33Nick

Will Windows 7 Resurrect IT Spending?

If I had a dime for every time a new Windows was supposed to rekindle the industry and truly be the "best" one yet, I would be rich. I don't see Windows 7 making much of a dent. Unlike the Apple switch to Unix, Windows 7 is yet another Windows on top of Windows.

IT spending will go up a bit because most of the front IT infrastructure is tied to Windows. As new computers need to be bought, they will come with Windows 7, as was the case for XP. Not too many shops will rush to upgrade to 7.

The next Windows would need to be truly innovative to rekindle an industry that is more interested than ever on ROI and allocating budget to more important projects than OSs. Companies, like investors are skittish with investments, rightfully so. Maybe the next Windows could be like what Apple did with OSx? It would be a welcome upgrade to finally have a worthy, trusty, secured and finally robust Windows. That would be a revolutionary step forward.

Like most people, I got burned too many times with Microsoft to even look at SP1, 2 and 3. Microsoft knows we won't bother with SP1, so it will rush out SP2. Sorry, been there, seen that.

Mac vs. PC vs. Gold

I was a computer consultant for years and eventually got burnt on Windows (3.0 to XP). What did I do? In 2004 I bought a PowerBook g4 and I am happy to report the darn thing is still not only working very well, but answers all of my needs today, even if I don't consult in the same industry anymore. Yes, Apple has less computers to offer than other companies, what they offer is top notch and just plain old works. What a relief it is to have a machine that works and doesn't get in my business way. Yeah, I smile when I use my laptop again... or what is it now, notebook?

Alternative Energy Storage: Cheap Will Beat Cool

It wouldn't be so bad if us "early adopters" and off the beaten path folks wouldn't be bothered by the choices of those other less fortunate, ill advised folks :) Still, the mass majority has the uncanny capacity to believe too quickly things that cannot be understood rapidly.

Yes, my next new car will be fully electric and with no PHEV or extended range gimmicks. Yes, I will convert my old cars to electricity, especially the light ones. Yes, my next laptop will still be an Apple, because it always works! When it won't anymore, the early adopter in me will go to another system. Yes, my next residence will be solar and wind friendly. If I can pitch a deep enough hole, I will use geo-thermic energy. I will continue using products that work and have my friends see them as the reality they are, that saves me money in the long run, work and are good fir the environment. Simple, no?