NationStates Jolt Archive

Drool, drool....

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v287/Celtlund/?action=view&current=Microsoft_No_more_keyboards.flv

This thing is fantastic. It has no keyboard and the touch and drag screen is about the size of a coffee table. Man do I ever want one of these things.

I don't think having to look down all the time is really an ideal working position.
And I really would like a keyboard; but then, I also like having a command line.

Is it waterproof?
Because if it isn't you might want to avoid drooling on it if you get one ;)

I predict a spate of bad backs...

"One day, your computer will be a big ass table (http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/06/21/micorosft-surface-parody-video/)"

I don't think having to look down all the time is really an ideal working position.


What we need is holographic projection.

And more muffins.

can't play games on that

"No more mice, no more keyboard" ... no more gaming.

Does no one realize there have been touch screen for 10 years? They died off because of the expense and lack of things to really do with them along with the expense.

I don't like spending a lot on computers - I'll stick to hand-me-downs and dinosaurs for now. Works for what I need computers for, anyway. :)

Nah, what we need are computers controllable by thought alone. That way, I can still play games without needing a mouse or a keyboard.

"No more mice, no more keyboard" ... no more gaming.

Does no one realize there have been touch screen for 10 years? They died off because of the expense and lack of things to really do with them along with the expense.

I always figured your biggest problem was the lack of imagination. This only opens up possibilities, rather than eliminating them.

But then, I'll be you complained, I mean would have complained, when IBM added a mouse interface, too.

Game developers do not develop games for touch screens because people do not have touch screens because game developers do not develop games for touch screens because... (ad infinitum).

Would be nice, though.

can't play games on thatWell, table-top games, maybe certain wargames; real-time strategy games might play very nice on it, actually. First person shooters or RPGs, not so much.

Does no one realize there have been touch screen for 10 years? They died off because of the expense and lack of things to really do with them along with the expense.In the meanwhile, the expense has gone down and some advances have been made as well: such as better resolution for where you touch, and allowing multiple touch-inputs at the same time. So it's about time for a come-back.

Nah, what we need are computers controllable by thought alone. That way, I can still play games without needing a mouse or a keyboard.

I don't think you're seeing the possibilities. Imagine that you have a wireless, re-configurable touch pad. You don't need to remember that H, J, K, and L all mean different things in different games -- the programmers can take advantage of the reconfigurability and just add the buttons.

"One day, your computer will be a big ass table (http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/06/21/micorosft-surface-parody-video/)"

That's cute, but I still want my big ass table computer.:cool:

I don't think you're seeing the possibilities. Imagine that you have a wireless, re-configurable touch pad. You don't need to remember that H, J, K, and L all mean different things in different games -- the programmers can take advantage of the reconfigurability and just add the buttons.Reconfigurable keyboards with led display buttons seem like a better option to me. Cheaper and easier. And you don't have to continually remove smudges from your screen.
Also, wireless sucks. If you're in heavy action in a game and the battery of your wireless input device runs out it very, very annoying.

I don't think you're seeing the possibilities. Imagine that you have a wireless, re-configurable touch pad. You don't need to remember that H, J, K, and L all mean different things in different games -- the programmers can take advantage of the reconfigurability and just add the buttons.

All I know is, Solitare is going to be awesome. :)

Reconfigurable keyboards with led display buttons seem like a better option to me. Cheaper and easier. And you don't have to continually remove smudges from your screen.
Also, wireless sucks. If you're in heavy action in a game and the battery of your wireless input device runs out it very, very annoying.

Today, maybe. But wouldn't a virtual foosball table be pretty cool? Tap on the row to make the players kick...

I'd think that even shoot'em up games would be better if you could just touch the target, or drag the sights onto a target with you finger, rather than using a mouse.

I don't think you're seeing the possibilities. Imagine that you have a wireless, re-configurable touch pad. You don't need to remember that H, J, K, and L all mean different things in different games -- the programmers can take advantage of the reconfigurability and just add the buttons.

