Given that NeXT was BSD based, that certainly would complete the clone...
I agree with this point given that GNUstep is the "other" GNU GUI next to GNOME but there are a few hangups that need to be resolved:
1. Apple has added "Objective-C++" to GCC but there appear to be problems using this outside of Darwin. (Ojb-C++ reportedly adds a few handy C++ routeines to Objective-C and it worth looking at.)
2. Problem 1. appears to be preventing Apple's KDE-based WebKit from being supported on GNUstep. Even though the first web browser was written on NeXT, GNUstep does not have one, limiting its functionality to put it mildy. For more info:
TV commercials often use pre-production cars that come with peelable paint. Rule number one on a car shoot: Don't scratch the peelable paint as it can't be repaired in the field!
Cool feature: to remove it, cut a hole in it and inflate it with an air compressor, causing it all to separate from the underlying sheetmetal.
Now how about painting mobile phones and other kit in this to "rubberize" them and improve resale value like (reportedly) German taxis?
MD
Re:xBSD is indeed D.E.A.D. - Clarification
on
NetBSD 2.0 Released
·
· Score: 1
Okay, nearly 24 hours later I am still modded a troll for complementing NetBSD with the words "elegant" and "dependable" in an attempt to re-purpose the extremely tired "BSD is dead" cowardly tirade that appears in response to every BSD article on/.
The moderator appears to require a further explanation of the "Damn Elegant And Dependable - D.E.A.D. joke. Here goes:
I admit the word "damn" defaults to a negative connotation but it also appears in the North American lexicon in phrases such as "Damn Small Linux" (damnsmalllinux.org) and Damn good pork rinds!" I also admit that "damn" could have a satanic connotation but it was intended to evoke the traditional BSD "daemon" logo. Until recently, the NetBSD logo was comprised of a number of daemons raising a flag in the sprit of the iconic WWII moment in Iwo Jima. Given the > 1 number of daemons, I trusted that "damn" would not be taken to represent the singular satan and thus offend those in "the red states."
The word "elegant" is arguably subjective but is used several times in the other posts in response to the article. I suggest you either take user's word for it or do some testing yourself.
Okay, okay, I confess, I was not comfortable capitalizing "and" perhaps in response to its unsightly and usually inappropriate placement at the beginning of a sentence.
Then comes "dependable." I consider this a far less subjective choice than "elegant" and there are numbers to back it up. If you use the Internet, I guarantee that a significant number of the packets you send and receive pass through NetBSD-derived TCP/IP code, even on certain versions of Windows. You see, the TCP/IP specification was published and, correct me if I'm wrong, the BSD team were the first to implement it on top of AT&T's UNIX. The code was so good that companies started requesting that Berkeley release it separately. This led to the BSD Net/1 release and later the NetBSD project. The world "net" is not decorative. If you use TCP/IP, you surrender your right to discredit the BSD's, ESPECIALLY NetBSD. Likewise, if you use OpenSSL/OpenSSH or a web site that employs them, you should show your respect to the OpenBSD team that developed and maintains them. Does your Linux distribution include this BSD code?
I hope this begins to clarify things to the Anonymous Coward(s) who spam the "BSD is dead" mantra and the Moderator who mistook a joke about a running troll for a troll. As for "BSD is dying" - enough already. You failed to make your point the first time and failed this time. Every user that "Switches" to Macintosh switches to BSD. Every time you use OpenSSL, you use BSD. Every time you post this troll, you most likely use BSD in the process.
For the record, I am an active BSD supporter and will not speculate as to the source of your presumptuous nature.
I have donated over eight pieces of equipment to the FreeBSD project, including three systems. I purchase my OpenBSD CD's and I operate the default/most active cvsup server in my country.
locate a sense of humor!
Try a BSD while you're at it. Try Mac OS X if you're scared.
What's this with Microsoft paying SCO a fortune for a Unix license and then snuggling up and making peace with Sun a year or two before Longhorn, the "next generation of Windows" is expected?
Maybe there is a relationship between Longhorn and Solaris 10.
