If Skynet is gonna happen, it will probably be on one of those.

But I thort the whole point of a quantum computer was that the electrons can be in many states at one time not just 1 of 2?

I find it interesting that todays computers are basically designing their own demise with quantium computers, but i find it even more interesting that todays computers CAN actually help bring about quantium computers, it's must be like having a Neandertal man working on Einstiens theory of general relativity. lol

I'll believe it when I see it--and maybe not even then. "Quantum computing" is a miraculous device for raising money from gullible venture capitalists who have swallowed the hype, and that is its highest and best use today. It would seem to literally be the mathematical equivalent of counting the number of angels that can safely fit on the head of a pin. Bah, humbug....On, off, maybe--sure thing /s! "It holds out a promise of truly revolutionary and mindboggling results, such as how to calculate vast sums without actually doing any calculations! So keep that money coming in!" Ever notice how descriptions for theoretical research possibilities are always couched in miraculous terms? Of course, because who would hand them money otherwise?

David Lake:

But I thort the whole point of a quantum computer was that the electrons can be in many states at one time not just 1 of 2?

Depends how it is done,single atom nuclei with multiple electrons can have it's electrons just in two orbitals,you may recall s and p-orbital.Now if they are doing just 2 electrons then they can be in either s or p-orbital in same shell but they can be in same orbital in different shell (energy level).Now if they are doing just 2 qubits in single atom, that is nothing new and exciting,that was already done,problem is to do locally (coherent)or connected multiple qubits at same time. Think of that this way,we currently have 64-bit processors ,you can process that 64-bit number in single pass or what they done is they made 2-bit system,granted that system can process same 64-bit number but in multiple pass.

waltc3:

I'll believe it when I see it--and maybe not even then. "Quantum computing" is a miraculous device for raising money from gullible venture capitalists who have swallowed the hype, and that is its highest and best use today. It would seem to literally be the mathematical equivalent of counting the number of angels that can safely fit on the head of a pin. Bah, humbug....On, off, maybe--sure thing /s! "It holds out a promise of truly revolutionary and mindboggling results, such as how to calculate vast sums without actually doing any calculations! So keep that money coming in!" Ever notice how descriptions for theoretical research possibilities are always couched in miraculous terms? Of course, because who would hand them money otherwise?

Like any new research it takes time,it will come but it is difficult , you are dealing here with basic blocks of matter.