Two weeks ago, consumer electronics firm Amstrad launched its E-Mailer
gadget, an all-in-one phone, voicemail, e-mail terminal and fax. But already,
Amstrad has had to scrap a plan to help subsidise the gadget’s low £80
price tag with surcharges on e-mail. Its 126-page manual states that failure to
use e-mail at least five times per week, at local phone rates plus a surcharge,
means the machine’s non-phone features will stop working. After complaints,
Amstrad says it is now “dramatically” changing the design: users are no longer
obliged to use the e-mail. But E-Mailer still needs a new session for each…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Environment
2026 will be the hottest year on record, leading scientist predicts
News

Technology
NHS England rushes to hide software over AI hacking fears
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
The 4 biggest myths about hydration, according to an expert
Comment

Life
Oak trees use delaying tactics to thwart hungry caterpillars
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
We have figured out a new way to send messages into the past
2
Human heads have changed shape a lot in the past 100 years
3
Why the keto diet could be a revolutionary way to treat mental illness
4
Is consciousness more fundamental to reality than quantum physics?
5
Thought-provoking photographs capture what it feels like to have ADHD
6
Weird 'transdimensional' state of matter is neither 2D nor 3D
7
100-year-old assumption about the universe may soon be overturned
8
Coral reefs on a remote archipelago shrugged off a massive heatwave
9
NHS England rushes to hide software over AI hacking fears
10
Ann Leckie continues to shine with new sci-fi novel Radiant Star