digital camera musings

I am not quite sure what you are proposing here. I can already control the settings of my Canon Rebel through the computer when the camera is connected to it via USB. Granted I have to have a cable but it is not too hard actually to have a wireless connection--I am almost certain it already exists. I don't know about other cameras though.
However, the fundamental question in my mind is why would anyone do this? Sorry for my lack of imagination. I suppose I come from the old school where the view finder is irreplaceable so is the light meter and framing etc....

I use Nikon and linux and can't see how to do what you can do with my set-up. I was just thinking with a Nikon 300, which has hundreds and hundreds of options, it would be nice to explore them on a larger screen than the tiny 3"x3" screen on the back of the computer. A person shooting, say, astronomy pictures might want to control things from inside where it is warm and more lighting is available.
I don't mean to sound like I'm griping or complaining - the situation is fine I think. I was just day-dreaming, that's all. It's good to know that it does make some sense though, so thanks for your post!

I understand what you mean now. With my Canon I can control the camera--although I have to admit I have not tried it because I did not feel any need for doing that. I don't think that I can actually see the picture, framing of subject etc... until after shooting the picture.