A couple of Questions Options

[GentlemanLoser]

Hi All!

I’m getting back into Shadowrun and am trying to get up to speed with the 3rd edition rules. I’ve browsed these forums for a little while and found some great information, but I’ve a couple of questions (I’m sure there’ll be more to come!) that I can’t find answers for and hope you could help.

What use are Smart Goggles? I’m assuming that Smart Goggles can’t be used in conjunction with a Laser Sight (although the rules use the term SmartLink, which might only apply to the cybernetic version…). Both options give a -1 TN, but Smart Goggles cost at least 4 times as much as a laser sight, not including the cost of modifying the gun itself! I also assume that Smart Goggles can’t be used to eject a Smartgun clip as a free action, unlike the cybernetic version. What reason is there to use Smart Goggles over a Laser Sight? If I’ve assumed incorrectly, and Smart Goggles can be used with Laser Sights (I’m at work atm and don’t have the books to hand, I think the rules state that laser sights can’t be used with smartlink systems) what is the justification for this? If you already have a sight appearing in your vision highlighting the point the gun is targeting (from the Goggles) what additional help is a red dot appearing on the target going to provide?

Second question. In M&M I remember the entry for Smartlink (where describing the individual components used to create a smarlink) offering the idea of installing a second induction pad to allow the use of two smartguns. Doesn’t this contradict the two weapon rules given in the combat section of the main rulebook that states that when using two pistols (for example) reductions to TN’s from Smartgun Links, Goggles and Laser Sights aren’t applied? Or is this cyberware option only given so that someone could hold two smart weapons, and only use one at a time? On a related note, I’ve seen ambidexterity mentioned here, sometimes as a special skill and sometimes as an edge, but I’ve not found it in the rule books we have at the moment (Core Rules, SOTA:65? - Latest one, MITS, M&M, SR Companion), is this a house rule, or does it appear in another sourcebook (Cannon Companion maybe?)? How does it work?

I hope this all makes sense and thanks!