OT -- Windows 8

[Dave]

So, does all this realized "Like" make you want to buy one more powerful or perhaps a little bit more tricked out?

[Ed Pawlowski]

I did upgrade the RAM from 1G to 2G. Otherwise, it works well enough. There is no CD drive but I've not really missed it. I still use the desktop for most stuff requiring serious typing.

[Bill]

I believe the real reason is they want different pricing tiers.

[Unquestionably Confused]

Same here - MOL. Bought the MSI netbook with a decent HD and RAM and it's served its purpose quite well for travel, etc. With Wi-Fi and BT built in, quite handy to tether to my old Smart Phone or use now with the built-in hot spot with my current Galaxy SIII. I can surf the internet, gather mail or work just about anywhere.

The lack of CD-Rom drive never a problem, just log on to the network at the home or office via Wi-Fi or wire. If those weren't available, then it was "sneaker net" using a thumb drive.

Of course, that's old technology lo these many three years later and I find myself almost as capable as a road warrior carrying a 10 tablet with me with much less weight and way more battery time.

[Pat Barber]

Which brings to mind an old classic:

"What if Operating Systems were Airlines ?"

Unix Airlines

Each passenger brings a piece of the airplane and a box of tools to the airport. They gather on the tarmac, arguing constantly about what kind of plane they want to build and how to put it together. Eventually, they build several different aircraft, but give them all the same name. Some passengers actually reach their destinations. All passengers believe they got there.

or

Linux Airlines

Disgruntled employees of all the other OS airlines decide to start their own airline. They build the planes, ticket counters, and pave the runways themselves. They charge a small fee to cover the cost of printing the ticket, but you can also download and print the ticket yourself. When you board the plane, you are given a seat, four bolts, a wrench and a copy of the seat-HOWTO.html. Once settled, the fully adjustable seat is very comfortable, the plane leaves and arrives on time without a single problem, the in-flight meal is wonderful. You try to tell customers of the other airlines about the great trip, but all they can say is, "You had to do what with the seat?"

or

Windows Air

The terminal is pretty and colorful, with friendly stewards, easy baggage check and boarding, and a smooth take-off. After about 10 minutes in the air, the plane explodes with no warning whatsoever.

Windows NT Air/Windows XP/Windows/7

Just like Windows Air, but costs more, uses much bigger planes, and takes out all the other aircraft within a 40-mile radius when it explodes.

Mac Airlines

All the stewards, stewardesses, captains, baggage handlers, and ticket agents look the same, act the same, and talk the same. Every time you ask questions about details, you are told you don't need to know, don't want to know, and would you please return to your seat and watch the movie.

[Swingman]

Why Win8?

Here's one reason why:

Go to 5:30 for a glimpse of what MSFT is preparing for.

Reminds of when the dude whispered "plastics" in Dustin Hoffman's ear ... can you spell Graphene?

[Just Wondering]

Bind the stuff edge-on to a steel blade. That would take Scary Sharp to a whole new level.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Sure: grafeen