Right now, we have artificial hearts, contact lenses, hearing aids, "voice boxes", and barely functional replacement limbs. Also, we have very small computers that can be fitted into a sleeve, using an eyepiece for a display. Watches can be powered by kinetic energy that is produced by swinging ones arms while walking. Take the standard cyberpunk idea of combining man and machine, but instead of going over the top like most cyberpunk settings, extend existing technology by what might be possible (disregarding ethics) in about a 5-20 year time-frame. What sort of "built-in" devices might be possible? I think the first things to come about would probably continue to be in the range of sensory devices. Permenantly implanted lenses that might either extend visual abilities in some fashion (light amplification, extended sight range, etc), or provide a display for another device. Permanent hearing-aids that might be able to pick up police bands, 2-way radios and public broadcasts. "Voice boxes" that could possibly record and mimic other voices after an extended conversation, or alter an accent to make a disguise more convincing in a foreign country. Artificial organs that could better regulate their functions for stressful situations (for better endurance or power). Cyborgs wouldn''t be combat machines or uber-hackers like in typical cyberpunk settings, but more likely superior covert/intelligence agents and criminals. What other things might be feasible in such a "low-tech" sci-fi setting? They''re coming for you!

Well we also have some implant type technology that I saw a while back for controlling computer mice and such by useing thoughts only.

more efficient factory workers so we can finally get rid of those damn robots

a person capable of interfacing with a computer through a connection into the brain

"Those who serve no purpose, have no purpose"

A clock So that, with a single thought, the right time pops into yer mind

-Maarten Leeuwrik
"Some people when faced with the end of a journey simply decide to begin anew I guess."

Zenroth:
I think I remember something about that. Read muscle-twitches in the arm or something like that.

Ronin_54:
I could use one of those Maybe an ear implant, so with the right muscle movement, the current time would be read aloud (or a cellular connection made to the time and weather service?) It wouldn''t have to be particularly loud at all, since it won''t have to travel through open air.

SSC:
Direct brain-computer link is a little more high-tech than I''m looking for.

They''re coming for you!

I''m also thinking about "destroying" one of my handheld-pc''s, in order to create "wearable computing" Screen on my left arm, keyboard on the right

-Maarten Leeuwrik
"Some people when faced with the end of a journey simply decide to begin anew I guess."

quote: Original post by Ronin_54
A clock So that, with a single thought, the right time pops into yer mind

i''d rather have a digital display implanted right in my eye (two quick blinks pops up the time for a moment).

--- krez (krezisback@aol.com)

More or less the same

-Maarten Leeuwrik
"Some people when faced with the end of a journey simply decide to begin anew I guess."

What about those computer chips they were experimenting with implanting in the hand? They could carry personal information that could be transmitted to other people through handshakes. It wasnt connected to the brain or anything but it was I neat idea. It might even be useful as a security measure. IE: Only those with this implant that contains a passcode could enter certain facilities.

That''s exactly the sort of thing I''m looking for. Very doable now (maybe not ethically ) and not over-the-top. Nice and Orwellian, too.

Thanks.

They''re coming for you!