The only thing that makes it not a general-purpose computer is the omission of an onboard compiler.

And there is no legitimate reason for that omission, whatsoever.

Our computers are intentionally crippled so that we need to ask permission for what to do with them.

> The only thing that makes it not a general-purpose computer is the omission of an onboard compiler.

I was talking about the design aesthetics of a handheld general-purpose computing device, i. e. one that within its device-class is not overspecialized. That's largely hardware design, which obviously can't be altered as easily.

A compiler? As long as the machine let's me install all the software I need (later), and without any permission torture from "sideloading" hell, I'm good.

I mean you've got a chap in this very discussion for whom certain stock Android devices are enough cos he can run his compilers and Linux. But to me a Pixel, or any similar feature-downgraded device, is utterly undesireable; shipping one with a compiler out of the box is not even a consolation prize, lol.