[citation][nom]NoCaDrummer[/nom]What is a SOFTWARE company doing giving the keynote speech at the Consumer ELECTRONICS Show? Whether it's Microsoft (Bill Gates has given the speech SEVERAL times) or any other Software-only company (Apple does sell hardware, at least something more than keyboards & mice). I wouldn't expect to see, say Linus Torvalds give a speech at CES, any more than would I expect Muhtar Kent from Coca-Cola to do the same. So WHY does Microsoft get a free ride?[/citation]
Well Linus wouldn't be there for a CONSUMER electronics show, seeing as Linux is free... but even if it wasn't, don't forget the duality of computers where the hardware itself is just an expensive paperweight without an operating system.
Enter Microsoft.
If you want to be even more anal-retentive, Microsoft do make hardware as well, Xbox, Zune, Keyboards, Mice, Headsets, Webcams, Game Controllers.