metric vs. hexadecimal [was: Re: [oclug] KWeather]

[M&D Hickson]

On Sun, 2005-03-20 at 23:11 -0500, Frank Stratton - VE3YY wrote: 
> This is a true story!
> At one time believe it or not, a computer manufacturer I worked for, was
> looking into having a piece of memory represent three states, zero, one and
> not (zero or one). Memory was so expensive when I was first around computers

I seem to recall reading something about quantum computer's memory being
able to hold multiple states.

> They set one fellow off to see if he could design a computer system to
> use
> this numbering system.  The company went belly up before he completed
> the
> project.  I believe this was a fitting end to the idea because I think
> they
> were going to send him to the funny farm.  I've often wondered what
> would
> have happened if he had succeeded.

Perhaps we would soon be reading anecdotes about the obscure, forgotten
visionary?

On Sun, 2005-03-20 at 23:25 -0500, Richard Guy Briggs wrote: 
> So, what would have happenned if we had evolved with 2 fingers and a
> thumb on each of 3 limbs, or 9 limbs?  ;-)

Ergonomic keyboards would be a basic necessity?

-mick