kind of makes you wonder if there was any pressure political or financial from MS.
I find this whole OOXML debacle deeply disturbing, yet more evidence of decisions that should be taken on technical merit being swayed or decided on commercial factors. Worrying.
stuff it in a laptop, the thinness, lightness and power consumption is a sure winner there.
ditto mobile multimedia.
for domestic consumer electronics the thinness is irrelevant except for high end concept ware where people are willing to pay through the nose.
the thinness is also irrelevant if it has to be stuck on an ungly base unit (see TFA) for real jawdropping effect it should be displayed by itself with a well hidden cable in the support going to a much better hidden base unit in the wall, furniture or somewhere else.
still on the plus side the contrast and brightness sure looks good. hope it still stays that could and does not get destroyed by direct sunlight a few months after purchase.
My. Thats a brave move. First they chopped $200 off, and then threaten to turn them into paperweights if you dare to use them away from their selected few. They *really* know how to treat their early adopters well.
Seriously, this sounds a little intrusive. Voice recognition my ass, I bet there is a clause in their contract stating the call may be recorded for future training, enhancement, fun, profit and any damn reason they like. 'Scuze me while I reach for my phrases and codes book.
I have all his books, even the one finished by Spider Robinson.
But when I can buy an copy off the 'net for less then a scanned, no doubt DRM'd, electronic copy - I have to wonder who the target of this website is.
Bottom line - If you want to impress people donate the collected works to the Gutenberg archive.
But of course that is not a money spinner. Hardcore fans only indeed - though I am not knocking this as a source for historical research for the academics.
But it is irrelevant if, and only if, everybody is using ODF instead of OOXML. Certainly the numbers so far look promising in that respect.
I suspect it will boil down to a dirty war using three of MS favorite weapons - FUD, bad standards (only it can implement cleanly), and aggressive campaigning/lobbying.
They have rather deep pockets as companies go and a lot to lose if this does not go their way. On the plus side, the consumers (but this I mean business/Governments - not public) seem more wiser - or at least have smarter advisers - then in the past. Its going to be fascination to see how this pans out.
To MS a "standard" is nothing more then another legitimate business tactic.
Just goes to show that even if MS get OOXML adopted as a standard by ISO by their various mechanisms and shenanigans - it would all come to nothing if there is a "de facto" standard already. And ODF is looking to be positioned to be just that.
It's not always the standards that people recognize and certify that win the day.
I look forward to the day when MS are forced to implement ODF filters for Office just to stay in the game. They once said that they would not support ODF - like any business they might have no choice if their sales are on the line. Once ODF is the standard then Office is going to have some real problems in the face of free alternatives that support the same format - MS biggest fear will be realized.
MS main weapons is proprietary formats and proprietary software and OOXML/Office is one of the biggest examples. (Yes I know OOXML is not "technically" proprietary anymore).
nice one, thats my evening's humorous reading sorted out then. Purest, addictive, schadenfreude - what a delight.
its always cute when you see a big firm like that caught with its breeches down, but when its the sneaky bugger who where behind MiiVii on the receiving end its extra juicy.
tell you one thing, I wish we could get a current tap on their email to see what they are saying about this one!:-)
on a more serious note, this came out because one single employee forward all his email to a gmail account which was then compromised, I would sure hate to be in his shoes right now.
sure as hell emphasizes the difference between an inventor, scientist and engineer...
..and a professional stunt man who will ensure adequate clearance zones, safety margins, appropriate safety gear and at least apply a basic safety audit before carrying out a start stop on such a potentially powerful bike.
So there is a 15nm filter that can get even viruses and bacteria out of water?
How about using it for home use, recycling "Grey water waste" and rainwater into drinking water. £400 a pop seems more impressive when considered that way. Assuming the filters can be made economically enough there is a huge potential market there.
I like the idea of anything that reduces our dependence on piped convenience.
Its good news for me. I played around with QNX (around v6.1 I think) and was really impressed by the speed it could run on older machines. If I had a single CD install that could browse files, play MPS and run firefix then I would install in without a seconds thought. I remember being vaguely unimpressed with the license and installing Mandrake instead (hey, it was a few years ago..)
For a fuller office experience Ubuntu would win because of the application support, but for simple client Net/Music use in places like a lounge or bedroom QNX has got to be a good option.
Supposing I make a TShirt that says, "By looking at this T-Shirt you agree not to sleep with me.." I think you'll be astonished by how well that would work. Oh wait, there's more..
It worked for them last time, and then only just. This time with most businesses staying away from Vista and many home users avoiding it because of compatibility issues, I think they sound slightly petulant and desperate.
However - the engineer in me reckons this is more about them wanting to support less platforms and trying to "get rid" (or obsolete) the older ones as fast as they possibly can.
The bottom line here (if I'm interpreting your phrase "MS Tax" correctly) is that you're blaming MS for something that another company does.
No, not quite. Another company does it because MS in their wisdom allows them "discounts" if the OEM only supplies MS operating systems and refuses the supply bare PCs in the name of preventing piracy. I use the term "discounts" because when nearly every OEM int he planet uses them they cease to become a discount and become a normal oppressive business tactic.
The fact remains that if the OEMs felt free to sell bare PCs then they would do so. I can only think of one OEM in the UK that actually sells a bare PC and that is Novatech in Portsmouth. Please correct me if you know others. Yes I admit I could buy components and build myself a PC - but the sad fact of the matter is that it is generally cheaper to buy a PC with Windows and turn the install CD into a drinks coaster whilst installing Ubuntu - then it is to buy the equivalent components.
have you actually tried to buy a new PC without MS software on it? I have. It has been more or less impossible for many years, it is only comparatively recently that OEMs have begun to offer free alternatives. I am MS free at home. I do not buy MS of my own free will yet I find it crammed down my throat with every PC purchase. Of my own free will indeed.....hah!
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kind of makes you wonder if there was any pressure political or financial from MS.
I find this whole OOXML debacle deeply disturbing, yet more evidence of decisions that should be taken on technical merit being swayed or decided on commercial factors. Worrying.
Worse it sets a very dangerous (IMHO) precedent.
stuff it in a laptop, the thinness, lightness and power consumption is a sure winner there.
ditto mobile multimedia.
for domestic consumer electronics the thinness is irrelevant except for high end concept ware where people are willing to pay through the nose.
the thinness is also irrelevant if it has to be stuck on an ungly base unit (see TFA) for real jawdropping effect it should be displayed by itself with a well hidden cable in the support going to a much better hidden base unit in the wall, furniture or somewhere else.
still on the plus side the contrast and brightness sure looks good. hope it still stays that could and does not get destroyed by direct sunlight a few months after purchase.
But isn't a better solution just to be much more efficient with the energy you already produce?
My. Thats a brave move. First they chopped $200 off, and then threaten to turn them into paperweights if you dare to use them away from their selected few. They *really* know how to treat their early adopters well.
Quick buy shares in O2 and AT&T! Quiiick!
I wonder if their software can detect if I dial the speaking clock and leave it off hook?
http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/speaking_clock.htm
Seriously, this sounds a little intrusive. Voice recognition my ass, I bet there is a clause in their contract stating the call may be recorded for future training, enhancement, fun, profit and any damn reason they like. 'Scuze me while I reach for my phrases and codes book.
I for one, welcome our new...
oh gawd, why bother. So damn cliched I cannot even be bothered to finish.
*sigh*
the rise of the wirehead!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wirehead
I like Heinlein.
I have all his books, even the one finished by Spider Robinson.
But when I can buy an copy off the 'net for less then a scanned, no doubt DRM'd, electronic copy - I have to wonder who the target of this website is.
Bottom line - If you want to impress people donate the collected works to the Gutenberg archive.
But of course that is not a money spinner. Hardcore fans only indeed - though I am not knocking this as a source for historical research for the academics.
"They are shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted."
Always liked that phrase.
dupe or not - that kid has just got to be an insufferable, annoying little snot.
a bit like "doogie howser MD" only real, remember that?
More like many virtual worlds full of many virtual rolling tumble weeds and exaggerated population figures.
You make a good point.
But it is irrelevant if, and only if, everybody is using ODF instead of OOXML. Certainly the numbers so far look promising in that respect.
I suspect it will boil down to a dirty war using three of MS favorite weapons - FUD, bad standards (only it can implement cleanly), and aggressive campaigning/lobbying.
They have rather deep pockets as companies go and a lot to lose if this does not go their way. On the plus side, the consumers (but this I mean business/Governments - not public) seem more wiser - or at least have smarter advisers - then in the past. Its going to be fascination to see how this pans out.
To MS a "standard" is nothing more then another legitimate business tactic.