Heck, if Sun open sources it, MS can later change license and claim everyone is stealing from them. U.S. copyright will certainly accomodate retroactive litigation by then.
I only hope Sun realizes that few companies survive such relationships with MS!
Yes, a wacko theory but we have at least a year to wait until it can be proven or disproven.
Sorry, but Zope X3 is the eXperimental foundation for Zope 3. It may not have any of the backwards-compatability features to use current Zope components like those that make up Plone.
I think you mean "popularizer" instead of "pioneer" but the point is still valid. However...
Apple also popularized the PDA with the Newton and the affordable digital camera with the QuickTake, not only to surrender those markets to competitors but to exit them entirely. (Dude, the QuickTake would mount on your desktop like a disk!)
Thank dog the industry didn't follow their example of KILLING THESE technolgies!
It appears that proprietary PDA's with their proprietary OS's are merging into proprietary mobile phones with their proprietary service providers. (Some may run Linux but they are useless without a wireless provider...)
That said, I would hope classic miniaturization and off-the-shelf desktop or server software become the norm in "PDA" handheld space. As per other posts, the display could be optional.
THAT said, does anyone know if the IBM e-LAP ever materialized? It was intended to serve as (yet another) PPC reference platform.
Bingo. You soon will not find a mobile phone without a color screen, just as you can't find a computer without a color screen or a car without air conditioning. The Koreans are busy meeting the demand (Samsung, KIA) with products that look like their Japanese inspirations and WHAMMO - your car dealership is making next to nothing on the car but LOTS on the SERVICE (which increasingly is only available from them).
Great, but... you can change mobile phone provider as often as you can stomach (contract exit fees...) until one fits your needs and you can take your number with you to boot! (in the US) That's perhaps like chaning cars just as often and taking the motor with you- the overall result is to GUT the intrinsic and perceived value of the hardware and thus creating the mentioned black hole.
In the case of phones, no amount of repairs or accessory sales (every 3000 calls?) will make up for hardware subsidies and in both cases the providers want to pay customer service/the mechanics as little as the market will bear, hence commoditized until the customer goes mad with frustration.
First cut-throat, then outsourced, then unsustainable, then consolidated, then monopolozed then... just maybe the profits will come back to phone hardware!
I underwent LASIK a few years ago and wrote a mini-howto that you may find useful.
A few tips, reaffirming many already stated:
1. Research your doctor. Local, traditional eye doctors are probably the best place to start because they are handling most referrals, pre-ops and post-ops for the LASIK doctor you are considering. Seek the latest technology (tracking etc.) and avoid those who believe everyone is a candidate for it (you may have too large a cornea for hardware they bought off eBay, resulting in halo hell etc.).
2. The damn goggles. Try swimming goggles! They keep the moisture in and you can sleep on your side while wearing them. Ignore the DEVO comments!
I was -10 and -9.5. I could focuse on my nose hairs and little else. I had one enhancement and -.25 remains in one eye because of their conservative approach. Wearing glasses would simply make things look different, not better. Being able to shop for/wear ordinary sunglasses rocks. All in all, I keep forgetting that I had LASIK.
Now let's all hope there is some truth to this study.
"Sometimes I think the OSS crowd really just doesn't get it."
Sometimes the OSS crowd is YOUR system administator and must respond to YOUR needs and make their work look like magic. You want one-click installations while they must ensure you are running safe, reliable software.
The portage/Darwin scenario allows an administrator to see the code you will be running, customize it as necessary, build it and potentially make a Next-Next-Next-Finish DMG-based installer for YOU. The Apple package format appears to be open and is thus scriptable.
Yeah, yeah, Powell's rocks along with the beer, Swagat lunch buffet, Salvidor Molly's, fresh blueberries, Sleater-Kinney and the like but let's talk survival here:
Old tech should go to Free Geek (freegeek.org) if not donated prior to departure.
Powell's TECHnical bookstore is a must-visit for dead-tree docs. Borders and B&N do quite well with new titles and discounting.
Computer Bits magazine is handy for a PC market orientation.
