Despite the fact that it's been proven more than once that there are lots of folks who are well-versed in Morse code, it appears that the SMS of the 19th century has become a thing of the past. The FCC has finally dropped the requirement to learn the obscure language to become a ham radio operator; up until now there had been a five word per minute minimum Morse code speed requirement in order to get the amateur radio license. This brings American amateur radio operators in line with similar requirements in Europe and Canada, who since eliminating the rule in 2003, have found this requirement a bit, shall we say, old world? [Warning: PDF link]

[Via Slashdot and ARRLWeb]

We're not exactly sure how this actually works, but a creative Japanese fellow seems to have created a laptop that looks like something out of the movie "Pi." It's apparently a functioning laptop, with mechanical keys, a wooden space bar, and a stylish Morse key over the trackball. It's even got USB, Ethernet, and all the modern trimmings. Click, or tap, rather, on over to the next page to check out a closeup of that Morse key...

[Via Boing Boing]