What is Microsoft? What position does it occupy in the consumer's mind? When you think of Microsoft, what's the first image that pops into your head?

In my mind (as a software developer) Microsoft is a company that provides the Windows OS, and software development tools and APIs for it.

My mental image of Microsoft does not include:read more »

This is too funny!

The Seattle Times: Earnings: PC demand helps Microsoft beat forecast

...Xbox 360 shortages frustrated gamers during the holiday season, but they apparently had little effect on Microsoft's bottom line.

Well, let's see, it's been widely reported that each Xbox sold incurs a net loss of about $100 for Microsoft.

So, um, why would anyone expect shortages of Xbox 360s to do anything other than *help* Microsoft's bottom line, compared to what would have happened if they had sold 10x as many?read more »