On this coming Tuesday, August 10, a bright blue van and 20-foot hot air balloon will be parked in front of the main entrance of the Louis Shores Building. The IBM Think Pad University van will be visiting the School as part of their Summer Tour 2004, filled with gadgets, giveaways, and technology.

Visitors will be able to demo the latest IBM ThinkPads, a ThinkCentre PC, various flat-panel monitors and accessories mounted inside the van. The van will act as a “mobile hot spot” allowing high-speed internet, satellite access to any wireless computer within 200 yards. Besides the basic Microsoft software, visitors can experience programs such as Microsoft One Note and Vital Source Technologies Software, an e-textbook library that comes with about 2,000 classic books, art and music files.

Giveaways at the IBM van will include T-Shirts, Frisbees, Beach balls, and stress-balls, all with IBM, Microsoft and Summer Tour logos. Gamers will be interest in registering for the giveaway of a Microsoft Xbox video game system. One is being given away at each stop of the tour and the winner will be announced in the afternoon.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are all invited to the IBM Summer Tour 2004, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10. Come on out, demo some technology, and take home some free giveaways!