If you look at thin clients, you know they can boot off the network. Now if you can have enough 'smarts' to just run this browser and the apps you're looking for can be run in it - you may have something. Who uses Photoshop? Seriously, that's a poor example in terms of mass use. So, we're typically talking e-mail, web browsing and basic office apps, which now could be Gmail, Google Apps (including Calendar, Word processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation and a Wiki to add to the fun). That's it - you're set. Part of the problem before was always the brain-numbing lack of speed, due to client/server environment. That'll remain, but with broadband, a browser of this efficiency and Ajax - spee...

If you look at thin clients, you know they can boot off the network. Now if you can have enough 'smarts' to just run this browser and the apps you're looking for can be run in it - you may have something. Who uses Photoshop? Seriously, that's a poor example in terms of mass use. So, we're typically talking e-mail, web browsing and basic office apps, which now could be Gmail, Google Apps (including Calendar, Word processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation and a Wiki to add to the fun). That's it - you're set. Part of the problem before was always the brain-numbing lack of speed, due to client/server environment. That'll remain, but with broadband, a browser of this efficiency and Ajax - speed is no longer an issue and if you eliminate the OS bloat, while having a fast, light, underlying structure - it's something. I hate to wish ill on MS, since I live 15 minutes away from them, but I've used this combo of apps myself and for my clients and I have to tell you - it's compelling and very much usable.

I guess the only concern you bring up that might affect the masses would be 'Hello Kitty Online', but I'm sure they'll resolve that somehow