Does it cost a little more? Yes. But the cost to own the machine is actually much less because my service costs, problem resolution, help desk costs and spare parts are all much lower.

We've got graphics departments that do video production. I want to maximize the productivity of those people, so it makes sense to buy a machine with all the fancy multimedia capabilities.

I want consistency over time -- the same processor, disk drive assemblies, BIOS, memory modules, graphics cards.

That's the nice thing about doing research. Whatever you do is novel, so you always have this sense of novelty, even if you are only using a new gadget.

Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.

I'm afraid of being lazy and complacent. I'm afraid of taking myself too seriously.