Hand Computer

Hand Computer
TBD
Type	Tool
Tech Level	TL–8
Cost	Cr150
Size	0.2 liters
Weight	0.5 kg
Manufacturer	Various
Also see	Processor
Reference	TBD
TBD

Hand Computer
TBD
Type	Tool
Tech Level	TL–11
Cost	Cr1000
Size	0.2 liters
Weight	0.3 Kg
Manufacturer	Various
Reference	TBD
TBD

The Hand Computer (or handcomp) is a small, powerful multi-function computer that can be used to store and recall basic factual data, perform complex calculations, and control other electronic devices.

• It is a computer and an electronic device.

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Please see the following AAB Library Data articles for more information:

• I: Information Science / Information Technology (Info-)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Repository
  • Computer
    • Hand Computer
    • Ship’s Computer
  • Computer Software
  • Computronium
  • Machine Life
  • Positronic Brain
  • Skillset
  • Wafertech

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Description (Specifications)

Hand computers can be optimized for certain fields of knowledge by the use of modular data clips which can be easily inserted and removed (Cr200 each).

The hand computer also serves as a computer terminal when linked to a larger computer (...such as onboard a ship).

Most handcomps run on batteries, which allow use for a year or more, can charge from any power source with the proper adapter, or may incorporate small solar cells to provide all the power they need.

Image Repository

No information yet available.

Data Clips

Data Clips for particular applications allow characters to use the hand computer to calculate jump parameters, ballistic performance, chemical formulae, etc. The hand computer can be linked to various sensors and allows them to be monitored or controlled from a distance.

Related Terms

1. Wrist Computer

History & Background (Dossier)

No information yet available.

Technological Overview of Hand Computers

Epochal Technological Development: Information Technology is at its earliest conceptual state and slowly grows into mechanical calculative devices to early electronics to the first true computers and beyond.

Information Age Societies

TL:1-3:
COMPUTERS: The abacus and the quipu represent early calculating tech. they are simple, mechanical processors that help a sophont keep large numbers of calculations in memory. Mathematics makes great leaps forward with the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

TL:4-6:
COMPUTERS: The first analog computers and calculators greatly enhance business and academic endeavors. Mechanical and early electronic calculators become fixtures. Electric devices, polymers, and early electronics fuel continuing progress. Designers use classic Lovelacian programming and aspire to build the first Babbage machines. Many sophont societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/1 and Model/1 bis processors.

TL:7-9:
COMPUTERS: Replacing the Calculator at TL–8 in their original production styles, they are primitive, have limited computational capabilities, and are relatively expensive, starting at around Cr150.

Bright Age Societies

TL:10-12:
COMPUTERS: They continue to be produced through TL–11. The late TL–11 models are quite capable, with interfaces for GPS systems, laser rangefinders, networking and remote distributed processing capability. They are gradually replaced by more flexible Commcomps.

TL:13-15:
COMPUTERS: High autonomous robots outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. Holocrystals and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. Infomorphs and downloadable brains supplement wafertech. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/7, Model/8, and Model/9 processors.

TL:16-18:
COMPUTERS: High autonomous robots outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. Holocrystals and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. Infomorphs and downloadable brains supplement wafertech. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/7, Model/8, and Model/9 processors. Hop Drives begin to use more advanced Ship's Computers.

References & Contributors (Sources)

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• Marc Miller. Imperial Encyclopedia (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 56.
• Gary L. Thomas. The Travellers' Digest 08 (Digest Group Publications, 1987), TBD.
• Joe Fugate, Gary L. Thomas. Referee's Gaming Kit (Digest Group Publications, 1989), TBD.
• Joe Fugate. MegaTraveller Journal 4 (Digest Group Publications, 1993), 91.
• Frank Chadwick, Dave Nilsen. Traveller: The New Era (Game Designers Workshop, 1993), 341.
• Greg Porter. Central Supply Catalog (Imperium Games, 1996), 40,41-44.
• Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 643.
• Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science