[WEB4LIB] The Wireless Future of Library Computing

[Keith Higgs]

The answer (I the laptop the final destination?) is, most definitely,
NO.

As portable computing devices become more powerful, versatile, and
connected the laptop form factor will give up ground to these newer
devices.  I particularly like the idea of a small, networked device that
meets all of my portable computing and communication needs.

The laptop form will still be used by those people who need the extra
power it can provide.  Presumeably there will be options to integrate
voice communications into the same device, perhaps with a wireless (IR
or otherwise) control module that will allow you to use the telephony
features without having to open the laptop for use.

The benefits for the rest of us? Look forward to more use of lower
power, high performance chips similar to the Crusoe processors from
Transmeta.  The real "Killer App" for mobile computing is going to be
low power demand / super long battery life.  Migrate this technology
into the desktop and server environment and you will see much quieter
office workstations (fewer or no fans) and much lower costs to keep your
server room cool.

Keith
D. Keith Higgs <mailto:dkh2 at po.cwru.edu>
 Case Western Reserve University
  Webmaster - University Library
  Additional Information at http://www.cwru.edu/UL/

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Blake Carver
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 09:01 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] The Wireless Future of Library Computing


Hi All,
We have this Column on The Wireless Future of Library Computing running
at 
LISNews, by Karl Bridges.

He says we are at the beginning of a major shift in the library
computing 
paradigm, having already witnessed the movement from paper-based systems
to 
mainframe computing and personal computing based on ever more
sophisticated 
and powerful personal computers.
Now we have begun to see the development of the use of portable laptop 
computing - first through the use of hard wired ports and, more
recently, 
the use of wireless connectivity. The question then becomes whether the 
laptop becomes the final destination on this technological road. He says
the answer, it seems, is no.

Check it out here:

http://www.lisnews.com/article.php3?sid=20020710201057




------------------------------------------
Blake Carver
Web Librarian
The Ohio State University Libraries
     See Also:
     www.LISNews.com