I think the key takeaways are:
Storage:
They can hold a total bandwidth of Expert Packages equal to their bandwidth capacity (4 in the case of the TL12 model).
Unlike a conventional specialised computer, you can swap Expert Packages by just reloading the Wafer Jack, this requires a little time (unspecified) and can be done by the user easily enough.
Runtime:
You can run a total Bandwidth of Expert packages equal to the processor capacity (Computer/n) simultaneously.
The included interface to run them does not take up any bandwidth or processor capacity.
The included interface only allows the Expert packages to give you a +1 on a skill you already have at least level 0.
The level of the Expert package determines the maximum difficulty of a task it can assist with, not the level of bonus it gives you.
Other:
Since it is also a Computer/n you can apply other computer options such as:
You could upload the Intellect interface via the data port. This would use up both capacity and bandwidth but would allow you to use Expert packages for skills you did not have.
You could have zero mass comms built-in. Upgrading this would require surgery so it would be best to decide this before installation. This single option would open up a whole raft of other options and in many cases give the equivalent of a Neural Comm. It would also allow uploading of software wirelessly (removing the need to use the physical port but still requiring the time) and allow accessing software held on other computers effectively expanding the processor capacity and reducing the impact of the limited onboard storage as you can now access external storage. This would open another vector of attack however so you will probably want to upgrade your security package if you took this route.
Ditto you could have a camera as part of the computer side of things if specified at time of purchase. But unless you have a Neural Link I don't think you would be able to use your natural eyes as cameras and it might not be much practical use.
As databases take up no bandwidth you could have as many of those as you wish sitting in your head permanently. These can be uploaded from the data port at need without requiring surgery.
You can run a Translator Package. This would provide something like subtitles or dubbing but wouldn't enable you to speak the language necessarily (as that involves moving muscles) but it could provide you with a internal audio feed that you could try to mimic.
Unless you keep very careful control of any media you intend plugging into your Wafer Jack you probably want to scan it with a good Security package before it goes anywhere near that data port. You might want Security of some level running on the Wafer Jack itself as a back-up, but the limited computer capacity probably means it will be fairly basic.
Some clever spook-ware might enable someone to override your Wafer Jack, but its very limitations prevents them controlling you, just messing up the interface which you consciously access and either crashing it or providing a false feed. If you combine it with a Neural Link however you can use physical skills, and that might allow more intrusive hacking.
The Robot Handbook also has rules for Agent Wafers that allow another personality to be assumed. These are not available to the private citizen and require the high end augmentations, but provide another data point on how Wafer Jacks work.
Storage:
They can hold a total bandwidth of Expert Packages equal to their bandwidth capacity (4 in the case of the TL12 model).
Unlike a conventional specialised computer, you can swap Expert Packages by just reloading the Wafer Jack, this requires a little time (unspecified) and can be done by the user easily enough.
Runtime:
You can run a total Bandwidth of Expert packages equal to the processor capacity (Computer/n) simultaneously.
The included interface to run them does not take up any bandwidth or processor capacity.
The included interface only allows the Expert packages to give you a +1 on a skill you already have at least level 0.
The level of the Expert package determines the maximum difficulty of a task it can assist with, not the level of bonus it gives you.
Other:
Since it is also a Computer/n you can apply other computer options such as:
You could upload the Intellect interface via the data port. This would use up both capacity and bandwidth but would allow you to use Expert packages for skills you did not have.
You could have zero mass comms built-in. Upgrading this would require surgery so it would be best to decide this before installation. This single option would open up a whole raft of other options and in many cases give the equivalent of a Neural Comm. It would also allow uploading of software wirelessly (removing the need to use the physical port but still requiring the time) and allow accessing software held on other computers effectively expanding the processor capacity and reducing the impact of the limited onboard storage as you can now access external storage. This would open another vector of attack however so you will probably want to upgrade your security package if you took this route.
Ditto you could have a camera as part of the computer side of things if specified at time of purchase. But unless you have a Neural Link I don't think you would be able to use your natural eyes as cameras and it might not be much practical use.
As databases take up no bandwidth you could have as many of those as you wish sitting in your head permanently. These can be uploaded from the data port at need without requiring surgery.
You can run a Translator Package. This would provide something like subtitles or dubbing but wouldn't enable you to speak the language necessarily (as that involves moving muscles) but it could provide you with a internal audio feed that you could try to mimic.
Unless you keep very careful control of any media you intend plugging into your Wafer Jack you probably want to scan it with a good Security package before it goes anywhere near that data port. You might want Security of some level running on the Wafer Jack itself as a back-up, but the limited computer capacity probably means it will be fairly basic.
Some clever spook-ware might enable someone to override your Wafer Jack, but its very limitations prevents them controlling you, just messing up the interface which you consciously access and either crashing it or providing a false feed. If you combine it with a Neural Link however you can use physical skills, and that might allow more intrusive hacking.
The Robot Handbook also has rules for Agent Wafers that allow another personality to be assumed. These are not available to the private citizen and require the high end augmentations, but provide another data point on how Wafer Jacks work.
Last edited: