[LINK] Steve Jobs: Great unwashed don't need PCs

[Michael Skeggs mike@bystander.net]

On 3 June 2010 20:54, Richard Chirgwin <rchirgwin at ozemail.com.au> wrote:
> If Apple chooses not to offer this 'stuff', I can't install it any other
> way without violating some license; at least, that's how I understand
> the iPad model.

And so we rotate back to the earlier point that these aren't general
purpose computers, with the reduced support costs and lack of freedom
that entails.
While you, a tech savvy user providing your own support, can install
some OSS software package that is used by maybe 0.001% of PC buyers,
the reality I have is a bunch of tweens, harried parents and older
people in my immediate support network for whom the ability to install
malware, or even shitty legal software, is a nightmare to support.
I totally grok the argument that taking away the neutrality a general
purpose computer provides is a disaster for you, me and 99% of
Linkers, but the other 75% of potential IT users just need a web
browser. And I'd like it to be one that doesn't end up with them as a
DDOS bot.
I don't have an iPad, but I am assuming it has the same controls as an
un-jailbroken iPhone, which is a magnificent model of supportability
when you consider it is a network connected (by more than one avenue)
computer.
I'm not feeling threatened that locked down platforms will spell doom
for those of us who need something more, instead I'm pretty pleased
there is a nearly zero maintenance alternative for people who just
need a browser.
If they decide they need more ability to run whatever they want, there
is no shortage of options, and I suspect the Chinese manufacturing
base will ensure there never is a shortage of options.
Regards,
Michael Skeggs