I use the iTunes "remote" as well, even though I have two or three of the white Mac remotes laying around that do the same thing. The benefit of the iPhone is that it displays artist/title/album/coverart on your phone, which is a nice bonus (if not lost on most techies).
The initial setup is a bit wonky (thanks poorly designed user interface!), but I haven't had to update anything in over a year. I know this is slashdot, but you aren't required to do updates every time any device you own tells you to. But even then, I have a problem with your post, because I've never been told that an update was available.
Yes, because parenting success is measured by the strength of discipline...riiiight. "Strong" discipline is a crutch used by bad parents who can't be bothered with the responsibility of actually taking the time to be a part of their childrens' lives.
I understand your position. What I don't understand is there seems to be a false dichotomy with the anti-apple crowd. Making good stuff and marketing it well are not mutually exclusive. Just because Dell isn't good at marketing, doesn't mean their computers aren't any good, and just because Apple's marketing IS good, doesn't mean they don't make a good product. It's so freakin' cynical around these parts, I tell ya.
You can't apply Windows OS logic to a discussion about a MacBook Air memory requirements (unless you are planning on using the Air to run Windows). Just because your XP machine bogs down with 4GB of ram doesn't mean that my Macbook (1st Gen), MacBook (current gen) or iMac (white Intel gen) need more than 2GB.
I would suggest that the OS is probably the biggest determining factor for measuring lifetime, unless you are counting "battery life". I'm still using OSX.3 on my 1999 G4 Mac tower with no problems. I can't say the same thing for my 4 year old Pentium IV and WinXP though. Not that desktops and laptops are totally comparable, but there is a bit of a track record. People generally tend to go out and buy a new PC when they just give up on their old one because it's acting weird or whatever. Apple customers tend to be enticed to go out and buy new computers, even if they don't need to replace an old one yet...probably explains my small collection of Macs around the house.
I guess you took "focuses on" as meaning "markets" where I took it to mean "produces". So while apple is "focusing" on the marketing of cool, hip products, using pop-culture music and colors, they are also "focusing" on functional design (given the track record of their products, minus the hockey-puck mouse and a few other indiscretions).
I doubt many people in your "youth culture" scenario have the cash to buy a MacBook Air. I think the Air is targeted more at guys like me (39, in the design industry, lots of money to throw around on frivolous consumer electronics, etc.) With that disclosure, I have to admit I couldn't justify the cost of the Air so I bought a new silver MacBook . More computer for less money and still a really nice fit and finish and industrial design.
Interestingly enough I've been using my Intel iMac for exactly two years now on the stock 2GB or ram just fine. And before you all start, I actually DO use Photoshop and Flash and iTunes and Safari and any other ram intensive program you wish to toss into the discussion. And yes, I do actually work with 12megapixel RAW camera files and I do play 3D shooters (in XP mode). 2GB is plenty enough ram for 99% of the users out there (as of Leopard).
This is not "Apple pricing" at all. If anything, you are paying an extra $500 or so for the solid-state drive and a couple hundred for the design (as bad as it may be). At least with the Air, I wouldn't be opposed to paying a $100 or $200 more for the thin form factor. The Dell has nothing to offer in the design realm that's worth charging for.
Apple video focuses almost entirely on functional design.
This has been almost universally the case with Apple products since Jobs and Ives reinvented Apple. One could say it's their corporate mantra/identity. That why I easily dismiss people who post "teh shiny!" or "fashion statement" in regards to iPods, Macs or iPhones.
Most companies really don't care about college rankings, but I'll take your word for it. Unfortunately, I'd rather retain my modicum of anonymity than tell you where I work. But if you are willing to relocate for a tech-savvy area, give Austin a look (just watchout for layoffs at Dell, AMD and Freescale Semiconductor). Great quality of life, low cost of living, no income tax, nice weather, college town...
You forgot Future Combat Systems (FCS). There's something like 200,000 of us on that program (I'm not an engineer, but I work for a bunch of them) and when they cut FCS, that's a whole lot of engineers looking for work.
I don't understand why a kid WOULDN'T want to be a CS major--at least here in Austin, TX. When I was 22, fresh with my useless Liberal Arts degree, the best job (in today's dollars) I could have hoped for would have been around $30k a year. We hire kids that are near graduation from the University of Texas and Texas State University to do monkey-code, starting at around $60k with full benefits (and they still have a hard time making it to work on time or taking direction...get off my lawn!)
Hell, CS jobs are so disproportionately high paying in this economy that I'm thinking of FORCING my child to study CS, even if he hates it.
Nikon has already started with the HD video on consumer level DSLR camera nonesense. Therefore, I bought a Canon. Features are for tinkerers and photographers are too busy taking pictures to tinker. Give me the current set of features on most DSLR bodies, but give them to me smarter, faster, cheaper. More importantly, give me a good quality stock lens instead of a bunch of gimmicky features I don't need.
"For years, consumers have been sold digital cameras largely on the basis of one number - the megapixels crammed onto its image sensor.
In the summary, the article talks about the "digital image" crowd. The quote above applies to Joe Consumer, not a hobbyist or professional in the digital imaging field, because they already knew that megapixel count is meaningless. So what this story is really about is selling crap to consumers using misleading specs, nothing more, nothing less. "Prosumers" already knew this years ago.
Hard work is a complete misnomer for success. Ability has a lot to do with success, and often "hard work" is used as a substitute for one's lack of ability. There's nothing wrong with "hard work"--it is one mean to an end--but to assume one must work hard in order to succeed is a mistake. A lot of success comes from privilege and ability--both things that are heightened by being fortunate enough to be the child of successful parents. So I don't understand why you are attaching "blame" to baby boomers who have done what they are supposed to in providing for the success of their children. Your post rings of class envy more than anything else.
I'm having a hard time connecting the age-limit restriction and the death of two police officers. Is this to say that if a 35 year-old person were to shoot a police officer, we should restrict violent game sales to only those who are 36 or older? These phony imposed age-limits need to go and let parents decide what is best for our kids instead of the government. My kids (13 and 9) will have a harder time drumming up $50 for the game than they would buying it underage anyways.
Being good at marketing and developing a good product are not mutually exclusive. I have noticed Apple puts a lot of attention to appearance, which happens to be one compelling reason to purchase Apple products over the competition.
Maybe I'm deaf, but you obviously can't read. Nowhere did I say I LIKE Metallica, or I HATE Radiohead. I quite like both about the same. I just don't pretend one is the downfall of humanity, nor is the other the savior of all mankind, kinda like you did.
And I play quite well--well enough that my music scholarship paid for college. I've played on a chart hit (albeit a total one hit wonder). I don't write music at all, but that doesn't disqualify me from being a "real" artist.
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I use the iTunes "remote" as well, even though I have two or three of the white Mac remotes laying around that do the same thing. The benefit of the iPhone is that it displays artist/title/album/coverart on your phone, which is a nice bonus (if not lost on most techies).
The initial setup is a bit wonky (thanks poorly designed user interface!), but I haven't had to update anything in over a year. I know this is slashdot, but you aren't required to do updates every time any device you own tells you to. But even then, I have a problem with your post, because I've never been told that an update was available.
IAlso, show me a smartphone that has the battery life of a good old remote control that can last for months or more.
That's a dumb argument.
Show me a remote control that plugs in and recharges like a smart phone.
Yes, because parenting success is measured by the strength of discipline...riiiight. "Strong" discipline is a crutch used by bad parents who can't be bothered with the responsibility of actually taking the time to be a part of their childrens' lives.
I understand your position. What I don't understand is there seems to be a false dichotomy with the anti-apple crowd. Making good stuff and marketing it well are not mutually exclusive. Just because Dell isn't good at marketing, doesn't mean their computers aren't any good, and just because Apple's marketing IS good, doesn't mean they don't make a good product. It's so freakin' cynical around these parts, I tell ya.
You can't apply Windows OS logic to a discussion about a MacBook Air memory requirements (unless you are planning on using the Air to run Windows). Just because your XP machine bogs down with 4GB of ram doesn't mean that my Macbook (1st Gen), MacBook (current gen) or iMac (white Intel gen) need more than 2GB.
I would suggest that the OS is probably the biggest determining factor for measuring lifetime, unless you are counting "battery life". I'm still using OSX.3 on my 1999 G4 Mac tower with no problems. I can't say the same thing for my 4 year old Pentium IV and WinXP though. Not that desktops and laptops are totally comparable, but there is a bit of a track record. People generally tend to go out and buy a new PC when they just give up on their old one because it's acting weird or whatever. Apple customers tend to be enticed to go out and buy new computers, even if they don't need to replace an old one yet...probably explains my small collection of Macs around the house.
I guess you took "focuses on" as meaning "markets" where I took it to mean "produces". So while apple is "focusing" on the marketing of cool, hip products, using pop-culture music and colors, they are also "focusing" on functional design (given the track record of their products, minus the hockey-puck mouse and a few other indiscretions).
I doubt many people in your "youth culture" scenario have the cash to buy a MacBook Air. I think the Air is targeted more at guys like me (39, in the design industry, lots of money to throw around on frivolous consumer electronics, etc.) With that disclosure, I have to admit I couldn't justify the cost of the Air so I bought a new silver MacBook . More computer for less money and still a really nice fit and finish and industrial design.
