My head is spinning with this digital question. I've shared it with Matt G. & Sheree, so it's time to put down something a little more tangible. Poker's coming up in a couple days, so maybe I can get this bet started then.

When will technological advances enable a single device to simplify these five aspects of daily life?

A <$399.99 cell phone that
1) Make a call to another country
2) Open an Excel document from a VPN-protected company internet
3) Start a car with factory or <$150 after-market remote ignition capability
4) Open a <$99 home door lock
5) Pay a charge at a merchant

Integrating 3, 4, and 5 will be hurdles in the years to come. Technology exists for each today, when will one common device do all of these?
3) The factory-install is from a top-10 (by # sold) automaker. After market costs include $50/hour installation.
4) The door lock does not include installation charges
5) The merchant can be any Fortune 1000 company. Prices in US$.

My guess is August 10, 2006. Recording a bet will cost $1. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd closest will receive 50%, 33%, 17% of the total pool.

Betting will close October 10, 2004. My goal is 1000 bets. Results to be posted at Brett Tolman's http://www.vertabrett.com