Any technological society runs on computers, with access to them as basic as the right to air and water. To those both knowledgeable and skilled, computers open a vast array of possibilities in all areas of life, and having the right computer for the right job is usually more important than carrying a gun.
Computer Customisation
On purchase, computers can be designed to certain specifications or power levels based on the user's needs.
Higher Power
The prices given for each computer are for a model with Processing score 0, and purchasing a more powerful computer of that some model-type will increase its price. To find the new price:
- Multiply the original price by the new Processing score +1. So for a Processing/2 portable computer, the price would be 2 + 1 x 50 = Cr150.
- In addition, multiply its new Processing score, squared, by 100 credits. For a Processing/2 computer, this additional price would be 2 x 2 x 100 = Cr400c.
- Combined, the total price would be Cr550 for a portable computer with Processing/2.
If you need help with this calculation, ask the GM - he wrote this nonsense.
Low-Tech
The computer models in the list below are all based on their common TL4 versions, but many functioning computer-types can also be recreated using TL3 techniques and materials. To adjust for a lower-tech device, work with the GM to adjust the size, weight, processing power and price of the desired model. Surprisingly, the price of lower-tech models tends to be higher, since any lesser market value is largely outstripped by the effort and cost required to create a comparable machine out of lesser parts. On the positive side, low-tech computers tend to be easier to maintain.
Specialised Computers
A computer can be designed for a specific purpose, which gives it a Processing Score of +1 or +2 higher for that software only. The navigation hand computer used by an explorer, for example, might be only a Computer/1, but could run the Navigation/3 software because it is specially designed for that task. A specialised computer costs 25% more per added rating – so, a Computer/1, Navigation/3 portable computer costs 150% of the cost of a basic Computer/1.
* - Some encumbrance entries are marked with an asterisk. Such items have no significant encumbrance and dozens can be carried without hindrance.
T - This column in the sheet indicates whether relevant training is required to properly use an object, as is often the case with advanced medical, engineering or scientific equipment. If it does, it will be marked with a 'Y' and will indicate the relevant Skill level also required (e.g. "Y-1" would indicate that the user must have relevant Training and at least level 1 in a relevant Skill). If the user doesn't meet these requirements, they may find it difficult or impossible to get the most out of that item.
Processing Power
Computers are ranked by their Processing score, typically between 0 and 9. A Computer/3, for example, has a Processing score of 3. This is its ability to run software (see Software Packages below).
Personal Computers
Computers are so ubiquitous in the modern Reach that all characters - unless their background is particularly low-tech or primitive - are assumed to own a personal non-portable computer of some kind, located in either their homes or their crew quarters. Characters with computer-related training begin with a Computer/1, and characters without begin with a Computer/0.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of computers is irrelevant in a TL4 worlds, as thanks to the neural-memory-interface the capacity of even a modest computer is effectively unlimited.
