🚀 go-pugleaf

In <42347@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:

>A novel method has been developed for reducing the cost of floating-point
>performance to the end user.  Each 586 has 100 bytes of EPROM for
>storing passwords unique to each chip.  When a user decides to upgrade
>to hardware floating point, he simply calls Intel and buys the password
>for enabling the on-chip FPU.  Each password is good for 10 gigaflops,
>i.e. you get 10,000,000,000 floating point operations.  (An 8-bit
>password is sufficient, because three consecutive failed password attempts
>permanently disables the FPU).  When you buy your 100th password, the FPU
>becomes permanently enabled.  This benefits the consumer because it allows
>him to buy exactly what he needs, rather than overspending on unused performance.
>It also cuts out the middleman, allowing the end-user to reap the cost savings
>of dealing directly with Intel.

Is there a slot on the chip for quarters?

This also is a novel way for some virus program to permanently disable
your FPU for you.  A real benefit for the consumer.  Thanks but no
thanks.

How about this novel concept:  Charge a reasonable price for the chip
and let the user use the FPU whenever he needs to?  


Greg