Reconfigurable keyboards with led display buttons seem like a better option to me. Cheaper and easier. And you don't have to continually remove smudges from your screen.
Also, wireless sucks. If you're in heavy action in a game and the battery of your wireless input device runs out it very, very annoying.

Aren't there already keyboards like this? Or did I just imagine that?

Aren't there already keyboards like this? Or did I just imagine that?

Prototypes, I think. Convention stuff.

All I know is, Solitare is going to be awesome. :)
If handwriting recognition ever gets close to good, I'd think almost any text entry program would be improved. Apple almost had it with the MessagePad 2000 -- it certainly worked better than my Palm for recognizing my handwriting.

If handwriting recognition ever gets close to good, I'd think almost any text entry program would be improved. Apple almost had it with the MessagePad 2000 -- it certainly worked better than my Palm for recognizing my handwriting.

It would be nice. I know Microsoft was pushing the tablet PC really hard a while back, but that seems to have died down. Not sure what to make of that.

Reconfigurable keyboards with led display buttons seem like a better option to me. Cheaper and easier. And you don't have to continually remove smudges from your screen.
Also, wireless sucks. If you're in heavy action in a game and the battery of your wireless input device runs out it very, very annoying.
And touch screen don't have an easy separation of keys or a tactile feedback. Configurable keyboards are far better, like the Zboard or preferably that keyboard they have been working on for 8 years and have only released a $200 3 key mini-board

can't play games on that

yes you can. You can play chess, backgammon, Risk, Axis and Allies, Settlers of Catan, any number of wargames (just call up new terrain any time for your Warhammer campaigns) AND you'll not be able to cheat...

There's more to games than world of warcraft.

That thing looks really awkward to use. Also, the fact that you're using your hands instead of a stylus will mean your screen will get gross very fast.

Regarding those who said there are no touch-screen games, the Nintendo DS has been doing pretty well. Even though I though it was retarded to have 2 screens, I have enjoyed some of games I've played that use the screens well. For example, "Big Brain Academy".

Another thing to note is Windows Vista comes with touchscreen support and a simple touchscreen game, InkBall. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InkBall

yes you can. You can play chess, backgammon, Risk, Axis and Allies, Settlers of Catan, any number of wargames (just call up new terrain any time for your Warhammer campaigns) AND you'll not be able to cheat...

There's more to games than world of warcraft.

don't play them i play ones like COD

That thing looks really awkward to use. Also, the fact that you're using your hands instead of a stylus will mean your screen will get gross very fast.[/url]

Solution to gross screen.
1. Wash hands before touching screen.
2. Clean screen once in a while. :rolleyes:

This is the perfect computer for non-computer users, as well as a few special cases. Not so much for anyone that wants to get actual work done in an effective way.

The whole concept of working with images and videos the way they do in that video isn't exactly new, either. It does look pretty cool though. Just like it did when this was news, what, last month? ;)

Aren't there already keyboards like this? Or did I just imagine that?
Prototypes, I think. Convention stuff.
The latest and greatest is nearly available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimus_keyboard . And there are some less advanced types available, I think (there's one with monochrome display buttons, I believe)

it really reminds me of how technological progress throws up cool surprises, like right now will be antiquated when you see a computer like that becoming mainstream, and then envision what else can follow on from it and contrast it to say 20 years ago when things were "hi tech." But it would be useless for fps' and while there are repititive strain injuries associated with normal computers this type would conceivably cause back problems because youd always be straining down a little bit. A computer in ones brain, now that would be cool.

Solution to gross screen.
1. Wash hands before touching screen.
2. Clean screen once in a while. :rolleyes:
3. use protective cover when enjoying porn :p

it really reminds me of how technological progress throws up cool surprises, like right now will be antiquated when you see a computer like that becoming mainstream, and then envision what else can follow on from it and contrast it to say 20 years ago when things were "hi tech." But it would be useless for fps' and while there are repititive strain injuries associated with normal computers this type would conceivably cause back problems because youd always be straining down a little bit. A computer in ones brain, now that would be cool.

I'm guessing offices that bought projected keyboards would update the desks to avoid lawsuits, at the very least. Probably some sort of t.v.-tray looking thing would be in order. ;)

A computer in ones brain, now that would be cool.Well, most CPU's run a bit hot, actually.
And I'm not sure trojans, worms, viruses and other malware in the brain would be all that enjoyable either..

Well, most CPU's run a bit hot, actually.
And I'm not sure trojans, worms, viruses and other malware in the brain would be all that enjoyable either..

That's true. The brain-implanted cellphone, though - it's coming, I'd bet my last dollar. :p

Well, most CPU's run a bit hot, actually.
And I'm not sure trojans, worms, viruses and other malware in the brain would be all that enjoyable either..

Obviously you would need to water cool your brain-implanted CPU.

It may look nice and be quite user-friendly, but I doubt it is anywhere near as customisable as some (like me) would want it. Or as functional, there's no way a lot of games would work as well on that, especially first person ones.

It may look nice and be quite user-friendly, but I doubt it is anywhere near as customisable as some (like me) would want it. Or as functional, there's no way a lot of games would work as well on that, especially first person ones.
I don't do many games on the computer. I even print off the crosswords and sudoku puzzles, rather than work them on the screen.

Your comment is fairly common, though. What requirements does gaming have that are only satisfied by a mouse and keyboard?

I don't do many games on the computer. I even print off the crosswords and sudoku puzzles, rather than work them on the screen.

Your comment is fairly common, though. What requirements does gaming have that are only satisfied by a mouse and keyboard?
Well, if I was playing a FPS on a touchscreen, I think I'd get annoyed by my hands getting in the way of the view - I can see it being like a high tech whack a mole game.

I don't do many games on the computer. I even print off the crosswords and sudoku puzzles, rather than work them on the screen.

Your comment is fairly common, though. What requirements does gaming have that are only satisfied by a mouse and keyboard?

Quick, precise movement, your position in the world as well as pretty much any input not related to how the screen moves. For example, in a first person shooter, you could conceivably look around using this kind of input, but how are you going to walk forward, back and sideways? And how are you going to switch between weapons, reload, switch between firing modes etc? Any solution to these problems would either be cheap, poorly working hacks, or cutting back of features in the game all the way until it works.

But it's not just games. How are you going to post on this forum on this thing? A virtual keyboard would be insanely slow and annoying to use, but can you think of anything better? And programs like image editors that require pixel perfect precision? Can't be done.

I'm sure it's great to order pizza from though...

Nice, but pretty useless.

I much prefer to have my display unit at head height and vertical. Stops me getting a crick in my neck.

What about the same design but just like I said. Then I get arm ache from having to keep my arms suspended in the air constantly.

So input devices on a horizontal plane and displays on a vertical plane please.

Plus, to input data into that computer you have to be able to touch, you can't operate it remotely

Drool, drool....

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v287/Celtlund/?action=view&current=Microsoft_No_more_keyboards.flv

This thing is fantastic. It has no keyboard and the touch and drag screen is about the size of a coffee table. Man do I ever want one of these things.

well i wouldn't want to work/type on one, but for the home (as an entertainment centre, also outputting to a TV for movies and stuff) it'd be pretty neat assuming the price drops within consumer ranges :)

be kinda useful to have one at work, come to think of it, at meeting tables. whatever happened to digital whiteboards btw??



edit: i'm not sure why everyone's going on about back problems. this technology could just as easily be implimented vertically as it is in the table there.
couple the multitouch technology with transparent flexible OLED technology and you could have a whole wall like that in the not so distant future...

Quick, precise movement, your position in the world as well as pretty much any input not related to how the screen moves. For example, in a first person shooter, you could conceivably look around using this kind of input, but how are you going to walk forward, back and sideways? And how are you going to switch between weapons, reload, switch between firing modes etc? Any solution to these problems would either be cheap, poorly working hacks, or cutting back of features in the game all the way until it works.I can think of a fairly easy solution.

You use the base of your palm as to let the computer know where your hands are. You calibrate the controls so when you use your index finger the computer knows it's your index finger and not your middle finger due to its position relative to the base of your palm.

So say you want to strafe right. You put your index finger down and move it to the right of its original position. So long as your finger is pressed down and to the right of its original position then you strafe right. Move it back and you stop strafing. Take your finger off the screen and you stop strafing.

To fire you use your thumb. To reload you press your thumb and index finger down at the same time and move together so that they touch, or you move your thumb out so that it is at right angles to your index finger and then press it down. To change weapons use your middle finger. Move it left or right to scroll through weapons. To change to the currently view weapon tap your middle finger. To cancel your choice simply lift up your middle finger.

To use the command rose of Battlefield you could lift up your palm and then press down with a finger and then move to the option you want.

The only problem I can think of is that your hands would get in the way of what you could see. The best solution to that would be to have a spilt screen. Which kinda ruins the whole point... meh...

'tis cool, but, one problem.... Microsoft (I'm a bit of an Apple Fanboy).

Donkey Kong anyone? (http://www.buysellcommunity.com/uploads/061006/ww1/pppclmlnqeqf.jpg)

It strikes me that the "Useless for gaming argument" could be eleminated by including an optional keyboard/mouse/joystick/smurf/control pad/motion sensor (ala Eyetoy) yahta yahta.

It strikes me that the "Useless for gaming argument" could be eleminated by including an optional keyboard/mouse/joystick/smurf/control pad/motion sensor (ala Eyetoy) yahta yahta.But then it's just a monitor mounted in your coffee table with a remote wireless input device. Who on earth would pay up to $10,000 for that?

But then it's just a monitor mounted in your coffee table with a remote wireless input device. Who on earth would pay up to $10,000 for that?

People who like to buy unnecessary and unnecessarily expensive things to show off how wealthy they are.

But then it's just a monitor mounted in your coffee table with a remote wireless input device. Who on earth would pay up to $10,000 for that?

Because it still functions as a touchscreen?

I don't see how adding an optional remote input device would make it less valuable...

What if your looking at porn?

and you have to clean the screen after...

Donkey Kong anyone? (http://www.buysellcommunity.com/uploads/061006/ww1/pppclmlnqeqf.jpg)

I prefer Ms. Pacman. (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=765560&cp=2367825.711740.711786&pg=2&parentPage=family&searchId=711786)

The touch screen table is a nice gimmick, but it won't replace a regular vertical display, horizontal input computer for me.

I don't think having to look down all the time is really an ideal working position.
And I really would like a keyboard; but then, I also like having a command line.

Is it waterproof?
Because if it isn't you might want to avoid drooling on it if you get one ;)

I would assume the unit will be spillproof. After all, one of the first places they hope to install these is in bars.

The latest and greatest is nearly available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimus_keyboard . And there are some less advanced types available, I think (there's one with monochrome display buttons, I believe)

The Optimus is awesome in concept, but the one thing that makes me doubt I'll purchase one (besides the fast that they're not out yet), is the price tag. The pre-order page lists the price at approximately $1564.37 USD. My computer cost less to build than that keyboard will.

Of course, it's still a better deal than the $5k-$10k price tag the computer in the OP will run.

This is not the first of technologies like this, and it will not be the first that flops either.

This is not the first of technologies like this, and it will not be the first that flops either.

But now it's from MICROSOFT. If you didn't realize, this means that it has now been invented properly and can be taken seriously. Like the video says, it's the biggest shift in computing since Microsoft went from CLI to GUI. You know, properly. Unlike all the copycat competitors that did it first, improperly.

But I actually see a market for these things, provided that they get cheaper and more usable (manipulating the photos and icon bar looked awfully imprecise), just not for the tasks we mostly use computers for today.

We actually got to demo one of these at work (they are trying to deploy smart library and research tools)

Its cool till you have to do some serious input... like other non reactive surface inputs (like those roll out keyboards) you actually end up pressing harder then you need to sometimes and the feel is just wrong for typing...

There is no way I would want to type for more then half an hour on one of these things

But now it's from MICROSOFT. If you didn't realize, this means that it has now been invented properly and can be taken seriously. Like the video says, it's the biggest shift in computing since Microsoft went from CLI to GUI. You know, properly. Unlike all the copycat competitors that did it first, improperly.

But I actually see a market for these things, provided that they get cheaper and more usable (manipulating the photos and icon bar looked awfully imprecise), just not for the tasks we mostly use computers for today.

Yeah because MICROSOFT has not had there massive flops *Cough* microsoft bob *Cough* or windows ME

I suspect these computers will replace photocopiers as the destination of choice for drunken and mischievous co-workers' naked buttocks. *nod*

I suspect these computers will replace photocopiers as the destination of choice for drunken and mischievous co-workers' naked buttocks. *nod*

Genius ... think of the instant world wide connectivity! you could EMAIL these pictures to friends and family instantly.

Why stop there
Fax
Text and picture messages

Hell you could have your butt on video! why settle for stills!

Genius ... think of the instant world wide connectivity! you could EMAIL these pictures to friends and family instantly.

Why stop there
Fax
Text and picture messages

Hell you could have your butt on video! why settle for stills!

The possibilities are limitless! *starts humping tabletops to get in practice*

Because it still functions as a touchscreen?

I don't see how adding an optional remote input device would make it less valuable...Err, how is an input device embedded in the screen a remote input device?
Also, if you have no need for the extra mode of input, how does it have any added value? Let alone an added $5k-$10k

I don't do many games on the computer. I even print off the crosswords and sudoku puzzles, rather than work them on the screen.

Your comment is fairly common, though. What requirements does gaming have that are only satisfied by a mouse and keyboard?

Touchscreens just aren't precise nor configurable enough. Most first person games require 10+ keyboard controls to be used at any one time, in addition to the mouse to aim with. Aiming with your hand may be fun for a bit, but it'll be annoying with your arm obstructing your view and you'll tire more quickly than using a mouse which requires less movement.

It strikes me that the "Useless for gaming argument" could be eleminated by including an optional keyboard/mouse/joystick/smurf/control pad/motion sensor (ala Eyetoy) yahta yahta.

That would rather eliminate its innovations then being a touchscreen-only computer.

If this thing drops in price I'm sure it could be very popular as a media system, controlling televisions and music systems in a living room, but it certainly won't replace conventional computers.

It strikes me that the "Useless for gaming argument" could be eleminated by including an optional keyboard/mouse/joystick/smurf/control pad/motion sensor (ala Eyetoy) yahta yahta.
QFT

But then it's just a monitor mounted in your coffee table with a remote wireless input device. Who on earth would pay up to $10,000 for that?

first off, it costs 10 grand now. when its out for commercial consumer release, it will undoubtedly be cheaper.

and second off, if i want to play games properly on my laptop i have to plug in an external mouse, as the trackpad is awful for games. i don't see how that's vastly different from this thing... the multitouch technology would be great for browsing, some work stuff (not really typing, but graphic design could be great for eg), and most everyday functions of a (home entertainment) computer. playing games may require extra peripherals, just like my laptop.

Solution to gross screen.
1. Wash hands before touching screen.
2. Clean screen once in a while. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: Are you aware that your skin produces a slightly acidic fat substance? It is called sebum.
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=sebum&action=Search+OMD

That's the reason why any professional photographer will kill you if you touch the lenses of his objectives with your bare hands. Sebum is really hard to get rid of and slightly damages the coating of lenses making them opaque in the long run.

