I think we've got way past "computers". We've got into "devices".We shouldn't run this topic, we all know the 'Kleenex' and 'Xerox' story, however those we do know
Smart phones. I phone for a taxi, and get a text saying "taxi dispatched to ..."; then as it arrives
I get a call ringing.
Or I catch a bus; but before going to the bus stop I've checked in with an app to see if one is on
the way. At the bus stop I can also see where they're at on the route.
Tablets. I have lots of ebooks. Preferable because you can enlarge the pages, check words,
translate, give me previous mentions of a certain name, save the page without a card. In addition to
email and normal browsing.
A plethora of devices. Webcams, doorcams, watches, etc.
The word "computer" has become as generic as "nail". Some teenager might well ask me "Do you mean
laptop?"
I wonder who invented the wheel? Some unrecorded genius in our pre-history. But quite soon it must
have become mundane under "cart" and "carriage". People stopped gazing in wonder at the wheels and
shifted their attention to the devices wheeled.
Ed
I think we've got way past "computers". We've got into "devices".
Smart phones. I phone for a taxi, and get a text saying "taxi dispatched
to ..."; then as it arrives I get a call ringing.
Or I catch a bus; but before going to the bus stop I've checked in with
an app to see if one is on the way. At the bus stop I can also see where they're at on the route.
Tablets. I have lots of ebooks. Preferable because you can enlarge the
pages, check words, translate, give me previous mentions of a certain
name, save the page without a card. In addition to email and normal
browsing.
A plethora of devices. Webcams, doorcams, watches, etc.
The word "computer" has become as generic as "nail". Some teenager might
well ask me "Do you mean laptop?"
I wonder who invented the wheel? Some unrecorded genius in our
pre-history. But quite soon it must have become mundane under "cart" and "carriage". People stopped gazing in wonder at the wheels and shifted
their attention to the devices wheeled.
Some like to see that as the liberation of the worker.
But where's the liberation in barely paying rent with 60 hours work
per week? Where's the humanity in a taxi service that changes prices dramatically based on how many people need a ride?
Is it an improvement that you can read an ebook but can't actually
own your copy?
Is it an improvement that you can order Pad Thai delivered to your
door, but the restaurant can't afford to survive because they're
busy paying delivery fees to DoorDash, and can't afford not to
subscribe to DoorDash?
Is it an improvement that you can order Pad Thai delivered to your
door, but the restaurant can't afford to survive because they're
busy paying delivery fees to DoorDash, and can't afford not to
subscribe to DoorDash?
It is for the consumer. Competition brings down prices. And there are
still plenty of restaurants in my area. YMMV...
So you don't mind if lots of them [restaurants] go out of business,
so long as you get bargains?
I'm talking about exploitative corporations who cheat others using technology.
The restaurants end up with no choice but to sign up [home delivery
service].
you're a bargain hunter who doesn't care about anyone else.
Restaurants are businesses, run by people with families and bills to
pay.
There are already no restaurants worth visiting where I live.
I worked in a lot of restaurants when I was young.
I'm guessing you've eaten a fair amount of other peoples' mucus and
dead flies in your time.
On the bright side, I'm sure you got it for 15% off and got another
3% kickback from your charge card. Now THAT's a smart shopper. :)
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