Out on the road, and it's time for the GPS connection to do its job. You hardly need global positioning to find the interstate, of course, but the computer-generated map has become slightly more sophisticated since its inception in the late 20th century. One click on the steering wheel's control panel and the HUD becomes a color-coded map -- flashing red for roadwork, purple for accidents and sky blue for clear sailing. If you inadvertently steer into a traffic squall, the PC will speak up and politely of fer an escape route. If any of your buddies have missed breakfast, the PC can look for a drive-through diner where the lines aren't too long.

This morning, however, it's sky blue all the way, and no doughnuts are required, so you're virtually on autopilot until you hit the interstate -- where you really do go on autopilot. Merging left, you creep closer to the "smartway", a special lane where the cars run at speeds of up to 100 m.p.h., often bumper to bumper, curiously at odds with the usual morning crawl going on in the other four lanes. This is possible because all drivers on the smartway have ceded control via their Internet connections to a nearby federal traffic computer.

Not a popular option in a world of such conspicuous individualism, you might think. Yet given the rush-hour alternative, other drivers are clamoring to get on, as are you. After a few minutes of chatter between your AutoPC and the feds (enough time to che ck your license, insurance and driving history), a space opens up in the smartway, and you are gently maneuvered in. Tell the PC the number of your exit, and you're good to go. Now, in 2019, the miraculous smartways are limited to only one lane on selecte d interstates. But in the future, who knows?