I think the search that you refer to is Grover's algorithm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover's_algorithm
Yes, Quantum computers have other known uses besides Shor's and Grover's algorithms. Specifically, they can simulate other quantum systems, and also do a few other things such as solving algorithms based on quantum walks. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_algorithm

I have a similar question to yours. Do the D-Wave people claim any mapping of their hardware to a known quantum algorithm such as those at the last link above, or what?

If you're singing in a choir, then you're standing next to someone else, who is likely sighted. Just have them give you the cue. It could be that they hold your upper arm, and slide it down to the elbow it as the choirmaster's baton drops. If the choirmaster gives a four-count before starting, then the helper's signal may be four squeezes on your arm, or four taps on your shoe. I don't imagine that it would take much training for a new person to help you with this, and it's much cheaper than some high-tech solution which may not work.

A system with M antennas (.11n) can give roughly M times the throughput of a single-antenna system or can cancel roughly M-1 strong interferers. Even if it isn't here now, future systems will do a smart tradeoff between high throughput and interference cancellation, use spectrum sensing ('cognitive radio'), and add more spectrum to give very flexible systems.

Amen to that. I think the "community" projects share some ideas and could be combined to some degree. Start with "Transparent Govt" then move on to "Collect and organize the world's urban data," "Work toward socially conscious tax policies," and "Create real-world issue reporting system".