Humans vs. Computers—How smart is your Laptop?

HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human HUMANS VS. COMPUTERS Everyone knows that computers are going to take over the world and enslave humanity. But how close are (VS they right now? Let's compare an average human to an average computer (and look at technological extremes while we're at it). 12 *** rounds Vision 1 The average human eye can perceive 576 megapixels – almost 300 times the power of the average laptop camera, which can only perceive 2.0 megapixels. A top-of-the-line PUPIL digital camera can take in up to 50 megapixels, nearly as sharp as old-fashioned film. IRIS RETINA LENS TOP-OF-THE-LINE: In 2010, a 26-gigapixel image was taken by a digital camera: Of course, it took almost three hours to process the photograph. 576 megapixels Winner: Human Humans Computers http://techkraze.com/high-tech/26-gigapixel-photoworlds-highest-resolution-picture-ever-taken/ http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/eye-resolution.html http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m17x/pd http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography 2 Hearing The average human ear can detect noises in a range from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The average computer microphone has a smaller range, from 100 hertz to 16,000 hertz. Quiet as 4 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: It's actually tough to beat the human ear. While there are microphones more sensitive to sound and able to detect lower or Winner: Human higher sounds, no one device can quite match the range and directional ability of the human ear. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/earsens.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Humans 2 Computers Noise While we're on the topic of sound-the loudest measured noise from a human body was a whistle by Roy Lomas, whose whistle reached 122.5 decibels. Average laptop speakers only hit 80 decibels TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Humans have made some very noisy devices, indeed: the loudest was the 122.5 Tsar Bomba, a 57-megaton nuclear bomb set off by the Soviet Union in 1961, which went off decibels at a (literally) mind-blowing 282 decibels. One of many good reasons not to get too close. Winner: Human http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/news/s/1089126_the_day_oldham_entered the_digital_age http://www.makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt Humans i Computers 4 Smell / Taste Brain Humans have several thousand taste buds, which can differentiate between sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (savoriness), however our primary tasting organ is the nose, where we can distinguish between more than 10,000 distinct smells. Laptops can't smell anything, so our ability to capitalize on this weakness will be key to stopping the robot apocalypse. Nasal cavity Smells tongue TOP-OF-THE-LINE: While there are devices capable of picking out the presence of a few stray molecules of odor or taste, they lack the ability to rapidly process that information and the versatility to perform under most conditions. That's why, after 10,000 years, we still haven't replaced the dog with anything better. Humans Computers Winner: Human Touch Computer touch screens have become increasingly more sensitive, but humans can detect a touch as light as 1 kilopascal. Computer touch screens work by detecting changes in electrical currents, however, and not by pressure, so a direct comparison isn't possible. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists have recently engineered synthetic skin about as sensitive as human skin, but it'll be a while before you see that on an average computer's touchpad. So mash away and don't worry about complaints. yet. Winner: E http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/synthetic-skin-sensitive-to-the-lightest-touch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin Humans - Computers Speed Reading There are a number of people who claim to be able to read 10,000 or more words per minute, but those claims have not been verified by the recognized speed reading authorities. The limits on human speed reading range from 1,000 to 2,000 words per minute, with greater than 50% comprehension. The typical document scanner can read at 1000 words per minute, and though they can't comprehend, they can certainly store those words with near 100% accuracy. Humans 5 Computers 2 TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Prototype book scanners can suck down 200 pages a minute - but that's raw images, before processing the text. http://www.physorg.com/news188120731.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_reading http://www.text-scanner.com/servlet/StoreFront Winner: Computer Memorization The world record for the longest number ever memorized was Pi (3.141) to the 22,500th decimal by Daniel Tammet. A 500-gigabyte hard drive could hold a number about 24 million times larger. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Scientists are currently building a data repository that will hold 120 petabytes (that's 120 million gigabytes) of information - ten times larger than any supercomputer's memory today and far beyond the capacity any puny mortal. Humans H Computers i http://www.pi-world-ranking-list.com/lists/details/tammet.html http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/38440/pagel/ Winner: Computer 8 Games Supercomputers have now beaten world chess champions, and Jeopardy titans. But how does your laptop stack up against the average human? Most people can't computer chess on its highest setting, and a mobile phone running a chess program has achieved grandmaster status. We've gotta give this one to the machines. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Supercomputers are always sent out before their lesser brethren to destroy the best humanity can offer in single combat. Chess, Jeopardy, poker. computers can beat humans at them all, but not the Chinese game of Go. Only a matter of time. Humans Computers Winner: Computer Power Consumption 9 Efficiency Laptops consume between 20 and 90 watts, depending on the tasks they're completing. The FDA recommends that an adult female consumes about 2,000 calories a day and an adult male about 2,500 calories per day. That works out to a steady power consumption of around 96 watts for that woman and 120 watts for a man. Of course, only 20 watts or so of that goes to maintain our brains - which, for the moment, still outcomputes the average laptop. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The world's fastest supercomputer, which runs at 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second (about 80 percent of the human brain's processing speed), devours a staggering 9.9 megawatts of power. Winner: Human http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_1000_calories_in_watts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_computer Humans 6 Computers 10 Power Storage Laptop batteries generally last from 3 to 10 hours. The average human can survive up to 4 to 6 weeks without food and 2 to 10 days without water. However, food and drink aren't the only fuel humans need- we're also reliant on oxygen, without which we won't last much more than 5 minutes. TOP-OF-THE-LINE: The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977, and they're expected to continue working until about 2025. Of course, they're powered by plutonium cores, which you won't find in many laptops. Winner: Human Humans Computers http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water Operating Temperatures (11 Humans are fragile things. Our bodies run at temperatures between 36.1C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). But are laptops much better? Yes, research shows research shows that laptop can only operate for a prolonged period of time between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F). temp TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Going to tip the hat to the Voyager spacecraft again. No human could keep running for 50 years near absolute zero. Humans Computers Winner: Computer http://www.healthcare-online.org/Normal-Body-Temperature.html http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/usingyourlaptop/tp/hotlaptoptips.htm 12 Viruses DNA Protein Coat Although there are millions of types of virus, scientists have only described 5,000 in detail - most of them because they affect humans. Computers have to deal with over 2.5 million viruses. It's likely that we're simply better at finding and recording computer viruses, but ignorance is bliss. With a couple million fewer known viruses, Humans win. Sheath Baseplate Tail Fiber TOP-OF-THE-LINE: Any computer leaving the factory-room floor is 100-percent virus-free, but humans aren't. We're exposed to viruses and other organisms while we're in the womb - and ancient virus infections have left their mark in our DNA. Every human is part virus (some of us more than others). 90 nm Humans 8 Computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses#cite_note-Dimmok_p._49-2 http://technology timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3721556.ece http://www.meyercomputer.net/Article-GlobalVirusThreat.htm WINNER: HUMANS (... FOR NOW) T Bacteriophage linner: Human