They fill a niche quite well - the "ultimate PowerPoint system"
Until they figure out that Keynote is only about 200 times better than the best version of PowerPoint ever hopes to be.
Interestingly enough I've been using my Intel iMac for exactly two years now on the stock 2GB or ram just fine. And before you all start, I actually DO use Photoshop and Flash and iTunes and Safari and any other ram intensive program you wish to toss into the discussion. And yes, I do actually work with 12megapixel RAW camera files and I do play 3D shooters (in XP mode). 2GB is plenty enough ram for 99% of the users out there (as of Leopard).
But alas, they don't. This small fact doesn't make a computer that only runs Windows more versatile than a computer that can run Windows and OSX.
Ports on the back? Gasp!...as if it is so hard to get to the ports on the back of an ultra-thin laptop that weighs 4 pounds or less.
This is not "Apple pricing" at all. If anything, you are paying an extra $500 or so for the solid-state drive and a couple hundred for the design (as bad as it may be). At least with the Air, I wouldn't be opposed to paying a $100 or $200 more for the thin form factor. The Dell has nothing to offer in the design realm that's worth charging for.
Apple video focuses almost entirely on functional design.
This has been almost universally the case with Apple products since Jobs and Ives reinvented Apple. One could say it's their corporate mantra/identity. That why I easily dismiss people who post "teh shiny!" or "fashion statement" in regards to iPods, Macs or iPhones.
Most companies really don't care about college rankings, but I'll take your word for it. Unfortunately, I'd rather retain my modicum of anonymity than tell you where I work. But if you are willing to relocate for a tech-savvy area, give Austin a look (just watchout for layoffs at Dell, AMD and Freescale Semiconductor). Great quality of life, low cost of living, no income tax, nice weather, college town...
You forgot Future Combat Systems (FCS). There's something like 200,000 of us on that program (I'm not an engineer, but I work for a bunch of them) and when they cut FCS, that's a whole lot of engineers looking for work.
I don't understand why a kid WOULDN'T want to be a CS major--at least here in Austin, TX. When I was 22, fresh with my useless Liberal Arts degree, the best job (in today's dollars) I could have hoped for would have been around $30k a year. We hire kids that are near graduation from the University of Texas and Texas State University to do monkey-code, starting at around $60k with full benefits (and they still have a hard time making it to work on time or taking direction...get off my lawn!)
Hell, CS jobs are so disproportionately high paying in this economy that I'm thinking of FORCING my child to study CS, even if he hates it.
It's cool to have a job, I guess?
Nikon has already started with the HD video on consumer level DSLR camera nonesense. Therefore, I bought a Canon. Features are for tinkerers and photographers are too busy taking pictures to tinker. Give me the current set of features on most DSLR bodies, but give them to me smarter, faster, cheaper. More importantly, give me a good quality stock lens instead of a bunch of gimmicky features I don't need.
"For years, consumers have been sold digital cameras largely on the basis of one number - the megapixels crammed onto its image sensor.
In the summary, the article talks about the "digital image" crowd. The quote above applies to Joe Consumer, not a hobbyist or professional in the digital imaging field, because they already knew that megapixel count is meaningless. So what this story is really about is selling crap to consumers using misleading specs, nothing more, nothing less. "Prosumers" already knew this years ago.
Mod down, not insightful.
Hard work is a complete misnomer for success. Ability has a lot to do with success, and often "hard work" is used as a substitute for one's lack of ability. There's nothing wrong with "hard work"--it is one mean to an end--but to assume one must work hard in order to succeed is a mistake. A lot of success comes from privilege and ability--both things that are heightened by being fortunate enough to be the child of successful parents. So I don't understand why you are attaching "blame" to baby boomers who have done what they are supposed to in providing for the success of their children. Your post rings of class envy more than anything else.
I'm having a hard time connecting the age-limit restriction and the death of two police officers. Is this to say that if a 35 year-old person were to shoot a police officer, we should restrict violent game sales to only those who are 36 or older? These phony imposed age-limits need to go and let parents decide what is best for our kids instead of the government. My kids (13 and 9) will have a harder time drumming up $50 for the game than they would buying it underage anyways.
Being good at marketing and developing a good product are not mutually exclusive. I have noticed Apple puts a lot of attention to appearance, which happens to be one compelling reason to purchase Apple products over the competition.
Maybe I'm deaf, but you obviously can't read. Nowhere did I say I LIKE Metallica, or I HATE Radiohead. I quite like both about the same. I just don't pretend one is the downfall of humanity, nor is the other the savior of all mankind, kinda like you did.
And I play quite well--well enough that my music scholarship paid for college. I've played on a chart hit (albeit a total one hit wonder). I don't write music at all, but that doesn't disqualify me from being a "real" artist.