Fry's down in WIlsonville is essential for selection of components. Supposedly they are building a new one north of PDX to save the Vancouver crowd some gas and sales tax.
The CompUSA's aren't bad if you need something more mainstream.
The Mac scene (Linux runs on PPC!) is very good in PDX featuring a new Apple Store (FWIW), The Mac Store (formerly the computer store), Mac Force, PowerMax (now tied to Mac Store) and the excellent Mac Shop repair shop who can save you a bundle (or time) on repairs.
If you need an odd cable, Oregon Electronics on NE Couch is good and man he loves his work.
Check out Wacky Willie's, especially the deep-Beaverton one if you need an ancient terminal or something for a driver/art project. The NW one isn't bad either.
If you're buliding a PC, Pace Computers is great on prices (no frills) and Memory Time in John's Landing is good about memory with a guarantee and a smile.
Then of course is PLUG (as mentioned), the Portland Linux/Unix Group (pdxlinux.org) where you can meet Eric (also mentioned), Henry, Wil, Alan and the gang plus Zot if he's passing through town. The Advanced Topics meetings should be taking an interesting twist if someone's kept them alive.;)
While living in Europe, Vonage is the absolutely cheapest commercial way I can call the US. My long distance bills have gone form around $300 per month to $15. Random observations:
- I've never used my 500 minutes. - Vonage is cheapest way to call TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN EUROPE! - Be aware of the hidden cost of broadband. - A freind on DSL does not have fast enough international traffic to use Vonage. - The Vonage "speed test" is always "too busy" to use.:( - Vonage said they would switch me for free to the "classic" 503 Oregon area code if it becomes available again. - Their recent pre-recorded sales call was not cool... arriving at 3AM. They promptly said they would opt-me-out from such solicitations. - No problems with the Motorola modem, despite early reports of trouble (all Comcast specific when people did not power-down long enough.) - Grrr. Can't find a two-line cordless phone here. Another hidden but cool cost. Siemens uses standard AA and AAA NiMH batteries! (And has locking keys!!! Though I don't have a garden.) - Annoyingly, Vonage has taken things TOO far and has a pulsing message tone with no real use. It seems to know I have a message waiting in e-mail. Not annoying enough to investigate into turning that "feature" off. - Looks like they are pushing account-upgrades right now to cover perhaps regulation costs but the price still rocks. - While the Motorola does QOS, I generally put it behind a Linksys and have had no trouble. It is certainly more primitive than a Linksys but could suffice as a basic NAT router. - SOME calls were dropped early on. None lately. - SOME calls a stuttery/jittery and calling again has always resolved it. The ring is jittery so I can hang-up before the answer. - No delay. Amazing. Basically mobile-phone or better quality and more consistent (usual too-far-from-base cordless phone noise would apply.) - No trouble with customer service. - If only they would accept faxes and route them to e-mail like j2 so I could eliminate them. - (My US voice and fax numbers go to j2 and voice/messages/faxes arrive as e-mail messages. I could forward voice to Vonage but then I would get many calls in the middle of the night.)
That said, I am very pleased with Vonage and it has saved me hmm, over $2000 in 6mos of use. I whish I had found it sooner. I researched SIP phones but maintaining my own VoIP to POTS gateway still sounds like a pain and would cost much more.
Unless you lived in an elevator or beneath a secretary's desk, you may recall that the record industry was going nowhere until MTV arrived and introduced millions of viewers/listeners to hundreds of new acts. None of those listeners paid $0.99 to MTV per song (never seen the math based on a cable bill, though) but millions of those listeners ran out and plunked down $16 or so for a sparkling-new CD or relatively-new cassette. MTV+Sony Walkman+CD = Revived music industry. Internet+Apple iPod+IMS = Potential to re-revive music industry.
The music industry, like all collective monopolies, is terrified of disruptive technologies/innovation, even if the pay-off is beyond their wildest dreams. Very simply, they fear that the pay-off will be to SOMEONE ELSE like say... a computer company with tiny but loyal market share.
