Senator Asks Permission to Bring Laptop to Work

"You can still find brass spittoons on the floor of the United States Senate, but don't look for personal computers -- they're not allowed in the historic chamber." [Story Link] via [New York Times: Technology]

Interesting article that talks about how wireless would help the senators and congressmen get up to the minute information on bills and roll calls etc.  It never ceases to amaze me (although I guess it shouldn't) that government is so behind the curve on this sort of stuff.  The local federal court (and I suppose all of them for all I know) doesn't allow you to bring a laptop to court, unless you get permission from the judge.  Most of the judges will give you permission, but you have to know that and ask for it ahead of time.  And the local federal court also doesn't allow cellphones (supposedly due to a fear of explosives).  Sigh....