What kind of graft would you get first, and why?

[Dann]

No question about it, the database is the most useful of the lot. You could become a consultant on anything and make millions! Hourly.

 

[Mr Moron]

Database. It'll help with most of the functions of the calculator, if only bit a slower. Also, while I consider myself a fairly intelligent person I'm a terrible student having a way to get around the tradtional education system would be tops.

 

[Kozmos]

@Cleric: Grafts exist and are coming into use. Make a nanotechnology poll when that becomes common.

I'm just saving myself for nanotech, while all of you will be deformed by mechanical augmentation, I shall mantain my sleek cool look with nanites inside that could probably do all of the above options. <<insert evil laugh>>

 

[Erik Mesoy]

Wonderful thread.

No question about it, the database is the most useful of the lot. You could become a consultant on anything and make millions! Hourly.

...and can you explain why the people consulting you wouldn't get their own databases?

On a completely related note

LOL!

Is this Erik "the prodigy" Mesoy planning which biotech start-up venture he'll endeavour when he's done college?

ROTFL!

I could read information while boring people are talking to me.

That's terribly impolite of you, old chap.

Now, regarding the FDA and the bionic eye... I did some digging to come up with this PDF and this PDF. All the news outlets seem to be running the exact same story, so it's nice to have more technical information.

Erik: I think I'd want an eye that allowed me to run this software package.

Interesting. I have Asperger, so I end up asking people "are you being sarcastic now? I honestly can't tell" now and again.

However, the Businessweek article that you linked to is HORRID. It sounds as though it's partly a rant on Orwellian society with little to no basis in reality, and partly mouthings from a computer-illiterate technophobe.

Robinson also has gotten inquiries from online retailers and computer service providers, such as IBM, who envision tailoring their products to the emotional state of consumers. While surfing the Web, for instance, your computer could determine if you liked certain products and then modify content to your individual tastes or alter advertising to fit your mood.

Excuse me? Since just when was I going to A) let my computer do that and B) send the information to IBM?
Open Source for the win.

Scenarios such as these invariably raise questions about privacy and a Big Brother-like society.

Only because you invariably choose to raise them whenever computers begin accepting any form of input that isn't from your keyboard and mouse.

Robinson is keenest about his invention's applications in online teaching—an area he has been focusing on in his Cambridge lab. By analyzing students' emotions, a computer could calculate whether they understand what is being taught and then tailor lesson plans to improve comprehension.

Yeah, maybe for kids under six. Beyond that age, they'll know what the computer is up to, make faces at it or cover the videocamera lens, and the teacher (if this is put in schools) will probably be panicking because both the computers and the students have more of a clue about each other than the teacher has about either.

This Computer May Be Too Smart

...When Compared To Journalists Invoking 1984

Automakers are also interested in integrating Robinson's computer into their new models to enhance the driving experience: When you're sad, the car could play happy music, or if you're confused, it could turn off distracting gadgets.

Absolutely not.
There is no way I will drive a car that semirandomly turns off stuff based on its impression of my facial expression.

Rant over.

 

[Dann]

...and can you explain why the people consulting you wouldn't get their own databases?

I shall be plying my trade in a relatively backward region of the world, where this thingie isn't available yet.

 

[azzaman333]

Eye or Ear, just so i dont lose sight or hearing (which i assume i will at some point in the future.) Wouldnt need Calculator, since I'm better than a calculator mischief. All others wouldnt be terribly useful, not including Database and *down there* (the first thought when i saw the poll options was "Where is the "down below" option)

 

[Erik Mesoy]

Eye or Ear, just so i dont lose sight or hearing (which i assume i will at some point in the future.) Wouldnt need Calculator, since I'm better than a calculator mischief. All others wouldnt be terribly useful, not including Database and *down there* (the first thought when i saw the poll options was "Where is the "down below" option)

The "down below" option was locked by FredLC. And I doubt that you're better than a computer at calculus and algebra. Solve a set of two equations with three unknowns and represent the result as a vector, mmkay?

Since I know that people are just dying to hear my personal preference, I'd want a cybernetic, bionic, or robotic arm. I'd have one extension for climbing up walls, one with ten small fingers for typing, a gun hand, a multitool (Swiss Army Knife!) for doing anything useful, and some geeky bits that will probably be invented by 2020.

 

[Elta]

I would go with the database (tough call along with eye) but if it's hooked up to wiki I could see people editing it at just to mess with me .

what I really think would help is some sort of device you could use to send messages to your brain allowing you to speak and understand the top say ...25 lanuages as if it was your native langage. (maybe attached ala matrix plug)

 

[Evil Tyrant]

I'd like to start out with a database. I would probably get all of them eventually though.

 

[Elta]

I'd like to start out with a database. I would probably get all of them eventually though.

I would too .... like a crack junky looking for a fix
http://www.hh.schule.de/hhs/info11-13/yuki-jarosl/Freeze.jpg
....Freeza tail

 

[Perfection]

HAHA! You outmoded bios! Trying to fix your weaknesses with electromechanical devices! You'd all still be puny worthless organics to me!

 

[GinandTonic]

Database sounds good, but its got to be the ears. Never should have fallen asleep with my head in a base bin back in the day...

 

[Gladi]

Bright day
Geez and to think that just few years ago when I started to talk about grafts people looked at me as if I escaped from asylum...

Maybe tail first, real biological tail. I was bit into furrdom when I was younger. Better eyes, ears and nose and taste buds. Maybe change my eye colour to yellow? Bah, why I couldn't get born fifty years from now .

 

[Masquerouge]

Database. And that will be the end of the arrogant cultivated bragger.

 

[El_Machinae]

Just live to the next fifty years; it's MY plan.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

Artificial eyes would make me get rid of my glasses, but for a chemist the nose would be very handy too...

 

[azzaman333]

The "down below" option was locked by FredLC. And I doubt that you're better than a computer at calculus and algebra. Solve a set of two equations with three unknowns and represent the result as a vector, mmkay?

I'll just let my laptop and calculator do the solving, mmkay?

 

[King Flevance]

Eye but I must admit, a calculator would be nice. Database as well. If I could have 3, these would be my 3. But probably as eye first, database second, calculator 3rd.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

Eye but I must admit, a calculator would be nice. Database as well. If I could have 3, these would be my 3. But probably as eye first, database second, calculator 3rd.

By 2020 everybody should have a cell phone/laptop hybrid which will function as a database and calculator...

 

[King Flevance]

In 1986 I remember hearing countless times, by 2000 everyone will have flying cars. This was a serious statement.

EDIT:However if we have cybornetic implants... so gimme an ear after the eye. And a flying car. .