In a world where silicon transistors were never invented, how many limitations would be incurred if we had to continue to use germanium transistors? In this world, silicon transistors were never invented, no one thought of them. Don't question why, I don't have an answer. Instead, the primary transistor material remained Germanium. I have heard the primary limitations of germanium transistors were smaller band gap, worse thermal conductivity, & primarily a higher cost. How much would this limit computing capabilities? Especially with germanium transistors being more expensive than vacuum tubes (afaik) meaning cheaper computers would be stuck with those. Note that I'm assuming germanium transistors because from what I can find that was the primary alternative material for transistors before silicon. If other things can be used it would be helpful to know how other varieties of transistors affect things. What limitations would this scenario create for computing with the lack of silicon transistors?