In the 1980s, no one ever thought that the newly invented computers would evolve into portable laptops in no less than two decades. However, the massive monitors and desktops were shrunken into compact, portable laptops, proving how adaptable and also how quick technology can progress. Before the public had become accustomed to one computer, the geniuses from the various technology companies had pumped out a new one.

            Technology has grown amazingly fast. Before, voice recognition was a dream, utilized in sci-fi movies and considered to be almost magical. Now, many software companies have nearly accomplished the task. Microsoft’s Office Professional Edition ($419.99 from www.amazon.com) can utilize applications from a user’s voice. Technology has also created expanded music horizons. With computer and sound-editing programs helping sounds become more evocative and sophisticated, technology seems to know no bounds. Apple’s iLife ’04 ($49.00) can not only empower the user with a tool (“GarageBand”) that allows sounds and songs to be made, but also allows the user to utilize a jukebox, a movie maker and DVDs.

Before, music such as jazz and classical was recorded directly, and usually was not edited. Now, new age music artists such as “Enya” have created amazing music, layering multiple voices using software programs. “Techno” music has also been accepted into the population, the mechanical and artificial sounds fading in and out of the soundtrack in amazing ways.

            Computers have also increased in quality, style and capacity. In just three years, Microsoft Office has not only added more user-friendly messages, such as an Incoming E-Mail alert, to improved junk mail filtering, but they have also enhanced the old versions of well known tools, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

The Mac OS X Panther v10.3 has added a surplus of new features, including a Font Library consisting of $10,000 worth of fonts from designers all over the globe. The new user-friendly finder can help users instantly and quickly find applications just by looking down at the screen, giving more space when the desktop is crowded.

            Before, people used radios to listen to music. The Walkman significantly reduced the size of radios and improved their portability. The well-known Apple iPod (ranging from $299 for 3,700 songs to $399 for 5,000 songs to $499 for 10,000 songs) has shrunk the walkman into an even more compact device. The iPod weighs 5.6 ounces, which is extremely light for the amount of information it can hold. The iPod Mini (starting at $249.00), a newer version of the iPod, weighs 3.6 ounces. Technology can truly transform our lives quickly.