Ipad, Kindle and other digital reading devices turn science fiction into science fact

The hype around new technology always is a bit melodramatic for me. For one thing, I hardly ever have the disposable money to buy every new product that comes on the market, and many times when I do buy something I find myself asking why did I shell out dollars for this?

Yet, the new iPad from Apple has peaked my interest. Now I know it has its critics - and for good reason. It is certainly not as revolutionary as Apple claims, and I am sure future generations of this device will make up for the shortcomings of the first model.

But the idea of being able to carry around a lightweight screen that is designed to access and download books and newspapers is incredibly appealing. Additionally, the ability to use all the applications that have been created for the iPhone on the iPad is another great feature. I first was considering the Kindle, which will do basically what I need and at a considerably lower price, yet the iPad offers more features and, well, looks pretty cool too.

When I was surfing the web for information on the Kindle a few weeks ago, I could not help but think of one of my favourite series, Star Trek. All those scenes where Captain Picard or Commander Sisko are reading from a thin tablet came flooding back into my memory. Digital text on a stylish slim tablet, replacing the need for books, reports, manuals, magazines, newspapers, etc.

Futuristic? Well, maybe a decade or two ago, but not now.

The documentary How William Shatner Changed the World explores how science fiction has become science fact. Like the Kindle or iPad, the original Captain James T. Kirk looks at how several of the "futuristic" items and concepts that were used in the original and newer series of Star Trek became technological realities. Hand-held communication devices (the cell phone), music in digital form, non-evasive medical examinations and surgery, and even holodeck technology are now all part of our reality in one form or another, and they were all on Star Trek.

Now we have the Kindle, the iPad and other similar products that have brought yet another concept from the popular series. It is not surprising that in their promotional video for the iPad the newest Star Trek movie is featured during a demonstration of how videos can be viewed on the device.

Will these new devices completely replace actual books and newspapers? Some pundits are arguing they might and some say they will. Regardless, how we read and write will most likely be greatly affected. I wonder if these observers watch a lot of Star Trek. Indeed, while the Star Trek crews saunter around with their little reading tablets, it is not uncommon to see some of the characters cradling a real book now and then. Apparently, even in the future, books are still read and treasured.

One has to wonder what other concepts that we see on science fiction shows and literature will become the next reality in our lives. Hopefully, further advancements in medicine? It seems many of the diseases that currently plague us are a thing of the past for the Star Trek crew. Now wouldn't that be blessed progress!