BKGARGVR.RVW  940726

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"Garage Virtual Reality", Jacobson, 1994, 0-672-30270-5, U$29.95/C$37.95

In all the applications of computing, users want more power, more storage, and
more and better input and output devices.  Virtual reality, however, lays a
special claim to the demands for "more and better" since signal processing
takes such enormous amounts of processing power, and since VR I/O requires
devices so radically different from the normal run of wordprocessing and data
entry.  Jacobson's book proves that VR can be a hobbyist field without a Cray
on hand or a shop full of engineers.  It also provides an excellent resource
for those wanting to enter the field.

After some general introductions to the idea, history and possible applications
of VR, the book devotes chapters to computer platforms, displays, input devices
and software.  "Hacking for the Trip" covers hardware interfacing, devices and
modifications that you will probably need to do VR on the cheap.  "Carpooling"
lists groups and contacts available electronically, primarily on the Internet.

VR is only beginning to show commercial possibilities at the desktop level. 
This means that you will need a bit of hobbyist dedication to pursue the field. 
This is not (yet) for those fearful of soldering irons or the parts shelves at
the local Radio Shack, and a nodding acquaintance with assembler probably
wouldn't hurt, either.  If you are still interested, though, this work can get
you started.  Those commercial outfits that are producing VR related devices
and software are listed, in addition to professional contacts and
organizations.  A series of profiles of VR workers/hobbyists also lists a
number of starter systems, none over $2500.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1994   BKGARGVR.RVW  940726
 
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DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733
Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" (Oct. '94) Springer-Verlag