Increased capacity
Computers can be bought that are just a little better than similar models, capable of running a few more programs than other computers of the same complexity. This is denoted by a (×N) after the complexity, where N is the number of programs of its own complexity that the computer can run. It can run N×10 programs of one lower complexity, N×100 programs of two lower complexity, and so on. Such computers cost more, and are larger to make room for the extra processing power
Capacity | Cost | Weight |
(×1.5) | ×1.3 | ×1.3 |
(×2) | ×1.5 | ×1.5 |
(×3) | ×2 | ×2 |
(×5) | ×3 | ×3 |
(×7) | ×4 | ×4 |
Programs may also have increased capacity. This means the program takes up more than one "program slot" for its complexity. A complexity 3(×5) program takes up 5 complexity 3 program slots.
A (×1.5) capacity computer can run 15 programs of one lower complexity, one program of its own complexity and 5 programs of one lower complexity, one program of (×1.5) complexity, and so on.
Genius Systems
Genius systems can be obtained in more gradations than just +1 complexity
Extra Capacity | Cost |
(×1.5) | ×1.7 |
(×2) | ×2.5 |
(×3) | ×4 |
(×5) | ×8 |
(×7) | ×12 |
+1 complexity | ×20 |
For more gradation with dumb systems, divide cost by 20, reduce complexity by 1, and then apply the genius modifiers above.
TL 9 Computers
To reflect increases in computer technology in the 16 years since Ultra-Tech was published, I will use the following stats for late TL 9/early TL 10 computers. I am making the assumption that optio-electronic semiconductor devices have reached their physical limits by this time, and that nothing better has come to replace them.
Type | Complexity | Weight | Cost |
Tiny | 3 | 0.04 | $40 |
Handheld | 4 | 0.2 | $200 |
Personal | 5 | 1 | $1000 |
Mini | 6 | 5 | $5,000 |
Microframe | 7 | 25 | $25,000 |
Mainframe | 8 | 125 | $125,000 |
Macroframe | 9 | 600 | $600,000 |
Super | 10 | 3,000 | $3,000,000 |
Monster | 11 | 15,000 | $15,000,000 |
Computers can be made Compact, Optimized, and TEMPEST hardened as described in Ultra-Tech 2 pp 33-34.