How much time is wasted by end users every day trying to fix their registry settings, reinstall software, and other ridiculous tasks? While someone might be able to call a help desk or administrator at work, at home, there's almost no way around either doing it yourself or paying someone else to do it for you.
Why does a user who wants to perform the simple operations of writing memos, pulling tidbits off of the web, and using email need to spend time managing such an incredibly complex system? The beauty of Java is that someone who needs such a machine can still have it, without forcing that complexity upon those who don't need it and can't manage it.
People who are buying computers for home use can buy whatever they want, without having to worry about whether it will be compatible with what they're using at work, or with what the kids are using at school.
``Write Once, Run Anywhere'' means freedom to choose whatever you want, based on criteria that makes sense. ``Where the applications are'' won't be an issue, because the applications will be everywhere that Java can be found.
Returning to the car analogy, you can buy a Porsche if you like, or a station wagon, or a pickup truck. You make your choice based on what you're going to do with it, not what kind of fuel it takes.