Gossip

Microsoft gets into Health Training ...

The IT Forum "keynote" speech in Copenhagen today failed to keep everybody awake. Microsoft compensated bored journalists by producing a neat take-home gift; a Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse.

This essential Mobile IT item plugs in, and works. Naturally, it can't be left like that; it comes with a 100-page manual. "Getting started: Microsoft Pointing Devices" not only tell you how to click the buttons, but has a section for product liability suit avoidance. It is described as a "Healthy Computing Guide."

You should get one. Sniffer has studied in detail, and can now pass on the following essential, if astonishing, information: "To support your back, consider the following; Choose a chair that provides support for your back."

Or how about: "A healthy lifestyle can help you perform and enjoy your everyday activities, including the time spent at your computer." Followed by "For overall good health consider the following; Eat a balanced diet and get adequate rest."

Meanwhile, the online news media have described IT Forum as "the preferred destination for European tech geeks who don't have the budget to go to Comdex Fall 2002". Interesting, considering Comdex is almost free to wander around, while IT Forum seminars cost £1,500. Also IT Forum is in Copenhagen, while Comdex is in Las Vegas, one of the cheapest places in the world to find a simple hotel room.

IT Forum is, actually, the old Exchange Users forum, now upgraded to include a Mobility session, just in case you were wondering. I can't think of any way of making it sound more interesting, and reporting on today's keynote certainly wouldn't have that effect ... Back to work, you're thinking, aren't you? Me, too ...