4 ms·

How would we have ubiquitous computing without metals? Or really any tools, modern or not?

• astazangasta 10y ago
  Yes, where on Earth can we find examples of computing that rely only on organic inputs?
  • fixermark 10y ago
    Hey, if you can find some with radio or miles-distant electrical or optical signalling features, go for it. Until then, I'm going to want at least a few crust-extracted materials to keep the Internet operational so we can even have this conversation from casually-anonymous points on the globe.
    • astazangasta 10y ago
      Here's some hope for optical signalling: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep13615 http://www.nature.com/articles/srep13615 I have very little doubt we'll be printing long wires using just carbon in the next few decades. Until then, sure, let's use crust-extracted materials, but the advantages to making them obsolete are enormous and available.
  • jkaunisv1 10y ago
    I wasn't trying to imply it's impossible, and I agree it's a worthy goal, but I am curious as to some real ideas that would replace our current setup. Doesn't a typical smartphone use dozens of rare metals? People aren't going to give that up for the environment or they would have already, sadly.
  • TeMPOraL 10y ago
    How do you suppose we can gain access to organic computing and manufacturing without going through intermediate, less precise step that requires fuels and metals to compensate for the lack of molecular-level finesse?