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a newer version of her current model

a blue Philomena (similar to Roko's)

the same model as Melon's

an AnthroPC (like Pintsize)

Momo's old body

similar to Chimevera's

Corpse Witch's old chassis with a paint job

a blue version of Beepatrice's chassis

an experimental prototype that was meant to be flight capable and humanoid

a drone with arms

a transformer with a moped alt-mode

a tablet style AnthroPC

a purple dishwasher with simian limbs and tail

other please specify

[Gyrre]

Winslow's got it bad. May was truthful, now he's sad. Talking to Momo might make him glad.

[Gyrre]

Come to think of it, if May got the flight prototype, Emily could probably make it fully functional and get to drop by Union Robotics.

Though, that begs the question as to the method of flight. Astroboy style rocket feet, wings and jet feet, insect-mimetic wing pack (beetle or otherwise), or even just a rotor prop.

[BenRG]

I'd like to see May get a better chassis overall but not one spectacularly human-like (like Roko's). It's just a feeling that I'd like to see May remaining distinctly a Synthetic even though she'll now have the options to really 'interface' with humans, if she wants.

[Cornelius]

You know, considering the range of options that can be seen in the comic, they might want to keep a close eye on the kind of chassis that might be offered. I can easily imagine a story line where the person in charge checks and sees that in fact, yes, there is a newer chassis available, and they can shift her into that. Only to end with Roko carrying May to see her parole officer, as a toaster.

I think she'll stay with an anthropomorphic chassis, but there are other options. Toaster, assembly arm, forklift, sentient door,...

[Gyrre]

Sentient door?

[hedgie]

Complete with GPP.

[zisraelsen]

Ah, yes. chekhov's emu.

[brasca]

Come to think of it, if May got the flight prototype, Emily could probably make it fully functional and get to drop by Union Robotics.

Though, that begs the question as to the method of flight. Astroboy style rocket feet, wings and jet feet, insect-mimetic wing pack (beetle or otherwise), or even just a rotor prop.

Either that or Hannelore puts in a good word for May with her Dad’s AI R&D.

[Is it cold in here?]

Sentient door?

"Please don't enjoy your journey through this door, fucktard."

[Tova]

Complete with GPP.

Sounds ghastly.

[Gyrre]

Come to think of it, if May got the flight prototype, Emily could probably make it fully functional and get to drop by Union Robotics.

Though, that begs the question as to the method of flight. Astroboy style rocket feet, wings and jet feet, insect-mimetic wing pack (beetle or otherwise), or even just a rotor prop.

Either that or Hannelore puts in a good word for May with her Dad’s AI R&D.

I doubt May will get a Seeker style chassis (she's definitely no Starscream), but it might very well be an anime reference that may or may not temporarily break Marigold's and/or Dale's brains.

EDIT: I suppose I should state that I assume any sort of transforming chassis May got wouldn't really be ridable for adult humans unless it her a go-kart, mo-ped, or motorcycle. Anything else would likely be a largish model-sized version that could reasonably transform in to a vaguely humanoid form that was probably 6ft (1m) or shorter.

Angry-dorito May would be kind of hilarious at only 4ft tall.  If May got to choose, she might go for the TFPrime version.

[Near Lurker]

...largish model-sized version that could reasonably transform in to a vaguely humanoid form that was probably 6ft (1m) or shorter.

...uhhh...

[Gyrre]

...largish model-sized version that could reasonably transform in to a vaguely humanoid form that was probably 6ft (1m) or shorter.

...uhhh...

RC airplanes can get fairly realistic and large. If (and that's a big 'if') May got something like that, it'd probably have a wing span no more than a meter (3ft) across and a humanoid form no more than twice Pintsize's height. And, this would be a prototype that didn't work right, so it'd probably be stuck in the humanoid form.

There's also the possibility somebody tried to do a better version of this (below) with a Power Wheels like toy.

I know, I know. But it's the shortest vid I found with live footage.

EDIT: forgot to link to wikipedia, and (hopefully) better explaining myself.
EDIT 2: metric misconvertion correction and highlighting text

[Tova]

You might want to check your metric to imperial/imperial to metric conversions, there...

[Gyrre]

You might want to check your metric to imperial/imperial to metric conversions, there...

*derp*

Fixed

[JimC]

RC airplanes can get fairly realistic and large.

There's been such a thing as ~full sized RC aeroplanes since the first world war, although they didn't really start being useful (targets mainly) until about the 1930s.

[Gyrre]

RC airplanes can get fairly realistic and large.

There's been such a thing as ~full sized RC aeroplanes since the first world war, although they didn't really start being useful (targets mainly) until about the 1930s.

