Star Trek Universe

[BarkingGhost]

From the original series, we learn that the world of Star Trek comes complete with the ability to breakdown the molecules and very atoms that make up the human constituent, convert them into energy, transmit them to another destination, and without needing equipment at the destination convert said energy back into atoms, molecules, etc. into the originally organized unique human.

To me, this shows a level of technological sophistication not really acknowledged in the original series, and furthermore and counter-reinforced in the next generation series when they highlight nanites, tiny robots on the nano-scale.

Why should I find nanites so fascinating years later when I've already proven the ability to a) manipulate at least on the atomic level, b) be able to convert matter <-->energy, and c) being able to uniquely assemble on the atomic level with more than trivial molecular sophistication.

Additionally, I would think since they had the ability of transporting both living and inanimate matter via the transporters, that the less than able means in their day to day lives, both personally and professionally, should have been much more achievable then the obvious limitations exhibited in the original series, and also in the Star Trek movie reboot.

BTW, I am not a Trekkie, and as such my knowledge is somewhat limited in the ST universe. For instance, without divine Trekkie knowledge, I cannot self-answer certain questions such as in the original series, or the rebooted ST movie, did the Romulans not have this ability? What about the Vulcans?