> > On Jul 23, 2009, at 6:03 AM, M.L. wrote: > > 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 > -- I am happy to see both the iron fist and the anarchy of white boxes. In a FREE MARKET , you can pick what flavour you want today. Most lawsuits are a bad thing to have happen. Gus -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist