Will computers ever be conscious?

An excellent discussion on one of my favourite hobby horses - the nature of conscious experience - is going on via the comments pages of David Weinberger's blog (Why Matter Matters). It is quite an experience trying to make your thoughts clear by writing them down and getting reactions from the various participants. I think I know what I mean when I write something, only to find I've been quite ambiguous or even sloppy. Nevertheless, I've learned a bit more. I'll try and summarise my own views more clearly here next.