Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-tis!helios.ee.lbl.gov!pasteur!ucbvax!hplabs!hpda!hptsug2!taylor
From: rhorn@infinet.UUCP (Rob Horn)
Newsgroups: comp.society
Subject: Re: "Personal" Computers
Message-ID: <494@hptsug2.HP.COM>
Date: 2 Sep 88 00:25:36 GMT
Sender: taylor@hptsug2.HP.COM
Lines: 36
Approved: taylor@hplabs

My definition of personal computer is simpler.  If I can turn it off at
will, it is my personal computer.  If I must consider the opinions of
others, it is not.

The ``solution in search of a problem'' only partially explains why
computers are a success in some areas, and fail in others.  Many of the
unexpected failures are due to the people with the problem not
understanding that they have a problem.  Until they are educated, they
will not use or buy the solution.

For examples, consider the pocket calculator.  Scientists and engineers
knew they had a problem --- slide rules cannot add.  Businessmen knew
they had a problem --- adding machines are not portable.  When pocket
calculators were invented both groups knew just how to use them, and
today's calculators still fit that model.  It also explains some of the
gaps.  Despite powerful benefits, simple facilities like amortization
calculations are not built into most business calculators.  The PC was a
success because of spreadsheets.  All business users knew how to use
spreadsheets and knew they had a problem --- the columns don't add up
automatically.  Spreadsheet programs fit right in.  Now take a failure,
the hoof operated fence cutter.  The problem sure exists, and the
situation is a life and death matter, but just try to explain this to a
cow.

Speculating into the future uses for personal computers I would look at
problems where people already know how they would use the solution.

I expect voice activation of home appliances to be one such.  If I could
call up my appliances to check things (did I turn off the faucet?)  or
to start things (I'm leaving the office now.  Start cooking dinner.)  it
solves a problem in a way that everyone understands.  Even without the
phone connection, just being able to tell the front door to open when my
hands are full would be useful.  These may evolve from a merger of
manufacturing floor voice technologies, various tools for the assistance
of handicapped persons, and present remote control facilities.

Rob Horn