Watch for FUD, followed by lawsuits, followed by hostile takeover attempts, followed by legitimate offers with tail between legs. Repeat when next innovation comes. Kaut kas tam lidzigs...
"They don't really need an alliance with Intel anymore."
More realistically, they fell victim to their own WinTel economics when competing in the world of console game economics: Intel chips cost too much to put them in consoles, as does WIndows, though MS is likely including the XBox kernel for free. An SBC engineer told me that Intel chips are expensive with virtually-free support chips (VIA, Award, etc.) while PPC costs less as a processor but has fewer, higher-priced support chips available. MS could make up those costs with volume, making the PPC very attractive solution for a console. (Tivo too as I recall?)
As for those who think PPC only means Macs and a few IBM servers, just look under the hood of your car. (Okay, okay, you'll have to dig deeper than that but they're there.)
While wathing the video during the keynote, I couldn't imagine why Apple hasn't donated the remaining G5's (Desktop or XServe) to place them in the number two supercomputer slot.
Costs more than a video but would be even better PR (and tax deductible...)
Slashdot Mirror
Getting there, getting there. Just wait until you can run gEDA/PCB on open hardware designed with gEDA/PCB.
I am not a lawyer but...
7 /1621254 (Weak!)P LIncompatibleLicenses0 7133603&mode=expanded
.02: Dual license it perhaps like Pike (GPL/MPL)
Both GNU and OpenBSD take issues with the Apache 2.0 License:
http://apache.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/0
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/license-list.html#G
http://undeadly.org/cgi?action=article&sid=200406
Anyone want to explain the contention better?
My EUR
MD
Given that NeXT was BSD based, that certainly would complete the clone...
e r/GNUstep/faq_1.html#SEC10
I agree with this point given that GNUstep is the "other" GNU GUI next to GNOME but there are a few hangups that need to be resolved:
1. Apple has added "Objective-C++" to GCC but there appear to be problems using this outside of Darwin. (Ojb-C++ reportedly adds a few handy C++ routeines to Objective-C and it worth looking at.)
http://www.gnustep.org/resources/documentation/Us
2. Problem 1. appears to be preventing Apple's KDE-based WebKit from being supported on GNUstep. Even though the first web browser was written on NeXT, GNUstep does not have one, limiting its functionality to put it mildy. For more info:
http://home.gna.org/gswebkit/
From there, it does not appear that OO.o will run on GNUstep, limiting its functionality to say...
I suggest anyone interested in this to try the GNUstep live cd. http://www.linuks.mine.nu/gnustep/
At one point the suggestions page included a request to use FreeBSIE... thus seconding your suggestion.
Michael.
Seeing as this is devolving into a question of what to do with the funds, here is my $0.02:
Invest it in the POSIX compliance of leading open source operating systems to boost their "free"nixness and keep them interoperable.
MD
"Build it and they will come" is attractive if you know they'll come but maybe Gateway had it right: rent out time on idling in-store demo computers. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1125371 ,00.asp
:)
Let's see... Over 100 Apple stores, Xgrid http://www.apple.com/acg/xgrid/ iPod Linux...
Pixar may have a new place to render movies.
MD
Yo mod, that's not a troll.
TV commercials often use pre-production cars that come with peelable paint. Rule number one on a car shoot: Don't scratch the peelable paint as it can't be repaired in the field!
Cool feature: to remove it, cut a hole in it and inflate it with an air compressor, causing it all to separate from the underlying sheetmetal.
Now how about painting mobile phones and other kit in this to "rubberize" them and improve resale value like (reportedly) German taxis?
MD
Okay, nearly 24 hours later I am still modded a troll for complementing NetBSD with the words "elegant" and "dependable" in an attempt to re-purpose the extremely tired "BSD is dead" cowardly tirade that appears in response to every BSD article on /.
