The Disposable Computer

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Posted by CowboyNeal on Thursday March 4, 2004 @04:38PM from the humble-beginnings dept.

sp00 writes "A disposable paperboard computer has been developed and is already in use in Sweden. Developed by Cypak AB, the paperboard computer can collect, process, and exchange several pages of encrypted data, the company says." Pretty impressive, given that they say it has a mere 32K of memory.

54 of 358 comments (clear)

32K?! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:39 · Score: 5, Funny

Jeez, no one would ever want to buy that underpowered machine! Give me 640k, and we will talk. ;-)
1. Re:32K?! by ackthpt · 2004-03-04 17:19 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Jeez, no one would ever want to buy that underpowered machine! Give me 640k, and we will talk. ;-)
  Oy! Yer spoilt! I used to program in 32K and I liked it!
  Why, some of the finest programming and games I've ever seen fit in 32K. It's all slop nowdays. Widgets, buttons and things thag go Bing! and need 256 MB to do it in.
  
  --
  
  A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
2. Re:32K?! by Mipsalawishus · 2004-03-04 17:49 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  But does it run Linux???
3. Re:32K?! by martingunnarsson · 2004-03-04 19:03 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Yeah, and imagine a Beowulf cluster of these...
  
  --
  Martin
4. Re:32K?! by MoreBeer · 2004-03-04 20:40 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  It's called a Fire Hazard.
5. Re:32K?! by flappinbooger · 2004-03-04 23:50 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Ok, im imagining it ... Looks sorta like a library?
  
  --
  Flappinbooger isn't my real name
6. Re:32K?! by FuzzyBad-Mofo · 2004-03-05 02:59 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  32K was enough to go to the moon, and it was enough for me!
Obligatory BillG Reference by oldosadmin · 2004-03-04 16:39 · Score: 5, Funny

Who needs more than 32k of memory anyway?

--
Jay | http://oldos.org
If it crashes... by Tebriel · 2004-03-04 16:41 · Score: 5, Funny

If I get Windows running on this thing (with 32k!) and I get a BSOD, do I just throw it away and get a new one instead of a reboot? Or even better, could I mail it to MS and ask for a new one?

--
The Blaster Master Fighting for Truth, Justice, and Evil Pie since 1979
1. Re:If it crashes... by LostCluster · 2004-03-04 16:57 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Microsoft is saving time... their paper computers will be made out of blue construction paper.
2. Re:If it crashes... by Mipsalawishus · 2004-03-04 17:52 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Rather than send an error report to Microsoft via the internet, you have to mail these in.
Nothing new... by CrashPoint · 2004-03-04 16:41 · Score: 5, Funny

A computer you use for a few days and then throw away? Hell, Dell's like twenty years ahead in that market.
Finally... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:41 · Score: 5, Funny

..a computer I can actually wipe my ass with when I get pissed at it.
1. Re:Finally... by cujo_1111 · 2004-03-04 16:51 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Cleaning the screen will be a real bitch then...
  
  --
  If I point out that you are incorrect, making me a foe does not make you any more correct.
Re: Disposable Computer by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:42 · Score: 5, Funny

Imagine....a Beowulf cluster of these!
*sigh*
On the next The Screen Savers... by LostCluster · 2004-03-04 16:45 · Score: 3, Funny

Their mod specialist Yoshi DeHerrera will show off a cardboard case PC. (Web story is already posted here.)

This was actually a delayed segment from last week. Yoshi cut his hand working on setting up his demo on how he did it last time he tried to do this segment. He needed to leave the studio to get stitches and missed most of the show as a result.
Beowoof? Bah! by tloh · 2004-03-04 16:46 · Score: 4, Funny

Forget about clustering, I want to see someone overclock one of these without the thing smoking and going up in flames!

