Garritan
10-20-2005, 12:36 PM
Yahoo had an article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051008/ap_on_hi_te/virtual_desktops) about how large capacity USB drives might be redefining the concept of the personal computer. With a gigabyte of flash memory now available for less than $100, these inexpensive digital storehouses can hold not just important data but also entire software programs. The information they carry can be encrypted and accessed speedily.
From the article: "When you check into an average hotel room and find -- alongside the alarm clock, hair dryer and DVD player that once were bring-your-own items but now are as standard as the furniture -- a cheap PC for guests to plug into, as our truly personal computing environment travels with us."
I experienced this firsthand duting my trip. I carried a 2 Gigayte USB GlashDrive with me and was able to have access to all the data I needed while on the road. I was no longer at the mercy of the machine that happens to be nearby and everything I needed, even down to the appearance of my PC's desktop — was able to be used on other computers. It's great no longer being tethered.
Once could also include their favorite apps and possibily the OS can be included on the USB key (like Knoppix) Just think, one could also put their whole life in an encrypted, platform-independent USB key. Even have an identidy kit with your Social Security and credit card numbers, passwords, birth certificates, marriage license, important photos and tax returns, and save it all on a USB flash drive. Of course encryption is of utmost importance.
I envision seeing these little devices containing sample content that you could plug into digital instruments - like a wind controller, MIDI guitar, MIDI violin, etc. - a truly plug and play musical experience.
Gary Garritan
From the article: "When you check into an average hotel room and find -- alongside the alarm clock, hair dryer and DVD player that once were bring-your-own items but now are as standard as the furniture -- a cheap PC for guests to plug into, as our truly personal computing environment travels with us."
I experienced this firsthand duting my trip. I carried a 2 Gigayte USB GlashDrive with me and was able to have access to all the data I needed while on the road. I was no longer at the mercy of the machine that happens to be nearby and everything I needed, even down to the appearance of my PC's desktop — was able to be used on other computers. It's great no longer being tethered.
Once could also include their favorite apps and possibily the OS can be included on the USB key (like Knoppix) Just think, one could also put their whole life in an encrypted, platform-independent USB key. Even have an identidy kit with your Social Security and credit card numbers, passwords, birth certificates, marriage license, important photos and tax returns, and save it all on a USB flash drive. Of course encryption is of utmost importance.
I envision seeing these little devices containing sample content that you could plug into digital instruments - like a wind controller, MIDI guitar, MIDI violin, etc. - a truly plug and play musical experience.
Gary Garritan