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Mircosoft recently applied for a patent on metered computing. Basically a computer is just about given to you for free but as you use programs and the types of programs you use you will be charged per time unit. Programs requiring more resources cost more per unit.

I can see how some consumers may find this an attractive solution. Especially those who do not use the computer often or use it for one specific use. I have a feeling that this will be less of an ideal solution for the consumers who depend on technology on a daily basis. Consumers like the idea of having the freedom of doing with their computer and programs what they want whenever they want. The approach that Mircosoft is proposing feels a lot like the consumer is being nickel-and-dime. This also raises the question of how locked down the computer will be. Would you be able to install other programs such as open source software or would you be limited to the “packaged software bundles” that you have bought. How much control will you really have? As a developer I like being able to tinker with my computer to see what can really be done.

There seems to be enough options on the market for cheap computers that would make sense to users that only use lite computing instead of going with a pay-as-you-go model.

Overall this seems like a bad deal for the consumer. In the longer run you will lose more money using your computer then you would in owning the computer. I would rather have a less then ideal computer in performance, then a computer that I have to pay for everytime I use. I just don’t see how Mircosoft will be able to convince consumers to swtich from owning their own computer to paying for everything you do on your computer.

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2008 has come and gone and I am contemplating all that has changed in this year. I don’t think it has been a watershed year but another good year none the less. Either way it is always a good idea to pause for a moment to look back on your footprints through the year. Here are some highlights:

* Meet with a Money Map Coach
* Hung out with Isaac in Atlanta
* Turned 26
* Paid off the Corolla
* Camped everywhere in Georgia (Ft Mt, Magnolia, Savannah, Ft McAllister, Ft Pulaski, General Coffee)
* Lost a baby in the womb
* Celebrated 2 wonderful years of marriage
* Held Gerig Reunion 2008 at Brown State Park
* Joined a d-group
* Helped launch CNNhealth.com
* Had my identity stolen
* Sold the Intrepid

It has been way too long since I have posted. I had ment to make a few more Christmas-ish changes to my site before Christmas but have been so busy going to parties and shopping that I ran out of time. Then dealing with some one stealing my personal identity at the same time has not helped the holidays go smoothly. But I look foward to a new year. I got the book “How to make things talk” for Christmas which I am excited about. Hopefully soon I will have the expertise to at least make some small robots. I can’t wait to get home and start on some of the projects in the book.

2008 has been a good year and I expect 2009 to be even better!