RE: 64 bit Windows... -- MIDRANGE-L

On Thu, 28 Apr 2005, Joe Pluta wrote:

to a Walden Wuvs Windows (C) post <grin>.  But this is a REALLY bad
analogy.  The iSeries is hardly a Model T.  It's a hemi-powered Mustang
convertible.  We had the technology ten years ago, and we've made it
work.

<non-serious mode on> Well since there is no such thing as a hemi-powered mustang then the iSeries must not exist :) Hemi engines were in 'cudas, road runners, and other plymouths (I hope I'm remembering this right - I wasn't alive back then). Putting a hemi engine in a mustang would probably be a pretty difficult mod since I believe the engine mounts don't match up.

Even so, the iSeries probably isn't best compared to a souped-up mustang anyway (fast and sexy). I think a dump truck would match better. Powerful, useful, carries a big load, and not too many people have one. I guess dump trucks are reliable, but if not then my comparison fails on that point. But the iSeries isn't particularly fast, and for sure isn't sexy. But that doesn't mean it isn't powerful. That's why the comparison with a dump truck is so good. Diesel engines can be hugely powerful (well over 1,000 horsepower in trains, ships, and mining trucks). But diesel engines also run at low RPM, usually below 4,000. However, diesel engines are also quite efficient, often resulting in a favorable savings on fuel (analogous to total cost of ownership - another great analogy!).

Gasoline engines are totally different animals. Their rev range (the variation in RPM) is much greater than diesel engines. Most gasoline engines redline at around 6,500 RPM and self-destruct north of 9,000. Most are not as efficient as diesel engines. And while they can powerful, it is extremely uncommon that they reach the max horsepower that diesel engines can achieve (especially if you take reliability into consideration). Dragsters can get that kind of horsepower, but they have to be rebuilt after each drag. But gasoline powered cars are generally much faster than their diesel powered counterparts. They can't carry the same load, however. Most people have gasoline engines, so that analogy fits in with it not being comparable with the iSeries. A gas powered car would probably smoke a diesel in a race (i.e. the iSeries isn't extraordinarily fast) unless they were towing a big trailer (iSeries can handle big loads).

So, iSeries is a dump truck. OSX is mini cooper or Aston Martin or Ferrari (so sexy - even the case is beautiful). Windows is... um... old and busted? no - a honda civic. Everyone has one, but they aren't that great (however, civic are quite reliable - I can't think of a car that lots of people own that sucks as bad as windows does - maybe a suzuki samuri? unsafe, not really an off road car like it is advertised, and annoying).

Now linux is more like a car dealership with a huge parts store. You can pretty much get whatever you want, but you may have to build some of it yourself. Good for me, because I can get a Ferrari (my favorite) at a great price and you can get the sweetest dump truck ever to grace the streets. And if you can't find the part you need you can always make it in your machine shop.

Well that was fun.  Off to build my Formula 1 engine...   :)

James Rich

It's not the software that's free; it's you.
        - billyskank on Groklaw