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Old Momo-tan. Her old chassis is adorable!

14 (23%)

New chassis! She could become a regular cast member!

26 (42.6%)

She needs some more upgrades.

1 (1.6%)

New chassis - if only to tick off Pintsize

14 (23%)

MOAR TOASTERRRRR!!!

2 (3.3%)

Toaster - only because we like waffles.

4 (6.6%)

Total Members Voted: 56

[TRVA123]

How so?  Physically there's no question, they can be placed in a body that's designed for any task.  Mentally, they would compute problems like a computer, efficiently and without distractions.  They never die, only getting more proficient as hardware and software improves.  Whatever you do, a robot could do it better.  It'd be like Neo from the Matrix..."I know Kung Fu!".  Instantly they are trained at whatever took you years to perfect. 

Because technical proficiency in music is not a hallmark of success. In fact, even today, the technical best players are often not the most well recognized, famous, or even the most lauded by critics. There are other qualities that are necessary, such as ingenuity, charisma, and maybe sheer audacity.

Not to say that, in the QCverse, AI would be incapable of competing musically (or in any creative format) just that many qualities that create a good artist are personality based. Just as not every human is a good artist, nor could every AI be a good artist. There is no algorithm for creative success.

[pwhodges]

Whatever you do, a robot could do it better

In principle, one day, perhaps (first we have to define "better", which is not always trivial).  But not in the here and now - nor, as far as I can see, in the QCverse.

[TheBiscuit]

So... this is definitely going to happen then?

What I can't understand is why she didn't look at that one first. She clearly already knew which one was her choice. I admit I've done something simillar - browsing all around the store for the 'perfect' laptop or phone, even though I have it in mind already. Difference is, I went and had a long, lustful, covetous look (and if possible a hands-on demo) at the one I had in mind first, so as to make it clear to myself what these other ones are competing with.

[HiFranc]

I have a prediction or two:

Once they have the virus sorted out Momo is going to go to the coffee shop to ask for Sven's number.  She'll probably give an excuse like "Marigold would like to borrow that book".  One of the staff phone Marigold to confirm (with or without Momo's presence) and Marigold is completely surprised.  Marigold puts 2 and 2 together and freaks out -- being disatisfied with her body after meeting Sven, getingt a human-sized body and finding an excuse to get Sven's number.  Either immediately or after Marigold recovers Marigold shares her insight with the CoD staff.  Now both Sven and Momo are in trouble!

[Blackjoker]

Odd, one would think that Pintsize would have given her the best advice for protection from porn browsing related problems given that he seems to live in it.

Odd that you'd think a AnthroPC that loves to shock people with pics of Goatse would even impart such advice.

Well he considers momo a friend, and there is a difference between shocking someone and them having 'life' threatening issues. (not sure what a corrupted registry file would be like for an anthroPC but I imagine it could be problematic) and since she got him help after he tried to rewire himself... then again I might be expecting a bit much of Pintsize.

[Is it cold in here?]

Why would a Sony robot be running Windows? (Unless Sony reinvented the registry on its own).

Text configuration files are manageable with general-purpose text manipulation tools. But then, I guess "regedit foo.reg" isn't too bad.

Isn't it a good thing Marten doesn't have a lot of money? Imagine Pintsize in a humanoid chassis.

[LordVaughn]

I believe the phrase is meant to be “sexy yaoi sites” but I'm interpolating here.

Yeah, sexy yaoi sites seems to be the case

I'm with iduguphergrave on this one - I'm pretty sure it's "sketchy  yaoi sites".  

Sketchy as in unreliable, like the title, which has a .cx (christmas island) domain extension...

I thought it might have been "filthy" yaoi sites, as if you say filthy out loud with your tongue outside your mouth, the l isn't so easy to pronounce. And as the "k" sound in such words as "sketchy" or "sexy" doesn't nessecarily need use of the tongue, and can come from the back of the throat, it seems unlikely those would be the case.

[jacjyd]

I'm still weirded out by the human sized chassis.  Moments like a few comics ago when Marigold holds Momo tight because they're both scared would just...get weird if Momo were the same size. Who'd be protecting whom?

[Jedit]

Having a life-size anthro-PC could be really really interesting... I hope Marigold fixes those registry files and decides to keep the new chassis.

"Captain, I'm getting a reading of 6.8 langs on the lesbometer!" 

