I think the current Freestuff has been changed to get more people into looking at the marketplace (I fess up; I've been to the Marketplace once, when I got a $5 coupon. But then I model a lot of the stuff I need...'nother can 'o worms...;) It's revenue enhancement for 'rosity...and probably all the other sites are going the same way.

A lot of stuff is set up to be thrown out; replacing batteries on palm devices is deliberately set up to cost as much as a new unit. Made my job (fixing things) much easier, but it sure put a damper on future sales where I worked....;)

Once, in an HP class, we techs asked about the design process. Marketing appeal was the first consideration (does it look pretty?), cost of manufacturing I think was #2, and what we wanted (ease of repair) was #5...probably hasn't changed much.

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)