I think you're wrong on both counts. I don't see any reason why an OS Windows would stop people from working on Linux. And there are different reasons why some people prefer Macs to Windows, but cost is definitely not one of them...

Bad example. It is a common misconception that Mein Kampf is illegal in Germany. You are allowed to have a copy (even though it you will probably not find a new one anywhere).

The median IQ is 100. By definition. So you'd definitely lose that wager.

Not that I disagree with your assessment about Germany being screwed up, but I think calling the US loose (especially compared to Berlin) is a bit of a stretch. Having lived both in the US and in Berlin, I consider most of the places in America much less relaxed in every respect I can think of (drugs [especially weed], prostitution, homosexuality, sex in general, abortion etc). Well, everything except gun control and nazi insignia.

The thing is, no one expected her to change oil and filters, but she should be able to drive a car with 6 gears after learning to drive in a car with 5 gears.

I'm sorry, but that is bullshit. I'm writing this from a MacBook running 10.5, which does not boot in anywhere near that time.

Trident

But that's not really what happens, at least not for all of their products. The iPod's UI may not be terrible, but it is far from being good (or even "great"). How do you turn off an iPod? How do you delete tracks from it? Can you easily change the volume without taking it out of your pocket?
I got a iPod classic for christmas, and all of these are things my 4-years old, half as expensive creative mp3-player did far better.

Wow, 30 Mb, that's like 1 Song...
And "globally" is a bit of a stretch, considering that these things are only sold in the US and Canada.

It's not like the two are mutually exclusive...