.NET questions

I am just finding this out.. that to distribute an application you'll also need to distribute the framework file that's 21 megs.. this is very uncool if you want to make things simple for your users, and if you dont want them to have to download huge files. If you're selling something this will turn people off majorly, i'm guessing.
My real app is only 1.5 megs, tacking on 21 just seems wrong. I have a few questions if anyone can answer..

1. when do you think .net framework will be a commonly installed item on almost everyones computer? So that you dont need to include a 21 meg file with your app.
2. how does the new Delphi compare to the sweetness of VB.net? I really like so many features on .Net it will be hard to move to soemthing else. Namely i'd like something with splitter bars, code formatting, and an object oriented programming enviornment. I'm cringing at vb6.0 right now.
3. Is there any ohter way for a person to run a .NET app without installing that 21 meg file?

I think it's shipped with WinXP, but I don't know for sure...

nope i have win XP.. maybe the newer copies

1. Its been a part of the WIndows Update feature for a while now. It just depends if your users actually use that feature or not.

2. I don't have a clue.

3. No.

I'm not sure what the big deal is think of it this way once the framework is installed once ALL apps that use .net will not need ANY runtimes. CDRs are so cheap now-a-days just burn it all to a disc.

the main prob is the download times and increase in installation complication for potential online customers. of course none of us have a prob with it, but if a lay-person had to choose between one app and another, and one of those apps makes you download a 21 meg file to install before hand.. they will prob choose the other.