[OT] End-user uses for x86-64 (was: Why are still not at 64 bits)

[Jason Stephenson]

Ben's point about the advantages of more memory and the comparison to 
the 16-bit to 32-bit transition is well taken, but I don't think that 
changes my main point:

Typical end users as defined before don't really care about the 
differences. As long as they can do more or less what they want to do 
with the computer, they won't really notice the difference.

Sure, their 64-bit PC will be faster than their old 32-bit PC, but isn't 
that what they expect? It's the same thing going from a 4 cylinder to an 
8 cylinder automobile engine. You generally expect better performance.

They don't really care how that improved performance comes about.

I'm not going to argue that 64 bits won't make a difference, just that 
typical home and office users won't notice until it enables something 
that no one has done before, or not done well. If you can only run the 
ultrarealistic, VR porn with teledildonics module on the latest 64 bit 
tech, then people will run out and buy 64 bit specifically to get 64 
bit. However, before there is a compelling reason for them to get 64 
bit, they won't care as long as what they get this year is better than 
what they had last year.

Eventually, you won't be able to buy mainstream hardware with anything 
less than 64 bit CPUs, and from looking at the latest Dell PC Catalogs 
that I get, that time appears to be now or very soon.