Ready-To-Wear PCs

perbert writes: "IEEE Spectrum has an interesting article in their October 2000 issue (and an online version) on new affordable ready-to-wear computers." Soon it won't require months of work to morph yourself into a gargoyle ;)

Comments

Practicality of Wearable PCs

[Gondola]

I can't see much application for a wearable PC. Sure, it's cool, but beyond sheer geekness, I see little point.

These articles about wearable computers keep coming up, and they're the usual deal, with a Borg-esque monocle/HUD, chorded keyboard, and fanny-pack CPU/etc case.

When I can wear one with as little intrusiveness (weight, bulkiness) as an earbud headset and do something useful, talk to me.

Something I'd like to see is a Writer's setup. I have delusions of grandeur and think I could be a novelist. Set me up with a 99.99% reliable dictation machine, a sensitive microphone so I can speak softly into it and have it transcribe what I'm saying. Recall Heinlein's Jubal in Stranger in a Strange Land. I want to be able to drive home or work while composing the Great American Novel. Recall Lain and the mobile DOOM-like game. If I tried to play that while driving I'd probably kill several people, including myself, to avoid being shot by the guy driving south on I-94. I can see wearable PCs being more of a hazard than cell phones if used irresponsibly.

Any kind of roving salesman or mobile worker of any kind that needs access to some kind of data storage or minimal, but frequent, input, could benefit from a wearable PC, but I can't see the average Joe User needing one. PDA's with appointments and contact listings would probably take up most of the mobile gearhead market, especially as they become faster, better, and more functional.

I want a HUD!

[plastickiwi]

Doubtless this topic will draw dozens of comments from people comparing the wearable PC to a cell phone, and lamenting the problems it will cause on the highway.

Not from me, though. Imagine the fun of going through life with a real heads-up display mounted on your head, especially once it becomes socially acceptible to keep it on all the time.

You could:

• Draw a moustache and devil horns on your boss while he's yelling at you;
• Display bullet lists of smart stuff you always mean to say at the appropriate times, but can never remember ("Fsck you, asshole.");
• Replay MPEGs of sexual relations with your significant other during arguments, so you can remember why you're together;
• Post to Slashdot during business meetings. (Be sure your boss doesn't know your ID, in case he's doing the same thing.)

Gundam

[Duxup]

I'm still holding out for my own personal Gundam.