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The general-purpose computer was something most of the public never wanted. It just was that for the a while starting in the mid 90's you needed a computer to
by tenebrisalietum 8y ago
The general-purpose computer was something most of the public never wanted. It just was that for the a while starting in the mid 90's you needed a computer to use the Internet, "AOL", or email in any way.
> I'm genuinely concerned that we may find ourselves one day limited to very expensive niche machines produced in low volumes having general-purpose capabilities targeting STEM-oriented uses.
General purpose computers belonged to tech nerds in the 70's and the same plus professionals/creatives through most of the 80's, and it sounds like it's going to go back to them. Honestly I can see benefits to this, it was nice to have dirt cheap hardware for a while but maybe things will get back to being more modular and expandable again.
Regarding general purpose processing, I think RISC-V is going to save us here and keep a general purpose microprocessor around as long as anyone wants.