On Mon, 8 May 2006 18:59:52 +0200, (Nick
Müller) wrote:
snip
So what is the reason for an OS that needs such an expensive hardware to
run on, when the software isn't capable of taking over some of the
machine's hardware? What did they gain?
snip
Unless Siemens is using a special "shop hardened"/"mil spec" PC,
it is far cheaper than a purpose built limited function computer.
Check the Dell ads to see how inexpensive an XP level unit can
be. Additional end-user benefits of using a stock or semi-stock
PC are easy up grade [e.g. tetrabyte drives, RAID data
protection, cheap memory up grade if 512 MEG isn't enough, 100$
monitor replacement, etc.]

Additionally, unless you are satisfied with a "stand-alone"
system, it will be *MUCH* easier for your IT people [in- or out-
house] to integrate the computer into your existing LAN.

Also when [not if] you have computer problems, there is a much
better chance your local computer geek can fix it.


Unka George
(George McDuffee)

There is something to be said for government by a great aristocracy
which has furnished leaders to the nation in peace and war for generations;
even a democrat like myself must admit this.

But there is absolutely nothing to be said for government by a plutocracy,
for government by men very powerful in certain lines and gifted with the "money touch,"
but with ideals which in their essence are merely those of so many glorified pawnbrokers.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), U.S. Republican (later Progressive) politician, president. Letter, 15 Nov. 1913.