From: Fox <fox_at_woozle.org>
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 12:30:03 -0500

Well I can see your point. But, are they already charging consumers for the
hardware they built in? Or are they just charging you for the software? If
archos is not tacking on the extra costs for the hardware (sorta like the
XBOX), and it is made up by buying the software, I can understand that. But
its not a super idea. However, if the consumer is already paying for that
unusable hardware and then your charging money for basically "drivers" to
use it, then no, I can't agree even a little bit what that practice. Last
time I checked, most nVidia cards came with drivers from the manuafactor. If
the manufactor decided to charge money for the drivers, would they sue
nVidia for offering the drivers FREE on their website?

Anyway, these devices are basically computers. If your hardware offers no
protection against use other then lack of drivers, you are just asking for
it. :)
It sure hasn't stopped the development of linux :)

-Fox

>Boohoo !!! :D

>-and... frustration ! The ultimate feeling leading to consumption ! You can
>see the card reader, but cannot use it: AARRGGHHH !!! :)

>The only drawback is that their limitation is software only, so it can be
>easily broken. The solution for this is legal...

>Rockbox is only using the hardware (by the way, thank Jörg for the great
>work on video playing), it's not unlocking something locked on purpose.

>Ferengis in Star Trek DS9 ? Too long to explain, but they would aprove...
PS-Everyone hates the ferengis for being like that. :P

Of course, it's just my point of view,
PPS-I'm not trying to strat a flamewar, I think its just a matter of opinion
whether this is bad marketing or not.
Received on 2003-12-15