Looking at these old prototypes is fun since a lot of technologies simply looked impractical at the time: a computer that is an order of magnitude larger than a

Looking at these old prototypes is fun since a lot of technologies simply looked impractical at the time: a computer that is an order of magnitude larger than a stack of maps for an entire continent, a system based upon dead reckoning that needs calibration, on-screen maps that are smaller and less detailed than a map book. Yet we can now do a great deal more with a device that fits in our pocket, calibrates itself based upon GPS, and includes an incredible amount of detail. We don't need to buy or handle media either, since maps can be downloaded on the fly or stored on the device. In some respects, it makes is difficult to nay say emerging technologies (at least those that don't violate the laws of physics) even though many will end up being dead ends due to a lack of development to overcome the early impracticalities.