Focus On: Misc.

The marketers often tell us that, thanks to concentrated expertise, training and buying power, national franchises are more trustworthy, and put out better quality products than locally owned operators. But after an encounter with the local outposts of national franchisor, Cartridge World, we felt both integrity and quality missing. As for training... the bit we experienced was precisely the wrong kind.

Looking for a fast, lightweight web-based form builder? Email Battles built a typical sign-up form on Wufoo, a friendly startup based out of Tampa. With the exception of a stubborn radio button that won't go away, we found the site lives up to its promise.

Until AMD undermined Intel's PC hegemony, most designers believed faster processors had to eat more power and create more heat. Since then, the industry has aimed to reduce power and cooling costs, while continuing to build ever more powerful processors. And a tiny startup is applying the mobius loop concept in an innovative way to assure that more powerful, less power-hungry processors keep coming.

The solution for keyboard users suffering from carpal tunnel, tendonitis and other repetitive stress disorders was unleashed by, of all things, a dentist, more than a decade ago. The unique device relieved stress on wrists, elbows and shoulders by re-orienting hands to a handshake position. Unfortunately, price, quality, market timing and user stubbornness combined to force a great idea into early retirement.

Have Go Daddy employees been hitting a small ISP below the belt on his blog, as claimed? It's a classic case of the David versus Goliath. Email Battles presents the evidence, then hides behind the sofa while you decide.