Forbes (kinda, sorta) predicted the iPad in 2000

A Forbes Magazine article from 2000 call “ Introducing the Computer of 2010 ” is as interesting for what it got right as for what it get wrong . Today ’s computer , said Forbes , would be Frisbee - sized and have a “ virtual keyboard . ”

There are plenty of incorrect predictions in the Forbes article , including :

“ By plugging our computer into an office desk , its top becomes a mammoth information processing system screen — an interactional photonic display . ”

Greenworks

“ The PC will be protected from theft , thanks to an innovative biometric scanner that can recognize your fingerprint . ”

“ You ’ll communicate with the PC in the main with your voice , putting it truly at your beck and call . ”

“ The microcomputer of 2010 plugs into your plate so your home becomes a chic operating system . ”

Iniu Portabe Charger

Not to mention the prediction that we ’ll be using holographic memory , and that a individual lithium barrage will be enough to launch the computer of 2010 for “ a duad of weeks ” without recharge .

But there ’s also the stuff Forbes catch right , like the musical theme that we ’ll have computers that are belittled and highly portable , and “ untethered and unfettered by wire and electrical way out . ” And the idea that you could make a “ virtual keyboard ” which disappears when you no longer need it . Plus the idea that hard drive will be a terabyte and up , which seemed like an unthinkably huge amount back in 2000 . And the musical theme that this equipment could have a “ swimming crystal display ” screen with needlelike colors , and we should “ Get ready for pay - per - view Webcasts . ” ( If you ’ve watched Netflix Streaming on your iPad lately , then this wo n’t seem too far off . )

All in all , the Forbes clause is a snatch too optimistic about the past ten ’s advancement — but at least a substantial minority of its predictions seem outstandingly prescient . [ Forbes ]

24tb Seagate Drive