Technical Gadgets will Continue to Get Smaller, Make Life Easier

Palm size computers and special purpose devices will continue to flourish in the coming year, forecasts Dr. Allen Parrish, associate professor of computer science and director of the CARE Research and Development Laboratory at The University of Alabama.

The market for new technologies such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) will rise as people look to computers to aid in their daily tasks like making restaurant reservations or ordering in restaurants.

“For example, servers could make greater use of handheld computers in placing orders for you or there may be restaurants where you can order on your own PDA,” Parrish said. “Voice input is going to become popular on PDAs.”

Parrish believes that computers of 2003 will take different shape in order to increase function. These smaller, lighter computers will give people greater ability to read e-mail in public places without needing a dial up connection.

“Wearable computers that do different kinds of things will also continue to be on the horizon,” Parrish said.

In the entertainment realm, Parrish thinks that high-definition TVs will continue to grow in the market and become big in the next few years, and that the hot video games will be integrated-movement games.

“Integrated-movement games, such as virtual golf where you actually swing a real golf club, will become more popular. Also, lightweight, flat panel televisions will continue to increase in popularity,” Parrish said.

Parrish predicts that the law enforcement will also update their technological devices.

“When you get a speeding ticket, your driver’s license may be scanned, the data entered on a handheld and then transmitted to the court system,” Parrish said. “Or if you go to a bar, your driver’s license may be scanned to determine whether you are underage.”