[Method of Madness]

I just find it funny that having her tongue out of her mouth affects how she talks.

[jwhouk]

They can do everything better than us if they want,

No they can't.

Yes they can, yes they can, yes they CAAANNNNNNNNNN!

(If you recognize THAT meme, you're older than dirt.)

[Emperor Norton]

They can do everything better than us if they want,

No they can't.

Yes they can, yes they can, yes they CAAANNNNNNNNNN!

(If you recognize THAT meme, you're older than dirt.)

Anything we can do they can do better, they can do anything better than us.

[SirDudley]

Hmm....so much for my first prediction on today's comic. Guess I'll have to wait for #2500 or #3000 for the walk-in cameo by Jeph.

That said, ye olde corrupted-registry-files-due-to-porn will suffice. I kinda like the new Momo (if this is going to be the new Momo). There is potential in this new form. Then again, we have yet to see the price tag for any chassis at the store. Although I do wish Jeph kept the old chassis in a sitting position instead of lying on its back dead at the end.

[Dust]

I guess this chassis wasn't shielded against Strip2K.

[Throg]

Heh, so there's another tangential coincidence: 1984 was kinda-sorta about privacy issues.  2000 features (kinda/sorta) a Y2K bug.   

[stoutfiles]

How so?  Physically there's no question, they can be placed in a body that's designed for any task.  Mentally, they would compute problems like a computer, efficiently and without distractions.  They never die, only getting more proficient as hardware and software improves.  Whatever you do, a robot could do it better.  It'd be like Neo from the Matrix..."I know Kung Fu!".  Instantly they are trained at whatever took you years to perfect. 

Because technical proficiency in music is not a hallmark of success. In fact, even today, the technical best players are often not the most well recognized, famous, or even the most lauded by critics. There are other qualities that are necessary, such as ingenuity, charisma, and maybe sheer audacity.

Not to say that, in the QCverse, AI would be incapable of competing musically (or in any creative format) just that many qualities that create a good artist are personality based. Just as not every human is a good artist, nor could every AI be a good artist. There is no algorithm for creative success.

There is an algorithm for everything, just because it seems impossible to comprehend the human algorithm doesn't mean it isn't there.  Also, technical proficiency is a big help.  I'm not going to win any musical contests picking up a guitar for the first time, especially a robot who has the ability to play any song perfectly.

However, art is mostly opinionated.  The majority of jobs are just about getting a task done, which a robot would truly excel at.

Whatever you do, a robot could do it better

In principle, one day, perhaps (first we have to define "better", which is not always trivial).  But not in the here and now - nor, as far as I can see, in the QCverse.

They seem to be giving the robots free will, so they aren't the true workhorses that a robot can be.  But, like I said, if you can have more advanced sentient robots, then you can easily have non-sentient robots programmed to take jobs away from humans (and sentient robots?).

[Mark7]

What's the POD (Point Of Departure) for the QC timeline? Turing doesn't commit suicide?

[pwhodges]

There is an algorithm for everything, just because it seems impossible to comprehend the human algorithm doesn't mean it isn't there.

Er, see Gödel after class.  Then read up on computability.  Also there are algorithms which can be described, but which are not executable in this universe.

[Kugai]

Hooo boy, hope they can sort that Registry problem out.  I'd like to see Momo keep that Chassis.

It does look a little sad to see her old Chassis just lying there.  I wonder if Marigold will keep it as a 'Backup Device' for Momo.

[Boradis]

I'll keep my optimism, thanks.

I'm very much an optimist. I am simply saying the reason things have slowed down is not due to a lack of desire. What's holding us back is a non-trivial technical hurdle -- that's all. If anyone's a pessimist it's Jeph who seems to think we stopped going into space because it was boring.

I firmly believe real human spaceflight is right around the corner, possibly within the next few decades. I believe that we just need a major advancement in propulsion or materials science and bam we'll be building orbital colonies and Moon cities like mad. Now that they can make big sheets of carbon nanotubes I'm betting on a space elevator and/or tethers.

And to the person who thought "empty" Momo looked sad, that's funny because I read this with my friend and he said the same thing  (it is a little unsettling)

It reminds me of an awesome scene in an old Astro Boy cartoon where they have to sneak in somewhere, so the scientist who's basically Astro's adoptive dad walks by the guards carrying a briefcase. Once inside he opens it to reveal Astro "field stripped" and deactivated, his eyes "dead." Really threw me for a loop as a kid, but really highlighted the point that he's still a freakin' machine.

