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Flexible Computers in the Future?
An anonymous reader writes "New Scientist is reporting on Sony bendable input devices. When computers become too small to be operated by buttons, how will we control them? The only option will be to gently bend them, according to engineers at Sony's Interaction Lab in Tokyo." The diagrams make it look like a warped Game Boy. Looks pretty cool, though.
"Get Bent"
However, if this is ever marketed with that slogan I'll be shocked and disgusted... and then try to weasel some money out of the deal.
*honk*
This is my sig. It's prescription, I swear. I need it for reading things... on the other side of things
Quarter-bend to the left is "back", quarter-bend to the right is "forward". To close the browser window, just fold and put in your pocket. Rip the display in half to "view source".
Kip Hawley is an idiot.
I would like to apologize for the above badly written piece of excrement. I really shouldn't post when I'm too tired to think straight. But hey, this is Slashdot. It's not like anyone's going to read either of these comments.
Probably in the wrong city. (the picture in the article refers to a GPS navigator).
A map.
Bender, Computer Operator.
Finally, I might actually be able to get the all new , redesign, second generation Etch-a-Sketch
I've always been a big fan of those pens that come with an image of a pinup girl whose bathing suit disappears when you twist the pen. So, instead of twisting, you bend, right?
Ok, so maybe not.
An Etch-a-Sketch that doesn't have knobs
I wonder if this device can be made into the form of an office swivel chair. A few receptionist/office admin would get a lot more work done by simply sitting there and swivel and shake.
"When computer get too small for buttons..."
Reminds me of a Bloom County comic strip where Milo & gang go to the new 3000 theatre mega-cinema or whatever it was called. An announcement comes over the P.A. system: "Due to our recent expansion to 3000 screens, our screen size has shrunk so small it's no longer visible. Please exit to the side."
Unless the device has a different practical use than displaying information (such as playing MP3s or whatever) you're not really going to want something so tiny it's physically unusable. There's something to be said for real buttons that you can press and get positive tactile feedback.
Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
And designing things to be thrown away is good practice?
;-)
You keep your used toilet paper?
I can just imagine Joe Cocker unwinding on one of these after a concert. I'd give the thing two minutes in his hands.
I used to think FlexATX was a flexable motherboard...
What happens when machines become our hands?
Ace
"So it is just a matter of having a locking function or not..."
Locking function is simple - bend it until it snaps in half.
It's the unlocking function I haven't figured out yet.