WHAT'S NEWS?

Test your knowledge of current industry events with the following quiz

1. Wireless operator Nextel Communications announced it signed more than 475,000 new customers in Q3. The carrier credited the subscriber growth to:

   a. Heavy demand from business users

   b. Competitive pricing and services

   c. The white-hot sex appeal of spokesman Dennis Franz

2. An internal Dell document leaked onto the Web offered some new insights into the IT giant's upcoming plans, including:

   a. New handhelds running on Microsoft's PocketPC 2002 operating system

   b. Handheld pricing platforms starting at $299

   c. A covert operation to have that annoying ‘You're gettin’ a Dell, dude' kid “terminated — with extreme prejudice”

3. In an effort to restore consumer trust, Qwest Communications vowed to offer better customer service. The carrier's plan of attack includes:

   a. Extending call center hours

   b. Reducing call transfers

   c. Enlisting CEO Richard Notebaert to sing old show tunes to customers waiting on hold

4. Fujitsu Laboratories announced the development of a new robot that can be controlled remotely via mobile phone to operate electronic appliances and monitor home security. The target demographic for the robot maid is:

   a. Busy singles

   b. Working mothers

   c. Employees of Spacely Sprockets

The above quiz offers a combination of news and entertainment, and should not be mistaken for either.