Except that, by using a not-most-popular browser, they dodge all generic attacks not specifically aimed at them. Which is, oh, most of them. As you say, a crafted attack will exploit a known bug in a known used system, and so doesn't matter which (since they all have exploits at various points in their lifecycle), but removing yourself from the random crossfire can't be bad.

I'm assuming that they will be running AD domains, with a local MS SUS server (and Automatic Updates setup correctly). This is, I realise, not necessarily the case. If the network admin is any good at all, he will approve (and set a deadline) on all security updates. This should keep everything up to date. Again, I realise this isn't always the case, but on a properly set up, properly maintained network, it's relatively easy to make sure that everyone is running the latest MS products and updates.

No. It's because they know people are woefully uneducated, such as your wife, and they tap into that latent stupidity for an exploit sale. Go Apple! Perhaps you should look at a basic computing course, rather than an accessory that she can show off at her next book club meeting. "Look Molly! It doesn't have any of those yucky files that my old notebook had!" Seriously, this is the problem with apple users - most of the time, they really don't need what they're buying, or know how it works.

Yes. I was flabbergasted by some listener phoning in to a radio station, and exclaiming about how WONDERFUL an idea the iPad was, thanks to the touch screen. She had obviously never been exposed to a tablet PC in her life. Seriously, if the iPad is even the slightest bit successful, I will hold Apple users in even more disdain than I do currently. Which is quite a lot.

From the linked article: "During the demonstration flight, the system was used to observe a car accident, a city announcement said. The camera detected the collision due to the heat produced by the vehicles, and within seconds focused on the area and provided a clear picture of all vehicles and people in the area."

Wait, what? So, light a fire somewhere far away from where you're going to commit the crime, and the camera will detect the heat and look away? What are the exact specs of this system anyway?

You have no chance to survive make your time