The moderator appears to require a further explanation of the "Damn Elegant And Dependable - D.E.A.D. joke. Here goes:
I admit the word "damn" defaults to a negative connotation but it also appears in the North American lexicon in phrases such as "Damn Small Linux" (damnsmalllinux.org) and Damn good pork rinds!" I also admit that "damn" could have a satanic connotation but it was intended to evoke the traditional BSD "daemon" logo. Until recently, the NetBSD logo was comprised of a number of daemons raising a flag in the sprit of the iconic WWII moment in Iwo Jima. Given the > 1 number of daemons, I trusted that "damn" would not be taken to represent the singular satan and thus offend those in "the red states."
The word "elegant" is arguably subjective but is used several times in the other posts in response to the article. I suggest you either take user's word for it or do some testing yourself.
Okay, okay, I confess, I was not comfortable capitalizing "and" perhaps in response to its unsightly and usually inappropriate placement at the beginning of a sentence.
Then comes "dependable." I consider this a far less subjective choice than "elegant" and there are numbers to back it up. If you use the Internet, I guarantee that a significant number of the packets you send and receive pass through NetBSD-derived TCP/IP code, even on certain versions of Windows. You see, the TCP/IP specification was published and, correct me if I'm wrong, the BSD team were the first to implement it on top of AT&T's UNIX. The code was so good that companies started requesting that Berkeley release it separately. This led to the BSD Net/1 release and later the NetBSD project. The world "net" is not decorative. If you use TCP/IP, you surrender your right to discredit the BSD's, ESPECIALLY NetBSD. Likewise, if you use OpenSSL/OpenSSH or a web site that employs them, you should show your respect to the OpenBSD team that developed and maintains them. Does your Linux distribution include this BSD code?
I hope this begins to clarify things to the Anonymous Coward(s) who spam the "BSD is dead" mantra and the Moderator who mistook a joke about a running troll for a troll. As for "BSD is dying" - enough already. You failed to make your point the first time and failed this time. Every user that "Switches" to Macintosh switches to BSD. Every time you use OpenSSL, you use BSD. Every time you post this troll, you most likely use BSD in the process.
"BSD is dying" is dead.
MD
Indeed, dear moderator... read before you react.
For the record, I am an active BSD supporter and will not speculate as to the source of your presumptuous nature.
I have donated over eight pieces of equipment to the FreeBSD project, including three systems. I purchase my OpenBSD CD's and I operate the default/most active cvsup server in my country.
locate a sense of humor!
Try a BSD while you're at it. Try Mac OS X if you're scared.
MD
Damn
Elegant
And
Dependable
D.E.A.D. I tell you!
Spread the word!
MD
Hunting is about handling deadly tools safely.
Dude, take away his driver's license.
MD
What's this with Microsoft paying SCO a fortune for a Unix license and then snuggling up and making peace with Sun a year or two before Longhorn, the "next generation of Windows" is expected?
6 .html and they sure have a habit of usurping more good software than they write.
MS's use of BSD code isn't news http://austinlug.org/archives/alg/2002-05/msg0060
Maybe there is a relationship between Longhorn and Solaris 10.
Heck, if Sun open sources it, MS can later change license and claim everyone is stealing from them. U.S. copyright will certainly accomodate retroactive litigation by then.
I only hope Sun realizes that few companies survive such relationships with MS!
Yes, a wacko theory but we have at least a year to wait until it can be proven or disproven.
MD
Sorry, but Zope X3 is the eXperimental foundation for Zope 3. It may not have any of the backwards-compatability features to use current Zope components like those that make up Plone.
MD.
I think you mean "popularizer" instead of "pioneer" but the point is still valid. However...
Apple also popularized the PDA with the Newton and the affordable digital camera with the QuickTake, not only to surrender those markets to competitors but to exit them entirely. (Dude, the QuickTake would mount on your desktop like a disk!)
Thank dog the industry didn't follow their example of KILLING THESE technolgies!
MD
It appears that proprietary PDA's with their proprietary OS's are merging into proprietary mobile phones with their proprietary service providers. (Some may run Linux but they are useless without a wireless provider...)
That said, I would hope classic miniaturization and off-the-shelf desktop or server software become the norm in "PDA" handheld space. As per other posts, the display could be optional.
