Tablets and Computers

With limited access to high-density fuels, silicon and rare earth metals imposed by the international mining embargo, human technologies faced major setbacks in the first decades after humanity's arrival on the Ariad. Since then huge advances have been made in computer technology, allowing widespread access to simple handheld computers based primarily on organic materials. While mechanisation remains limited in most areas, computers are widely utilised in virtually all industries.
There is no unified internet on the Ariad. A few global, satellite based systems exist, primarily used as archives and for urgent government communication; however most people connect primarily to regional networks which are usually maintained by the local government. The quality, capability and upkeep of these regional networks vary widely. Virtually all wireless networks on the Ariad are powered by Delta Radiation, although electromagnetic waves are still the primary means of long-distance information transfer.

Access and Availability

In urban areas, most households will typically own at least one tablet. In rural areas computers are less common; many people may only own very simple text-based devices or be limited to access to shared community computers. Most regional governments operate recycling facilities for broken tablets to conserve the small amount of non-renewable materials used in their production.

Complexity

While supercomputers operate across the globe for scientific and industrial use, virtually all commercial tablets are low-energy devices with monochrome oLED displays and limited functionality. Wireless connectivity depends on the region; in rural areas most tablets only have short-range connectivity, requiring the user to visit a local network station to download or upload data to a regional or global server. The most basic devices are text-based only, while more complex (and expensive) tablets have audiovisual capability, cameras, and occasionally even games.