Hi John,
This will be interesting to see how you go?

There is something about the whole issue of productivity using old systems.
I am sure you may agree that when you look at what is available for the end user on the average home desktop that hardware is definitely an issue.

Look at the cost of software and the availability of new sophisticated softwares there not only cheaper now and more accessible but there now shipped with pre-installed systems.
most manufacturers will build there machines with the minimum spec to cover the pre-installs needs and to save cost but never the less even the novice or beginner can now find themselves using complex softwares that automate most of what there looking to do. With this in mind, the hardware and its capabilities are a critical factor.

most old machines with tusks and scales will not even handle the standard of hardware we have now but there again it comes down to the question how do we say what is the norm for the end user.

Productivity depends on what we are going to base an average machine on and what is the norm or setup we to test for?

The article on the PCjr was interesting because in todays market I feel we are heading back in that direction again. Look how small and compact new pc-packages are becoming in fact there are already developments and to look for the ultimate all in one package thats a PC, TV, Digital Player you name it.

This technology is definitely the future of home, business needs in respect to this kind of technology, and I do not think it is that far away from being the norm in homes all over the world.

So really why are we even worried about old systems and if they can be productive?

This subject seems to raise the blood pressure of some; I learned that in a blog about Linux. One thing for sure it is going to have some people kicking and screaming even right up to the till of the computer store, to part with tradition.

You got some pretty good articles and subjects been enjoying them.