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Microsoft Patent Envisions Free Computing

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the free-is-a-variable-term dept.

Dotnaught writes "A Microsoft patent application published on Thursday shows the company contemplating free computers and software for its customers. It suggests 'a service provider such as a telephone company, an Internet service provider, or a leasing company may provide computer systems or components to users at a reduced charge or for free in exchange for targeted advertising delivery.'"

2 of 157 comments (clear)

  1. Prior Art by femtoguy · · Score: 3, Funny

    I seem to remember about a zillion companies in the 90s that did this. A good example is PeoplePC. Does this patent things have no sanity.

  2. hello? by gmack · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hey microsoft it's the year 2000 calling.. they want their buisness plan back.

    Seriously. Wasn't exactly this done already? How can they patent this?