Ghost in the Shell? Stargate? anyone?
This topic has definitely been covered extensively in sci-fi for years. My two favorite depictions are Ghost in the Shell - via neural implants. Very cool stuff (and even thought up WAY back in the early 90's). And Stargate SG1 in Season 7 episode 5 (circa 2003), where the entire society has little neural links (but the computer ends up erasing memories, etc.)
Anyway, fascinating thought and i dont doubt for one second that we'll get there in the next century.