I'm not really an expert on the logistics of chess, but I have read that it's one of those games that's well suited to the "mind" of a computer. There are other challenging games like the Chinese "Go" that are harder to program to the standards of these Chess programs and wouldn't necessarily be able to challenge humans in the same way.
Maybe someone who knows a lot about programming games can correct what I've written here.
It's a great story but I don't have any arrogant feelings about the human intellect though. To me this is an assesment. This is a way for humans to understand their own "specifications", what is is about the programming of the powerful human computer that gives it certain relative strengths and weaknesses.
Using computers each day makes me want to learn more about them, and new applications for them. I find myself thinking in very systematic terms; persuing more automation and multitasking. This is the case moreso since I'm now interested in learning the best way to set up a decent home network.
I feel less desire for raw computing power and more for systematically "getting the most" out of the setup I've already got. I like thinking in terms of the eventual interconnectedness of all the technology in my house. And, God help me, I'm even starting to cannibalize old computers for parts.