> PLAYBOY: What's your problem with [the Apple Newton]? > GATES: It was supposed to do handwriting recognition. But based on the initial product, people are sk

> PLAYBOY: What's your problem with [the Apple Newton]? > GATES: It was supposed to do handwriting recognition. But based on the initial product, people are skeptical about whether handwriting recognition really works. They did some nice technical work on the product. Unfortunately, it's not a useful device as far as I'm concerned, so it'll probably set the category back. Gates, in the article, also described wallet-size pocket computers that, he hoped, would serve also as keyless entry systems, ticket stub replacements, etc. It’s up to the reader to wonder if his reaction to the Newton was partially disappointment to its lack of physical-world interactions/value, partially the competitive mindset, and/or really due to distaste for its handwriting recognition. Of course, the Win CE / PocketPC line is susceptible to a lot of the same criticisms. * * * I find it interesting how much Gates talks about people ascribing certain motives and goals to him, Microsoft, Disney, and other companies. He says really, they are responding to competition and customers. Pretty much the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error This is part of why corporations can be so dangerous: not that they are evil, but that they aren’t guided by morality as much as simply responding to environments in potentially harmful ways. * * * (Aside: Boy is it weird reading articles on Playboy.com. Here's something for the intellect, dear reader; may we up-sell you on some pornography? Thank goodness for the Readability bookmarklet. At least in the magazine — I understand — the articles get pages to themselves!)