Old Windows CE devices could do that too: you just had to click on a .cab file link from within the device's browser to install a program.

The Android feature is actually more robust than that: Click "Install" in the browser on your desktop, and seconds later, the app is installed on your phone. Without having to ever touch the phone.

Oh, I see. Thanks, I somehow missed the "any machine" part of the comment.

how often do you use that feature?

If you're looking for general data points, this is my primary means of installing applications on my Android phone. Only ~1/5 of my apps were installed using the on-device Market app.

wow, much higher than I would've thought. but that data point is helpful - thanks!