From: G.DALE@applelink.apple.com (Geoff Dale)
Newsgroups: alt.cyberspace
Subject: Re: Liberating Tech: Cybernomads
Date: 2 Oct 92 17:34:35 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer

In article <pvanheus.717771870@frodo>, pvanheus@frodo.cs.uct.ac.za (P A van Heusden) writes:
> 
> Considering the advances in Virtual Reality, and miniturisation, I came
> to be thinking about how I would like to live. This is a blueprint, and
> I'd like to discuss the issues of tech involved with others - as well as
> the philosophy.

I am fascinated by this kind of technology/lifestyle as well. I've seen
this kind of thing not only possible, but inevitable, ever since I saw
a guy walking down the street talking into a cellular phone while walking
to work. Not all user's will be CyberNomads, and that's what will make the
technology affordable. This will be peddled first at the business exec on
the go.

> Constituents: 
>  Head up display: Projected on glasses, or a small unit hanging in front of
>   an eye. Not necessarily high res, but if it is, great! Liked to backpack
>   computer, and possible environmental monitors.
>  Binary keyboard or, more probably, glove input: I'll consider the glove. The
>   keyboard is straightforward. Basically, a glove, fingerless, to take the
>   place of a mouse. Then, the glove can also be used as a virtual keyboard,
>   creating input through finger patterns. Modes operate simultaneously.

I had a thought about this a while back, American Sign Language for glove
input. (Actually any sign language would do.) I believe there was a project
at MIT working on sign language Input (and output using a mechanical hand).
I've always thought that a sign language system would be much better than
virtual key boards. Keyboards require hand eye orientation, and kinesthetic
feedback. You'd have to learn a whole new language, but hey that's cool to.
I fear that the learning curve would make this not a popular system, but
it is less intrusive to other peoples personal space, it also leaves both
eyes and one hand (maybe, if you need it) free for navigating in the real
world. (Although if you're driving around, I might recomend speech
recognition over hand movements.

>  Backpack computer: Contains: Read/Write Optical disk, processor, possibly
>   multiprocessor, link to cellular modem. This is one of the big tech problems,
>   having a disk drive running, and still having reasonable battery life. I
>   have no solution as yet. Possibly cover various parts of the clothes with
>   solar cells? On the computer is communications software, and a map.

Backpack? How about clip onto your belt? Or armpit holster like a plain clothes
detective's gun holster. Maybe a wrist, forearm unit?
As for power/drive problem, use flash RAM, uses less power and since there are
no moving parts your not liable to cause a disk crash by the movement of walking
while doing a write to disk.

> 
> Abilities:
>  Net access: Through a cellular phone, constant link up into something like the
>   Internet.

Sounds a little expensive. As needed? Plus timed connects to collect pertinent data.
Radio PAcket Networks would be better, if that idea ever takes off.

>  Accounts management: All accounts are accessed via computer. A fairly trivial
>   detail. This is used for payment of bills, and all payments go direct to
>   account.
>  Work: Your job, be it publishing, programming, whatever, is run via Net using
>   the computer. No need to sit behind a desk.

The electronic commute is becoming more and more excepted over time, although
most practitioners have people coming in a couple times a week anyway. The book
_Cyberspace_the_First_Steps_ (sorry I don't have the pertinent info, maybe I'll
follow up on Monday if folks are interested) has an article about virtual
workspaces. I think you would you enjoy reading it.

>  Socialising: As you are constantly jacked in, a simulataneous Dataspace and
>   Realspace lifestyle is possible. This is a key aim.
> 
> Problems:
>  The HUD: So far HUD's are fairly big and low res.

Hang on to your hat. This is going to change fast (Over the next few years).

Although most VR is targeted toward immersion, whereas what we want is an
overlay effect. It will come, but a little later, IMHO.

>  The computer: Most be small enough, but thats easy. Must have adaquate battery
>  life, the tough part.
>  The job: You need someone prepared to give you a job on these terms. I can't 
>   see why not, but then, I'm not in business.

Journalism? Return of the traveling salesman? But these usually control
where you go. If you want the control, you need something like software
engineering, technical writing (or writing in general). The thing to do,
as I see it, is to build up a relationship with an employer and then set
up the out-of-house scenario. Or, develop enough of a reputation that
people are willing to hire even with the stipulation of working off site.

> I'm setting the date for a system like this at 1995. I would like to 
> correspond with others who like this dream. (I hear there is a Nomad mailing
> list out there)

People are doing it now. There is a guy on a bike running around with a
complete workstation here in the states. I can't remember his name. (I have
it somewhere, follow up later.)

It would be easy to set up an office in a van or RV, the challenge is man-
portable systems. '95? it just might be available on the market by then.

> Technology as liberation, that's what its meant to be!

Amen.

-Geoff Dale
#include <std_disclaimer.h>
/*	I'd additionally like to point out that I'm not working on, nor commenting
			on, any planned Apple Projects in this area. */
--There that should satisfy Apple's Legal Dept. ;>

Newsgroups: alt.cyberspace