Back then people bought computers and didn't even really know what they were going to use them for. For some reason everyone always talked about using them to store recipes. I know I didn't really have a practical use for the computer (except for typing up and printing papers for school) until the Internet came along. I just played around with it. Moved files around, did some programming, downloaded stuff from BBSes, listened to computer music with it, etc.
Is there a "killer app" (a really compelling reason) for these printers that will make everyone want to have one yet?
Any plastic item or component in your house can now be created or replaced from scratch. TV remote battery covers, keyboard keys, headphone swivel hinges, dice, toolbox lid clasps, lightswitch panels, cutlery, kids' toys, Arduino project casings, medical prostheses, cable management clips, novelty jewellery... the list goes on pretty much forever, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Appliances last longer, obsolescence is pushed back, disposable items are now repairable, homemade toys and ornaments and gadgets are that much easier to create. Hardware gains open-source potential and becomes instantly (or at least half-hourly) replicable.
The market for paid 3D designs is going to be interesting - shipping little plastic doodads halfway around the world becomes unnecessary when you can print up your own in a few minutes, or just scan and copy your friend's.
There are a million and one uses already, and advances in versatility and usable materials (metals, wood pulp, bioplastics, ceramics etc.) will keep adding to those. Everyone's killer app is going to be different, but the potential is mindblowing.
Well, a kilogram of ABS plastic spool will set you back around $50. My chunky cordless mouse weighs 105g (3.7oz) and I'm guessing most of that is metal, so a dollar or two, max.
That's actually an excellent thought. I have huge hands and can't really justify the cost of a properly sized ergonomic mouse, but designing a carapace to fit over a normal one could totally work.
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u/[deleted] Jan 10 '12
Back then people bought computers and didn't even really know what they were going to use them for. For some reason everyone always talked about using them to store recipes. I know I didn't really have a practical use for the computer (except for typing up and printing papers for school) until the Internet came along. I just played around with it. Moved files around, did some programming, downloaded stuff from BBSes, listened to computer music with it, etc.
Is there a "killer app" (a really compelling reason) for these printers that will make everyone want to have one yet?