Microsoft Patent Envisions Free Computing

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.'"

Comments

Umm

[utopianfiat]

This is completely non-unique and there is so much prior art behind it.
Hey, let's look at qdb.us, they provided a service in exchange for adwords revenue! What difference does it make if you serve computers for ad revenue?
Not to mention the huge implication of legitimized monopolism implied in patenting a fucking business model.

This has already been done

[tacokill]

This has been done before, hasn't it? I distinctly remember a company who offered a free computer and dial-up ISP in exchange for "targeted advertising". I can't recall the company name but it failed miserably.

I remember seeing screen shots of the system and a good 1/3 of the screen was ads -- all the time.

So, yea...ok, let them apply for this patent. I don't care if they apply for it. But I will raise bloody hell if it's granted because there is CLEARLY prior-art for this. And not just in the computer world either.

Wait just a minute... I see whats happening here

[Gat0r30y]

They just want this patent so that if anyone else gives it away for free M$ can claim patent infringment and put an end to it. Come on, its M$.