Saturday, November 23, 2002

Jim offers a note of caution on the new Walmart/Microtel PCs. just got in a microtel/walmart pc, and disassembled it to find that the disc is the infamous Fuji MPG3102AT, which is known to have failure rates circa 50% around 1 year. You'd said that you were thinking about buying a walmart pc, so if you did, you might want to check the disc code. According to this forum, http://forums.storagereview.net/viewtopic.php?t=5592 the problem is with the Cirrus controller marked: CL-SH8671-450E-A3 The Cirrus controller on this disc is ...-A4, so I'm concerned. (The date code is 2001-11, which suggests the Fuji is dumping these drives, perhaps because they can't get rid of them else- where.) One of the posts at this web site says that the -A4 chips have the defect. See also: http://www.classactioncounsel.com/fujitsu-litigation.htm There are times when cheap may not be the right answer. 3:24:46 PM     With all of the talk about a telecom meltdown it is reassuring to note that things can't go to zero. It also brings new meaning to the term "wireless network..." 3:17:58 PM     Pogue's comments on Microsoft He is far too kind. 3:17:45 PM     Thanks to Larry for pointing out this updated classic that is making its way around the net these days. George B.: Condi! Nice to see you. What's happening? Condoleeza R.: Sir, I have the report here about the new leader of China. George B.: Great. Lay it on me. Condoleeza R.: Hu is the new leader of China. George B.: That's what I want to know. Condoleeza R.: That's what I'm telling you. George B.: That's what I'm asking you. Who is the new leader of China? Condoleeza R.: Yes. George B.: I mean the fellow's name. Condoleeza R.: Hu. George B.: The guy in China. Condoleeza R.: Hu. George B.: The new leader of China. Condoleeza R.: Hu. George B.: The Chinaman! Condoleeza R.: Hu is leading China. George B.: Now whaddya' asking me for? Condoleeza R.: I'm telling you Hu is leading China. George B.: Well, I'm asking you. Who is leading China? Condoleeza R.: That's the man's name. George B.: That's who's name? Condoleeza R.: Yes. George B.: Will you or will you not tell me the name of the new leader of China? Condoleeza R.: Yes, sir. George B.: Yassir? Yassir Arafat is in China? I thought he was in the Middle East. Condoleeza R.: That's correct. George B.: Then who is in China? Condoleeza R.: Yes, sir. George B.: Yassir is in China? Condoleeza R.: No, sir. George B.: Then who is? Condoleeza R.: Yes, sir. George B.: Yassir? Condoleeza R.: No, sir. George B.: Look, Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of China. Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone. Condoleeza R.: Kofi? George B.: No, thanks. Condoleeza R.: You want Kofi? George B.: No. Condoleeza R.: You don't want Kofi. George B.: No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of milk. And then get me the U.N. Condoleeza R.: Yes, sir. George B.: Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N. Condoleeza R.: Kofi? George B.: Milk! Will you please make the call? Condoleeza R.: And call who? George B.: Who is the guy at the U.N? Condoleeza R.: Hu is the guy in China. George B.: Will you stay out of China?! Condoleeza R.: Yes, sir. George B.: And stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the U.N. Condoleeza R.: Kofi. George B.: All right! With cream and two sugars. Now get on the phone. (Condi picks up the phone.) Condoleeza R.: Rice, here. George B.: Rice? Good idea. And a couple of egg rolls, too. Maybe we should send some to the guy in China. And the Middle East. 3:17:23 PM

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