Perhaps I'm sidestepping the point of the OP by talking about 'ternary' but if I remember correctly, the optimal number of 'states' in terms of storage is equal to the mathematical 'e' (2.718...).
In practice however, base 3 would give a more realistic 'optimal' speed in reading / writing data since it is a rounded number and is closer to e and therefore is more optimal than base 2 (binary).
In terms of quantum computing, I'm under the impression that the reason for its speed is due to quantum theory, not due to it being an optimal design // base 4? I mean, if signals (electrons) were to travel down a copper wire / amongst the electronics in a PC then maybe things would be different?
EDIT: Also, without going down to assembly / binary level, how would a 1000line program in a higher-level language be written in any fewer lines? This will be 3 lines regardless of how you store it.
if(x=y){
// do something
}
Anyhow, my first post so be nice please
Kwah
