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Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 07:29 AM

Computing technology has come a huge way in the last 20 years. But what specific computing issues/problems do you wish could be solved immediately? What, if anything, bothers you about the modern computing experience?

For me a big one is probably home broadband speed and website responsiveness.

osiris · Oct 12, 2008, 07:47 AM

My first computer ran at around 4Hz. Now I have 8 cpus, each running at 2.8 GHz - on one computer.

My first data connection was 300 baud (300 bits/s) over a landline, now I have a 10Mbps line.

So I have no real complaints.

Well, one. Computers & internets will never be fast enough.

Doofy · Oct 12, 2008, 08:03 AM

Two issues for me: Noise and heat.

I'd like a Mac Pro that's noiseless and doesn't heat the room. Oh, and make it black while we're at it.

alligator · Oct 12, 2008, 08:21 AM

I want a computer with true instant on. Macs are close, from sleep mode, nut mine still takes 3-4 seconds to fully wake. Startup times from a complete shutdown should be instantaneous too.

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 08:23 AM

Boot to use time being instantaneous is a lot to ask for, although OS X can apparently get near that in iPhone form.

Doofy · Oct 12, 2008, 08:25 AM

My "time to on" is instantaneous. I simply never turn the things off.

The Godfather · Oct 12, 2008, 08:36 AM

Boot times are unnecessarily long because the OS is always configured to auto-detect all hardware and configure all services at startup. If a freshly booted computer is identical to a freshly booted computer the day after, why can't this memory state be permanently saved in a 2 GB flash partition and executed in place?
I can already do that with virtual machines. I can save a snapshot of a freshly booted linux system, and it takes less time to restore than it takes to boot (and if I want to retain changes in my documents, I save them in a network share). In a real PC, the process could be instant, but BIOS software doesn't support it.

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 08:38 AM

That would cause problems with adding new hardware, right?

The Godfather · Oct 12, 2008, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

That would cause problems with adding new hardware, right?

Right. But do you want speed, or foolproof operation?
My Dell has a "case open" switch that triggers something in the BIOS startup stage. Maybe that mechanism could be exploited in my "static boot" idea.

Doofy · Oct 12, 2008, 08:59 AM

I'm not understanding why you all need more speed in the boot process. Can you not plan your lives so the computer is switched on just before the kettle finishes boiling?

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 09:02 AM

People don't like waiting around for anything to finish so that they can start using it.

The Godfather · Oct 12, 2008, 09:02 AM

In 1998 maybe. In 2008, I want a pressure switch on my chair and be presented with my favorite blogs on my LCD screen, instantly as I seat.

The Godfather · Oct 12, 2008, 09:08 AM

My biggest issue with Macs is that Apple won't dedicate 3 or 4 software engineers to work with ATI and nVidia to write drivers for all graphic chipsets, from today to posterity.

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 09:38 AM

That would be good. However, if all it would take would be three or four engineers, if it's really that easy, then there's a reason why Apple hasn't done that yet. Perhaps Apple doesn't want a thriving third party GPU market. Don't Mac cards still need special firmware?

ghporter · Oct 12, 2008, 10:01 AM

Weather prediction in near-real time. I really don't think we need faster surfing or instantaneous connections with chats or IMs, but knowing what will happen with the weather five minutes from now, five hours from now, five days from now is important. And being able to know this stuff on a small enough granular scale that we can actually tell people in Galveston "your house and block are GOING to get creamed by a wave at 1303 hours three days from now—leave!" and get their asses out of harms way, is a really important problem to solve.

SSharon · Oct 12, 2008, 11:29 AM

You guys all have high hopes, I kinda just wish I could put my Mac to sleep and actually have it wake up. I'm pretty sure my m-audio card is the culprit and since it is on the fritz I may take it out and give this whole sleeping thing another shot.

turtle777 · Oct 12, 2008, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

Boot to use time being instantaneous is a lot to ask for, although OS X can apparently get near that in iPhone form.

What ?

Did you ever reboot the iPhone ? Takes 30-40 seconds.

-t

Chuckit · Oct 12, 2008, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by The Godfather

Boot times are unnecessarily long because the OS is always configured to auto-detect all hardware and configure all services at startup. If a freshly booted computer is identical to a freshly booted computer the day after, why can't this memory state be permanently saved in a 2 GB flash partition and executed in place?
I can already do that with virtual machines. I can save a snapshot of a freshly booted linux system, and it takes less time to restore than it takes to boot (and if I want to retain changes in my documents, I save them in a network share). In a real PC, the process could be instant, but BIOS software doesn't support it.

Isn't that called Deep Sleep?

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 01:13 PM

No, he's saying save state right after boot, like hibernation in Windows I believe. Btw, we should have regular hibernation other than safe sleep by now, shouldn't we.

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Did you ever reboot the iPhone ? Takes 30-40 seconds.