I didn't realize we had full-sized ones that early on. Though I imagine they're a bit cheaper to produce now and a fair bit more reliable.

[jwhouk]

Is it just me, or this thread starting to drone on?

 

[Is it cold in here?]

Just flights of fancy.

[shanejayell]

She might not get a new model at all, and just get the battery swapped out. Or a seperate battery pack...

[shanejayell]

New strip up!

https://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=4076

Faye, "Kid, we're barely breaking even at this point..."

[TheEvilDog]

I think Sam could say she was a "company artist" or a "artistic director" for a "local entrepreneurial company".

[TheEvilDog]

Faye, "Kid, we're barely breaking even at this point..."

Depending on how old Sam is and how many hours she does her artistic work means that they can maybe give her some pocket money. I seriously doubt she's 15, so Sam probably does just a couple of hours during the week.

[OldGoat]

RC airplanes can get fairly realistic and large.

There's been such a thing as ~full sized RC aeroplanes since the first world war, although they didn't really start being useful (targets mainly) until about the 1930s.

IIRC Joe Kennedy Junior (JFK's elder brother) died testing one during WWII.  The "mystery" surrounding his death was due to the security blackout on the incident.

[SeattleCrochetWoman]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

[Near Lurker]

...what other than painting can she do without power tools?

[Is it cold in here?]

Get all up in people's face meats?

[Cornelius]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

She does. A lot of entry level positions, aren't. Well, that is to say, it's still the same job, but they require experience.
Some industries have even gone beyond unpaid internships to gain experience, and require you pay for the privilege. All the while complaining about how hard it is to find people.

[Mr Intrepid]

...what other than painting can she do without power tools?

Well if you bend the power tool rule, she can get an airbrush, compressor and a respirator and up her game.  Maybe appeal to her older friends (the cast) to help out with the cost.

[BenRG]

Ah! So, we're about to see the start of a new character arc: Sam the Summer Intern! I'm looking forward to her interactions with Roko, Melon and maybe May. I have no doubt that this summer could end up lasting years IRL, like the summer at Smif Library, if Jeph enjoys the resulting character interactions enough!

I think that it will indeed be a horizon-broadening experience for Sam to work with fixed start and end times, rules about hygiene and equipment safety and less opportunity for 'free learning'. Sam will need to learn to work with people and actually please customers. I'm sure it will be a bit of a culture shock for her to be in a situation when she can't automatically rely on her undoubted cuteness and intelligence to her her own way and be able to slip away when she gets bored. It will be interesting to see if she's able to stick it out!

...what other than painting can she do without power tools?

Stacking parts, inventory work, filling out and filing all the papers that Faye and Bubbles don't have time to fill out and making sure that customers in the queue have an unending supply of relaxing teas. Boring? Welcome to the real world, Miss Bean.

[Gyrre]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

She does. A lot of entry level positions, aren't. Well, that is to say, it's still the same job, but they require experience.
Some industries have even gone beyond unpaid internships to gain experience, and require you pay for the privilege. All the while complaining about how hard it is to find people.

I blame the 'infinite growth' model.
It's not the direct answer for everything, but it's the source of a lot of America's economic and job market issues. That along with the typically ass-hattery directed towards convicted felons. But that side of things has already been discussed at length.

[SeattleCrochetWoman]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

She does. A lot of entry level positions, aren't. Well, that is to say, it's still the same job, but they require experience.
Some industries have even gone beyond unpaid internships to gain experience, and require you pay for the privilege. All the while complaining about how hard it is to find people.

Even for high school kids? She’s probably got at least 3 more years of high school, followed by college. Is It going to impact the jobs she gets in college or after if she didn’t have a job at age 14?  If she is 14. Even if she’s 15.

[hedgie]

I blame the 'infinite growth' model.
It's not the direct answer for everything, but it's the source of a lot of America's economic and job market issues. That along with the typically ass-hattery directed towards convicted felons. But that side of things has already been discussed at length.

Oh, those are a number of reasons why we're fucked.  Given the housing situation, especially here in California, we really need to do something where people can afford a reasonable standard of living somewhere within five miles of their workplace, regardless of industry or education.

[Wingy]

Clearly Sam's had a growth spurt, though I'm not so sure I like the boyishness displayed.  We shall see.  Of course, she could intern at CoD while Emily is away.

RE: May's body.  I still think a swap of some sort where Roko ends up donating her current chassis to May would cause all kinds of hilarity and force May to grow up some more.

[Zebediah]

In case anyone is curious, here is a summary of youth employment regulations in Massachusetts.

Of note: persons under 16 may not operate, clean, or repair power-driven machinery

[Thrudd]

As mention in the previous thread with regards to May's options for an upgrade there are two options that I mentioned that are viable.

