Mothball Upgrades

[Teaos]

Hell a computer is pretty much useless after a month, and since everything in trek relys on computers upgrading would be hard if not impossible.

[shran]

What if they tried to build computers from 5 seconds in the future?

As an analog, If 5 terabytes would be the standard now and it would be increasing rapidly, then why jot try to build a computer with say, 80 terabytes to be ahead of its time, so it can be decent equipment for at least some time?

[Teaos]

Because if you can build a 80 terrabite computer noe it wouldnt be ahead of its time, it would just set the new standard.

[shran]

Dang, I knew I was wrong somewhere along the track.

[Sionnach Glic]

What? Did they forget common sense after a couple hundren years?

To put it simply: yes, they have. Starfleet is the biggest joke in SF history.

[Captain Seafort]

What? Did they forget common sense after a couple hundren years?

To put it simply: yes, they have. Starfleet is the biggest joke in SF history.

*cough*Signsaliens*cough*

[Sionnach Glic]

Okay, the second biggest joke in SF history.

[Bryan Moore]

I'm in-theory fine with the upgrades, but for limited use. I still insist planetary patrol craft, in-system craft, or even using the old frames to hold cargo as a semi-stationary garage. What I don't like is the idea of putting pulse cannons on the Enterprise-A or something. It's like putting the guns from the U.S.S. Iowa on a Roman Trireme.

[Mikey]

Agreed. I like Graham's idea, expressed in some of the ship descriptions: using obsolete models as resupply ships or tenders.

[Mark]

You mean phaser arrays and quantum torp on a Connie would be :::gasp::: unrealistic????

[Reliant121]

Quite.

Take an Old Miranda or Excelsior, gut out her scientific equipment and fill it with supplies.

[Sionnach Glic]

Aye, not a bad use for them.

[Bryan Moore]

Yet I believe this was shot down by a lot of people. I understand the argument "The U.S. Navy won't use an 1850's frigate to deliver med supplies" and it's rightfully so. But I have to imagine the technology between 2265 and 2365, while astronomical, wouldn't necessarily be <so> obsolete as to not be spacefaring.

[Captain Seafort]

But I have to imagine the technology between 2265 and 2365, while astronomical, wouldn't necessarily be <so> obsolete as to not be spacefaring.

On the contrary - there's very little technological improvement between TOS and TNG - transporters, warp drive, and impulse engines are virtually identical, to the extent that they're still using the same operating manuals.

[KuvahMagh]

I agree, I think the biggest problem/limitation would be the hull/material life of the ship.