Okay, not as fast as I thought: My iTouch takes about 25 seconds. Not too bad though.

brassplayersrock² · Oct 12, 2008, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

Okay, not as fast as I thought: My iTouch takes about 25 seconds. Not too bad though.

That must suck

What I want sooner then later is for the development of wireless power. I know they're working on it, but I'd like to incorporate into my life before I die.

Wiskedjak · Oct 12, 2008, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

What, if anything, bothers you about the modern computing experience?

Apple's inability to program iTunes for Vista in such a way that it doesn't pull 100% CPU to just scroll through a list, when that same computer can run Photoshop CS3 smoothly.

Big Mac · Oct 12, 2008, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak

Apple's inability to program iTunes for Vista in such a way that it doesn't pull 100% CPU to just scroll through a list, when that same computer can run Photoshop CS3 smoothly.

That's a feature, not a bug.

Timo · Oct 12, 2008, 01:51 PM

I wish synching data between computers were much less problematic. Version control is something computers SHOULD be good at.

analogika · Oct 12, 2008, 02:21 PM

^ Word.

ESPECIALLY since companies would love consumers to have a stationary home machine and a portable for out'n'about.

Chuckit · Oct 12, 2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Timo

I wish synching data between computers were much less problematic. Version control is something computers SHOULD be good at.

Do you find .Mac syncing to be very difficult?

OreoCookie · Oct 12, 2008, 02:42 PM

(1) Smart cloud computing: I want a weaker, small portable that I plug into a `dock' which supplies me with the processing power and storage space of a desktop. My OS automatically predicts which files need to be stored locally on my laptop and which ones can remain on my desktop. If, by chance, I need a file which isn't stored locally, it's automatically retrieved from `the cloud'/from my desktop `extension.'
(2) Versioning. I want to be able to version some project files automatically. Of course, not all files need to be versioned (e. g. temporary files), but TeX source code or word documents should be.

analogika · Oct 12, 2008, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Do you find .Mac syncing to be very difficult?

.Mac doesn't sync folders over a local network.

turtle777 · Oct 12, 2008, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by analogika

.Mac doesn't sync folders over a local network.

Yes, smart syncing of files and folders is still missing.

Dropbox does a pretty good job. Apple should by them and make it a OS X feature, with a Windows client available.

-t

moep · Oct 12, 2008, 03:22 PM

I want passwords, PIN codes, TANs and whatnot to be replaced by something more convenient and secure. don’t suggest 1password et al, that’s not a real solution.

CRASH HARDDRIVE · Oct 12, 2008, 03:39 PM

A lot of these issues are solvable... if you've got endless money to spend.

I want a completely silent computer that's: lightning fast, non-heat generating, instant on, all solid-state, no difference between network access and local access speeds, infinitely expandable, portable, yet also a desktop with no resolution limitations, with touch, voice and traditional I/O.... that's not merely possible, but also affordable for mere mortals.

Rumor · Oct 12, 2008, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by alligator

I want a computer with true instant on. Macs are close, from sleep mode, nut mine still takes 3-4 seconds to fully wake. Startup times from a complete shutdown should be instantaneous too.

Originally Posted by Big Mac

Boot to use time being instantaneous is a lot to ask for, although OS X can apparently get near that in iPhone form.

Originally Posted by The Godfather

Boot times are unnecessarily long because the OS is always configured to auto-detect all hardware and configure all services at startup. If a freshly booted computer is identical to a freshly booted computer the day after, why can't this memory state be permanently saved in a 2 GB flash partition and executed in place?
I can already do that with virtual machines. I can save a snapshot of a freshly booted linux system, and it takes less time to restore than it takes to boot (and if I want to retain changes in my documents, I save them in a network share). In a real PC, the process could be instant, but BIOS software doesn't support it.

I saw a MBA wit a ss drive resume from sleep almost instantly.

Originally Posted by SSharon

You guys all have high hopes, I kinda just wish I could put my Mac to sleep and actually have it wake up. I'm pretty sure my m-audio card is the culprit and since it is on the fritz I may take it out and give this whole sleeping thing another shot.

I have the same problem on my MBP. Sometimes it will not wake, and a reboot is required. Sometimes walking up the stairs wake it up with the lid closed.

Ghoser777 · Oct 12, 2008, 04:37 PM

Polynomial time solution to the Traveling Salesman Problem would be nice.

Railroader · Oct 12, 2008, 06:22 PM

Affordable, highly color-accurate, and thin, large monitor screens.

RAILhead · Oct 12, 2008, 06:49 PM

I would like my Mac to blow cool air.

alligator · Oct 12, 2008, 08:51 PM

Why can't my machine read my mind? For example, mouse gestures could be learned. If I'm constantly going to the same web sites day after day, just open the sites for me the next time with me having to do anything. How about learning all my passwords for me without asking each time? The same thing with backing up to a remote server. I shouldn't have to even think about this stuff.

