Port-A-Brain
February 9th, 2010“Geek Humour” articles feature jokes that are only funny for complete and utter nerds. You know, like me.
I love me some old science-fiction, but sometimes there’s a little bit of the ol’ “Missed the mark” when predicting things far in the future.
For example, in 1990’s “Phule’s Company”, a book set so far in the future that mankind covers all of observable space…
“The Port-A-Brain computer system was designed to be the ultimate in pocket computers. Its main strength was that it enabled the user to tap into nearly any database or library in the settled worlds, place an order with most business above a one-store retail level, or communicate directly with or leave messages for any business which utilized any form of computerized telecommunications, all without so much as plugging into a wall outlet or tapping into a phone line. What’s more the unit, complete with folding screen, was no larger than a paperback book. In short, it was a triumph of high-tech microcircuitry.
… but there was a small problem. Each unit cost as much as a small corporation, placing it well out of the financial reach of the individual and all but the most extravagant conglomerate executive officers; and even those who could afford one usually contented themselves to use the cheaper modes of data access, particularly since their job positions were lofty enought to allow them to delegate such menial tasks such as research and communications to lower echelon staffers. As such, there were fewer than a dozen Port-A-Brain units in actual use in the entire galaxy. ”
Mmm, expensive.