THAT said, does anyone know if the IBM e-LAP ever materialized? It was intended to serve as (yet another) PPC reference platform.
http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS9222005703.html
MD
Bingo. You soon will not find a mobile phone without a color screen, just as you can't find a computer without a color screen or a car without air conditioning. The Koreans are busy meeting the demand (Samsung, KIA) with products that look like their Japanese inspirations and WHAMMO - your car dealership is making next to nothing on the car but LOTS on the SERVICE (which increasingly is only available from them).
Great, but... you can change mobile phone provider as often as you can stomach (contract exit fees...) until one fits your needs and you can take your number with you to boot! (in the US) That's perhaps like chaning cars just as often and taking the motor with you- the overall result is to GUT the intrinsic and perceived value of the hardware and thus creating the mentioned black hole.
In the case of phones, no amount of repairs or accessory sales (every 3000 calls?) will make up for hardware subsidies and in both cases the providers want to pay customer service/the mechanics as little as the market will bear, hence commoditized until the customer goes mad with frustration.
First cut-throat, then outsourced, then unsustainable, then consolidated, then monopolozed then... just maybe the profits will come back to phone hardware!
(Bleh, 1AM economic theory)
M.
I underwent LASIK a few years ago and wrote a mini-howto that you may find useful.
A few tips, reaffirming many already stated:
1. Research your doctor. Local, traditional eye doctors are probably the best place to start because they are handling most referrals, pre-ops and post-ops for the LASIK doctor you are considering. Seek the latest technology (tracking etc.) and avoid those who believe everyone is a candidate for it (you may have too large a cornea for hardware they bought off eBay, resulting in halo hell etc.).
2. The damn goggles. Try swimming goggles! They keep the moisture in and you can sleep on your side while wearing them. Ignore the DEVO comments!
I was -10 and -9.5. I could focuse on my nose hairs and little else. I had one enhancement and -.25 remains in one eye because of their conservative approach. Wearing glasses would simply make things look different, not better. Being able to shop for/wear ordinary sunglasses rocks. All in all, I keep forgetting that I had LASIK.
Now let's all hope there is some truth to this study.
MD
"Sometimes I think the OSS crowd really just doesn't get it."
Sometimes the OSS crowd is YOUR system administator and must respond to YOUR needs and make their work look like magic. You want one-click installations while they must ensure you are running safe, reliable software.
The portage/Darwin scenario allows an administrator to see the code you will be running, customize it as necessary, build it and potentially make a Next-Next-Next-Finish DMG-based installer for YOU. The Apple package format appears to be open and is thus scriptable.
Win-Win.
M.
"The real question is, when is portage going to move over to ... Windows."
You mean ala mingw?
Hmm. a common, cross-platform open source sub-environment.
That just may make sense.
M.
M
"mplayer to play mp3 and ogg files, it works at teh console too."
So that's why I keep hearing Placebo playing on the mainframe!
M
Yeah, yeah, Powell's rocks along with the beer, Swagat lunch buffet, Salvidor Molly's, fresh blueberries, Sleater-Kinney and the like but let's talk survival here:
;)
Old tech should go to Free Geek (freegeek.org) if not donated prior to departure.
Powell's TECHnical bookstore is a must-visit for dead-tree docs. Borders and B&N do quite well with new titles and discounting.
Computer Bits magazine is handy for a PC market orientation.
Fry's down in WIlsonville is essential for selection of components. Supposedly they are building a new one north of PDX to save the Vancouver crowd some gas and sales tax.
The CompUSA's aren't bad if you need something more mainstream.
The Mac scene (Linux runs on PPC!) is very good in PDX featuring a new Apple Store (FWIW), The Mac Store (formerly the computer store), Mac Force, PowerMax (now tied to Mac Store) and the excellent Mac Shop repair shop who can save you a bundle (or time) on repairs.
If you need an odd cable, Oregon Electronics on NE Couch is good and man he loves his work.
Check out Wacky Willie's, especially the deep-Beaverton one if you need an ancient terminal or something for a driver/art project. The NW one isn't bad either.
