[SATLUG] Walmart Selling Linux PCs

[Robert Pearson]

On Nov 8, 2007 4:20 PM, Ernest De Leon <edeleonjr at gmail.com> wrote:
> Depending on your type of job, and argument can be made that the Lexus
> does in fact make you more money and thus can be seen as an
> investment.  I'm not saying there are many jobs like that out there,
> but you get my drift.  Just playing the devil's advocate.  BTW... I
> drive a hybrid camry, but I wish I had the Lexus!
>
> Ernest

"It's deja vu all over again"
This sounds very much like the reasoning I used to develop the Unit or
Units of Technology and the Unit or Units of Information method of
making IT decisions.
Most people making IT decisions fall in love with a Unit or Units of
Technology and never have any idea what the "soft costs" associated
with that Unit or those Units of Technology are.
Your preferred choice of personal transportation technology is the
Unit of Technology.
"You" are the Unit of Information. You are the only part of this
combination that can make money. The Unit of Transportation Technology
can affect you. Particularly if you are unaware of alternatives and
have no desire to walk or ride the bus under any conditions.

The real issues are the "soft costs". Driving a Lexus or a Hummer to
work does a great deal for one's state of mind. It is a pleasant to
exciting experience. Heads turn, people salute you.

Bottom line?
If you can not accomplish what you bought the Unit of Technology to
do, and it is making you very angry, you are no longer productive. If
it is taking way too long to accomplish your goal, because you have to
re-invent the wheel or create work-a-rounds, then the "soft costs" of
User Experience (UX)" satisfaction overwhelms the initial purchase
price. Unless your time is worth less than $6 per hour.
If you want to make $100,000 per year then you have to make $50 per hour.
Don't waste your time on $6 per hour tasks unless they give you great
satisfaction and recharge your battery so you can accomplish the $50
per hour tasks.
These "soft costs" are the most important considerations.

As an old, retired guy I finally had to give up Windows and go all
Linux because it is all I can afford. It is also pleasant because I am
a big Unix fan. I'd use nothing but a Mac if I could afford it. Linux
is closer to the command line environment I learned computing in. The
Mac is the Unix I dreamed about helping become a reality. I would love
to drive a hybrid but I have a legacy Ford Ranger and glad of it.