The writer mentions "other Internet services which are valued well north of $50bn." I am having trouble producing much of a list: Google, Amazon, Microsoft (some value is in "Internet services"), Oracle (the "Internet" here is arguable). Who else?

ebay / paypal?

That's an interesting approach to building a machine. I haven't built my own box in some years now, but I'm curious if the savings involved are still worth it?

Idea: Aggregate compatible configurations and prices/coupons to yield "complete system" pricing.

I've found that it is actually cheaper to buy a prebuilt on sale strip out the crappy parts and sell them to pay for upgrades.

fatwallet.com does a lot of that. I used to spend a good amount of time on their "Hot Deals" forum.