the next big thing

It's not nano tech. It's not fuel cells. It's not wearable computers. It's definitely not a smart-phone-video-player-gps-dishwasher-all-in-one

I think the next truly revolutionary advance in technology will be in transportation.

The communications revolution (internet + cellphones, mainly) is satisfying the human need to "reach" - i.e. to communicate (obviously), to access information and entertainment, and do commerce - instantly, and without regard for geography. It fundamentally changed the way people think about reaching. It is a big deal.

Compared to that, nano-tech or any consumer electronics innovation will fade in impact. Yes, new materials and new medical possibilities that nano will usher, will make life easier (and perhaps longer), but they will unfold gradually, and they will not change people's fundamental assumptions or day-to-day life. (Except if nano-tech can engineer immortality - but I doubt it will happen any time soon to be of use to you or me.)

But instant and distance-oblivious reach is only the second best thing; after the need of "presence". People would rather *be there*. Instantly, if possible. Without regard to geography.

Imagine traveling hundreds of miles in minutes or seconds. Imagine that being affordable. That will turn the world upside down!

You won't have to live where you work; you could live in another country, if you want. You could visit another continent for the weekend. You could visit your parent living in another city after work and be home for dinner. You could shop local produce in the other hemisphere. If you were Angelina Jolie, you could visit the African kid next in your adoption list for every diaper change.

That'll fundamentally change the way people think about distance, commute, immigration, shopping, relationships, commerce, property and perhaps, time.

What do you think? Can there be some thing else more revolutionary?

PS: an infinite energy source will be a revolution of unimaginable impact. but i don't expect it to happen any time soon.