What's the most interesting computer thing to happen recently?

[joshwa]

Say in the last couple of years...

I personally think it's Shuttle SFF PCs / Mini-Itx systems from shuttle and mini-itx motherboard from VIA etc...

and with that the realisation that speed isn't everything, and that perhaps size and noise levels are actually more important...

What do you think?

Josh

[Stringent]

The 64bit chip making a mainstream apperance.

If you want silent, how about the Hush PC? No fans, everything done passively!

[SarG]

Mini-itx // 64bit chip as josh and flanders posted + the idea of water cooling slowy filtering down to the masses through kits like asetek waterchill and ThermalTake AquariusII

[Trickle]

Broadband for the masses.

64 bit ruled out simply because the 64 chips are still running 32 bit apps outside unix environments.

[Zak33]

Tarinders recent review on Athlon 64 has for ME highlighted that 64 bit is the biggest thing for a long time

So thats the one for me

[TomWilko]

Originally posted by Trickle
Broadband for the masses.

I'll go with that one to. Either that or the development of networking - which is all related to broadband in some way!

[Muppet #9]

Originally posted by Trickle
Broadband for the masses.

without doubt, imho

[Austin]

Yup I'd have to say Broadband, although AMD's 64bit CPUs are VERY close behind and the best technical marvel, Intel's HT and Matrox's Fragment AA come close too though. It's an amazing fact that the CPU can pull so far ahead in 32bit mode (apps & OS) at only 2.0ghz and 2.2ghz against the P4 @ 3.2ghz 800FSB. I wouldn't expect it to be stonkingly faster when 64bit stuff arrives but it's still VERY fast and efficient, the perfect way to get 64bit into the mainstream.

[KVandal]

broadband for the peasants!

[Anders]

I’d say AMD 64 bit chips, but maybe that’s because it’s a recent development. The arguments about there being no software available for a new processor have been made before ... when there was the swap from 16 bit to 32 bit. Think of the difference 32 bits made for games, I hope 64 bits can signify another leap.

From what I read broadband still isn’t available for everyone (who’s fault is that, BT??), especially if you live in rural areas by all accounts.

[telfer12000]

Broadband but the recent drive to improve noise levels and appearance is not far behind - how r non nerdy computer users expected to use a computer when it was (and generally still is) a nasty grey colour which makes a hell of a racket and invariably sits in the worst room in every house?

[dawson]

A vote fro Broadband and Tbred B's

[steve threlfall]

Another vote for broadband here. I realise its not available to everyone but the cable companies are finally pushing it right and i finally have it. Its been so expesnive and unavailable for so long but nowadays it so much more affordable

[Spritzup]

I'm also going to vote for broadband. When you figure that most people only use there computer for surfing the net and other net related duties this is by far the most significant impact for joe six pack. The few times my net has been down, i've felt like my computer was not complete, it was missing something.

[shiato storm]

me managing to crack my cpu due to a faulty psu...

[Aaron]

Hmmm... tough choice.

I think it's a toss-up between TFT monitors, HD-based mp3 players, like the iPod, and broadband.

I think I could live without my TFT monitor and iPod, as sexy as they are, but going back to dial-up would be very painful so I say broadband as well.