Is there anyone else who relieves us the weight?

1994/03/01 Irazabalbeitia, Inaki - kimikaria eta zientzia-dibulgatzaileaElhuyar Fundazioa Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Softwarea

Elhuyar last year. Andoni Sagarna told us about Newton™ technology developed by Apple Computer in the May issue of Science and Technology. From the reading of the article we could clearly see that we are on the threshold of a new communication technology. The core of this new technology is the processing of human information. Writing on a screen with a special pencil can be aware of all the facilities offered by the world of computers. You shouldn't use the print letters, as Newton is able to interpret your clumsy handwriting. It's not a joke!

Newton is already among us surpassing the threshold of the future. Since the end of last year the first device of Newton technology has been on sale in Britain. In magazines there are echoes of the launch campaign. In return for > 99 you can own Newton's resources. It is a small screen that can be taken in the hands, of approximate size of the manual calculators of strange. It is known as Message Pad™. Look at what the propaganda says: Newton is personal, Newton is as powerful as the computer, Newton is as usable as a piece of paper, Newton will send faxes for you, Newton learns from you to help you...

Where can I get that wonderful device? or If I had it…! You can delight in going to the nearest Apple dealer, buying Message Pad™, and getting started. Turn on. Grab the pencil and write “Kaixo egunon”. It is surprising that Newton ignores you. You may think your writing is clumsy and you will rewrite “Kaixo egunon” with the cleanest letter possible.

This time it will appear on the screen “Kaiser, egoism”. Ramp! What happens to you? Have you deceived me? Don't you know Basque? In orderly Spanish he writes “Hola, buenos dias” and appears “Hole, burner dear” by Newton. Angry, you will want to catch the Newton and pull through the window. However, before throwing the stone you will decide to consult the manual. And there, in small print, you will read that it only speaks English. With distrust, you will hear “Hello, good morning” and Newton, smiling, will answer you.

That is Newton's key. You have to adapt to each language and currently only understand English. Therefore, those of us who have our usual relationships in another language, for the moment, have a party with that innovative and future technology. It seems that this year will be on sale in Spanish at the end of the year. And in Basque? Chi lo sa?

I don't think Apple on its own puts Newton to work in Basque, because the market is too small, among other things. On the other hand, I think that the Basques would not have to lose this train, and when it is then leaving the station behind it, we start running, we can never grab the handrails of the last wagon. The train still does not leave the station. It does not lack much boot.

Therefore, we are in the paradox of ascending and so, together with other great cultures of the world, we can travel to the future. All of the above is at our disposal. But, in my opinion, it does not seem that private resources are sufficient to undertake that journey. Public resources are essential if you want to pay the ticket. We are willing and eager to be Elhuyar travelers. Who relieves the weight of suitcases?