Phil, there are plenty of cheap computers with Windows on it. From netbooks to cheap laptops. Is it Msofts problem Linux isnt user friendly enough yet? Is it ok for Microsoft to be waaay cheaper then Apple? Is there another REAL magical OS out there that is free, works, and looks halfway decent?

I also know they dont make computers, I was responding to the previous statement. But, you need to have an OS on your computer in some form. So yes, you pay for it. If you dont want to, build your own comp. For a majority of people, they just want it to work. They have never heard of Linux, Apple is more expensive, so what other choice?

Mocrosoft has clearly gotten stale. Their mobile OS is completely dated. But they are def making strides. Look at the new Zune HD. Its amazing. If they come anywhere close to what they want, the will be back in the game. From your comp, to your mp3 player, to your phone, to your xbox, it will all be connected. Thats pretty legit. So, to answer your statement, they ARE improving their products.

Kizer, Microsoft and Google have not been in the same game together. Only recently has Google really began to branch out. They offer free products for advertising. They monitor user usage, and send their data to advertisers. So, then, they have highly skilled devs come in and continue to build off of Google. Thats why they are expanding so much now. Everything leads to a bigger payday for them. They just get their money in a different way. Thats why they give things away. Dont think it will last forever though. The normal consumer is probably fine, but Google is developing business software(think office), and that wont be free.

Google and Android are far superior to Msoft right now, but they are making strides. Very late, but they are coming back. To be honest though, who knew Android would be this BIG? Im an Android guy by far, but dont hate Microsoft because they are Microsoft, nor Apple for being Apple. Give credit where it is due.

Sure things cost money and nothing should be free, but nothing should be sugar coated and over priced to the point you force your customers into somebody elses hands.

Google they make money hand over fist and yet they still give things away simply because they either can afford it or they are trying to seriously trying to build their fan base. Sure they have an odd model, but thats their problem and it seems to be working.

Second MS doesn’t make computers and you saying that only illustrates the problem. Windows has become synonymous with computer. I don’t use Windows and don’t want to have to pay for it just to get the hardware that I do want. Simple as that. So yes there is a MS tax on computers. You will pay MS simply for buying hardware whether you use Windows or not.

As for the article. I say let MS fail or at least come close to it. MS has become weak because they lacked competition. So they shoveled crap out because they didn’t have to do any better. Now its catching up with them and they will have to fall down to a point where there is competition in order for them to be forced to improve their products.

Also, Microsoft is such a huge banner, it is hard to distinguish between novel new ideas like the PhotoSynth, and the big machine of Windows. Simplicity is best. Fragment and diversify, yet retain your background for integration.

And one further point…the MSN search engine is terribly complicated, even if they have re-branded it. If you go to Google search, I get a search box on the page. That’s it! MSN gives you list after list… etc etc. Same goes with Mail, Calendar, Maps… Where are these on a Microsoft web page? Simple and reliable is the name of the game. If I want a map, a click on ‘Map’, if I want Shopping results I click on ‘Shopping’. Simples.

As for Linux….well…. my lips will remain sealed.

How does Msoft have a tax on computers? I think you are referring to the Apple tax;). Msoft makes many computers at bargain basement prices. Contrary to your thoughts, companies need to make money off of their products. Therefore, you pay for using Windows.

And, with the multiple OS on the market, consumers DO have a choice for what they want on a laptop. Stop complaining about having to pay for a service you use, especially when there IS a choice.

M$ tax on computers no more! Let the consumers decide whether they want winslows on their new laptop or not. We don’t want to battle the laptop manufacturers for a refund, we want it WITHOUT winslows!