Find finding a supply of older parts in good condition from various locations scattered around the contra and just rebuild/replace all the shoddy bits.
She will remain the cranky antique but without the fall-apart issues.

They find a first or second gen Real Doll chassis in excellent condition just gathering dust in a back corner of a warehouse.
There was not as much call for them due to a lack of interest on both the AI and companion sides of the equation at the time.
It just so happens to have the same design as her holographic persona right down to the frilly maid outfit.

[DSL]

Surprising attitude from a dad who's on record as saying: "Being someone else's employee is the worst."
Well, maybe not too surprising -- don't all parents eventually fall into the "Do as I say, not as I do" trap?

[dutchrvl]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

She does. A lot of entry level positions, aren't. Well, that is to say, it's still the same job, but they require experience.
Some industries have even gone beyond unpaid internships to gain experience, and require you pay for the privilege. All the while complaining about how hard it is to find people.

Even for high school kids? She’s probably got at least 3 more years of high school, followed by college. Is It going to impact the jobs she gets in college or after if she didn’t have a job at age 14?  If she is 14. Even if she’s 15.

Side note from a transplant from the Netherlands: when I moved to the US for graduate school > 10 years ago, it was fascinating to learn and see that here, it seems to be considered pretty much essential for your career perspectives to get involved in as much as possible outside of your curriculum.
Edit: for example, one of the first things other students would ask me after I moved here was "what are you involved in (outside of class)?". This is very different from the Netherlands, where doing extra stuff like committees/volunteering/boards etc. is nice-to-have and could potentially help with your career but are far from considered essential. In other words, focusing on your studies only would not count against you, while I have gotten the impression that in the US it does(?). Seems like doing extracurricular stuff is encouraged from very early on too. Am I mistaken? Is this a regional thing?

PS: I'm not saying whether 1 or the other is better, just commenting that it seems a cultural difference.

[DSL]

Outside interests are certainly of interest to potential schools and employers in the US.
I once worked for a publisher who said he wouldn't hire anyone for managing editor or higher if they didn't have some sort of off-the-wall outside interest to help them deal with job stress. Working for those off-the-wall editors certainly had me in search of stress relief.
At a lower level, employers like to see if you have any hobbies that affect the group health insurance plan.
Schools just like to see if you're a well-rounded individual, whatever the hell that is.
One exception that I know of:  A friend of mine who dropped out of medical school told me the people in charge of his program informed him they were concerned he had interests outside of medical studies (photography, music) that led them to question whether he was taking his medical studies seriously.
I do know I've had potential employers ask me questions that, nowadays, I would answer with "That's really none of your business. Goodbye."

[Gyrre]

Sam is what, 14 or 15? Does she need to start worrying about her resume so soon?

She does. A lot of entry level positions, aren't. Well, that is to say, it's still the same job, but they require experience.
Some industries have even gone beyond unpaid internships to gain experience, and require you pay for the privilege. All the while complaining about how hard it is to find people.

Even for high school kids? She’s probably got at least 3 more years of high school, followed by college. Is It going to impact the jobs she gets in college or after if she didn’t have a job at age 14?  If she is 14. Even if she’s 15.

Side note from a transplant from the Netherlands: when I moved to the US for graduate school > 10 years ago, it was fascinating to learn and see that here, it seems to be considered pretty much essential for your career perspectives to get involved in as much as possible outside of your curriculum.
Edit: for example, one of the first things other students would ask me after I moved here was "what are you involved in (outside of class)?". This is very different from the Netherlands, where doing extra stuff like committees/volunteering/boards etc. is nice-to-have and could potentially help with your career but are far from considered essential. In other words, focusing on your studies only would not count against you, while I have gotten the impression that in the US it does(?). Seems like doing extracurricular stuff is encouraged from very early on too. Am I mistaken? Is this a regional thing?

PS: I'm not saying whether 1 or the other is better, just commenting that it seems a cultural difference.

I blame all the extroverts in power.

EDIT: If I had to guess, it's probably meant to determine out-goingness or drive or something like that; with a side helping of subtle classism. It is a "networking" method, after all. And in America, it's less about what you know and more about who.

[Tova]

Surprising attitude from a dad who's on record as saying: "Being someone else's employee is the worst."
Well, maybe not too surprising -- don't all parents eventually fall into the "Do as I say, not as I do" trap?

What, you think she could become a business owner without once having been employed and be good at it? Really?

If he opposed goals to become a business owner, that would be "do as I say, not as I do." Telling her to start by getting a job is "do as I did."

[Is it cold in here?]

Hmm. The skill sets of employment and entrepreneurship are different, but they overlap.

Sam can possibly benefit from learning to plan, schedule, and follow through on projects. That's part of the overlap.

