Remember When?

My first “new” computer (ie., not a hand-me-down) was from Gateway2000 in 1996. That was back when Ted Waitt still ran the company. It was back when Gateway2000 computers were top-notch. It was when Gateway still included the “2000″ because we hadn’t yet reached the new millennium.

Right after I got my computer, Gateway2000 introduced their Destination system. It was a computer coupled with a 36″ CRT monitor/TV. Yes, you could watch TV or surf the ‘Net, all from the comfort of your recliner. Of course, in my dreams surrounding this kickass setup, the whole family was gathered around in a kind of discount home theater seating arrangement. Why we would all be thrilled to sit around and watch each other surf, patiently waiting for a turn at the mouse, is beyond me. With a family of eight, we seldom agree on what TV show to watch, let alone wanting to surf the same sites. But I was taken in by the great marketing and hoped that someday we’d have a system like that.

Today, everyone in the family who wants a computer, has one. Some have more than one. The Destination was an interesting idea but in retrospect, I can see why it never really took off. A media center is fine but for surfing the internet, I’d rather sit at my desk or curled up with my laptop. Still, I have to wonder if Ted Waitt still has a Destination system set up at his house.