Why can't Apple offer a lease plan for those of us who need to stay on the cutting edge?

- - e r i k - - · Oct 12, 2008, 09:10 PM

The biggest unsolved computer issue today isn't so much a computer issue as it is a battery issue.

I wish battery technology would move at a faster pace, it is lagging behind our power consumption needs pretty badly.

- - e r i k - - · Oct 12, 2008, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by alligator

How about learning all my passwords for me without asking each time?

http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password

You'll wonder how the hell you dealt without it.

Captain Obvious · Oct 12, 2008, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Two issues for me: Noise and heat.

Those would be two of my top ones.

But at my #1 spot would be battery life/power consumption. I would love to have to only recharge every 5 days or so.

I also wish so many programs wouldn't be written to become so bloated and take up resources that are just wasteful for a normal person's needs.

torsoboy · Oct 13, 2008, 12:01 AM

Almost every day I wish that we could teleport things instantly from one place to another. Whether it is a candy bar, or a person, that is the technology I wish that could be solved today.

Battery life is a close second.

OreoCookie · Oct 13, 2008, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

But at my #1 spot would be battery life/power consumption. I would love to have to only recharge every 5 days or so.

I hear ya.
Blame the quest for cpu power: my first notebook's TDP was 5 W (a PowerBook G3 Kanga). It had a heat pipe and didn't need a fan. If it weren't for the by today's standards noisy, but `huge' 5 GB harddrive, it'd be a silent machine.

Nowadays, notebook cpus consume 25-35 W and sometimes more. With a smart docking station, I could live with a `slower' notebook mode easily, because then I'd do all the heavy lifting at home with my docking station. The idea of a nettop-like device is getting increasingly appealing.

turtle777 · Oct 13, 2008, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password

You'll wonder how the hell you dealt without it.

Seconded. 1PWD is an awesome app.

And the latest version works with Dropbox, so you can have 1 1PWD database for all your computers. Plus, it syncs with the iPhone.

-t

Laminar · Oct 13, 2008, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by alligator

Why can't my machine read my mind? For example, mouse gestures could be learned. If I'm constantly going to the same web sites day after day, just open the sites for me the next time with me having to do anything. How about learning all my passwords for me without asking each time? The same thing with backing up to a remote server. I shouldn't have to even think about this stuff.

Google's Chrome puts your most viewed webpages in your home screen. The password thing is taken care of, and backing up to a remote server is very possible, it just takes some configuration. Retrospect can automatically back up your computer to a remote location.

Wiskedjak · Oct 13, 2008, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

That's a feature, not a bug.

It certainly seems intentional. But, I've got a cheap PC running as a media server, and there's no way I'm going to spend cash on a Mac just to have it running as a media server.

olePigeon · Oct 13, 2008, 12:43 PM

A computer that can calculate an equation that will bridge parallel worlds where Firefly wasn't canceled, so I can bring back seasons 2 through 14 to this universe.

Oh, and color e-ink with a refresh rate of a few nanoseconds. I'd like a display that doesn't need a backlight and can be viewed in low-light and outdoor conditions with no special filters (like looking at paper.)

Laminar · Oct 13, 2008, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

A computer that can calculate an equation that will bridge parallel worlds where Firefly wasn't canceled, so I can bring back seasons 2 through 14 to this universe.

Oh, and color e-ink with a refresh rate of a few nanoseconds. I'd like a display that doesn't need a backlight and can be viewed in low-light and outdoor conditions with no special filters (like looking at paper.)

Well, it's cheap enough to put on a magazine cover, I saw one of these at the local Border's and thought it was pretty cool.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/08/e...hown-on-video/

Timo · Oct 13, 2008, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Do you find .Mac syncing to be very difficult?

Do I find it very difficult? No.

Do I find it very reliable? No.

I've had dot mac, now dot me, for awhile now. Putting aside the outtage bugs, the following features or implementations do not work reliably for me:

• idisk synching can fail, with no explanation ("last sync failed"), and no dialog box
• renaming files in the idisk does not force an idisk sync
• IMAP mail account syching creates, after awhile, an INBOX -> INBOX -> INBOX -> INBOX etc. hierarchy on my iPhone, which then gets synched to my desktop, etc.
• setting key photos from Aperture (or the me.com site) to a web gallery doesn't stick
• setting album order from Aperture (or the me.com site) to a web gallery doesn't stick
• exporting files to idisk with the same name produces a "file (1).jpg" rather than a dialog box to overwrite

and so on. dot me needs too much handholding to really be regarded as reliable in its synching. Wish it were otherwise.

starman · Oct 13, 2008, 01:40 PM

Cross-platform development.

Chuckit · Oct 13, 2008, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by starman

Cross-platform development.

I thought that was solved and they called it "Python."

starman · Oct 13, 2008, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

I thought that was solved and they called it "Python."

Not even close.