A new breed of system-on-chip silicon devices, in concert with embedded Linux, is helping to usher in the coming post-PC era. In this article, LinuxDevices.com founder Rick Lehrbaum identifies the key attributes and requirements of the coming generation of intelligent interconnected devices and systems, and examines the latest trends in high integration system-on-chip integrated circuits. Lehrbaum writes . . .

“We've all heard about the coming “post-PC” era. Are we there yet? Is it just around the corner? Or, is the post-PC era just a bunch of hype? After all, most of us still use conventional PCs at work or home to do our computing.”

“First, realize that the opportunity for computerized devices that aren't PCs is practically limitless. International Data Corporation (IDC) reports that of the nearly 2 billion microprocessor chips manufactured each year, over 95% go into non-PC “embedded” devices. Today, a lot of this represents low-level control tasks in vending machines, cars, test instruments, sprinkler systems, etc.”

“But the smartness and interconnectedness of the myriad of computerized devices that surround us will soon increase dramatically. Recent technology advances make it possible to embed PC-level computing, communications, and display capabilities within common appliances. They're also enabling the creation of many new kinds of electronic gadgets.”

“That process is happening at a furious place, right now, in thousands of ongoing projects. Which means nine months from now (products take roughly the same time to gestate as human babies), the results of this frenzy of post-PC development will begin to emerge in a big way.”

“So, here's my prediction: 2001 will be 'the year of the post-PC'.”

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