CompuServe Messages

You are absolutely correct. Converting an unlimited amount of energy into a Porsche 928 would be no harder than converting it into a VW Beetle. But WE don't have the capability. Or the unlimited energy. Remember, E=mc(squared). Which means that m=E/c(squared). So it takes a BUNCH of energy to make the tiniest bit of mass. By the 24th Century, technology has advanced to the point that they can make all sorts of things (what do you think a "replicator" does? It converts energy into whatever you can describe. The more massive the thing you need, the more energy it requires). Oh, and don't forget, it's unlikely that the process is loss-less, so you need some energy to lose in the effort of converting energy into your Porsche.