QFT



first off, it costs 10 grand now. when its out for commercial consumer release, it will undoubtedly be cheaper.

and second off, if i want to play games properly on my laptop i have to plug in an external mouse, as the trackpad is awful for games. i don't see how that's vastly different from this thing... the multitouch technology would be great for browsing, some work stuff (not really typing, but graphic design could be great for eg), and most everyday functions of a (home entertainment) computer. playing games may require extra peripherals, just like my laptop.I really don't see what advantages that computer has over a current computer hooked up with a tablet.

The best possible use I think of for this technology would be a file-sized hand-held computer. But even then that would only have an advantage over a laptop if you were walking about.

I really don't see what advantages that computer has over a current computer hooked up with a tablet.

The best possible use I think of for this technology would be a file-sized hand-held computer. But even then that would only have an advantage over a laptop if you were walking about.

its a neat gimmic? :p

That'd be really nifty in a kitchen counter.

That's nice, all I need to work out not how to produce fingerprints everywhere to use it.

Solution to gross screen.
1. Wash hands before touching screen.
2. Clean screen once in a while. :rolleyes:

If washing hands prevented fingerprints, the cops would be fucked.


And sure, they could include a keyboard and mouse with it, but that totally defeats the point and is still hard to play because you are looking down into a computer screen.

its a neat gimmic? :pExactly. And I'd rather not shell out a huge amount of money just for a gimic. I'm only 22, and have yet to go through a mid-life crisis. :p ;)

Exactly. And I'd rather not shell out a huge amount of money just for a gimic. I'm only 22, and have yet to go through a mid-life crisis. :p ;)
When you hit your mid-life crisis, don't you think it'd be a lot more fun to buy a Hog and tour the country like Eutrusca did.

The latest and greatest is nearly available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimus_keyboard . And there are some less advanced types available, I think (there's one with monochrome display buttons, I believe)

What use is a keyboard you have to look at all the time?

If washing hands prevented fingerprints, the cops would be fucked.


And sure, they could include a keyboard and mouse with it, but that totally defeats the point and is still hard to play because you are looking down into a computer screen.

maybe they will make a stand for it, so it doesn't have to sit flat.

also, I think it could be really cool and useful in some circumstances, and for some people, but I don't get everyone's complaining, nobody is making you buy it, and so what if it's not for everyone? not all computers today are for everyone.

I am sure a lot of you gamers would totally hate my computer. It's not built for gaming, it's built for the work I do.

When you hit your mid-life crisis, don't you think it'd be a lot more fun to buy a Hog and tour the country like Eutrusca did.I presume a Hog is a car... But yeah, that sounds more like the thing I would do. Although, I'd probably do more than just tour the UK seeing as it's in the EU and all.

Its a big ass iPhone!

I presume a Hog is a car... But yeah, that sounds more like the thing I would do. Although, I'd probably do more than just tour the UK seeing as it's in the EU and all.
It's a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but the idea's the same.

That'd be really nifty in a kitchen counter.

yeah, you could keep your recipes in it, and make your grocery list from it, and network it to your printer so that you could print stuff from it, and you could hook it up to a modem and download the grocery store ads and sync them with your list and also surf the web for coupons for what you need.

What use is a keyboard you have to look at all the time?You don't have to look at it all the time; it isn't your main screen. You only have to look if you forget where you have which button.
The buttons aren't randomly shuffled every 5 minutes if thats' what you're thinking.

If washing hands prevented fingerprints, the cops would be fucked.Well, wearing gloves prevents fingerprints, and yet cops aren't fucked (more than usually; I'm sure they get laid occasionally, how else would we keep the population at the necessary level otherwise?)
Criminals are stupid. They don't overall wear gloves, or wash their hands (which does help against fingerprints for a while) or ears before committing a crime (earprints can also be used for identification, often thieves may listen at a window if there is anyone in the house.)

You don't have to look at it all the time; it isn't your main screen. You only have to look if you forget where you have which button.
The buttons aren't randomly shuffled every 5 minutes if thats' what you're thinking.