--
Stay sentient. Don't drink bad milk.
Re: Disposable Computers by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:46 · Score: 3, Funny

In Soviet Russia...
the computer disposes of YOU!
*ducks*
Excellent! by nmoog · 2004-03-04 16:47 · Score: 5, Funny

Now I can use my disposable cell phone to dial up and post my photos from my disposable digital camera and ask disney why I cant find anymore disposable dvds.

Oops. Better get back to work. Else no disposable income.
1. Re:Excellent! by 0racle · 2004-03-04 16:57 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Seems that your throwing your life away there.
  
  --
  "I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."
REAL Notebook computers. by Chr1s-Cr0ss · 2004-03-04 16:47 · Score: 4, Funny

Well, it seems we will finally be able to refer to something as truly a "Notebook computer"

--

68.3% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
The advantages of paper-computing by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:48 · Score: 3, Funny

Look at pr0n then shred the evidence...
1. Re:The advantages of paper-computing by glenalec · 2004-03-04 17:32 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  And both 'sticky keyboard' and running out of kleenex problems are solved too!
  
  --
  The man with no surname and a silly hat
  
  On the universe: It's bunk.
it would catch fire! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:51 · Score: 1, Funny

sure a beowulf cluster of them would be cool, but then they'll generate enough heat to burn themselves! ;)
i suppose you could invest in some fancy cooling, like a liquid-based system... then your computers are soggy :(
New excuse for not doing homework by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 16:53 · Score: 5, Funny

"My dog ate my computer sir"
OH MAN by sudotcsh · 2004-03-04 16:53 · Score: 4, Funny

Cypak says the card's encryption can't be copied or broken...

AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! ...

AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

*whew*! I needed that.
My wish come true by Tablizer · 2004-03-04 17:01 · Score: 2, Funny

I always wanted some Windows toilet paper

--
Table-ized A.I.
Beowulf book by NoDoZ · 2004-03-04 17:02 · Score: 5, Funny

wouldn't a beowulf cluster of these.. be a book?
1. Re:Beowulf book by rholliday · 2004-03-04 17:21 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  So then, would the book be "Beowulf?"
  
  I can see it now. The first virus will be called "Grendal ..."
  
  --
  Xbox reviews.. We think they're funny.
Good for distributed computing, I bet. by infernow · 2004-03-04 17:04 · Score: 5, Funny

(I apologize in advance for this one)
They're probably great at running Folding@Home.

--
that that is is that that is not is not
Offspring by krusadr · 2004-03-04 17:05 · Score: 2, Funny

Does this mean that a computer and a printer can reproduce?

--
while sco {
wget -O /dev/null http://www.sco.com?sco=litigious%20bastards
}
'Scratch Space' by scorp1us · 2004-03-04 17:08 · Score: 2, Funny

When you run out of memory, just add a 'scratch pad' and malloc some more 'pages'.

'Scratch space' wasn't meant to be taken littlerally!

--
Slashdot's rate-of-post filter: Preventing you from posting too many great ideas at once.
Re:Is it allowed to call itself a "computer"? by mlk · 2004-03-04 17:10 · Score: 3, Funny

Its more powerfull than some of the old 8bits.

Cool, Rogue on paper, ohh wait thats AD&D.

--
Wow, I should not post when knackered.
A giant step backward by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 17:12 · Score: 1, Funny

So much for the paperless office...
Windows? by JohnGrahamCumming · 2004-03-04 17:14 · Score: 4, Funny

Perhaps they can get it to run Windows, sell them on rolls and I'll be able to wipe my butt with Microsoft on a daily basis.

John.
Re:Those swedes, whats the deal? by dandelion_wine · 2004-03-04 17:17 · Score: 2, Funny

I do dislike them, based on "Fight Club"

Congratulations. You are not your khakis.

You're a freakin fanboy instead.
Prophetic by krusadr · 2004-03-04 17:19 · Score: 2, Funny

Quote from flashing Adobe ad on /. front page...

"And I need to design paper forms that are identical to the paper ones"

--
while sco {
wget -O /dev/null http://www.sco.com?sco=litigious%20bastards
}
Re:Worlds Largest Cluster by mod_critical · 2004-03-04 17:20 · Score: 2, Funny

Well, actually...

