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diff --git a/memos/WM-069.txt b/memos/WM-069.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..486d8e5 --- /dev/null +++ b/memos/WM-069.txt @@ -0,0 +1,148 @@ + + + + + + + +Document: WM-069 P. Webb +Category: Computing 2025.05.14 + + Next‑Generation Computing + +Abstract + + What does it look like? + +Body + + Typically a post like this would begin with the history of computing + but eff all that, here's what I want to see in a + next‑generation computer! + + 1. Hardware + + Have you seen the Jonathan Computer[1]? No? I talk[2] about[3] + it[4] all[5] the[6] time[7]. John Buck published "Inventing The + Future," a massive collection of first‑hand accounts about the + technology that enabled Apple's rise and the products that + solidified Apple as a force to be reckoned with. After the + Macintosh, Apple was figuring out what to do next and had several + teams working to create the Next Big Thing. + + One such Thing was the Jonathan (named after its creator, Jonathan + Fitch, and the strain of apple), a modular computer that was WAY + ahead of its time. You could have multiple operating systems and + peripherals in the same computer and it looked rad as fuck. The + CEO of Apple at the time, John Sculley, shut it down because he + lacked vision. Okay, he was worried (for some reason) that + customers using such an open system would actually prefer Windows + over Mac. This was 1985. 40 years ago. + + Imagine what computing would look like today if the Jonathan was + given the chance to get to market. + + I want this. + + 2. Software + + In early 2016, Lennart Ziburski released his vision for a + forward‑thinking desktop interface called "Desktop Neo[8]." I've + been obsessed with its horizontally scrolling full‑screen + interface (just look at my homepage[9]). I was taken aback by its + insistence of replacing folders with tags and search (over the + past decade I've come around to many of the concepts + Ziburski presented). + + The Mercury OS[10] vision presented by Jason Yuan is 2019 is + another take on a modern OS, albeit focused on tablet computers. + Like the Neo, it eschews the idea that we'll be futzing around + with folders, and apps take a backseat in terms of opinionated and + distinctive UI to being more of an API that the OS takes advantage + of. So then the importance of application design is less visual + and more technical…personally, I don't hate it but the product + designers of the world may balk. + + 3. Putting it Together + + So we have the ideas of Desktop Neo rattling my brain and at some + point I stumble upon the Jonathan and Mercury OS and I go…what. + What if…no way, that'd be sick. WHOAH THAT'D BE SICK AF!! WHY IS + NO ONE DOING THIS, JUST COMBINE THEM! + + About a month ago I get real antsy and mockup some logos for this + combined concept, ruminate on the feasibility of the + next‑generation interface I'm dreaming of, snag a domain name (now + you know I'm serious), and figure out a BOM (Bill Of Materials) + for the hardware. I'm no stranger to building a UI that feels good + to me but hardware is an intricate, opaque beast. + + I've joked[5] about launching this computer in 28 years to account + for me not knowing what I don't know, but I really hope it doesn't + take that long. + + 4. Who wants this? + + I want this. + + Besides me though? Education, researchers, people who want a + desktop version of what the fine folks at Framework[11] are doing. + + Looking at the computing landscape today, Apple is the **clear** + winner for creatives of all stripes and developers who are serious + about getting things done. Despite this, I feel systemSOFT[12] can + fit into spaces where Apple lacks interest (which, for a trillion + dollar corporation means several millions if not billions of + dollars worth of opportunity for focused upstarts). + + I believe there's a market for open hardware and software and + services. To quote[13] Tom Toedtman, a developer who pleaded with + John Sculley to let the Jonathan continue development: + + > **Obvious non‑obsolescence** + > + > This design REMOVES THE FEAR that this computer will be obsolete + > next year. It will also remove a similar cause of hesitation — + > “I’ll wait for the next model to be released”. + > + > System growth capability is far beyond marketplace offerings. + > This is a great point of sale asset, particularly for serious + > users, businesses with growth plans, and individuals with a + > growing future. + > + > True multi‑master coprocessing. The right architecture + > for tomorrow. + > + > Configuration flexibility is also far beyond the marketplace. + > Jonathan can be loaded in any mix of current and future hardware + > by the customer. Fileserver, process controller, and numerous + > other special applications are now viable. + + How many times has Apple been accused of "planned obsolescence"? + How many times have their competitors mocked them for it, before + being accused of doing the same? + + In our increasingly technological world, affordable (and + uncompromised) computing is vital. The system¹[14] hardware starts + small and expands over time, to fit your needs. Fixed + configurations have their place, sure, but incremental upgrades + are powerful. It's time for purpose‑built computing. + + 🕸️ + +References + + [1] <https://512pixels.net/2024/03/apple-jonathan-modular-concept> + [2] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/111583005005189976> + [3] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/113677280089528388> + [4] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/114130235286514680> + [5] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/114138990961768889> + [6] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/114237545018335465> + [7] <https://social.coop/@netopwibby/114303944297904635> + [8] <https://desktopneo.com> + [9] <https://webb.page> + [10] <https://www.mercuryos.com> + [11] <https://frame.work> + [12] <https://systemsoft.works> + [13] <https://512pixels.net/2024/10/defending-the-jonathan> + [14] </WM-066> |