Microsoft generates plenty of cash thanks to its dominance of PC operating systems and office applications.

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In 1998, Microsoft was the unstoppable juggernaut, dominating markets for PC operating systems, business software, and Internet browsing.

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And, unlike today's personal digital assistants, Intel boasts such devices will be able to run PC-class operating systems, such as Windows Vista.

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Mr. Kempin ran the division that sold Microsoft's operating systems to PC makers.

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But this latest bad experience changed my thought process from Apple tablets to what's wrong with the whole PC landscape and today's operating systems.

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The leading smartphone and tablet PC makers, such as Samsung and Apple, rely more on operating systems such as Android and iOS, rather than Microsoft's Windows, which has enjoyed a dominance in the traditional PC market.

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While it's certainly tempting to wax philosophically about how Commodore has finally made the transition from 64KB of memory to 64-bit operating systems, the truth is that the company which just announced a line of boutique gaming PC's at CeBIT is far removed from the one that ruled the 80's and enhanced our droll elementary school days with some therapeutic Rampage.

ENGADGET: Commodore unveils boutique gaming rigs at CeBIT