I wonder how long before Microsoft start shipping an embedded Windows version....
Probably as soon as they can get vista to fit in 1gb of flash memory, make it boot instantly, be cheap, and not be a POS...
They'd probably push Embedded XP. They've already backflipped on XP availability for the Asus EeePC etc., which does nothing to improve the image of Vista. ("Look, our soon-to-be discontinued 2001 OS can compete with Linux in the 'ultra-low cost' computer market!")
However, I think they've painted themselves into a corner. If they bully Asus into providing an embedded XP version of the motherboards, the customer is bound to ask: "I don't want Vista; why can't I run XP as the OS on the same motherboard?" The more features that can be crammed into the embedded Linux version, the sillier Microsoft's inevitable justifications will seem ("It's not really XP", "you can't do real work in an embedded environment" etc.)
Wait -- if it is 28,000 light years away, but only 140 years old.... does that mean we won't see it for another 27,860 years?
Not unless they've also invented a way to send information faster than the speed of light.
Since scientists know that it exploded, the supernova's light cone (in 4D space-time terms) from 28000 years ago has already reached us, 140 years ago.
Calling it "140 years old" is incorrect - not to mention misleading; using that kind of logic, the Big Bang is only 379,043* years old since the cosmic background radiation was first detected in 1965. A more accurate headline would be: "Scientists fail to notice supernova in own galaxy for 140 years."
The RIAA/MPAA are your classic bully, targeting the weak and vunerable: single mothers, children, grandmothers, homeless people - even dead people. I imagine that taking on any armed force (including pirates, arr!), is on their list right after "hell freezes over".
MS is planning on charging betweek $26-$32 bucks for Windows XP Home Edition for these machines.
I note with interest on the "Windows Life-Cycle Policy" page that despite Windows XP Retail and OEM licenses are being dropped on 30 Jun 2008, and System Builder licenses on 31 January 2009, there's now a little footnote:
As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP Home Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general availability of the next version of Windows.
I love the smell of Microsoft's fear in the morning. It smells like... freedom.
Still, that's only a two year grace period. Do Microsoft think the "ultra low-cost" PC just a fad? Or that in two years they'll be powerful enough to handle the three ton white elephant that is Vista? Or that they'll have a slimmed down Vista-replacement out the door by then? Microsoft's problem is that the moment they leave a gap in the market e.g. "ultra low-cost" PCs, Linux is there to step in. I expect the anti-Linux FUD and dirty tricks will be especially fierce now: SCO and OOXML fast-tracking was just the entree.
I tried CHDK on my Canon S2IS camera a while ago. While the RAW mode does work, the delay of several seconds between photos with a black screen was really frustrating. I've yet to properly process the RAW photos to compare the quality to the JPEG images, but unprocessed photos in Picassa varied wildly in exposure and colour.
If you're using CHDK for RAW you might be disappointed (buy an DSLR with lots of buffer memory), but some of the other features are quite neat.
RIMMER: Hmm. Marvelous. (Crosses over to a small, angular box near the door.) Now this three-dimensional sculpture in particular is quite exquisite. Its simplicity, it's bold, stark lines... pray, what do you call it?
LEGION: The light switch.
RIMMER: The light switch. (In "Gazpacho Soup" tones)
LEGION: Yes.
RIMMER: I couldn't buy it, then?
LEGION: Not really. I need it to turn the lights on and off.
RIMMER: (Trying to salvage some pride) It's a pity, 'cos if it wasn't a l-light switch i-in many ways it could be considered a-a masterpiece.
My own rule-of-thumb is if someone needs to explain to you why something is "art", then it isn't - doubly so if the explanation sounds like Arthur Dent trying to say that he liked the Vogon captain's poetry.
Slashdot Mirror
The M25. (Apparently - I'm not British.)
Hubris.
For example, they can write documents or make music together.
Piss off Microsoft? Check.
Piss off the RIAA? Hmm, probably.
Please, please, please: let the kids make movies together.
That's not an oil leak - it's rust-proofing.
They'd probably push Embedded XP. They've already backflipped on XP availability for the Asus EeePC etc., which does nothing to improve the image of Vista. ("Look, our soon-to-be discontinued 2001 OS can compete with Linux in the 'ultra-low cost' computer market!")
