Why did microcomputers die off?

Microcomputers died off for the exact same reason why The IBM PC never caught on. In the days before TRS-80, Apple ][ and Pet, the total number of machines were never enough to be noticeable to anybody but the lunatic frings (us). TRS-80/Apple][/Pet started to get the mainstream interested, but probably never achieved the financial clout of potato chips or pantyhose. Apple had the smarts to aim for education. Hell&Bowel was a brilliant move. But, at one point, Apple wanted to give a machine to every school in the country - IRS refused to let the take a tax deduction for that (after all, just imagine the consequaences! Every other manufacturer would want to join in, and the schools would be awash in free gear!) IBM PC got the entire mainstream involved. A small percentage of devout enthusiasts went with Mac, instead (YES, I consider <10% to be "small") Now, we've found that the fundamental applications of email and web-browsing are adequately met with a "smartphone". "NOBODY" needs a computer. Besides, "Why would anybody want a computer on their desk??" We ALL tend to hang out with people with similar interests to our own. Hence, we get "EVERY TRS80 owner used a doubler", "EVERYBODY uses Apple", "EVERYBODY uses Linux", etc. It is far from unique to the computer industry - "EVERYBODY drives a VW"; the community college schedules its spring break to align with the elementary schools, instead of the local university "because EVERYBODY [in the administrative office staff] has kids in school". -- Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at xenosoft.com http://www.xenosoft.com/FPUIB