With a number of hifi companies (especially accessory companies) claiming their latest product development is based around quantum theory it is easy to get baffled and I maybe a little cynical in thinking this is what they are trying to achieve.

 For most, the concept of Quantum mechanics will be quite shocking and decidedly weird and if your level of knowledge only extends to a vague comprehension of Bohr’s atomic model (which you will now find is far from correct) the ideas and theories of the world of the Quantum will seem so far detached from the world we live in that they will seem like they have jumped from the pages of a science fiction novel. Whereas if fact they provide the underpinnings of all modern science. One book I found to be extremely informative as well as an enjoyable read was  John Gribbin’s.  In Search Of Schrodinger’s Cat.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Schrodingers-Cat-John-Gribbin/dp/0552125555

For me the experience was made even more surreal as I picked it up in the airport on the way to Barbados and sat reading it on the beach with the waves lapping at my ankles and the hypnotic rhythms of local Barbadian bands as my sound track.  So arm yourself with a basic understanding of the Quantum so when the salesman tries to baffle you next time with talk of Quanta and blackbodies  as well as funnelling jumping electrons you will at least not feel like you have just jumped on to the set of Stargate SG1.