"Microsoft's reticence cannot last much longer. In two weeks, it will be host for a conference for hardware vendors, setting down the minimum specifications that must be met in order to run Longhorn. You may be eager to know whether that PC on your desk will meet the specs. If your PC does not, it's unlikely that you will replace it just to be able to run the latest version of Windows. Michael Cherry, a senior analyst at Directions on Microsoft, a consulting firm based in Kirkland, Wash., observes that many PC users now treat their computers like TV sets.
'Unless the TV doesn't turn on,' he says, 'they won't replace them.'"
There is a difference between the needs of all computer users. Most computer users need a device, which allows them to communicate, hear music, watch programs. They may want to visit their banks web site, and check their accounts. To them the computer is a device that replaces older technologies such as a television. However it is not a personal computer that these people are after. They dont require the flexibility that is afforded with having a computer. For these people I would think something like a PDA environment is more than enough. An environment that is not scriptable. They need an email program, instant messenger, web browser and word processor. Nothing more. A computer is too complex, like a car.
Just as you have mechanics for cars, you need technicians for your computer. You need to take it in for a overhaul every three months (like you give your car an oil change). Until people realize this, and give small computer shops who can provide these services a chance things will get worse.
People are stupid (Imho).
