Discussions

I think items like Garmin's NUVI line are a good combination of usability/vs Horsepower/vs Battery Life. They are quick, low cost (less than $100!) and can get you from point A to point B with an almost erie precision. The digitization of our knowlege is happening now, the next true feat will be integrating it all together. Point and case is the Nuvi's MP3 player and the iPhone's GPS capaiblity. This will only expand with more user desired features being integrated together.

Ultimatly, my fear is the cyborgization of humanity. When will the first Bluetooth headset rest within the brain vs. sitting on the ear? Scientists have already isolated the optical neural circuis of people, when is my Nvida graphics card going to have a plug directly into my brain? When is the next level of cosmetic surgery goning to be man/machine interfaces? Will companies require these for their network access? talk about a slippery slope!!! Methinks there will be a rebellion by then. You think I'm crazy? Lets hope so. My vision of humanity in 1000 years is the Borg Collective.

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/18574/

I use Mac's, a HP notebook, a linux box, an ipod touch and an LCD Wacom. Whatever it takes to get the job done in the least amount of time. After using the wacom I have come to realize that the computer has over time made the user transform to the requirements of the computer. Think about this, how many of you out there would have ever had a desk if it wasn't for those early CRT's. My guess is not too many. You may have a notebook now but still have a desk. Then think about this, you have an idea and need to jot it down fast, do you grab a pen and a piece of paper or do you turn on your Windows PC and wait 5 minutes for it to boot? Yes it does take that long to boot, I really do need to rebuild, thank you vista.
The point is that if computers in the future tend to fit naturally with the way we tend to do things then market forces will dictate that this is the direction they will go.
My idea of a perfect computer, a big 24inch ipod touch with a pen for detail work and finger touch input. Keyboard, why? mouse? what's that for?.

I'm a Mac user, so I'm used to experiencing this kind of synergy with my computers, and being frustrated with the total lack of it anywhere else.

I'm enjoying these articles- if you keep writing them, I'll keep reading them. I'd love to see a semi-regular series of these as part of the Anandtech.com series of blogs.
Also, what's up with all the jerks commenting here? I find you insightful, erudite, and interesting. Pay no attention to the ignorant peanut gallery.

It is easy for you to tell everyone to purchase a new processor when Intel feeds you new processors at no charge like giving feed to their sheep. It is obvious that you are still a shill for the big companies and always will be. When was the last time you actually paid for a processor? My guess never.

Self-encrypting hard drives are urgently needed, particularly for laptops. Too lost or stolen laptops contain sensitive data!

I think in some sense people are not seeing the end product. Or at least the end product until its made. You can usually delve into military gear to see where we're going. I believe that faster than you or me probably think we will see another pc form. This will not be a desktop or a laptop per se but a mini projection unit. Now of course we know holographics can be done it is just the scale. Now doing live instant messaging with a holograph is different entirely and not what I'm talking about at least not on the front end. But for applications and maybe even games design programs etc GPS and so on. You have a small inch thick machine that can project with 4 cameras into a 3d projection. This machine has basic hardware you can use for ultra mobile type apps. Then it has a docking station such as the 3870 external laptop graphics card memory other enhancements etc. Then you can drop you inch thick 7x7x7x7 machine in it the processing power gpu memory and other additions will be used in a conjuntive bus so you can do higher end functions. These would be apps such as games architechture multimedia design etc. They also already have the gloves for hand control which would come in use here. Taking a clue from the Wii you could play your fps mmo etc in a more full body style while not having to run across a world etc and play at dueling with swords for real although with a virtual body. They already have virtual sex and full body suits for this type of thing to although i don't think available in the US yet but you see my point.

Umm about that quote...

I think microsoft is trying to do exactly what anand is talking about. Use the horsepower, not leave it idle. Also Mac does the same thing, with each new release of osx, more features emerge requiring more power.

I do think back though, and remember my P1 running winamp. Flexing all its muscles for this task. Fast foward to the day I got a 200mhz and was able to play quake 3 and mp3s.

My point is, these devices are new and with amd, intel, arm and others now working on components for them and the general consumers becoming aware of such devices things will get better.

I am however, happy with the performance of my n800 IT. Well more of the capabilities of the device. The processing power is lacking as was my P1 75mhz acer aspire :).

Win7 will have a version for netbooks. Your quote is now invalid.

I don't remember where I read this but I love to quote it: Whatever Intel's newest chip giveth Microsoft's newest OS taketh away :)