On Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 3:26 PM, Gerhard Fiedler wrote: > M.L. wrote: > >> If only more computer companies controlled both the hardware and >> software with an iron fist. > > Are you serious? Do you really want to be restricted to use Microchip > hardware only with Microchip software (and vice versa)? Or -- one step > further -- only want to be able to program PICs with Microchip > programmers? Only use Microsoft motherboards with Windows? Maybe only > use Intel or AMD software with your processor? Only use your Internet > provider's appliance (it has a screen, but no Ethernet connector :) with > your Internet connection? > > I'm deeply grateful for open standards and attempts at interoperability. > > Gerhard I thought the sarcasm was obvious. No, I don't think we need more companies that control hardware+software. That's leftover from the 80s AFAIK and I don't think anyone but Apple could succeed at it. Unless you count Microsoft with it's XBox, but that's hardly considered a general purpose computer (yes, I know people use it as such in some limited cases.) A quick Google search shows that at least one company makes Apple clones. I'm not up-to-date on Apple's frivolous lawsuits. It seems they would have less of a leg to stand on since Macs are 99% "PC" now. - Martin -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist