When will I be able to buy a computer which reacts to my thoughts? How much longer will we be using devices such as the keyboard and mouse to interact with our computers?
Professor Andy Cockburn, from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury reckons that we can forget about throwing out our keyboard and mouse anytime soon.
We keep hearing about advances in technology but Andy says while scientists are working on the next generation of interactive devices the keyboard isn’t going anywhere soon. At a conference in Brisbane he said he thinks the keyboard will continue to have a very, very, long life. He says it’s an extremely efficient way of getting information into a machine and it’s also really difficult to beat the mouse in terms of high fidelity precision of interaction.
The professor’s research interests are in human-computer interaction, so he certainly knows what he’s talking about, but I’m still reminded of a couple of famous quotes about computers from those “in the know”.
I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. – Thomas Watson – IBM Chairman (1943)
There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home. – Ken Olson – President, Chairman and Founder of DEC.
You can’t always tell what might be around the corner so I guess I’ll just keep on using my keyboard and mouse until something better comes along.
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