&#62; Had this model of computing existed before the web browser was invented, we may have never gotten a web browser.<p>Assuming this had at some point become the only common model of computing, what would keep out newcomers from coming out with less locked-down systems? What about things like "many dealers started bundling the Apple II with VisiCalc" (<a href="http://lowendmac.com/orchard/06/visicalc-origin-bricklin.html" rel="nofollow">http://lowendmac.com/orchard/06/visicalc-origin-bricklin.htm...</a>); if there's sufficiently useful software that won't run on your computer, you (or your employer) <i>will</i> buy a new, working, computer.<p>&#62; The problem with this model, is that we may miss out on the next "browser". The next huge idea that completely changes the world, because we have ONE party that has to decide whether it is profitable for them first.<p>General computing <i>cannot</i> be replaced by such devices, let alone by a single implementation of such a device by a single manufacturer.