#> Why is it, when at TL11 a model 1 computer fits on your wrist, the ships
#> computer is just as big as a TL8 model 1 computer?
#
#If we ever get back to TDR, the full range of 'tech improved' components
#will obviously have to address computers. I tried to fit that hand computer
#into a draft chart for computer size/weight by TL, and there was no way
#to get it to fit in reasonably. My temporary solution is to ignore the
#line that says that it is equivalent to a Model 1. If we do decrease
#computer size/weight/cost with increasing tech level, there will be one
#immediately apparent effect on the game--TL14/15 merchant ships will easily
#be able to mount Comp 5,6,or 7, making piracy and so forth, especially
#by lower tech ships, even more unviable than it is already. Vargr corsairs
#beware...
Ahem. ;-) Let's take a look at current technology for a moment.
Granted, there _are_ computers that would fall into the weight category
of a hand computer (and in fact, are such), the desktop models of the
same are quite a bit larger. Much of this is due to the requirements
for input/output devices (keyboards and CRTs come to mind) as well as
the various economies of scale.
Futhermore, one would probably _not_ expect the same amount of
expandability in a hand computer as a desk-top model. Sure, the CPU
speeds are the same, but I'd really like to see you lug around a 600 MB
SCSI drive interfaced to your Atari portfolio ;-)
Finally, we must consider the working environment of a desk + chair + cpu +
printer + peripherals + documentation + offline storage (floppies to
several MB [currently]). My current work-space (at home) would take up
a minimum of 9 square meters. If we consider the tonnage requirements
of various computer models based on _volume_, rather than actual
tonnage, the rules are still pretty much in line. (Especially if the
rules are modified to allow for computer staff.)
Just my $0.02
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| Steve Gibbons, H.I.S. Interfacing | 602/885-7700x2649 or 602/296-8936(Fax) |
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