Wow, after throwing that price out off the top of my head it was actually right. GPS units are 200 nuyen. Page 328 of the BBB.


What's the point in making it a commlink module? You can get data from A to B easily in 2070, and it's more convenient to be able to discard the (admittedly minor) additional weight/bulk of the GPS module easily. Even unslotting some kind of hot-swap module is more effort than just dropping your GPS unit. And you should totally be able to take a bunch of GPS units and use them to mark points of interest to people in the area. A module complicates that by not working outside a commlink.

I forgot to include the self-evident fact that a GPS unit sold separately will cost more than the price charged for integrating the unit into a commlink because you actually want the GPS unit then. Most people buying commlinks don't want a GPS unit.

It's a thing that makes me wonder just like you, it's stated that it inflicts rating boxes of stun damage, but it doesn't state anything about resisting it; however I would allow a resistance test, it makes sense and in this way one rating 10 patch would be better than two rating 5 ones (especialy with trolls)




Indeed, perfect for extractions.

Question: How do "the basic programs" come in handy for a non-hacker?

Well, an easy one is the Encryption program. Lets you encrypt those instant messages and voice communications over the matrix to your team mates. Though not perfect, it does add a extra hurdle for someone wanting to eavesdrop on your team.

As for the others, I don't have my book with me. But IMO, most programs just require some imagination on the side of the players to be worth the .

Ditto on the nice suit. Image is everything, so go easy on the trench coat, Neo.

Another thing people seem to be forgetting: fake licenses. Nice SIN bro...nice gun too...ooooh, no permit, jail time!
Actually, there are many uses for fake permits/licenses besides gun/drivers/spellcasting licenses. I am going to start a new thread about that.

Analyze is pretty much an invaluable program if you have a comm you don't want to get hacked without you knowing about it. I'd place it pretty much on the must have list.

Commlinks use Firewall + Analyze to detect hacking attempts, if I recall correctly. It probably won't detect anyone who's really slick, but it'll help keep the script kiddies and wannabes at bay.

Browse is handy for any character who might want to pull up a public access site on their commlink. Data Search pros get the most out of it (much, much more actually), but the other folks can still root around for factoids, sound bites, and news articles.

Command can be used to control all kind of devices, from the Mr. Soy soykaf machine to your car's autopilot (pull the car around, Jeeves!) to the MCT Fly-Spy that you bought for those times you need to be able to quickly and covertly scout a location.

Encrypt, as mentioned previously, is just another hurdle for hackers to have to deal with. But against a legit person running only common use programs, its pretty much completely effective. If you don't have a decrypt or a predesignated passcode, you can't read the data contained in the file(s).

Edit is not only for hacking access logs and such, it also allows you to doctor photos (Forgery), compose a variety of documents, and so on. For non-hackers, it is (mostly) a quality of life program.

Every commlink comes with Scan (1), but getting a better rating will just make life easy in the long run, especially in areas with spotty wireless service.

Reality Filter is... good if you want to nerf own commlink on a regular basis (barring the uberest high end system, which don't really need it anyway). Or if you're a chip head who really wants to live the Happy Dream Realm MMO 24/7. Either way, yeah, Reality Filter kind of sucks.

Purge is often overlooked by casual users because its no tin the core book, but its handy for cleaning up less-sophisticated malware, spam, and similar problems.


That's just my 2 nuyen, of course.
-paws

I also allow people to buy fake credentials (same cost as licenses). These bits of supporting data expand a on the Fake SIN's data trail. Want a Th.D. from MIT&T or certification that you're a rained paramedic? They're mostly a role playing thing - they just help support your claims of being who you claim you are.

-paws