The 'special features' are more likely the reason for the huge system specs if this is correct. MS has to
justify the need to upgrade, but most people are happy with the functionality of Windows 98. We have reached a 'plateau' of computer functionality (the Apple Macintosh interface, actually. Mac 84 = Windows 95
) and no new 'revolutionary' improvements seem to be in the wings. So they are resorting to 'bells and whistles' to make Longhorn
look like some sort of big advance. Voice recognition (first made a default feature in XP) and the 3D desktop will use MUCH processing power and RAM. A second processor to handle all the fancy toys will no doubt make a big difference with Longhorn.