Does rapid change preclude the possibility of "systems"?

Yes. Or rather, yes, if you get too close to any one function. The trick is to step back from the function you are considering and try and see it in a broader context. Several steps may be required until immediately pertinent context stops being added.

If we take for example PDAs, we can see that they are rapidly changing. We can also see that their immediate function of organising/ managing and presenting information is only the beginning of what they might do. If we take a step back we can see all manner of overlapping capabilities ocurring with other portable devices. Mobile phones, cameras, portable entertainment, WiFi, laptops, or, indeed, a watch. In fact we can see that eventually there should be a portable Gizmo that integrates any/all of these capabilities as we require. In our analysis of these overlapping capabilities we might now separate them in terms of the technology required to deliver the various underlying functions. These would be, for example,-

• Display (small discreet, large detailed)
• Audio (personal, public)
• data storage
• data processing
• Wireless to telecomms/internet
• local wireless link
• data input devices (keyboard, microphone, camera)

The question now has to be asked, "What if our portable gizmo were made of these elements in some seperable form?" (Yes, exactly like a PC.)

Well before looking at the problems, lets look at the potential gains. Upgrading elements allows better technology to be added without trashing the rest. It allows versions of elements to be used depending on anticipated circumstance of use. It creates a system more likely to (cheaply) adapt to new functions like-

• Personal Indentity Authorisation
• Payment/ purchase functions
• Remote control of your environment
• Navigation

What of the problems? Well, the first is packaging. How to manage a variable bunch of things that somehow need to interconnect. Won't the result be big and ugly? Won't it cost more?

Taking the second point first. Yes, it will cost more...in the short term. The real point in all this is to take the long view about costs. Ultimately not throwing as much stuff away will be cheaper. The first problem, however, brings us right to the heart of the need for an inventive step to make it all, somehow, work as an idea.

Notes towards the solution-

• Very short range wireless linking of elements (in the style of wristwasches, pens, wallets, earphones, glasses etc.)
  
• Autonomous powering of elements
• Contactless recharge of elements. Wired clothes. (Energy harvesting where possible.)
• Remote execution of functions, rented as required.
• High bandwidth link
• Remote bulk storage.
• Homepage organiser.
• "Windows" for audio to enhance information management without screens
• Linking to home/office I/O devices