Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (
More info?)
William J. Burlingame wrote:
> On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 23:35:33 -0800, mike <spamme0@netscape.net> wrote:
>
>>snip<
>
>
> Mike,
>
> I don't understand your use of the term force. Who forced you to buy
> XP?
I wanted to try something newer than visual basic 6. Dot net REQUIRES
XP. You can argue that the dotnet environment is required, but it can
be loaded on 98SE. >> I don't use Dot net.
I bought a network appliance that plays mp3s wirelessly thru your
stereo. The mp3 server software REQUIRES XP. Can't think of any reason
for that. >> I sold the appliance.
An increasing number of hardware and software products REQUIRE XP.
Go down to Best Buy and try to buy a laptop computer that does not have
XP on it. Call up Dell and try to get one. Yes, you can probably find
a vendor, but it won't be mainstream.
When I decided to upgrade from my old computer, no one put a gun
> to my head. My old computer did everything it did when I first bought
> it and more, but I just wanted newer technology.
And you're certainly welcome to do that. Come back after you hear,
"The XP activation number you have dialed is no longer in service;
please check the listing" and tell us how happy you are.
The computer I chose
> didn't have an OS preloaded. I chose to use XP Pro. I've tried Red
> Hat and prefer XP, but there are some who prefer a Linux based OS.
You're allowed to choose whatever you want. I'd like that same option,
and my choices would be different...if I had a choice.
Linux is not ready for prime time. And it will NEVER be in it's present
form. You have to be able to get drivers with new hardware you get from
CompUSA. This won't happen until the OS is standardized. This won't
happen until someone figgers out how to make a buck off it. Then it
won't be free any more. Catch-22.
I
> chose not to buy a Mac and I understand that Mac's are preferred by
> some users.
Mac is a great choice if you're in the graphics art business. Otherwise
Hw and Sw are limited and expensive. And why is it expensive, you ask?
Because Apple has the monopoly on apple hw and sw.
The point is that we all have a choice. If the
> government gets into the act, they may be able to force the price
> down,
I'm not asking the government to force the price down. I'm asking the
government to punish predators and restore the free market.
but you would probably see the supply dry up and/or the
> development of the product will be moved offshore. I just bought a
> used laptop on Ebay for less than $200 (including shipping). It came
> with an OS preloaded, but I knew that ahead of time and it was one of
> the things I looked at when I decided to make a bid. I wasn't
> "forced" to buy that computer. I have downloaded Open Office and it
> didn't cost a dime.
Open office looks like a fine product. If I didn't have a passel of
Office 97 licenses, I's use it.
I have MS Office Professional 2003 on my desktop
> and it was my decision to do that - wasn't forced. I think the EULA
> will permit me to put MS Office on both the desktop and the laptop,
> but I haven't tried yet. My old desktop came with 98SE and I upgraded
> that to XP Home.
What was your motivation? What did XP give you that 98SE didn't?
Isn't "home" a downgrade in networking capability?
If it's just a matter of extra money, I can take that off your hands.
I wasn't forced to do that either. I went to Costco
> and bought it. The are many companies that sell systems they call
> "barebones" and you load them up with what you want.
Again, you're allowed to spend your money any way you want.
>
> I'm going to make some guesses about your situation. Unless your
> retired
Yes I am.
> or independently wealthy,
That too.
>I would guess you sell your job
So, you're still batting zero on your assumptions.
> skills to someone at the most you can charge. Those who pay for your
> services can either pay the price, find another person willing to
> perform the service for less, or ask you to take less. You probably
> think that they should be forced to pay what you think is "fair" and
> you have already indicated that companies to be force to sell at
> prices you have determined are "fair".
You're missing the point. What I think is fair matters not. The free
market determines price...except in the case of a monopoly that controls
the price...and in this case wags the whole industry.
From what I've read of your
> posts, you are a Socialist.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
I'm not even sure the implications of the title.
Let me say this:
When the school bully slams you up against the wall and asks for your
lunch money, what are you gonna do? He's providing a service at a price
you're willing to pay. Or you can "choose" to NOT give him your lunch
money. The teacher is also intimidated and looks the other way.
Whatchagonnado?
mike
Barry is right.
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> bs has been included as part of my e-mail address to reduce the
> amount of spam mail. Change the 'bs'in my address to 'bellsouth'
> to send me a message.
>
> Bill Burlingame
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