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Information Appliances, Linux and Computers
This editorial
in Mac opinion discusses
the way Microsoft's competitors may attack Microsoft: making
computers irrelevant by replacing them with information appliances.
This could lead to an increase in computer prices -- economies
of scale no longer apply.>
It's actually about a network where devices have access to the information they need when they need it, and the devices are not general-purpose computers with Red Hat Linux, a keyboard, and a 5-ton monitor attached. Take a look at the Ninja project at Berkeley. Think about what Sun's Jini was supposed to do.
They're selling CD players now that can hold more CDs than most people own. Why the hell should you have to remember that CD #241 is "Garbage / Version 2.0". Worse, what good is it if you have your entire music collection in a device and you still have to futz with it every half hour at a party to get a reasonable music rotation going?
Why, indeed, can't your CD changer be chatting with your home server which has a Net connection? It will pull down all the CDDB information ("ohhh, that's why they went proprietary") for your collection; you tell your system that you want the party to crescendo in music tone and pace over 5 hours, then decay over an hour while you shoo everybody out the door, then close with Elvis Costello to get the stragglers out. Some service like Firefly will take care of all the recommendations for you. Tell it you want "Queerest of the Queer" next song, and it will stick it into the rotation.
Why, some people here have once wondered, is the Palm Pilot such a big deal. Everyone wants Linux on a handheld, don't they? Have you seen 3com's plans for the Palm VII and the way it will communicate with Internet services like Yahoo News, e-trade stock quotes, and all that other stuff? What else are they doing, besides missing the XML boat?
They're turning it into an information appliance.
Why, you might wonder, is Intel talking with Ericsson about wireless data communications in the home?
They want to make information appliances.
Q: What is Lamar Pott's new job at Be?
A: Find out here. Hint: It contains the word Internet and appliance.
It's going to happen, and moreover, you want it to happen. At least I do. -Stephen van Egmond, svanegmond@home.com who forgot his slashdot ID.
Posted by Mike@ABC:
I don't see people running out to buy a lot of these appliances. Sure, there's a niche for WebTV and perhaps an e-mail appliance, especially among the older generations unfamiliar with computers.
But I have to say, I think a networked home, with a server, a couple of workstations and a liberal assortment of thin clients, isn't beyond the realm of possibility. We're seeing it now with centralized, computerized climate controls and all-in-one entertainment centers. Give it a decade, maybe, and we'll start to see total solutions based on a home server or high-end PC.
But again, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
Sorry, but there's only one problem with this arguement - who would buy a bunch of "information appliances" if you have 1 that does everything (even if it costs more).
It's an analogy akin to saying I have a Widget that can function as a dishwasher, can opener, toaster, and microwave oven. Why would I want to replace my widget for all of those other appliances? My Widget can also be upgraded (free of charge) to support Oven Baking and Bread Making.
--
None of you have read the article, as best I can determine.
The point was much more interesting than the headline suggests.
Here's a nutshell:
AOL/Netscape -vs- Wintel; AOL goes to war with Wintel by building Emachines-style boxes, loading them with a free OS like Linux (Windows now costs a significant portion of the computer price), and giving them away to anyone who signs up with them for Internet access.
In the process, say goodbye to Apple with their proprietary OS. People will either buy a Wintel if they want to blow a lot of money, or take a free AOLbox if they are cheapos.
It's an interesting point, I'd say.
We've all seen that the market for cheapo PCs is actually quite big. That's why Intel is in trouble, and why Apple might be...
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/* Insert tongue in cheek */
That's it. I'm giving up my job. No more coding. No more debugging. No more deadlines. I'm going to be a technology columnist who makes radical predictions about the future of computing!
Think about it -- you make money based on how many people read your work. If you want more people to read your work, just make more radical, controversial predictions. *Ka-chiiing* More money for you!
Best of all, no one notices or remembers when you're wrong. If they do, you can just mumble about, "unforeseen market forces".
If you run out of topics, just whip out a little essay on, "How technology is changing our lives." Content is optional!
/* Remove tongue from cheek */
Save the whales. Feed the hungry. Free the mallocs.