Pointers Question

What disadvantages are there in implicit dereferencing of pointers, but only in certain contexts? For example, consider the implicit dereference of a pointer to a record in Ada when it is used to reference a record field.

Java & C++

Needs some key points and reasons for what was lost and what was gained in Java's designers' decision to not include the pointers of C++.

Expressions question - good idea to elimination all operator precedence rules?

Would it be a good idea to elimination all operator precedence rules and require parentheses to show the desired precedence in expressions? Why or why not?

Boolean definition

What are the arguments for and against representing Boolean values as single bits in memory? Need some key points for and against.

Peripheral Devices

Please address: 1. Possible demands on the CPU 2. Possible demands on data storage 3. Possible demands on I/O 4. Possible demands on communication 5. The range of predicted uses and the difficulties that might be encountered