[geeks] KVM for Sun Sparc Servers with USB keyboards

[nate at portents.com]

> You left out Safety as a reason for a full-sized SUV.

Unfortunately that safety angle isn't so simple, and is typically
presented in a skewed fashion that only presents the pros to the driver of
an SUV and doesn't take into consideration other vehicle types on the
road.

> (1) bigger engine--faster escapes (I use to live in Memphis and on two
> separate ocassions, the ability to distance myself from gang members was a
> big safety plus!  I try to purchase the "big engine" option on all my
> vehicles.)

This is one of the most fringe (and questionable) pros I've ever heard of
to a big engine.  As someone who grew up in Lawrence, MA (at one time
arson capitol of the country and who's high school has to have metal
detectors to keep the students from bring in knives and guns) I've driven
economy 4-cylinder vehicles my whole life (all manual transmission) and
I've never felt like I was unable to get away from any gang members.

> (2) more margin for error in certain types of collisions.

And more potential for asymetrically damaging other vehicles in
collisions.  For instance, an SUV that didn't see my Honda Fit or hear me
honking backed up into my non-moving vehicle and damaged the three metal
panels over the right rear tire so much the car was undrivable and repairs
(covered by their insurance) cost over $3500, while their bumper was
dented a little.  I would wager that SUVs cost other drivers a lot more in
insurance claims, yet I don't think that SUV owners pay the proportional
amount more they should for the damage their vehicles incur.

It'd be one thing if SUVs had their own roads where only other SUVs and
trucks drove, but they don't, they share the roads with much smaller
vehicles.

> (3) 4-wheel drive for bad road conditions.

I've seen plenty of SUV drivers believe their 4-wheel drive meant they
could brake as well as they could accelerate in bad road conditions and
I've witnessed flips, skids, and spins right off highways by many SUV
owners.  More mass is not always a good thing.

> also, as a Field Engineer, the protect cargo area with all the parts I was
> required to carry permitted greater protection for the parts and me,
> greater security with the view of the parts obscured with the cover.

Seems like a Mercedes-Benz/Dodge Sprinter would be a better choice than an
SUV in that scenario.

> don't dismiss size as a function of ego and pride--there are good reasons
> to have a big vehicle.

As people have already said, there are good reasons for a very small
number of the overall SUV ownerbase to actually own an SUV.

- Nate