[mikeash]

The "+ shipping" part amuses me. It seems to sum up the whole "out of touch" reputation that Microsoft has, whether deserved or not. Why wouldn't this just be a download?

[paulvandermeijs]

Ever tried downloading a USB stick?

[mikeash]

Yes, because they're totally charging $25 for a USB stick and throwing in Windows and Parallels for free, and the whole thing would be pointless without the USB stick.

[glasshead969]

25$ completely goes to charity. But they could have still done it as a download though.

[analog]

Personally I'd rather download a DMG and put it on a USB I can buy locally. Better than waiting for international post.

[fpgeek]

Microsoft isn't being stupid here. The puzzle is a hurdle. The donation and (waiting for) shipping are additional hurdles. Hopefully all of these hurdles filter well for the kind of developer Microsoft want to attract.