Just goes to show that even if MS get OOXML adopted as a standard by ISO by their various mechanisms and shenanigans - it would all come to nothing if there is a "de facto" standard already. And ODF is looking to be positioned to be just that.
It's not always the standards that people recognize and certify that win the day.
I look forward to the day when MS are forced to implement ODF filters for Office just to stay in the game. They once said that they would not support ODF - like any business they might have no choice if their sales are on the line. Once ODF is the standard then Office is going to have some real problems in the face of free alternatives that support the same format - MS biggest fear will be realized.
MS main weapons is proprietary formats and proprietary software and OOXML/Office is one of the biggest examples. (Yes I know OOXML is not "technically" proprietary anymore).
(thats the sound a vulture makes, btw)
nice one, thats my evening's humorous reading sorted out then. Purest, addictive, schadenfreude - what a delight.
:-)
its always cute when you see a big firm like that caught with its breeches down, but when its the sneaky bugger who where behind MiiVii on the receiving end its extra juicy.
tell you one thing, I wish we could get a current tap on their email to see what they are saying about this one!
on a more serious note, this came out because one single employee forward all his email to a gmail account which was then compromised, I would sure hate to be in his shoes right now.
oh sheeeit, my gf is right. getting sympathy out of me really is like getting blood out of a stone.
did anybody actually *see* a copy of Windows XP(N)? I never did.
(Mind you I run only 'nix so I did not try too hard to find it. But it was never on the shelves of any store I went into.)
all this global warming, freak weather and now the northwest passage is open? I'm losing my faith in coincidences here...
sure as hell emphasizes the difference between an inventor, scientist and engineer...
..and a professional stunt man who will ensure adequate clearance zones, safety margins, appropriate safety gear and at least apply a basic safety audit before carrying out a start stop on such a potentially powerful bike.
..that would be my number one fantasy vehicle from a movie. (or maybe a land speeder :-).
:-(
I'm still waiting for my live action Akira bike
http://www.burningart.com/meico/moto/akira/
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fplusd.itmedia.co.jp%2Flifestyle%2Farticles%2F0404%2F02%2Fnews040.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8
http://negatendo.net/kmc/en_neo_fukuoka.htm
And the eye candy who was hired to sit on the bike was quite nice. Sorry that's amazingly un-PC of me and I apologize.
So there is a 15nm filter that can get even viruses and bacteria out of water?
How about using it for home use, recycling "Grey water waste" and rainwater into drinking water. £400 a pop seems more impressive when considered that way. Assuming the filters can be made economically enough there is a huge potential market there.
I like the idea of anything that reduces our dependence on piped convenience.
How nice it is to see ordinary, good people who can manage the responsibility of having vast sums of money without it going to their heads...
Its good news for me. I played around with QNX (around v6.1 I think) and was really impressed by the speed it could run on older machines. If I had a single CD install that could browse files, play MPS and run firefix then I would install in without a seconds thought. I remember being vaguely unimpressed with the license and installing Mandrake instead (hey, it was a few years ago..)
For a fuller office experience Ubuntu would win because of the application support, but for simple client Net/Music use in places like a lounge or bedroom QNX has got to be a good option.
It worked for them last time, and then only just. This time with most businesses staying away from Vista and many home users avoiding it because of compatibility issues, I think they sound slightly petulant and desperate.
However - the engineer in me reckons this is more about them wanting to support less platforms and trying to "get rid" (or obsolete) the older ones as fast as they possibly can.
No, not quite. Another company does it because MS in their wisdom allows them "discounts" if the OEM only supplies MS operating systems and refuses the supply bare PCs in the name of preventing piracy. I use the term "discounts" because when nearly every OEM int he planet uses them they cease to become a discount and become a normal oppressive business tactic.
The fact remains that if the OEMs felt free to sell bare PCs then they would do so. I can only think of one OEM in the UK that actually sells a bare PC and that is Novatech in Portsmouth. Please correct me if you know others. Yes I admit I could buy components and build myself a PC - but the sad fact of the matter is that it is generally cheaper to buy a PC with Windows and turn the install CD into a drinks coaster whilst installing Ubuntu - then it is to buy the equivalent components.
..and people buy it of their own free willsorry? come again?
have you actually tried to buy a new PC without MS software on it? I have. It has been more or less impossible for many years, it is only comparatively recently that OEMs have begun to offer free alternatives. I am MS free at home. I do not buy MS of my own free will yet I find it crammed down my throat with every PC purchase. Of my own free will indeed.....hah!