[–] ArsCortica 0 points 0 points 0 points (+0|-0) 3.9 years ago
Purely mechanical computers never could even remotely compete with electric/digital ones. Even if you make a city-sized mechanical computer, the "signal speed" coupled with its size would mean that relatively basic operations would take forever.
[–] xyzzy 0 points 0 points 0 points (+0|-0) 3.9 years ago
I doubt it, mechanical computers are too big, slow and wear prone. Optical would be more likely.
[–] ArsCortica ago
Purely mechanical computers never could even remotely compete with electric/digital ones. Even if you make a city-sized mechanical computer, the "signal speed" coupled with its size would mean that relatively basic operations would take forever.