However, I think they've painted themselves into a corner. If they bully Asus into providing an embedded XP version of the motherboards, the customer is bound to ask: "I don't want Vista; why can't I run XP as the OS on the same motherboard?" The more features that can be crammed into the embedded Linux version, the sillier Microsoft's inevitable justifications will seem ("It's not really XP", "you can't do real work in an embedded environment" etc.)
Wait -- if it is 28,000 light years away, but only 140 years old .... does that mean we won't see it for another 27,860 years?
Not unless they've also invented a way to send information faster than the speed of light.
Since scientists know that it exploded, the supernova's light cone (in 4D space-time terms) from 28000 years ago has already reached us, 140 years ago.
Calling it "140 years old" is incorrect - not to mention misleading; using that kind of logic, the Big Bang is only 379,043* years old since the cosmic background radiation was first detected in 1965. A more accurate headline would be: "Scientists fail to notice supernova in own galaxy for 140 years."
(* Deliberate use of false precision.)
Any future space lawyer might have to deal with issues ranging from the fallout over satellite shoot-downs...
If for example China were to shoot down a US satellite I don't think it will be "space lawyers" that get launched.
The last thing we need is another avenue for frivolous litigation. "Hey asshole, you parked your satellite in my orbit!" "So sue me."
Try this, RIAA ...
"Go ahead - make my day."
The RIAA/MPAA are your classic bully, targeting the weak and vunerable: single mothers, children, grandmothers, homeless people - even dead people. I imagine that taking on any armed force (including pirates, arr!), is on their list right after "hell freezes over".
... because that will turn out to be shit.
At least they'll be consistent.
Not DARPA Grand Challenge technology - 10 years of oil and fuel price rises should solve the traffic problem.
(and not a rickroll or anything, just a cat on a treadmill).
Won't somebody think of the dumb animals?
I note with interest on the "Windows Life-Cycle Policy" page that despite Windows XP Retail and OEM licenses are being dropped on 30 Jun 2008, and System Builder licenses on 31 January 2009, there's now a little footnote: I love the smell of Microsoft's fear in the morning. It smells like
Still, that's only a two year grace period. Do Microsoft think the "ultra low-cost" PC just a fad? Or that in two years they'll be powerful enough to handle the three ton white elephant that is Vista? Or that they'll have a slimmed down Vista-replacement out the door by then? Microsoft's problem is that the moment they leave a gap in the market e.g. "ultra low-cost" PCs, Linux is there to step in. I expect the anti-Linux FUD and dirty tricks will be especially fierce now: SCO and OOXML fast-tracking was just the entree.
(Sorry, wrong link: The full bagpipe version can be found here - I had to click on track 19, not 20.)
Bagpipe Hero.
The infamous "Deathstar" drives at least had glass platters; they look cool with the platters wiped clean - literally (pity about the data loss.)
I doubt a Deskstar would have "bounced" as well as this Seagate drive did.
I tried CHDK on my Canon S2IS camera a while ago. While the RAW mode does work, the delay of several seconds between photos with a black screen was really frustrating. I've yet to properly process the RAW photos to compare the quality to the JPEG images, but unprocessed photos in Picassa varied wildly in exposure and colour.
If you're using CHDK for RAW you might be disappointed (buy an DSLR with lots of buffer memory), but some of the other features are quite neat.
I'm sure being able to charge for your travel time and expenses had nothing to do with their preference to fly. No siree...
Ahh yes, Sex and Violence, the driving force of the world.
You forgot Rock & Roll.
You ever seen how many people they can pack in a single traincar?
Indeed; the real question is: how many other satellites fell off during launch?
I think its atomic weight it delicious ...
... but it gives you cancer.
Did you even watch the last season of BSG?
Nope; the flashback-ridden boxing match was the last straw for me. WTF?
My own rule-of-thumb is if someone needs to explain to you why something is "art", then it isn't - doubly so if the explanation sounds like Arthur Dent trying to say that he liked the Vogon captain's poetry.
There was - and I don't know if it was the anesthesia or the nano-particles - but it tasted funny.
That wasn't pig you were eating - it was clown.
... what possible use could they have for accessing the neighborhood toilets, from the direction of the sewer, no less?
Uh, "backdoor access"?
Aren't you made of meat?
New from PETA marketing: long-pig, the other, other white meat. (No animals were harmed in the making of this product.)