But with a completely visual keyboard most of the non visual cues are gone as to if your fingers are actually on the right keys

You don't have to look at it all the time; it isn't your main screen. You only have to look if you forget where you have which button.
The buttons aren't randomly shuffled every 5 minutes if thats' what you're thinking.

If you're aware what the button layout is, why do you need this keyboard?

But with a completely visual keyboard most of the non visual cues are gone as to if your fingers are actually on the right keysI don't think that applies to the optimus keyboard; it would apply to a virtual keyboard on a touchscreen though. That optimus keyboard has the standard sizes, shapes and groupings for a normal layout.

If you're aware what the button layout is, why do you need this keyboard?To reconfigure it with new layouts and be able to then learn that new layout until you know it blindly? Why are there letters and symbols on your keyboard?

I don't think that applies to the optimus keyboard; it would apply to a virtual keyboard on a touchscreen though. That optimus keyboard has the standard sizes, shapes and groupings for a normal layout.

To reconfigure it with new layouts and be able to then learn that new layout until you know it blindly? Why are there letters and symbols on your keyboard?

Misread as far as the optimus keyboard goes (and I have been tracking it for years) I think will be a no show

They came out with that 3 button POS a while ago but right now I dont think that It will ever show

But now it's from MICROSOFT. If you didn't realize, this means that it has now been invented properly and can be taken seriously. Like the video says, it's the biggest shift in computing since Microsoft went from CLI to GUI. You know, properly. Unlike all the copycat competitors that did it first, improperly.

But I actually see a market for these things, provided that they get cheaper and more usable (manipulating the photos and icon bar looked awfully imprecise), just not for the tasks we mostly use computers for today.

(Emphasis mine)

You do realize that there is a contradiction in terms there? If they were copying, how could they have done it first?

But that aside, Microsoft have invented very little, even less of that properly. Their pioneering product was bought from a third party engineer. Windowing systems were nicked from other companies.

Now, onto this specific product. My prediction is a flop. Too early, too expensive, too limited. Anyone remember MS's big UMPC push? http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/umpc/default.mspx I didn't know these things even still existed, and I have a feeling that this thing will be going the same way.

Nah, what we need are computers controllable by thought alone.

my subconscious would constantly surf to porn sites.

this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h-RhyopUmc&mode=related&search=)is cool and looks a little bit like the stuff being discussed

(Emphasis mine)

You do realize that there is a contradiction in terms there? If they were copying, how could they have done it first?

But that aside, Microsoft have invented very little, even less of that properly. Their pioneering product was bought from a third party engineer. Windowing systems were nicked from other companies.

Now, onto this specific product. My prediction is a flop. Too early, too expensive, too limited. Anyone remember MS's big UMPC push? http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/umpc/default.mspx I didn't know these things even still existed, and I have a feeling that this thing will be going the same way.

I was trying to be funny, but I guess I didn't succeed. Humor is hard!

I fully agree with you. Microsoft, despite desperately trying to present themselves as the great innovator, is usually late to the game. To their credit, however, they know how to take proven ideas and make a solid, if perhaps a bit dull, product. And if not the first time, then the second or third. Or tenth.

It's a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but the idea's the same.Pfft, a car is better. At least you can sleep in a car.

If you tried sleeping on a motorcycle you'd probably burn your leg off as you slept whilst the exhaust was still hot.

That'd be really nifty in a kitchen counter.
It would work better than this-
http://infohost.nmt.edu/~val/pix/kitchen_computer/happy_kitchen.jpg
You have to go to the Visible Storage (http://www.computerhistory.org/virtualvisiblestorage/) section of the computer history museum, 60s Significant Machines.

No one could describe to me what it was supposed to do...

Well, most CPU's run a bit hot, actually.
And I'm not sure trojans, worms, viruses and other malware in the brain would be all that enjoyable either..

yeah but neural nanonics...they would be cool. Plus you could put fans in the back of peoples heads