If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Technology often makes products more expensive and complex rather than simpler and more efficient over time.
- In plain terms
- Cars would be perfect if computers didn't make them worse.
- What can you take from it?
- Rapid tech evolution often prioritizes complexity over reliability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does progress always mean better quality?
- When did technology start adding complexity?
Another view
Automobiles have actually improved significantly in safety and efficiency.
More from Robert X. Cringely
More proof that trusting the Feds to protect our information is like hiring Homer Simpson to guard the donuts.
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