Computers and Consumer Electronics

Rules for operating computers appear under the Computer Sciences skill. 

Cameras

Digital Camera

Bulk: L

Purchase DC: 14

 A digital camera uses no film; instead, its pictures are simply downloaded to a computer as image files. No film developing is necessary.

Disposable Camera

Bulk: L

Purchase DC: 4

A 35mm camera with film built in can be purchased from vending machines, tourist traps, drugstores, and hundreds of other places. Once the film is used, the entire camera is turned in to have the film developed.

Computer

Whether a desktop or notebook model, a computer includes a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, speakers, a wifi modem, and the latest processor. A character needs a computer to make Computer Science checks and to make Research checks involving the Internet.

Desktop

Bulk: 2

Purchase DC: 16

Bulky but powerful, these machines are common on desks everywhere.

Laptop

Bulk: L

Purchase DC: 18

Slim, lightweight, and portable, laptop computers have most of the functions available on desktop computers.

Upgrade

A character can upgrade a desktop or laptop computer's processor to provide a +1 equipment bonus on Computer Science checks. Increase the purchase DC of a desktop by +1 or a notebook by +2 to purchase an upgrade.

Digital Audio Recorder

Bulk: L

Purchase DC: 6

These tiny recorders (about the size of a deck of playing cards) can record up to eight hours of audio and can be connected to a computer to download the digital recording. In the last decade, digital audio recorders have  gotten smaller, more effective, and more affordable. Now, any student can carry a coin-sized device that would have put intelligence agencies of the 1980s to shame. With a Computer Science check, you can use audio editing software to contest any roles to obscure discussion or mask noises.

Printer

Bulk: 1

Purchase DC: 12

The color inkjet printer described here is suited for creating hard copies of text and image files from computers.

Satellite Telephone

Bulk: L

Purchase DC: 15

This object looks much like a bulky cell phone, and functions in much the same way as well. However, because it communicates directly via satellite, it can be used anywhere on earth, even in remote areas well beyond the extent of cell phone service.

Scanner

Bulk: 1

Purchase DC: 12

A color flatbed scanner allows the user to transfer images and documents from hard copy into a computer in digital form.

Smartphone

Bulk: 1

Purchase DC: 12

By themselves, smartphones can make calls, send text messages and emails, take pictures, maintain an agenda, and search the web. With a bit of software, the smartphone becomes the multi-tool of the electronic age. While it cannot accomplish the raw computing power of a full-sized personal computer, higher-end smartphones can manage almost all the same tasks with ease.

Most major gadgets have been successfully replicated with smartphone applications. GPS scanning and tracking are staples of the amateur investigator. Facial recognition software finds a face in a crowd with relative accuracy. They can photograph and transcribe text, then translate ancient tomes. They can store a library’s worth of text and allow for automated searches. They offer directions with photographic assistance. Even the value of a mindless video game on a stakeout is often underestimated.