@bossmojoman: Also, I don't think many people would pick a Zune over an iPod Touch. The Zune plays Music. The iPod plays music, games, can run 200k apps, etc.

@Arggh! there goes a...snake a snake!: I'm neither. I don't even own a Mac. I'm typing this on a Sony Vaio. I was just pointing out the ludicrousness of Microsoft stores.

@vinterchaos: I didn't. I showed up to see what all the fuss was about, and then actually played with an iPad, and then had to get one.

@bossmojoman: What are you talking about? I'm typing this on my Win 7 Sony Vaio.

@KTope: Yeah, I heard they sucked.

I think that this is the future of the Kindle and of Amazon. The Kindle device itself will probably die off, but it's still valuable as a content system. For example, if I want to read a book on my iPad, I can check the iBookstore (which won't have it because the iBookstore sucks) or the Kindle store.

This should be fun. Did you recall posting this [gizmodo.com] like 7 hours ago?

@triggerx: Microsoft has no awesome products. Apple does. Thats how I know Microsoft stores aren't awesome, but I'll pop into the Microsoft store the next time in in Fashion Valley mall. Or in Scottsdale, AZ, Lone Pine, CO, or Mission Viejo, CA, as those are all the Microsoft stores in the world.

@Benguin: Cool. I live in La Jolla, and work literally right across the street from UTC. I didn't know there was an Apple store down in Otay Ranch though.

I'd never read that story before. Thanks for shining new light on it Adam. I used to dive constantly, but haven't for three years now because of my deteriorating eyesight. And the plight of the guys in this story puts that into perspective.

I have a question. Why? Why are there Microsoft stores? Apple stores are somewhat necessary because they sell niche PCs and you need specialized care for problems, and they are useful for just getting a taste of Apple products before you buy. For example, I only bought my iPad after playing with one at an Apple store…

@Benguin: Yeah, I usually shop at UTC, it's closer to work.

Is there a speed estimate for this technology in it's current form? How fast can it accelerate?

@Stem_Sell: I think you mean typhoon. And the designers account for that when constructing a bridge, especially since the Tacoma Narrows disaster. [en.wikipedia.org])

@Ryan J Whiteman Nester: There are many waterways in the world that don't need to accommodate boat traffic, so bridges can be built more safely and lower to the waterline.

I drop my iPhone all the time. I only broke the screen when I threw it into a wall from about 10 feet away without it's case on. Also note that it is a bad idea to get so angry after losing a game of Strategery to try to gently toss your iPhone onto your bed, but the case accidentally slips off in your hand and you…

@dave_t: And thats why no one wondered why that series died young.

@James Marino: No it won't! Shut up!

@dave_t: Which Enterprise? TOS or TNG?

@the-hq: But we're not talking about France.