[DSL]

Betting on rocket advances, hoping for space elevator.

[stoutfiles]

There is an algorithm for everything, just because it seems impossible to comprehend the human algorithm doesn't mean it isn't there.

Er, see Gödel after class.  Then read up on computability.  Also there are algorithms which can be described, but which are not executable in this universe.

Why are you comparing our universe with one that has many scientific breakthroughs?  As it stands the scientists of QC appear to have emulated the human algorithm and improved upon it.

I'll keep my optimism, thanks.

I'm very much an optimist. I am simply saying the reason things have slowed down is not due to a lack of desire. What's holding us back is a non-trivial technical hurdle -- that's all. If anyone's a pessimist it's Jeph who seems to think we stopped going into space because it was boring.

I firmly believe real human spaceflight is right around the corner, possibly within the next few decades. I believe that we just need a major advancement in propulsion or materials science and bam we'll be building orbital colonies and Moon cities like mad. Now that they can make big sheets of carbon nanotubes I'm betting on a space elevator and/or tethers.

A lot fo the reason is cost/benefit.  Our country, along with most others, is having huge money issues.  How much time and money can we throw into a future that many of us won't see when people are struggling to find work right now?  We aren't bored, we're just prioritizing.

[pwhodges]

Why are you comparing our universe with one that has many scientific breakthroughs?

Scientific advance cannot change the basis of mathematical and computational theory.

[Boradis]

A lot fo the reason is cost/benefit.  Our country, along with most others, is having huge money issues.  How much time and money can we throw into a future that many of us won't see when people are struggling to find work right now?  We aren't bored, we're just prioritizing.

Contrary to popular belief, NASA's budget isn't that large. It's been at or below one percent of total Federal expenditures (PDF file) since 1976.

That doesn't help the public perception problem, but still.

[stoutfiles]

Why are you comparing our universe with one that has many scientific breakthroughs?

Scientific advance cannot change the basis of mathematical and computational theory.

I'm confused at what you're arguing now.  I'm suggesting no more that what the QC universe has currently shown us, and then mixing in technology we already have.  Please tell me, based on what we have seen in QC, that a robot could not be programmed to do a task or express an emotion.

Besides, mathematical and computational theory is just that, theory.  There are huge possible advances such as P=NP that have not been proven or disproven, and then there are accepted laws that are possibly changing, such as the speed of light not being a constant.  Nothing is impossible, especially in the QC world.

A lot fo the reason is cost/benefit.  Our country, along with most others, is having huge money issues.  How much time and money can we throw into a future that many of us won't see when people are struggling to find work right now?  We aren't bored, we're just prioritizing.

Contrary to popular belief, NASA's budget isn't that large. It's been at or below one percent of total Federal expenditures (PDF file) since 1976.

That doesn't help the public perception problem, but still.

I don't agree with the public but it's an easy cut when it comes to money for politicians.  Kick the can down the road.

[Tova]

There is an algorithm for everything...

I'm suggesting no more that what the QC universe has currently shown us, and then mixing in technology we already have.

Riight.

[TheCollector]

I absolutely love how this Chassis is like an improved version of the one in the dream Momo had. The improvement being the fact that this one has a nose.
That was actually the reason I previously didn't want the same chassis, the no nose looked weird. Or at least very tiny nose. But this, this I love. Especially in the fifth panel, so Cute!
Also, anyone else notice that while the shop keep is like that, Momo's new chassis doesn't have those lines on the joints? She looks more like a normal human then a robot.

[pwhodges]

Please tell me, based on what we have seen in QC, that a robot could not be programmed to do a task or express an emotion.

I'm not saying that they can't.  However, this is only a starting point; to produce the full complexity of a human being is another matter.  It may be (and I conjecture, because I don't know, any more than you do) that the task of emulating a human would bring us up against the limits of computability in such a way as would explain the uncertainty in the results in the case of humans themselves - thus possibly providing a basis for free will.

[stoutfiles]

There is an algorithm for everything...

I'm suggesting no more that what the QC universe has currently shown us, and then mixing in technology we already have.

Riight.

