I took about 90 minutes this morning to fully watch the joint interview of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs at D5. Yes, it was a few days ago, but I never said I’d always be the first to the party.

As the interview starts, it is easy to see why Jobs has excelled in his endeavors, as he is very personable, and of very quick wit. He is a natural speaker. Mr. Gates is not. He appears slightly uncomfortable during the entire time. If I wanted to simply make terse remarks and go on, I could say that it is clear that Jobs envies Mr. Gates money, and Gates envies Mr. Jobs intelligence.

That would be a disservice to both, although at the core of things, I believe it to be somewhat true.

As the interview unfolds, it is clear that they approach the same problems from different perspectives. The best analogy I can make is that Gates is GM, and ultimately a Chevy salesman, while Jobs is Enzo Ferrari, who knows how to build a car, and knows exactly how he wants every inch of that car to look and perform.

Revealed by the two is also the fact that Apple started out as a company that wanted to do everything, while Microsoft started out as a company needing partners from the beginning. Clear was the fact that these roles have almost completely reversed. As Jobs states, they don’t want to enter into search technology, as they believe others do it very well, so it would be inefficient to waste resources to re-invent the wheel. Microsoft has developed a mind set, often called siege mentality. Microsoft has entered into the world of search, ostensibly to make it better. They want to be in control of everything that comes in contact with the computer. In an uneasy small silence, the viewer wonders how the idea of world domination was ever started.

When asked about the future of computing, Steve talks about ‘post-computer’ devices, which are for the most part, handheld, limited or directed function pieces. Bill talks about adding to the basic computer, though sometimes in a smaller form factor.

When asked about devices that bring people together, Jobs talks about the inclusion of a camera in many Macs, bringing families and friends together through video conferencing. Gates, to the same question, brings up a yet to be unveiled device, to allow more complete business conferencing.

When money is not the focus of things, it is still clear that this is one of the main thrusts of Gates’ work. Jobs clearly sees it as a by-product. This is fascinating, as Gates’ father is a doctor, presumably choosing that profession to better humanity.

Near the end of the interview, Jobs speaks about ‘post-computer’ devices again, with emphasis on the upcoming iPhone. Gates speaks of the Xbox, and its ability to bring people together through conferencing functions during entertainment.

It is clear in the course of the interview that without the many contributions of these companies, and men, life would be much different today. Also, the idea of a greater partnership, rather than rivalry that developed, gives a point for reflection.

Tags: microsoft, apple, iphone, itunes, xbox, zune, d5, bill gates, steve jobs