Re: XGS/32 v1.4b Released!

[!smentzer@pacbell.net (Steve Mentzer)]

>
>You only made one statement I disagree with. My personal
>theory is that Microsoft knows exactly what the effects of
>their marketing tactics are. I have stated several times that
>(IMHO) MS has manipulated the consumer into funding
>the majority off of the R&D needed to expand the computer
>industry.
>

Of course they did. We need to remember that the software industry is dynamic. If you go out and buy a 
toaster, microwave, car, truck, van, VCR or refrigerator you are stuck with it, as-is for a very long 
time.

The software industry affords the consumer with wonderful flexibility, at a price. It is very easy to 
download a patch or a free upgrade to a new version of the web browser. The benefit is that you get the 
newer technology quicker. The drawback is that sometimes you are being used as a guinea pig to test 
consumer interest and reaction.

With the good comes the bad. Rarely do you hear of new technology being kept off the consumer desktop 
for more than a year. yes, the software might now be fully tested, and may not be bug free, but do you 
really want to wait 2-3 years between release cycles, just so you can have 2-3 year old technology?

When we purchase a TV, we expect perfection. In return, we dont get the newest products as soon as we 
get software. Our TV is also non-upgradable. In terms of computer software, we expect new features and 
gizmos. In return we get the stuff sooner, and have the ability to "enhance" a product we have 
already paid for, often at no cost to us?

We cannot have it both ways...

smentzer@pacbell.net