And, as you point out, that's how Jim got started himself.

[Tova]

Sam can possibly benefit from learning to plan, schedule, and follow through on projects. That's part of the overlap.

That is definitely true, yes.

You could possibly even learn that without getting a job. Learning to lead people, on the other hand, does involve learning what makes for good leadership, and what makes for bad leadership. And there's really only one way to grok that.

And that's by starting at the bottom.

[Is it cold in here?]

Ooh! Had not thought of that.

[TheEvilDog]

Surprising attitude from a dad who's on record as saying: "Being someone else's employee is the worst."
Well, maybe not too surprising -- don't all parents eventually fall into the "Do as I say, not as I do" trap?

I've run a few training days and have worked with people who have tried to start their own business. Generally speaking, the businesses that are most likely to fail are the ones by people who have just gotten out of university. You need some experience, you need to start somewhere and frankly it shouldn't be in the deep end of the pool that is business.

Yes, Jim worked for someone else at some stage, but decided he wanted to be his own boss. He also probably works longer hours than he did when he was working for someone else. But he more than likely learned the ropes, ordering stock, building up connections and gaining experience. And as he is his own boss, I doubt he'd want to go back to "regular employment."

But Sam, well, she's his daughter and he knows that she isn't like most people and knows that, yeah, she could work at the bakery, but that won't satisfy her in any way. That or he's afraid that she'll lose an arm trying to feed the kneading machine. But Jim is savvy enough to know that his daughter needs to start somewhere. It's not hypocrisy, its a father teaching his daughter that she needs to pay her dues.

[DSL]

Quoth Tova:
What, you think she could become a business owner without once having been employed and be good at it? Really?

Didn't say that; didn't say anything about Sam owning a business straightaway. I said it's a surprising attitude on her father's part. Perhaps I should have said it's a surprising attitude toward her desire to base her career on her talent at supplying a form of art for which there has been evidenced at least some demand. Very well; I now say that. I will further say it's a surprising attitude from an entrepreneur in an economy in which you never know what skills and abilities translate to an employer's needs.

You are free to make and state whatever interpretation you like of what I said; I cannot stop you. I will, however, insist you own that interpretation as your own, and not impute it to me.

[Penquin47]

"Drawing skulls on robots" is not going to look good on a resume.

However, "spray artist, independent contractor through Union Robotics" will look fine, especially when paired with satisfied clients to have as references, and depending on the job she's applying for, pictures to include in a portfolio.  It's a fine job for a young teenager.  No different from babysitting or running a lawn care or dogwalking summer business, except that it comes with Faye and Bubbles who she can list as business references.

[Gyrre]

Sam can possibly benefit from learning to plan, schedule, and follow through on projects. That's part of the overlap.

That is definitely true, yes.

You could possibly even learn that without getting a job. Learning to lead people, on the other hand, does involve learning what makes for good leadership, and what makes for bad leadership. And there's really only one way to grok that.

And that's by starting at the bottom.

[In a mockingly ridiculous voice] "But that's what business college is for."

[Tova]

Quoth Tova:
What, you think she could become a business owner without once having been employed and be good at it? Really?

Didn't say that; didn't say anything about Sam owning a business straightaway. I said it's a surprising attitude on her father's part. Perhaps I should have said it's a surprising attitude toward her desire to base her career on her talent at supplying a form of art for which there has been evidenced at least some demand. Very well; I now say that. I will further say it's a surprising attitude from an entrepreneur in an economy in which you never know what skills and abilities translate to an employer's needs.

You are free to make and state whatever interpretation you like of what I said; I cannot stop you. I will, however, insist you own that interpretation as your own, and not impute it to me.

I was asking, actually. I was aware that you hadn't said it, or I wouldn't have asked. It seemed a reasonable question given that you said (my emphasis):

Surprising attitude from a dad who's on record as saying: "Being someone else's employee is the worst."

"It's a surprising attitude toward her desire to base her career on her talent at supplying a form of art for which there has been evidenced at least some demand."

Yes, perhaps you should have said that. It's hard for me to how the statement "Being someone else's employee is the worst" bears any relevance. But thanks for clarifying.

With regards to your new statement, I don't think it's that surprising, really. One can only suppose that he thinks that a career running a cafe (say) has solid potential, but a career as an artist does not. It's a common attitude.

[DaiJB]

You do not eat Chaos Loaf. Chaos Loaf eats you.

Re May's new chassis: something intimidating, physically and sexually. She has stated that she has had a lifetime of hating humans - yet she gleefully anticipated making a living out of sexual favours for those same humans, including doing "unspeakable things to a human man with a watermelon" 

Makes me wonder - would a dominatrix role suit May? Coming soon! - "May meets Marten's Mom"