FWIW, iCab/Terra help with this style of browsing a little bit. They don't seem to cache as much and do a better job of handling more background tabs with things waiting to be read.
MS shouldering more of the burden for software updates makes the comparison a little flawed though, doesn't it? If every PC buyer was at the mercy of their OEM when they wanted to upgrade to the next version of Windows, desktop computing would be a different place now.
Apple's ability to smoothly (re)use OS X components for iOS and vice-versa seems like a big plus. They can easily move staff around if need be, and the best features move back and forth quickly.
This is clever, but I'd be curious to see how long the cable ties will last before dulling/breaking off. If you plan on riding with any regularity in the winter on snow/ice, the $100 for a set of studded tires is well worth it. They'll last multiple winters and don't present issues with changing tires or using rim brakes.
Will Google allow you to install a patched version on a native Chrome OS notebook? It seems like some of the value lies in the hardware/software integration, and those machines are going to ship with locked-down bootloaders.
Otherwise, I agree that the community aspect does differentiate it from past legacy products like Win2K.
Weren't multiple Android tablets announced/demoed at last year's CES, or am I mistaken? Maybe all the OEMs just rushed demo samples out without figuring out how they were actually going to produce them...
Do any PC vendors have anything even remotely comparable to the in-person support available at an Apple Store? Being able to take a device to the store and physically hand it off to be fixed without having to wait on the phone or deal with shipping is a huge plus in Apple's favor.
I think making computing more accessible to thousands or millions of people is kinda impressive, and could foster the collaboration you're looking for.
Of the current non-chain solutions, the Gates belt system actually seems like a good idea for a commuter bike. Zero maintenance, long life, no grease, and quiet.
Oval chainrings (like Biopace, Rotor Q-Rings, etc.) are used by some pro cyclists. The oft-touted advantage for the system is the elimination of the "dead spot" at the top of the pedal stroke, but it still seems to very much be a case of personal preference. Just like there are some pros that prefer to spin an easier gear up a climb, while some would rather mash it out in the big ring.
It all comes down to how good the motor (legs+lungs) is.