I'm kind of a geek. I've been interested in computers since the 386 microprocessor has been out and I even have a "post PC" device or two. I don't think I'm addicted to gadgets. I don't need the newest iPad or Galaxy tablet to date, but I think I have enough of an interest in techy gadgets that the reality of owning them has ruined my perception of their role in SciFfi movies.
Let's face it, the high tech stuff we see on the screens are cool. But in my opinion, even if those worlds had a semblance of reality to them, big corporations (whose existence seem ignored in these movies) would be the ones bringing these gadgets to market. As with any big corporation, if there's money to be made they will find a way to do it - then they would have the cash to plow into R&D and develop really cool new things like Lightsaber2 or Holodeck Vista.
So as I watch these big budget, special effects laden, flicks, my mind wanders and I often wonder if there's an untold "reality" of owning these techy gadgets.
The Lightsaber.
Let's take the Lightsaber from Star Wars as an example. As a kid I walked out of the movie house with an adrenaline rush (maybe a bit of a sugar rush too); completely fascinated with the Lightsaber. It was awesome. My mom had to pull me close to her side so I wouldn't bump someone while I swung my hands in a sword-like motion and impersonating the Lightsaber sound. But as an adult I think that it's another gadget to show off to other Jedi - why else would it be available in different colors? Of course, as with any other gadgets, they're bought and sold. I'm sure the Empire or the Alliance got a group rate for Lightsabers just like companies get a group rate for cell phones. And as with cell phones, the Lightsaber rep had to sell them on saber-care ... because Lightsabers look awesome but they never tell you that the light cores in these things burn out quickly; that the battery isn't easily accessible and need to be replaced by the company.
The Holodeck and Transporter
Never been a Star Trek fan, but these were two legendary gadgets that just about anyone would want - one that could simulate environments and one that could send you places without having to check baggage. Of course the one thing they don't tell you is that the Holodeck requires regular updates. You pay a one time fee for the current version, but if you don't download the updates regularly ads start to come up. I hear it kind of sucks that an ad for vulcansmeet.com pops up when you're in the middle of an intense combat simulation.
The Transporter on the other hand is probably subscription based. If have to wonder if there are limits in the amount of matter that can be transferred. Based on today's data plans I would think there would be. Also, if you go over that monthly amount, they probably charge you 39.95 space bucks for each additional Kilogram. When the transporter was first released they probably offered "Unlimited Matter" plans. But as the popularity began to grow and their networks stressed they had to throttle those users who were grandfathered into those contracts. Of course they probably got a lot of complaints because transporting your feet is quick enough, but your thighs just take forever - and if you only have a few seconds to act before some Klingon is about to d'k tahg you, getting throttled can be a bit of an inconvenience.
I can only imagine how the technology would really evolve. As we get closer to that "galaxy far, far away" would the fiction envisioned match the reality of the time. I won't be around to see it, but at least I can dream about their frustrations.
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