As with other types of equipment, computers and other hardware may be modified by gadgets. Some gadgets are restricted to specific PLs or higher, while others are available universally.

The number of memory slots the computer has to hold programs in active memory in-creases by +1. This gadget may be applied more than once, its effects stack. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2

The number of memory slots the computer has to store inactive programs and data in-creases by +3. This gadget may be applied more then once, its effects stack. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

The computer voice is a voice interface that allows a computer to receive commands and converse verbally with users. The system includes the ability to identify and authenticate specific voices. It is all but impossible to fool the authentication system of the ship’s voice, requiring a Bluff check (DC 40). On any failed at-tempt, the computer notifies the administrator or sounds an alarm. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2.

Adding an additional processor to a computer increases its speed and power, granting a special +1 equipment bonus to any Computer Use checks made while using that computer. This bonus stacks with any equipment bonus that the computer’s base processor may already provide. Restrictions: None Purchase DC Modifier: +1

The hit point total of the equipment is in-creased by 50% of the original total. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time increasing the hit point total by 50% of the original total. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2

FLIMSY

The hardness of the gear is decreased by –2, to a minimum of 0. This flaw can be selected multiple times. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: -1

The hit point total of the hardware is decreased by 25% of the original total. This flaw can be selected up to four times, each time decreasing the hit point total of the hardware by 25% of the original total, to a minimum of 1 hp. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: -2

A Grid Interface Device (GID) allows a computer to connect to the Grid and interact with its virtual environment. Most computers come with a GID, but some GIDs are better than others (see Casting a Shadow, below). A computer’s GID can be upgraded, but can never be of better quality than the computer’s processor. Aside from that limitation, this gadget may be selected multiple times, improving the GID by one step each time. Selecting this gadget for a computer does not come with a GID adds a Marginal GID, which can then be improved within the normal limitations. Restrictions: Only computers from PL 6 or above may have GIDs. Purchase DC Modifier: +3

Three-dimensional holography displays vastly increase a computer’s graphic capability and projecting a miniature 3D display around the operator. Restrictions: Computer must have good or better processor, and increases computer size by one category. Purchase DC Modifier: +3

IMPROVED DATABASE

The computer’s files contain an up-to-date, cross-referenced information database on a wide range of common and uncommon subjects, granting a +2 equipment bonus on any Research checks made using the computer. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2

The size of the hardware is increased by one size category. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: -2

The weight of the hardware is increased by 50%. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: -2

Similar in function to the alternate weapon gadget. the multiple use item gadget allows the character to integrate the function of two separate items into a single device.

When selecting the multiple use item gadget. choose a second object. That object is integrated into the base object and can be used at any time. Additionally. you must choose whether or not the alternate object may be physically separated from the base item or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times. each time adding a single additional piece of equipment to the base object.

Restrictions: The character must also purchase the piece of equipment to be integrated separately from the base item, before the gadget modification is made. Purchase DC Modifier: +1

One of the most revolutionary advances in computer technology during the Information Age and beyond is the paint-on LCD gadget. This allows almost any surface to be used as a computer display, as it grafts the color-changing pixels common to all display devices onto another surface. While mundane applications of this technology might be used in fields like advertising (to display company logos and advertisements on cars, the sides of buildings, and even clothing, for example), other applications are found almost every-where. The surface of a desk can be trans-formed into a display for face-to-face communications, or a riot shield can be made do dis-play warnings in multiple languages to potential dissidents. Any piece of equipment with the paint-on LCD gadget can be used as a display for any piece of computer or communications equipment. Additionally, weapons and armor may make use of the paint-on LCD gadget at the normal cost, but gain no special benefit from the modification other than being able to display data. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +4.

PROCESSOR UPGRADE

All computers come with a base processor, determined by the type of computer purchased. For an additional charge, that processor can be replaced with a better one. Be-cause of limitations imposed by design, some computers can only house processors up to a certain quality, as noted in their descriptions. Otherwise, this gadget can be selected multiple times, each time improving the processor’s quality by one step. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +4

REDUCED SIZE

The size of the hardware is reduced by one size category Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2.

The weight of the gear is reduced by 25%. Restrictions: None. Purchase Dc Modifier: +2

At the dawn of the Information Age, the value of knowledge and accurate intelligence became a crucial aspect of warfare. The ability to connect to a global communications net-work was critical to the success of any army, as intelligence traveled at the speed of light across the globe to command centers safe be-hind defended battle lines. The satellite data-link gadget enables any piece of equipment, from computer to communication device to heads-up display, to connect to a global (or, if in place, galactic) satellite network and communicate with computer systems in far re-mote areas. Restrictions: This gadget may only be used with gear containing computerized communications equipment. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

A computer equipped with a satellite imagery receiver can access real-time images from satellites—providing a bird’s-eye view of any exterior location where satellite coverage is available. This device not only provides an up-to-the-minute map of an area, but it indicates which areas are lit and the location of personnel on the ground. Obviously, normal satellite imagery doesn’t penetrate buildings or dense cover from foliage or weather conditions. Even when conditions are ideal, the total window of surveillance of a specific location is rarely more than 20 minutes or so. The receiver does not give the user any ability to control the satellite’s trajectory, field of view, or speed, though she can zoom in or out. Likewise, the satellite imagery receiver is coded only to access public satellites. Accessing private or restricted satellites, or attempting to command a satellite in any way, re-quires hacking into its systems. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +5

A softscreen monitor is a collapsible, flat-screen monitor made of flexible optic microfibers. It can be rolled up for easy transport. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +2

The surveillance round is useless without a monitor equipped to receive its transmission. This receiver unit attaches to any video display (computer or otherwise) and dis-plays the transmission from the surveillance round. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1

The hardness of the equipment is increased by 2. This gadget can be taken multiple times, its effects stack. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1

Consisting of a network of sensors in a light-weight vest (which can be worn over clothing or armor) and networked to a portable computer, the trajectory detector extrapolates the course of a projectile backward from the point of impact—pinpointing the attacker’s location. It is mainly used by military and law enforcement personnel to locate sniper—though, of course, it is useless until the sniper fires. A trajectory detector grants the user an equipment bonus on Spot checks made to locate an attacker: +2 for each shot fired. It does not provide any information about the attack-er other than the direction from which the attack was made.