Brett Slocum commented that Traveller's ship's computers seem highly
anachronoistic. I agree. Advanced technology levels should result in
computers that are *less* bulky, power-hungry, and costly. The Traveller
rules are hopelessly silly.
When I design ships for the universe I GM, I substitute the following
quick rule fix: shipboard computers have an effective weight of zero
(justified by assuming the tonnage allocated to the bridge is more than
sufficient to accomodate a CPU). Cost of computers drops 20% for each
TL above the minimum needed to construct a particular model, down to
20% of original cost (i.e., 4 TL's above minimum), and 5% per TL
thereafter. Computers do not explicitly require EP.
How does this rule fix change the game? Not much. It does allow a
small ship to have a whopping CPU --- but the high cost should be
adequate discouragement.
(Good question: why do it, if it has little impact on the game?
Answer: it makes me feel better.)
Scott Holter.
[email removed]