns you to the previous screen. The virtual keyboard is a bit tiny and I miss having the key you hit enlarge for a split second as confirmation that you hit the proper one. And from time to time touch detection gets stubborn and you have to hit a key or a link within an entry a few times before it goes to where you want it. Reading on the monochrome screen isn't bad and you get to pick different contrasts and type sizes when you first start typing. Also the WikiReader shows only text, no pictures or photos. It’s not backlit so you to be in a lighted place in order to read the screen. Two AAA batteries that are included power it. The company says you can expect about 90 hours of battery life, which is probably several months or more depending on how often you use the device. Automatic shutoff after several minutes of inactivity helps extend battery life. The WikiReader can be updated for free via the WikiReader site by taking out the MicroSD card from the battery slot and connecting it to your computer. I believe the site said that it can take many hours for the updated 3 million entries to be downloaded! Or you can pay $29 (+shipping) to have a new 8 GB MicroSD card with updated content sent to you twice a year. That’s an easier way and it’s not a bad price since it includes two 8 GB SD cards. Price is $99.
And today? Most of the links for the WikiReader are dead. But you can still find it here and there on line for anywhere from $15 to $40. But now that you can buy a complete tablet for $99, you can just use the ever updating Wikipedia online, assuming you have WiFi. So the WikiReader has a short life a few years, probably about average as most gadgets go!
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Letter of the week:
Dick, did you see this at CES? And ask Chad if that’s his sister or a relative in the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfzqUsGMHE0
Chris C.
January 15, 2015 
When you get a thin, easy-to-carry-notebook computer, you’re often forced to carry a large, ungainly looking power supply to charge it. At Showstoppers, a company called Zolt changed that with a new laptop charger that they say is the world's smallest and lightest. Dubbed the Zolt Laptop Charger Plus, it’s actually more than a power brick for your computer. The top of the Zolt has 3 USB ports built in that allow it to charge multiple gadgets at the same time. One USB port can power your laptop, (up to 70 watts, which company says is about 90% of all laptops) while the other two can charge other USB devices, like your smartphone, and tablet. At three inches long, 1.3” in diameter and weighting just three ounces, it is the smallest I’ve seen. Available in three colors, it also features a fold-down plug that rotates 90º to squeeze into tight spots. 110V to 240V voltage. The Zolt Laptop Charger Plus ships with a 6ft. laptop charging cable, 7 Interchangeable PC tips and Travel Pouch. Retail price when it’s available in Spring, will be $99.99. It’s available for preorder for $79.99. 