Out of context quoting is fun!  Yes, a logical algorithm can be written for any human action, the drawback being computational time.  I've seen no such problems with any A.I. in QC.

Please tell me, based on what we have seen in QC, that a robot could not be programmed to do a task or express an emotion.

I'm not saying that they can't.  However, this is only a starting point; to produce the full complexity of a human being is another matter.  It may be (and I conjecture, because I don't know, any more than you do) that the task of emulating a human would bring us up against the limits of computability in such a way as would explain the uncertainty in the results in the case of humans themselves - thus possibly providing a basis for free will.

That's fair. 

[Sorflakne]

So I was looking at panel 3, and in 3a, it initially looked like Momo was feeling up the new chassis, which would explain the reaction in 3b (if she realized that she suddenly doesn't like boobs), but her line in panel 4 just throws me off, since I'm not sure how corrupted registries would factor into it.

[Method of Madness]

Damn, 2 new replies.  @P-dubs - I've heard somewhat convincing arguments that humans in our universe don't have free will, either.

[pwhodges]

P-dubs??

Anyway - yes, maybe free will is an illusion; but seriously, how do we tell?

[EDIT]
OIC: "dubs" as in "double-u"

[CrowFairy]

Hmm, we may get our Sven fanservice yet, then.

I like the new chassis, and I'm glad Momo likes it, too. But it's definitely going to change the relationship the two of them have--they'll be a lot more like equals/friends than robot friend-companion. I do wonder when the jealousy would set in--Marigold is bound to start feeling like Momo is prettier than her (I don't think either is prettier than the other, but I know how Marigold thinks), and that will definitely cause some problems (which would be a good storyline but problematic for the two of them as characters/people/robot).

Considering how streamlined the chassis is (the joint lines being almost invisible) and such, it has to be expensive. :/ Can Mar-Bear really afford this right now? Or maybe they'll let her pay in installments? I won't be terribly surprised if they leave without the chassis, but if they do, then it probably won't be there by the time she has the money for it. At least, that's how things work when I wait to buy something I want.

Also, I think "thethy" is "sketchy." Her tongue is already out of her mouth when she starts the sentence, so trying to say "sexy" would sound pretty much just like that. I say "pretty much" because I don't feel like trying it, but that seems like it would be the result.

A hilarious comic #2000...I'd say that's a good birthday present.

That being said, the chassis is remarkably similar to 1658, especially if she can change clothes.

Considering she's basically human-sized in this chassis, all they'd have to do is order a cosplay costume or something.

[CompSarge]

Also, anyone else notice that while the shop keep is like that, Momo's new chassis doesn't have those lines on the joints? She looks more like a normal human then a robot.

You can see the faint outlines of them in panels 1, 2, and 3, but I think by panel 4 Jeph forgot about them.

[TheCollector]

I won't be terribly surprised if they leave without the chassis,

I hope they don't leave without it. I've always loved Momo but, and it may seem odd, but I've always felt weird saving images of her as is. Now I wouldn't.

Considering she's basically human-sized in this chassis, all they'd have to do is order a cosplay costume or something.

Why cosplay? If you ask me by her reaction to that other one, she doesn't like the whole schoolgirl look anymore. Maybe she'll start wearing normal clothes. Though I hope she doesn't stick with those default clothes, kinda bland.

[Boradis]

I'm not saying that they can't.  However, this is only a starting point; to produce the full complexity of a human being is another matter. 

If this is a religious belief of yours I'll back off.

We aren't magical. If it can be done with wetware it can be done with hardware/software.

QC posits a huge number of technological advances we haven't seen yet, to the point where it's bordering on "Futurama."

[TinPenguin]

Hmm, we may get our Sven fanservice yet, then.

We already did, and it was quite graphic!

[Method of Madness]

OIC: "dubs" as in "double-u"

Yep.  Is it ok if I call you that?  It amuses me.

[jwhouk]

I firmly believe real human spaceflight is right around the corner, possibly within the next few decades. I believe that we just need a major advancement in propulsion or materials science and bam we'll be building orbital colonies and Moon cities like mad. Now that they can make big sheets of carbon nanotubes I'm betting on a space elevator and/or tethers.

1. They've been waiting for that major advancement for years. Right along side Mr. Fusion and Transflux Capacitors.

2. You want someone to start heading to the moon like it's no one's business? Have them discover one of two things up there: Gold or Oil.

