These "killer apps" are just web pages on the client side. We are still running dumb terminals but now they have pretty graphics. Client side, innovation is stuck in low gear in order to work across multiple platforms. The experience has become a lot like Television but with more channels. Why did this happen?

Microsoft controls the onramp for 90% the world's Internet users. If anyone else innovates on their desktop they are purchased or crushed. Their web strategy is obvious: make sure every copy of Windows includes a Microsoft browser that encourages incompatibility while pretending to support open standards.

I don't see this situation changing until main stream hardware vendors begin to offer serious desktops and notebooks with Linux. Most of them have a symbiotic relationship with Microsoft and are openly hostile. HP for example told me that installing Linux on my laptop will void the warantee.

I want to walk into Circuit City or Best Buy and see high powered desktops and laptops with Linux installed. I'm not talking about anemic excuses at Wall Mart with minimal RAM. When this happens, innovation can begin again and some killer apps can be created on the client side.