[UT] Why Computer is a Perk but Radio is an Advantage?

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

I'd allow a radio as an Accessory only if had to be operated and powered like a conventional radio receiver/transmitter - with Electronics Operations (Communication) rolls required for tricky situations, powered by wall current or batteries, easily disabled by hits to the appropriate hit location, and capable of being removed if you are helpless. It is also likely to be restricted to using just certain known frequencies which can be jammed or monitored.

That's not consistent with some RAW usage. See Power Perks (Power Ups 2 p11).

[Michael Thayne]

"Living Better with Cybernetics", from Pyramid #3/51, suggested that the difference is that if your radio implant is a perk, you need to take Ready maneuvers to use it, while the full-blown Radio advantage means using it is second-nature, so you can "frequency hop or change bands with a thought". Ofc this is just a Pyramid article so it isn't 100% official, but it's an interesting suggestion.

[Anaraxes]

Originally Posted by Michael Thayne

a perk, you need to take Ready maneuvers... the full-blown Radio advantage... is second-nature

Makes sense to me. An Accessory Perk is just "you have built-in equipment". But it doesn't change the way you have to use that equipment. Whereas Telecommunication is a new sense, like Infravision or Night Vision as opposed to FLIR or light-amplification goggles. The Equipment Perk even describes Accessory as "perks that reflect built-in equipment".

The bonus of Accessory is really the free Payload to carry the item, as it's part of your body, as well as not paying cash for it. That doesn't mean it's controlled by thought as a free action or performing sensor fusion integrated with the rest of the perception in your brain -- unless that's routine for gear at your TL.

[Tyneras]

Another way to think of it would be an Accessory is a special form of Signature Gear. On the upside, there are no specific price constraints. On the downside, it needs to be an outgrowth of your state of existence (robot, cyborg, superhero, alien, etc.), not covered by an existing advantage and can't provide any skill bonuses.

So an accessory computer is used no faster than one bought with money, and only counts as basic tools for computer related tasks.

An accessory radio would be the equivalent of a built-in headset, something like this, which would still be more than a 1 point accessory. It could be a perk if you could get another -20% in there, but an IQ roll to tune it is already part of the base advantage.
Telecommunication (Radio) (No pictures, -20%; Must speak, -20%; Reduced Range 1/10, -30%) [3]

[WingedKagouti]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

That's not consistent with some RAW usage. See Power Perks (Power Ups 2 p11).

The first line:

Individuals with superhuman powers can use perks to represent their powers’ most trivial abilities.

Basically not for anything complex or combat focused and never as good as an Advantage with a similar purpose.

It's also partially based on the Accessory Perk (PU2 p10) which further specifies:

Your body incorporates a useful gadget that provides minor benefits not covered by a specific advantage.

And for the Computer variant (re: thread title) it specifically states:

It can’t run software good enough to grant advantages or skill bonuses, or real-time combat aids like targeting programs.

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

The first line:

Basically not for anything complex or combat focused and never as good as an Advantage with a similar purpose.

Yes, nothing complex like, say, ultrasound imaging? (Being a specific example.)

[WingedKagouti]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

Yes, nothing complex like, say, ultrasound imaging? (Being a specific example.)

For general gameplay purposes, an ultrasound scanner is indeed no more complex than a home computer. It's a very minor ability that will only rarely be useful in most campaigns unless the player tries to force it in every conceivable situation.

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

For general gameplay purposes, an ultrasound scanner is indeed no more complex than a home computer.

Not much is, for gameplay purposes or otherwise. A general purpose computer isn't simple at all.

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

It's a very minor ability that will only rarely be useful in most campaigns unless the player tries to force it in every conceivable situation.

...Is that not pretty much the point of having abilities?