W: What are you reading, Bill?
M: It's this week's New Scientist, Why?
W: I was just wondering. It looks interesting. But I've never actually read it myself. It's for real scientists. Or can ordinary people like me understand it?
M: Oh, it's for anyone really. It usually has articles and stories about current affairs, about science as well as papers about new developments in research. I am reading about a new telephone that allows you to see the person you're speaking to as well as hearing.
W: Oh, I've heard about it. Is it on the market yet? Can I buy one?
M: No, not this one. But the company has made other models to try out the business. This one is special because of its color, and the image is moving.
W: OK, that's interesting.
M: You see the first video phones, that's what they called, were made in Japan. But they can only show a still black-and-white image. So this video phone is much better than that. Mind you I am not sure I want one. Would you?
W: Well, no. I don't think I would. I bet it costs a lot of money. Does it say how much it costs?
M: Yes, the early black-and-white ones cost several hundred pounds. But the one that the story is about costs several thousand pounds.
W: Mm, why does anybody want one, do you think?
M: Business organizations that need to frequently contact overseas organizations would want it. It's like a face-to-face conversation, so maybe a lot of overseas travel can be avoided.
W: Yes, I suppose so.
