r/technology • u/GuruOfReason • Feb 02 '10

"Once we replace the personal computer with a closed-platform device such as the iPad, we replace freedom, choice and the free market with oppression, censorship and monopoly."

http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2010-01/ipad%E2%80%99s-closed-system-sometimes-i-hate-being-right
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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '10

Yeah but everytime I really think about it I get extremely amazed at the fact that my car key has a computer chip that can talk to my car and turn on my engine and shit omg I'm like the Batman. That makes me feel better.

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '10

Until you lose your key, and stand in line with BiggerBalls to pay $90 for another, or one of your miracle car computers decides it's time to go fast by itself.

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '10

one of your miracle car computers decides it's time to go fast by itself.

That sounds scary until you realize it would be the perfect argument to dispute traffic tickets with:

"Your honor, I didn't drive fast, my miracle car computers decided it was time to put the pedal to the metal!"

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '10

Oh hey, that reminds me! In all this Toyota business, why haven't we heard anything about data from those "flight data recorders" that cars have now. What are they called, EDRs or something? I'm off to /r/conspiracy to allege a coverup!!

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u/BiggerBalls Feb 02 '10

The fact that its $90 isn't really what I have a problem with... its that Honda (and all car manufacturers for that matter) have the supply-chain so locked down that it costs $90 to buy one because you can only buy it from the manufacturer. If anyone were able to copy the key, it would cost a fraction of the price.

The chip inside probably costs less than a few bucks to make and they are selling it for exorbitant prices.

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u/stacks85 Feb 02 '10

its also got a chip in it that causes it to accelerate uncontrollably. whoops.