A new study shows that Apple iPods can interfere with pacemakers, but some of our readers were skeptical about the findings. Some worry that this will lead to an iPod ban, but others don't think this is likely.
The subject of iPods being banned from schools has also been a hot topic this week. Reader responses range from thinking that iPods should be allowed but confiscated during tests to advocating that they be banned outright.
So you've been promised a Windows Vista upgrade, but still haven't received it? You're not alone. Many people have had to put up with the hassle of submitting paperwork over and over, dealing with unresponsive companies, and generally getting the runaround.
Surprisingly, one of the most commented-on stories this week had only a loose connection to technology: Paris Hilton's MySpace petition not to go to jail. So what do you think? Should Paris go to jail? Take our Community Poll and tell us!
We end with product reviews from members like you. We've seen quite a lot of new product reviews submitted lately--keep it up! Submit reviews for products you own, and help others make wise purchasing decisions. To leave a review, search for a product you own in PC World's Shop & Compare section, and click the "Add Your Review" tab.
Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to the PC World Web site. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.
Study: iPods Can Make Pacemakers Malfunction
pgeremia says: That kid should be reprimanded for such an idiotic study. And the people that supported him should also be reprimanded. People with pacemakers are warned to stay away from electrical devices. Why are they singling out the iPod?
hansaplast says: It's not just the iPod, but also other players ... and that what annoys me. It sounds a lot like the real study cannot get enough attention so they had to focus on "iPod" to make it noticeable? Sad, sad... and wrong as well.
olanb says: Wait till the human liberty police get on the scene. The price of iPods will have to go up and every iPod will have to have a visible label that says, "WARNING: iPods can cause pacemakers to malfunction or even fail." Next the iPod will be banned from all public establishments that could possibly have patrons with a pacemaker.
H2OBoy says: Older pacemaker technology caused concern when used near microwave ovens. The new generations of pacemakers are not nearly so susceptible to interference from radiated energy. So rest easy, no ban on iPods is any more likely than cell phones, auto ignitions, arc welders, or the other items that may later be suspect.
Read all the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Outrage Continues Over Vista Program
goldencrazy says: I'm one of those people who had to resubmit paperwork twice. After submission the second time, I received yet another e-mail telling me I needed to send in copies of paperwork from HP. I fired off a rather terse e-mail telling them to find the mailings I already sent because I wasn't going to continue to participate in their little scam any longer, nor would I purchase another HP product if I didn't get the promised upgrade. The next day I had my confirmation with a ship date of 5 to 8 days.
ollyc says: I bought my upgradeable PC from PC World (UK) in January last. I had my upgrade validated by Moduslink on the 2 February 07. Since then I have my COA challenged about 4 times and pop took 6 attempts, despite Moduslink validating my order back in Feb 07. I send an e-mail twice a week to ask for information, as yet no reply. I did manage to get through on the phone last week and the operator told me it is Packard Bell's fault. It goes round and round in circles. What a way to run a business.
stevejohnclark says: I bought a new HP computer last November not even realizing that it was going to have a free Vista upgrade (it wasn't advertised as such). A couple of months ago I received an e-mail from HP telling me that I had only one month to request my free upgrade kit. I faxed in the requested information and waited my 3 to 4 weeks and got my upgrade. No trouble at all. I was even notified as to the progress of my upgrade at each step. Gee, I guess that they do get it right sometimes.
urbanboricua773 says: I received my Windows Vista just fine. Moduslink sent it out really quickly. The best way is to send the receipts through their e-mail, and in the subject area put your account information. Mailing stuff in takes forever because the USPS has to process and then the mailroom of the company has to process it. So if possible, e-mail it!
Read all the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
iPod Bans: Are Schools Cheating Our Kids?
snarp98 says: I don't believe that using an iPod on an exam is going to make a person any better. How can you expect somebody to learn at a higher level if they have to resort to an electronic device to determine basic learned facts?
OgieO says: So by your logic, when I was in high school in the mid 80s... writing formulas on my forearm with marker would have been considered innovative and resourceful rather than cheating. If kids today can't remember a few physics formulas for a few hours, they don't deserve to have an iPod.
homelights says: There needs to be a level playing field for all kids of all generations. I did not have PDAs, cell phones, a BlackBerry, iPod, etc. when I was in school to cheat/study with--so it should be the same for today's generations. Take it all away--check your electronics at the door. Ban it all from school.
read2mch says: As an educator who works with students who struggle to even read because they are so absorbed in a world of iPod-type gadgets, I find this theory ridiculous! We, of course, need to teach our children to be knowledgeable in this computer-driven age, but where do we draw the line?
Read all the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Community Poll
Should Paris Hilton go to jail?
- Yes! She should serve every minute of her sentence.
- Yes, but she should be let out early for good behavior.
- Maybe, I'm not sure
- No! The punishment is too harsh for the crime.
- No! Paris is special and shouldn't have to go to jail.
- Other (please post to tell us)
Vote now in the PC World Forums.
Ad Choices