[pointyhat]

I agree with the OP:

> Oh, bullshit. Do you really think there is someone siting around at Apple dreaming up new ways to take away your freedom?

Yes - more precisely they are working out new ways to charge you for it.

We're slowly being led into paying incrementally for utility computing on a device we actually paid up front for.

Only a fool buys something then pays to use it.

[Akuma]

> Only a fool buys something then pays to use it.

You mean like buying any of the following:

  * A car (fuel, tires, a bunch of other stuff)  
  * _Any_ cellphone (either a monthly fee or pre paid)  
  * Clothes (I sure hope you wash them?)  
  * _Any_ electrical appliance (electric bill you know...)  

(and the list goes on...)

Yeah. A fool indeed...

[pointyhat]

What you describe are "appliances". Single purpose items.

Computers, are by nature interchangeable with respect to their use at the whim of the user, without cost. They serve many purposes interchangably.

What I am concerned about is that a cost for changing purpose is being programmed (excuse the pun) into the users, converting them from users into consumers.

Consider the case of a Leatherman tool. Would you buy one if it had a couple of useless tools supplied with it and you found out when after you bought it that you have to buy all the good ones? Also the screwdriversr can only be used with Apple-licensed screws and you have to turn them the wrong way.

[scott_s]

The iPad is computer-as-appliance.