Earthquake Study Involves Laptop Accelerometers

Seismologists at Stanford have found an innovative method to gather quake data – by using laptops equipped with accelerometers. This method saves resources for scientists by using your laptops that are deployed across a widespread area, especially in places such as SF and LA with plans to move into different zones later. Owners of a MacBook, iBook or Powerbook made after 2005 can join in this effort to inform people about quakes after it happens, or even functioning as a warning system. After all, every single micro-second counts, and the system is smart enough to tell the different between a real big earthquake compared to vibrations from a passing truck, a bump to a table, or even a minor earthquake. I think this will prove more useful than the SETI home project.