We can already assemble arbitrary DNA up to a few kilobases long, and that tech is improving rapidly. So I don't think Venter's biological printer is as far away you think.
It doesn't require general manufacture of complex molecules -- just general manufacture of proteins. And the whole reason life is built on proteins is that proteins are relatively easy to reliably manufacture.
If we were talking about a "Diamond Age"-style nanoassembler, I'd agree with you. But we already have biological assemblers all around us, it's just a question of continuing to increase our degree control over them.
It doesn't require general manufacture of complex molecules -- just general manufacture of proteins. And the whole reason life is built on proteins is that proteins are relatively easy to reliably manufacture.
If we were talking about a "Diamond Age"-style nanoassembler, I'd agree with you. But we already have biological assemblers all around us, it's just a question of continuing to increase our degree control over them.