* * * * *
                                        
              The makers of dinosaurs finally becomes a dinosaur.
                                        
I'd like to think that the following is an April Fools Joke, but given the
recent history of Silicon Graphics, this is probably true:

> Today, a legendary Silicon Valley company goes out with a fizzle.
> 
> **Rackable Systems** (RACK) [1] announced [2] that it will buy most of the
> assets of **Silicon Graphics** (SGIC) [3], the long-time provider of high-
> performance computers, for $25 million in cash and the assumption of
> certain liabilities as part of a pre-packaged **Chapter 11** filing by
> Silicon Graphics. the deal is expected to close within 60 days.
> 

“Tech Trader Daily - Barron’s Online : End Of An Era: Rackable Systems To Buy
Silicon Graphics For $25 Million; SGIC Holders Likely To Get Nothing [4]”

And with Silicon Graphic's current stock price of 18¢ (no, not $18, 18¢),
such a move would put the company out if its misery.

Shame really. I remember using their computers in the 90s. In fact, I had
near exclusive use of one when I worked at FAU (Florida Atlantic University)
[5] and it was such a sweet machine. Except for having to continually replace
the fan unit. Oh, and the motherboard at least once. And the graphics board.
And the monitor at the end had a decidedly green tinge to it. And that when
new, it cost $35,000.00 but after four years might have been worth $1,500
(even worse than your typical car).

Hmm … when put in those terms … 

(Oh, and the title? It's in reference to their little commercial [6] from the
early 90s)

[1] http://online.barrons.com/quotes/main.html?symbol=rack
[2] http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Rackable-Systems-
[3] http://online.barrons.com/quotes/main.html?symbol=sgic
[4] http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/04/01/end-of-an-era-
[5] http://www.fau.edu/
[6] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/

Email Sean Conner at sean@conman.org

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