The PC Display has Left the Building

Makarand writes "A new class of PC displays, called Smart Displays, that will use Wi-Fi to effectively decouple themselves from the PC will be unveiled next week at Comdex. Special software from Microsoft ( code-named 'Mira') will be at the heart of these displays allowing them to communicate with any PC running Windows XP within Wi-Fi range ( typically several hundred feet ). The surface of a Smart Display will be touch sensitive allowing you to interact using a finger or a stylus."

Comments

Sweet

[Anonymous Coward]

Now I can look at everyone else's porn as well as my own!

Already doing this.

[Mr_Icon]

I interact with my Windows XP using a finger all the time.

Re:Already doing this.

[pergamon]

I interact with my Windows XP using a finger all the time.

Only one? I think three fingers is more effective...

Re:Already doing this.

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes. To log in.

Re:Already doing this.

[Scratch-O-Matic]

I mostly interact with Windows using 3 fingers.

Oh, joy!

[Anonymous Coward]

Because when I think "security" I automatically think "Microsoft" and "802.11b."

If sure these will just FLY off the shelves, so people can ensure that the script kiddie next door will be able to watch in realtime as you type up your post to alt.members.nambla-- before you even hit the "Submit" button!

interception

[bpb213]

Now for a limited time, you can buy a product to sniff both X10 networks and users porn^H^H^H^Hdesktops!

Only $199.99 for this amazing device!!!

(note, not garenteed to break ssh tunnels)

finger interactivity

[ejaw5]

The surface of a Smart Display will be touch sensitive allowing you to interact using a finger or a stylus

Now I can actually finger a user using a real finger.

Re:Prices, speed, and use on different legs?

[SlamMan]

I see this included in some sort of kvm solution. One less thing for the MCSE's to not have to be able to figure out :-)

Code Name: GF

[limekiller4]

Makarand writes:
The surface of a Smart Display will be touch sensitive allowing you to interact using a finger or a stylus."

This sounds suspiciously like my girlfriend...

Re:Code Name: GF

[cryptor3]

Except that I'm sure that a Smart Display won't mind if you have a small stylus.

Not so close...

[qslack]

I don't believe it one bit. They purport to be able to send "video" through the air? Over long distances? Sorry, but for now I think we're stuck with cable television and cabled monitors. I just don't see how receiving pictures from thin air would work.

But think of the possibilities if it did! We could turn on a TV anywhere and receive the latest news and watch our favorite shows. We would no longer be restricted by wires. Imagine that, wireless TV!

Re:Aside from porn...

[bpb213]

Whats the matter, dont you trust 64bit WEP security? ;)

The Future

[Lemmeoutada Collecti]

I can see the next logical step in this...

1) Create Tablet PC with built in 802.11b
2) Create Wireless Display for 802.11b
3) ???
4) Take over the world
5) Profit becomes irrelevant

Who's doing what?

[A non moose cow]

Ok, so I take a seat in the campus computer lab. They have just installed these marvels of market coersion wireless screens.

1. Instead of comfortably resting my hand over the mouse I have to do John Madden calesthenics to move things around on the screen "Boom!"
2. I don't really know if the screen I'm looking at is actually showing me the image from the computer where I am sitting.
3. I discover that it doesn't really matter that I am not looking at "my" computer, as long as nobody else sees the one I am using... until I try to use the keyboard.
4. It's all OK because although I'm not using my computer, I have a wireless keyboard, and it happens to be typing on the computer whose image I'm seeing.
5. I notice while I'm using this computer, that there is a lot of personalized stuff, and in fact I am using the computer of my accounting professor from his office on the floor below. I sneekily email his next test to myself.
6. Feeling smug about the test, I finish typing my report, print it, and reset my station, inadvertently destroying the work of a really cute girl on the other side of the lab.
7. While waiting at the printer for an unusually long time, I realize that my report with my name on it has just been printed on my accounting professors personal laserjet... in his office.
8. Feeling less smug about the test, I wonder to myself... When did computers start to suck so bad?

I hate this idea

Re:Innovation?

[Tinfoil]

Part of innovation is knowing when to release the product. 15 years ago, it wasn't really feasable.

There are *some* benefits. One, data has to be stored in a centralised location. Two... umm.. Okay, there is only one benefit I can think of.

The price will drop I am sure. MS has no probs loosing cashish on the xbox so I am sure they will have no probs in dropping the price of this a bit as well.

Re:It's should be pretty secure..

[passthecrackpipe]

Of course, as in "security through obscurity" kind of secure. How silly I didn't think of that before....

RBSOD

[Anne_Nonymous]

Remote Blue Screen of Death

Great

[Wyatt Earp]

Now my 2.4 GHz phone can cut out my GF's Airport and screw up my PC's display with a single call from my drunky buddy.

So basically

[The Dobber]

We will have a device without a monitor communicating with another device, which has a monitor.

Woot !!