Xref: utzoo comp.windows.misc:939 comp.sys.next:1166 comp.sys.mac:24802 comp.windows.ms:166 comp.windows.x:7139 alt.cyberpunk:1260 comp.lang.smalltalk:826 comp.misc:4619
Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!ames!pacbell!att!cuuxb!dlm
From: dlm@cuuxb.ATT.COM (Dennis L. Mumaugh)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.misc,comp.sys.next,comp.sys.mac,comp.windows.ms,comp.windows.x,alt.cyberpunk,comp.lang.smalltalk,comp.misc
Subject: Re: replacing the desktop metaphor
Keywords: desktop metaphor, graphical interfaces, computing environments
Message-ID: <2351@cuuxb.ATT.COM>
Date: 7 Jan 89 02:49:00 GMT
References: <4362@pitt.UUCP>
Reply-To: dlm@cuuxb.UUCP (Dennis L. Mumaugh)
Organization: ATT Data Systems Group, Lisle, Ill.
Lines: 36

In article <4362@pitt.UUCP> bonar@pitt.UUCP (Dr. Jeffrey Bonar) writes:
>
>I have an invitation for net readers - create a metaphor for computing 
>systems that goes beyond the desktop cliche.  Four years ago, Apple 
>had something with the Macintosh desktop: a new way to think about 
>computing.  Now, everyone is copying the desktop: Microsoft, IBM, 
>AT&T.  Even the new NeXT machine provides little more than a 
>desktop with some cute simulated depth.
>
>Marshall McLuhan said that a new medium always began by 
>imitating the old medium: cow paths were paved to make roads for 
>the "horseless carriage", film began by putting a camera in front of a 
>play, and finally, computer screens now look like a desktop.  What if 
>we really let go into our new medium; what should a computer work 
>space really look like?
>
One of these years I hope to meet up with some one who has read some
old fashioned Science Fiction!!!

%A Arthur Clarke
%T Imperial Earth
%X Novel about a delegate to the Tri-centennial of the US
Independence.   Plot surrounds relationship with an old chum who
is billiant and unstable.  Major plot element is the portable,
personal "computer" which is a lifelong companion, secretary,
notebook,
filing cabinet and general reference library.  Said object when
attached to the local equivalent "telephone" with ISDN and a global
access becomes one's entry to the world.

Check the book out.  That book along with Vannevar Bush's article
(see previous post) descibe a potential that makes cyberpunk look
sick. 
-- 
=Dennis L. Mumaugh
 Lisle, IL       ...!{att,lll-crg}!cuuxb!dlm  OR cuuxb!dlm@arpa.att.com