"X" is the X Windows System but, frankly, if it were called the X Protocol System then perhaps we would have a significantly different perception of what it is and what it can be used for. A certain Keith Packard has been involved with X virtually from the beginning and is at the center of the X Renaissance (my description) that is taking place today. Here's one of Keith's papers discussing the latencies of the X Network Performance wherein he discusses the latencies of the X protocol. If you have a bookmark Folder for Interesting People then keithp.com should be in it. He's kind of like Richard Stevens to me, a prodigious, intelligent, prolific individual, the kind of person who is out beyond the ocean's horizon somewhere, creating giant waves that touch us all.

If the 770 stands alone as being able to use the X protocol, then that alone makes it a revolutionary device. As this potential is exploited it will become obvious that no matter how badly commercial interests subvert other Protocols, including the WWW protocols, they likely aren't going to bother subverting the X protocol. The X protocol is an efficient, versatile protocol and its development continues today, after more than 20 years. It contains the tools and features that allow displays to be driven over the network without the need for PCs where users are located, to feature efficient GUIs and to allow large numbers of people to work together in real time.