What are you reading, Bill?
It's this week's New Scientist. Why?
I was just wondering. It looks interesting, but I've never actually read it myself. It's for real scientists, or can ordinary people like me understand it?
Oh, it's for anyone really. It usually has articles and stories about current affairs about science, as well as papers about new developments in research, I'm reading about a new telephone that allows you to see the person you are speaking to, as well as hear him.
Oh, I've heard about it. Is it on the market yet? Can I buy one?
No, not this one. But the company has made other models to try out on business. This one is special because of its color, and the images moving.
Oh, that's interesting.
You see, the first videophones--that's what they are called--were made in Japan. But they can only show a still black-and-white image, so this videophone is much better than that. Mind you, I'm not sure I'd want one, would you?
Well, no. I don't think I would. I bet it costs a lot of money. Does it say how much it costs?
Yes. The early black-and-white ones cost several hundred pounds. But the one is about costs several thousand pounds.
Hum. Why does anybody want one, do you think?
Business organizations that need to frequently contact overseas organizations would want it. It's like a face-to-face conversation. So maybe a lot of overseas travel can be avoided.