Plugged In: Fast Net Access From Your Power Outlet

1. Plug In to Log On

The Buzz: A brazen new competitor to DSL and cable is "within striking distance of being the third major broadband pipe into the home," says FCC Chairman Michael Powell. Broadband over power line, or BPL (currently being offered in pilot programs by a dozen or so utilities around the country), promises to deliver high-speed Internet access straight from the electrical socket in your wall. Long written off as an also-ran technology, BPL has new spark, thanks to technical advances that address problems of interference and in-line transformers that scramble signals. The last hurdle will be getting the FCC's approval. Considering Powell's enthusiasm--and the general belief that BPL will cost less than cable or DSL--a green light could be imminent.

Bottom Line: The FCC is touting BPL as a potential way to offer service to hard-to-reach rural consumers. I'm just hoping that the prospect of price wars will lower my DSL bill. Power to the people!

2. Send a Spam, Go to Jail

The Buzz: Virginia may be for lovers, but not for spam lovers. The state's new antispam law imposes strict penalties--including jail time--for anyone convicted of sending more than 10,000 pieces of "fraudulent" junk e-mail (with, say, false return addresses) in a day. And Virginia isn't alone: Arizona and Michigan are close to passing similar legislation.

Bottom Line: It's more window dressing than real deterrent. Expect issues of state (not to mention country) jurisdiction to keep spammers out of the slammer, as offenders simply relocate. How do you say "spam" in Belarusian?

3. I Got the DVD Blues

The Buzz: Attention, videophiles! Sony's ground-breaking new DVD recorder has arrived. This deluxe deck packs a whopping 23GB (that's 2 hours of high-definition video) on a single-sided, single-layer disc. The unit's technology, dubbed Blu-ray, relies on short-wavelength blue lasers instead of garden-variety red. The catch? It costs about $3800 and it's available only in Japan. Sony is keeping quiet on when Blu-ray will hit our shores. I'm betting on this year's holiday season.

Bottom Line: It's obscenely expensive, unavailable in the States, and spelled wrong. But you know you want it. Tru?

4. Betting on 64 Bits

The Buzz: AMD's new 64-bit Opteron chip--aimed at the server market--has a few tricks up its silicon sleeve: Not only does it run 64-bit apps with elan, but it also handles existing 32-bit software at full clock speed (1.8 GHz). Plus, it's got OS support from Microsoft and sundry Linux makers, and native apps coming from Oracle and IBM. But will top-tier hardware vendors opt for Opteron?

Bottom Line: To succeed in the server chip market, you must face the wrath of Intel, which is pushing its 64-bit Itanium 2. Bet on backroom arm-twisting as Intel tries to squash AMD like a software bug.

Contributing Editor Steve Fox covers buzzworthy products, ideas, and trends. Contact him at steve_fox@pcworld.com. Go here for more Plugged In.