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| The Dream of Computing for Everyone |
| By Howard Fosdick on 2012-08-27 13:53:48 |
| The dream of inexpensive computing for everyone has been with us since
the first computers. Along the way it has taken some unexpected turns.
This article summarizes key trends and a few of the surprises. |
|
| RE[2]: Everything can be a computer |
| By zima on 2012-08-29 09:37:59 |
|
> (plus at least Z3 looks like it could be made by a dedicated individual backed by some patron - and indeed, that's basically how Z2 was made) PS. Recent examples: http://www.nablaman.com/relay/ ...Zusie, after Konrad Zuse :) (plus few other relay efforts in Links) http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~harry/R... Edited 2012-08-29 09:51 UTC |
 - Score: 2 |
| RE[3]: Invisibility is the goal |
| By MOS6510 on 2012-08-29 10:27:14 |
|
Perhaps a little more "modern" then the examples from your link. :-p But more the general notion of having the freedom of doing with technology what you want. Like build a PC, add some expansion card and hooking it up to your digital TV connection or install Linux. More and more stuff will become automated/connected so companies and governments want the people to be less and less able to even have the possibility of messing with it or want to know exactly what you do. Buying computer parts might be looked upon the same way as buying stuff to build a bomb in the future. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[4]: Invisibility is the goal |
| By Tony Swash on 2012-08-29 11:32:17 |
|
> 99% of the people would be fine with it, but 1% still account for the entire Linux community and they have over 5.000 Linux distributions. So 1% is still a market. Albeit a very small one. And being very small means less clout in terms of setting design agendas for OEMs seeking to maximise the scale and profits of their business. I cannot see how the trend to the sealed box type of computing, both physically sealed and sealed in the sense of hiding most of the file system and OS from view or user manipulation, can be reversed. If anything that trend is likely to accelerate, and it will do so because for 99% or so of users it will improve device functionality and the quality of their user experience. This may be a negative trend for the small number who like to tinker but it will be a positive thing for the majority who definitely do not want to tinker. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[5]: Invisibility is the goal |
| By ilovebeer on 2012-08-29 14:49:09 |
|
> I cannot see how the trend to the sealed box type of computing, both physically sealed and sealed in the sense of hiding most of the file system and OS from view or user manipulation, can be reversed. If anything that trend is likely to accelerate, and it will do so because for 99% or so of users it will improve device functionality and the quality of their user experience. This may be a negative trend for the small number who like to tinker but it will be a positive thing for the majority who definitely do not want to tinker. I agree with this but at the same time there's no reason to worry that pc components are going to disappear from stores any time soon. Every big vendor & developer I've talked to about it has basically laughed it off saying the theory that they want to shoehorn everyone into these completely closed & pre-made systems is nothing but paranoia. Hardware makers aren't exactly jumping at the chance to eliminate their own revenue streams. When it comes to computers, the sky is _always_ falling. We are always on the brink of Armageddon. If there's 99% of anything, it's FUD with 1% being real & credible things to be concerned about. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[3]: I doubt that |
| By ozonehole on 2012-08-30 03:36:35 |
|
Funny, I'm just the opposite. I'm 60 years old and love computers, and can justly claim to be a Linux geek through-and-through. But smart phones - no thanks. Yes, they're cute, but at least double the size of my "stupid" cell phone. I know lots of people who own smart phones and leave them home because they don't want to lug something that's too big to fit in their pocket or on a belt clip. But what is the use of a "mobile" phone if you leave it at home? I use my phone for talking, and very occasionally use the calculator, alarm clock and reminder (calendar) applications. I don't want to surf the Net from my phone or do email - that's what my computer is for. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[4]: Comment by kovacm |
| By zima on 2012-08-30 04:09:18 |
|
> I didn't want to come across as a fanboy, having already mentioned [something] a few times in comments under other topics. When did that ever stop you before? ;P > It kind of seems the writer just wanted to jump to the points he wanted to make about the more recent stuff. TBH I find this particular series of articles somewhat devoid of much real content/insight... like the writer just wanted to publish something (but hey, gives a decent excuse to waste time in the comments) |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[4]: Invisibility is the goal |
| By zima on 2012-08-30 04:41:32 |
|
> Perhaps a little more "modern" then the examples from your link. :-p At least one of those machines has a Contiki port ( http://mycpu.thtec.org/www-mycpu... ), a modern OS - your argument is invalid ;p (but, seriously, the FPGA designs can be quite capable...) > But more the general notion of having the freedom of doing with technology what you want. Like build a PC, add some expansion card and hooking it up to your digital TV connection or install Linux. More and more stuff will become automated/connected so companies and governments want the people to be less and less able to even have the possibility of messing with it or want to know exactly what you do. And we mostly want it all integrated... (laptops are the majority of PCs sold; and when was the last time you wanted to change just the HDD bus controller, or an FPU?) > Buying computer parts might be looked upon the same way as buying stuff to build a bomb in the future. Well... http://xkcd.com/651/ Edited 2012-08-30 04:43 UTC |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[5]: Comment by kovacm |
| By MOS6510 on 2012-08-30 05:17:19 |
|
Ah, who cares about info or insight, I just enjoy having old computers being mentioned. These days companies like Dell, HP, Acer, etc... have 25.000 different PC/laptop models EACH. It's hard to get nostalgic about any of them in a number of years. When you mention a C64 or ZX Spectrum people's eyes light up. I can't imagine the same effect if in 10 years if I mention a Dell Optiplex 755. But I guess these days it's the operating system that creates the memories and experiences, not the computer itself. |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[6]: Comment by kovacm |
| By ilovebeer on 2012-08-30 05:58:09 |
|
> When you mention a C64 or ZX Spectrum people's eyes light up. I can't imagine the same effect if in 10 years if I mention a Dell Optiplex 755. You got that right! |
| - Score: 2 |
| RE[2]: Everything can be a computer |
| By bassbeast on 2012-08-31 01:18:48 |
|
Actually what I'm seeing is everyone and their dog and their dog's squeaky toy have one or more x86 systems now and the things last so long there is just no point in buying another one before they break. I mean what is the average user doing that won't work just fine on that Phenom I X4 desktop or core duo laptop? Nothing, not a thing and those are 6 year old chips. So what I'm seeing is people buying these other machines to go WITH, not replace, the machines they already have. A perfect example of the "average user" is someone like my dad. 2 desktops (one at work, one at home) plus a smartphone and until he ran over the dang cord and cooked it a laptop, which he is planning to get a tablet and use that instead of the smartphone for the web because "the screen is too dang tiny". His GF has 2 desktops he had me build her (one in the living room for her, one in the den for guests and grandkids) and a netbook that she prefers over her smartphone, again screen size. As you can see computers? Tons of them, more cycles than they know what to do with, but things like tablets fit different niches so those like dad will get one for sitting on the couch and checking his email while the commercial is on. Heck this is why I always keep a couple of late model P4s at the shop, that way even the poorest person can easily have a PC if they want one. Computers are everywhere and all these new forms are just filling niches that x86 didn't fit into well, that's all. Oh and I agree with the author, netbooks aren't going anywhere as customers love the size and easy of carry. The 10 inchers might go though, as I see more and more heading for the 12 inch which seems to be the sweet spot for ultra portable netbooks. |
| - Score: 2 |
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