[jwhouk]

Considering she's basically human-sized in this chassis, all they'd have to do is order a cosplay costume or something.

Why cosplay? If you ask me by her reaction to that other one, she doesn't like the whole schoolgirl look anymore. Maybe she'll start wearing normal clothes. Though I hope she doesn't stick with those default clothes, kinda bland.

I think Marigold got her the current getup she has after she "bought" her, since her first one was a kimono. She looks better with the "schoolgirl" look.

[wrwight]

I just realized no one has posted this. I think it's relevant to the robotic discussion.

[TheCollector]

Considering she's basically human-sized in this chassis, all they'd have to do is order a cosplay costume or something.

Why cosplay? If you ask me by her reaction to that other one, she doesn't like the whole schoolgirl look anymore. Maybe she'll start wearing normal clothes. Though I hope she doesn't stick with those default clothes, kinda bland.

I think Marigold got her the current getup she has after she "bought" her, since her first one was a kimono. She looks better with the "schoolgirl" look.

Kimono? What? When was this?
But that's beside the point, like I said, judging by her reaction to the other one, Momo's not liking the schoolgirl look anymore.
Also, I'm hoping she stops the schoolgirl look in all honesty, on a little thing like her old chassis it's cute. On one that looks like a full grown woman, well there's porn of that.

[jwhouk]

I think Marigold got her the current getup she has after she "bought" her, since her first one was a kimono. She looks better with the "schoolgirl" look.

Kimono? What? When was this?

When we first meet Momo (1298, 702 strips ago).

[akronnick]

...well there's porn of that.

Yes, yes there is.

[jwhouk]

What would you like to see for strip 2K?

Fanservice, of course.    - 13 (10.4%)
Oh, what KIND of fanservice? Hanners cheesecake.    - 10 (8%)
No, FAYE cheesecake.    - 10 (8%)
DORA! DORA! DORA!    - 2 (1.6%)
I always preferred Penelope, myself.    - 6 (4.8%)
MARI-CHAN!    - 9 (7.2%)
Tai! (And maybe her last name, too?)    - 7 (5.6%)
Forget the girls: MARTEN cheesecake!    - 4 (3.2%)
No, no, NO! STEVE rocks.    - 3 (2.4%)
Sven FTW.    - 9 (7.2%)
We need more AnthroPC antics!    - 7 (5.6%)
Yelling Bird vs. Randy.    - 11 (8.8%)
Ho, hum, just another boring day.    - 15 (12%)
Naked Waffles!    - 19 (15.2%)

Total Voters: 125

[TheCollector]

I think Marigold got her the current getup she has after she "bought" her, since her first one was a kimono. She looks better with the "schoolgirl" look.

Kimono? What? When was this?

[http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1298]When we first meet Momo[/url] (1298, 702 strips ago).

Huh, what do ya know. I remember that now. Especially the disturbing eel line.
But yeah, I like the schoolgirl look better on her. Little her. Big her, once again, Porn.

But man, I wish QC updated on the weekends too. I hate having to wait all that time to possibly see more new Momo.

[TinPenguin]

Warning - while you were typing 6 new replies have been posted. You may wish to review your post.

Despite it now being 3am, I had to satisfy my own curiosity, and so did an archive-dive to find out Momo has only ever appeared in the kimono in 2 strips (from a total of 44 appearances) - 1298 and 1366. By the time of her 3rd appearance, in 1411, she has changed to the schoolgirl outfit.

[akronnick]

Well it's just an outfit, Maybe she came with the kimono, and at some point She and/or Marigold decided the schoolgirl outfit was a better choice.

[Kugai]

Actually, considering that Marigold is actually a 'Techie' (wasn't that mentioned as her profession at one stage?) it wouldn't surprise me that she can afford the expense of the new Chassis for Momo.  It'll probably mean she'll have to take on more work, but considering the kind of charges a self employed tech expert of Mairgolds ability could charge, I wouldn't be surprised if she can afford it in the long run.

[Somebody]

When we first meet Momo (1298, 702 strips ago).

Wait, if Momo was the newest model then, and she's 2 years & 8 months old now (per #1995), does that mean a couple of years have passed in the past 700 strips? I know there's a couple of time jumps in there, but the idea that QC even approaches "real time" Does Not Compute.