A chatter, also referred to as a COM pad^[1] is a small human computer, similar to a cellphone or PDA, that has many different uses. They can communicate with other chatters and their users, keep calendars, and store files of different types. Novelty shops often sell disposable versions for colonial refugees, who are unable to afford a regular service.^[2]

The larger "ChatterNet", as some people call it, is maintained and policed by the Chatter Protocol Authority, and plays a vital role in everyday life. Personal finances can be tracked and managed electronically over the ChatterNet, though paper money and coins can still be used instead.^[3] Experienced hackers regularly break into chatter lines in a process called "ghosting," permitting them to spy on other people without being noticed. Going offline is a risky venture which gives one the advantage of avoiding such surveillance, but restricts them from performing many everyday activities, similar to the Surveillance Grid, which can be very risky and inconvenient.

TriviaEdit

• The chatter was originally mentioned in i love bees, leaving it suspect as Halo canon. However, it was legitimized with its mention in the Audio Logs in Halo 3: ODST.^[4]

SourcesEdit

1. ↑ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 37, 70
2. ↑ i love bees, Axons desktop_model.ogg/so_mean.ogg
3. ↑ Halo 3: ODST, Sadie's Story
4. ↑ Halo 3: ODST, Audio Log 3, Circle 1, Arc 3

See alsoEdit

• Data pad
• TACPAD
• Portable computer
• Personal computer