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From: Lars Poulsen <lars@cleo.beagle-ears.com>
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.misc
Subject: Diversity - good or bad ?
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:17:50 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: A noiseless patient Spider
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The Natural Philosopher wrote this post while blinking in Morse code:
NP>> Diversity -  when its a good thing -  means multiple copies of the same 
NP>> technology, not multiple different technologies.

On 2025-01-10, Chris Ahlstrom <OFeem1987@teleworm.us> wrote:
CA>   You prove my thesis with the *variety* of transportation items you present.
CA>   Look at all the various charger/connector types for smartphones.

The multiple connector types have been very counterproductive. The
Chinese government brought some standardization by requiring micro-USB
connectors, but Apple soon found a way around it and introduced
"Lightning" connectors just to be different. Round two switched everyone
to USB-C (again initiated by China - or was it EU). To my eyes, USB-C is
not "flatter" than Micro-USB, but it does have the advantage of being
symmetrical.

CA>   Every car has differences, some small, some, like electric vs gas, big.
CA>  
CA>   Under capitalism, everyone is looking for an edge, often found by
CA>   adopting a different design.

As in Tesla versus "standard" EV charging connectors.

CA>   There is almost nothing that has "evolved" to a single implementation.
CA>   Everything is tweaked.

With some remarkable counter-examples. As I understand it, there was a
time when the "big 3" automakers had standardized motor mounts, so that
you could install an aftermarket V8 engine to boost you car's
performance.

Or the way car radios were standardized, so you could buy a new,
high-end AM/FM/CD radio to spice up your 10-year old car.

Those days are over. No more aftermarket car radios, since
entertainment, navigation, climate control and other dashboard
functions became integrated.