Maybe in UK where you get 100mb/s would that work well but you also need a decent uplink rate and even with today's 12 mb wouldn't be enough. the article's author clearly screams "google fanboy." They are making the classic mistake about not having competition and stepping on too many toes. You really think that apple and MS would be willing to hand over there main reason for existing to google? And who would control the outsource? If no one is getting paid then who upkeeps them? And if so for how long?
I like how everyone in the world thinks that everything should be for free. They are delusional. The world is a capitalist environment and that is the way it is. If you could stop greed from the core of the human heart, then maybe but until then it is ALL wishful thinking. You could say the same to google for not being content on being the dominant factor in the online factor. That is what will ultimately be their downfall, trying to do everything. Unlike MS, they haven't been around as much and haven't stored as much money. Even apple has more ground than google.

Google shouldn't be trying to make an OS. They should focus on what they do best.

I like to access my files locally most of the time, TY. However, I think they will make a Fine OS if they don't fail to make a fine OS. Don't forget, there are already plenty of OS out there already. I'm just learning about this cloud thing. It doesn't pique my curiosity too much.

Some AJAX components to make the user interface more interactive...
Some applications on a list that you can use - including word processor, spreadsheet, database, graphics, presentations, planning etc.. and there you have it. Log in on any PC and you get your desktop with applications withoul loading anything. Upgrades done by the service provider. Not much of a mystery really.

Just that it cuts out the applciation seller who sell to the end client via reseller channel. Now they can sell directly. Obviously MS makes most of their money from OS and Office sales. So if you use Google docs from a Linux thin client - they don't get a piece of the action.