This is a good list (and I'm not just saying that because the Hack the Planet Discussion you pointed to has lots of me in it...). However, this is a better place link to the discussion thread you mention.
The central issue seems to be: is the Spark codec a "new" codec, which would not be covered by the exclusive agreement, or a simple renaming of the existing codec to get around the exclusive license?
My two cents: I use a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse with a regular desk. The keyboard and mouse sit on a Hermann Miller Scooter, which is basically a keyboard tray on a stand. Since there are no wires, I can move the tray anywhere I want, closer if my eyes are tired from too much programming, or farther if I want to get away from the noise of the computer and printer.
Unfortunately, everything Hermann Miller makes is kinda on the expensive side, so this fancy keyboard tray costs $299. See Levenger if you want to order one. (I'd have posted a more specific link, except that their stupid website uses a frameset. Just search for scooter.)
I just returned from France where I talked with a friend of mine who works for business objects about the job situation there for programmers.
tax situation is not significantly worse than in the US, despite what you hear
job benefits are fantastic: 5 weeks vac + holidays + extra days off every month to account for the mandatory 35 hour work week law in France. Of course, you also get full health coverage via the french system.
salaries for technical folks are much lower than their silicon valley equivalents: a sw eng with 5 yrs experience might make $40,000-$50,000 per year.
most corporations over there won't give stock options to non-executives
the whole visa process is very long: it takes 3-6 months to get a visa and do the move. You are very likely to get the visa, though, as long as you have bona-fide tech credentials and a big french company to sponsor you.
One interesting side point relates to significant-others: if you want your S.O. to be able to work legally in France, they'll need to find a job in France and go through the work visa process in parallel. Otherwise, you'll have to sign a statement saying that you will support your S.O. and family, and your S.O. will probably never be able to get a work visa once they are in the country.
Slashdot Mirror
That seems a bit strong. Doesn't it still bring up your default browser when you click on a search result?
This is a good list (and I'm not just saying that because the Hack the Planet Discussion you pointed to has lots of me in it...). However, this is a better place link to the discussion thread you mention.
The central issue seems to be: is the Spark codec a "new" codec, which would not be covered by the exclusive agreement, or a simple renaming of the existing codec to get around the exclusive license?
Unfortunately, everything Hermann Miller makes is kinda on the expensive side, so this fancy keyboard tray costs $299. See Levenger if you want to order one. (I'd have posted a more specific link, except that their stupid website uses a frameset. Just search for scooter.)
One interesting side point relates to significant-others: if you want your S.O. to be able to work legally in France, they'll need to find a job in France and go through the work visa process in parallel. Otherwise, you'll have to sign a statement saying that you will support your S.O. and family, and your S.O. will probably never be able to get a work visa once they are in the country.