This isn't a prediction. This is another one of those articles where
I talk about my perfect future. As its written now, I have no hope of
being accurate, nor do I care to.
My computer of the future will not be much faster than today's
computers. After all, we're starting to get to the point where a home
user can do pretty much everything they want to do with today's speeds.
What it will have is additional equipment and a better design. It won't
be about how fast it is, but what you can do with it.
The entire computer will be roughly the same size as an LCD monitor.
The main feature will be the screen. You will buy them in sizes from 9"
to 36". There will be no cooling fans at all.
The computer will be split into two completely separate halves: the
processor module and the display module. They will be connected at the
bottom of the display by a 360° hinge. They will be connected such
that only the careful observer would note that they were completely
separate parts. In standard use the processor module will be behind the
display module. However, the smaller (sub-20") models will be able to
have the back swing forward and under the display module to function as
a laptop or portable.
The hard disk will have an enormous capacity and will be almost
unbreakable, possibly using solid state technology - enough for several
years worth of constant MP3s or movies. It will also have several
gigabytes of unupgradable RAM.
They will have as standard two optical drives. Cheaper models might
have one CD-RW and one CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, whereas the higher models may
have two DVD-R SuperDrives. This way, when one CD or DVD is done, the
other can automatically start up without any delay. The computer will
also have a TV tuner in case the owner feels like watching a new set of
advertisements.
The keyboard and mouse would be connected to the computer by radio
waves. Trackballs and keyboards with integrated mice will become
popular for owners of 36" computers who want to work on a couch.
There will be only one means of expanding the computer, and that
will be by a high speed, daisy-chainable FireWire-type slot. Some
computers will have more than others. External devices will go from
video cameras to CD stackers to scanners to third party disks. Almost
any home appliance can be connected to this, even the heaters,
dishwashers, and pool filter pumps. The only other external ports will
be a high-speed network port and a dialup port.
Such a computer would use very little energy and would replace some
entertainment appliances, such as televisions and stereo systems. They
will cost around $400 and will truly be the digital hubs of a
household.
As for the operating system? That's anyone's guess.
Andrew W. Hill (a.k.a. Aqua)
has been using Macintosh computers since 1987 and maintains that the
Mac SE is the perfect
Macintosh, superior to all - including the
Color Classic. He is on the
verge of being evicted from the family home due to its infestation of
Macs (last count: about 50). Andrew is attempting to pay his way
through college at UC Santa Cruz with freelance web design and Mac tech
support.
Share your perspective on the Mac by emailing with "My Turn" as your subject.
