This would mean the end of individual datastores. Intellectual property in a centralized location. I saw some comments about "what if I want to burn a CD?" Well, think about it...*why* do you want to burn CDs? Instead of buying spindle after spindle of optical media, cases, and shelf space, wouldn't you rather put those funds towards a cellular broadband access plan? I'll say that tethering through a 3G connection running SecondLife with streamed music and voip is wholly engaging.
Leave backups and data security to the professionals.
For businesses, it's attractive - absolutely no more lost data from a stolen or compromised hard drive. This assumes the OS will recognize "a cloud" (private) as opposed to "THE cloud" (interwebz). And money saved from using the free OS (uh, it will be free, yes?) would be put to the same cellular access plan that the road warrior already requires.
Performance: You want to play WoW and/or run Photoshop. Granted, the netbook hardware is not there yet. However, I think ChromeOS is establishing the niche, and if there's a need for a 100 fps netbook, nVidia and ATI will notice. The alternative? Run the game on dedicated game-hardware. Metro Boston already has wifi commuter trains. I believe JetBlue provides in-flight wifi access.
And I support the idea of cloud-Photoshop.
Always up-to-date, no viruses, no pirated software, no backup maintenance, and leveraging my cellphone plan.
Not bad, but they still use lithium batteries. I'd be interested if they could harness kinetic energy for power instead of relying on cells (which will eventually end up in the landfill with the shoes).
As far as bandwidth goes, I don't think there's any limit that, once exceeded, becomes frivolous. We'll always demand richer, more-engaging online experiences. Sure, 10 gigabits per second is adequate to broadcast 16 high-definition video streams. But 16 is just a starting-point. 250 feet is just a starting-point. Two-dimensional video 7.1 surround audio and petabyte hard drives are just starting-points. Technology can improve on all of these facets. You might not want 55 megapixels in your camera, but your neighborhood bank's ATM might. Why settle for a security-system with low-resolution, black and white, mono sound when you can capture so much more evidence just by upping the technology?
We don't all need to be personal movieplexes (although some aspire to be), but we can always use better communications - cell networks, GPS, home, office, school, defense, everywhere.
"What's the best gaming laptop for under 1,500 bucks? I had my eye on the P7805u (Gateway), but it seems Best Buy has run out for the time being. Also, as a secondary question, I like the specs on brands such as iBUYPOWER and CyberPower and the like, but are they reliable? I'm a little worried about buying labels that aren't huge like Dell, Gateway, etc. Thanks!"
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Leave backups and data security to the professionals.
For businesses, it's attractive - absolutely no more lost data from a stolen or compromised hard drive. This assumes the OS will recognize "a cloud" (private) as opposed to "THE cloud" (interwebz). And money saved from using the free OS (uh, it will be free, yes?) would be put to the same cellular access plan that the road warrior already requires.
Performance: You want to play WoW and/or run Photoshop. Granted, the netbook hardware is not there yet. However, I think ChromeOS is establishing the niche, and if there's a need for a 100 fps netbook, nVidia and ATI will notice. The alternative? Run the game on dedicated game-hardware. Metro Boston already has wifi commuter trains. I believe JetBlue provides in-flight wifi access.
And I support the idea of cloud-Photoshop.
Always up-to-date, no viruses, no pirated software, no backup maintenance, and leveraging my cellphone plan.