5 Volt DC Power Supply, Jameco Part Number 112070
1.9" x 2.2" x 1.95"

Full height file cabinet, Office Mac Item Number 01200578
52" x 25" x 15"

So you could fit about 2392 of them in that file cabinet... SORRY I'M BORED!!
Origami Mods anyone? by agendi · 2004-03-04 17:40 · Score: 2, Funny

At least it will be easy to case mod!

--
I just can't be bothered.
Imagine... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 17:44 · Score: 2, Funny

...a ream of these paper computers.
Re:The Answer to All Questions by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 17:47 · Score: 3, Funny

The true answer to all questions is: "to improve my chances of getting laid".

Except, perhaps for the question "Why am I going to prison?"
Re:Is it allowed to call itself a "computer"? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 17:48 · Score: 1, Funny

Is it allowed to call itself a "computer"?
com-put-er:
A device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information.
Yes, it is a computer, as is a calculator. Though if an electronic device is calling itself something I wouldn't argue...
Re:a mere 32K of memory by n3k5 · 2004-03-04 18:02 · Score: 5, Funny

In a few more years ... Just imagine a cluster .... in a three ring binder.
Exactly, you'll be able to double the memory capacity by punching holes in the right places.

--
but what do i know, i'm just a model.
Re:Groan by AndroidCat · 2004-03-04 18:13 · Score: 4, Funny

The main part of the "military-class security", is that you can eat the computer if captured.

--
One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
New form of data loss by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 18:30 · Score: 2, Funny

Boss:
Jim, where have you been and where is the data?
Jim:
I uh, we just had a core dump, all the data has been flushed.
Re: Disposable Computer by multiplexo · 2004-03-04 18:31 · Score: 3, Funny

I wonder if /. can set things up so that any story related to a piece of hardware would get an automatic "imagine a beowulf cluster blah, blah blah" post from anonymous coward. Seems as if it would save a lot of valuable time for /.'ers.

--
cheap labor conservatives - they want to keep you hungry enough to be thankful for minimum wage.
Re:There must be something seriously wrong by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 19:20 · Score: 3, Funny

(Lady and) Gentlemen,

I present to you:

Mister Grumpyface....
Flushable by wrmrxxx · 2004-03-04 20:03 · Score: 5, Funny

Very handy for when the SCO cops show up. Quick, everybody, flush the computers down the toilet!
Re:Is it allowed to call itself a "computer"? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-04 20:55 · Score: 1, Funny

BTW, can you tell us a bit about hackers, back in the '40s?

As a policeman in the 1940's, I can tell you that computer hacking was considered a very serious -- not to mention gruesome -- offence.
Sgt. Septegenarian.
Re:Which meaning of "props"? by shyster · 2004-03-04 23:11 · Score: 3, Funny

Proper respect...or propers...or prop. Don't look at me, I didn't make it up. Just reporting it.
Re:There must be something seriously wrong by maztuhblastah · 2004-03-05 00:52 · Score: 2, Funny

Ironically, the entire rant aobut unproffessional conduct come from a guy with the name "Pan T. Hose." So original...

Mod me up to +5 Funny if you want to prove him wrong...

--
The real litigious bastards...
Sounds like a Mission Impossible scene... by l1gunman · 2004-03-05 01:21 · Score: 2, Funny

Good morning Mr. Phelps. The documents you are viewing are... Your mission, should you decide to accept it... This computer will be recyclable in 60 seconds. Please deposit it in the nearest cardboard recycling bin.
Paperless society by dargaud · 2004-03-05 02:28 · Score: 2, Funny

So now we can become a truly paperless society, once they come out with version 1.0 of WipeMe for this system...

--
Non-Linux Penguins ?
They're called punchcards by Da_Big_G · 2004-03-05 02:49 · Score: 2, Funny

Yup, looks like we're going back to punchcards. Now THAT's news!