This is a toungue in cheek Nerd Beach exclusive, and it could be handy for those who go out on a date, yet are not the most tech savvy (or just like the ideal of dedicated devices). The ideal is that you whip out the handy Portable Compatibility Calculator when out on a date or meeting someone, and you go through a round of questions to determine if you should continue on the date or bail out early. Of course, there is no way you can quantify attraction or feelings, but at least it can give you a possible caution light.
Mechanically, the project consisted of a re-purposed desktop calculator which had the inner workings removed. The display has been changed to a single line alphanumeric display, and the buttons are relabeled but left as input (along with the modified original circuit board for the button contacts). A basic stamp is now at the heart of the device, along with its custom code.
When you press start, the calculator prompts you with a series of questions to answer with numeric input or yes/no. You can skip questions (which then the program ignores in its calculation, although accuracy may suffer a bit) in case it is hard to work one into the conversation.
Don't like the answer, but the smile wins you over? Good news – You can flip back through the questions and change selected answers, in case you think it might be a worthwhile project to undertake (ladies take note).
While we feel it would be a handy aid in the dating jungle, we regret to inform that it was a concept one-off project, so it is not available at this time. But trust your first impression, and always sit close to the door.
