Bill Detwiler

On May 23, 2006, Microsoft released the 2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 to the general public. This is the first chance the general public has had to test and evaluate the next version of Microsoft Office. According to Microsoft the Beta 2 release “contains all the functionality of the regular release, but is not the final product”.

This gallery’s 54 images give you as detailed look at Excel 2007. Both experienced and novice users will need to familiarize themselves with Excel’s new “Ribbon”, which replaces the multiple Toolbars normally at the top of the window.

The general feel of Microsoft Office 2007 beta 2 is very similar to Office 2003, which means there will not be a significant learning curve for those making the migration. One noticeable feature change is the tighter integration of Tasks and To Do Lists with the rest of the normal views. This comes in the form of a To Do Bar that sits on the outside of Outlook’s main window no matter what internal view you may be using — Mail, Calendar, Contacts, or Tasks. So no matter where you are in Outlook you can see what it is you are supposed to be doing.

Scientists are working on sensors designed to harvest their own energy, in some cases converting mechanical into electrical energy.

The low-cost PC design for the masses is sooo not your average black or beige computer.

On the second day of Legoland’s contest to find a master model builder, a winner emerges.

On May 23, 2006, Microsoft released the 2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 to the general public. This is the first chance the general public has had to test and evaluate the next version of Microsoft Office. According to Microsoft the Beta 2 release “contains all the functionality of the regular release, but is not the final product”.

This gallery’s 27 images give you as detailed look at Access 2007. Both experienced and novice users will need to familiarize themselves with Access’s new “Ribbon”, which replaces the multiple Toolbars normally at the top of the window.

New features in Microsoft’s Windows Live Local online mapping service include real-time traffic data and expanded scratch pad features.

Dell plans to open two stores this year, one in Dallas, one in West Nyack, New York.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit allows athletes’ shoes to talk to their iPod Nanos, reporting running data and progress.

The Microsoft chairman debuts a bunch of beta versions and delves into Windows Live on cell phones at the hardware confab.

CNET.com reviewers present a slide show of the first public beta of Microsoft’s new Windows Vista operating system.

Now turning 50, the lab has produced Nobel Prize-winning technical breakthroughs, including the scanning tunneling microscope.