Mechanical RAM

If you've ever programmed embedded systems, then you know that unless your data is in program or flash memory, then its all gone when the power cycles. Now if you wanted to keep that data around, it would cost energy (since you'd have to keep things powered). The Economist (yes I need new sources, suggestions?) has a neat article about the use of mechanically-based switches to remember data. The article explains two devices, one of which is actually a MEMS switch (literally a piece of metal that breaks a circuit). Although George Boole was not famous while he lived, the first application of his work was in telephone relay switches. Maybe we are coming around, full circle.