If you're buliding a PC, Pace Computers is great on prices (no frills) and Memory Time in John's Landing is good about memory with a guarantee and a smile.
Then of course is PLUG (as mentioned), the Portland Linux/Unix Group (pdxlinux.org) where you can meet Eric (also mentioned), Henry, Wil, Alan and the gang plus Zot if he's passing through town. The Advanced Topics meetings should be taking an interesting twist if someone's kept them alive.
MD
While living in Europe, Vonage is the absolutely cheapest commercial way I can call the US. My long distance bills have gone form around $300 per month to $15. Random observations:
:(
- I've never used my 500 minutes.
- Vonage is cheapest way to call TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN EUROPE!
- Be aware of the hidden cost of broadband.
- A freind on DSL does not have fast enough international traffic to use Vonage.
- The Vonage "speed test" is always "too busy" to use.
- Vonage said they would switch me for free to the "classic" 503 Oregon area code if it becomes available again.
- Their recent pre-recorded sales call was not cool... arriving at 3AM. They promptly said they would opt-me-out from such solicitations.
- No problems with the Motorola modem, despite early reports of trouble (all Comcast specific when people did not power-down long enough.)
- Grrr. Can't find a two-line cordless phone here. Another hidden but cool cost. Siemens uses standard AA and AAA NiMH batteries! (And has locking keys!!! Though I don't have a garden.)
- Annoyingly, Vonage has taken things TOO far and has a pulsing message tone with no real use. It seems to know I have a message waiting in e-mail. Not annoying enough to investigate into turning that "feature" off.
- Looks like they are pushing account-upgrades right now to cover perhaps regulation costs but the price still rocks.
- While the Motorola does QOS, I generally put it behind a Linksys and have had no trouble. It is certainly more primitive than a Linksys but could suffice as a basic NAT router.
- SOME calls were dropped early on. None lately.
- SOME calls a stuttery/jittery and calling again has always resolved it. The ring is jittery so I can hang-up before the answer.
- No delay. Amazing. Basically mobile-phone or better quality and more consistent (usual too-far-from-base cordless phone noise would apply.)
- No trouble with customer service.
- If only they would accept faxes and route them to e-mail like j2 so I could eliminate them.
- (My US voice and fax numbers go to j2 and voice/messages/faxes arrive as e-mail messages. I could forward voice to Vonage but then I would get many calls in the middle of the night.)
That said, I am very pleased with Vonage and it has saved me hmm, over $2000 in 6mos of use. I whish I had found it sooner. I researched SIP phones but maintaining my own VoIP to POTS gateway still sounds like a pain and would cost much more.
Previously painful words: "Sure, I'll hold."
MD.
Unless you lived in an elevator or beneath a secretary's desk, you may recall that the record industry was going nowhere until MTV arrived and introduced millions of viewers/listeners to hundreds of new acts. None of those listeners paid $0.99 to MTV per song (never seen the math based on a cable bill, though) but millions of those listeners ran out and plunked down $16 or so for a sparkling-new CD or relatively-new cassette. MTV+Sony Walkman+CD = Revived music industry. Internet+Apple iPod+IMS = Potential to re-revive music industry.
The music industry, like all collective monopolies, is terrified of disruptive technologies/innovation, even if the pay-off is beyond their wildest dreams. Very simply, they fear that the pay-off will be to SOMEONE ELSE like say... a computer company with tiny but loyal market share.
Watch for FUD, followed by lawsuits, followed by hostile takeover attempts, followed by legitimate offers with tail between legs. Repeat when next innovation comes. Kaut kas tam lidzigs...
MD.
"They don't really need an alliance with Intel anymore."
More realistically, they fell victim to their own WinTel economics when competing in the world of console game economics: Intel chips cost too much to put them in consoles, as does WIndows, though MS is likely including the XBox kernel for free. An SBC engineer told me that Intel chips are expensive with virtually-free support chips (VIA, Award, etc.) while PPC costs less as a processor but has fewer, higher-priced support chips available. MS could make up those costs with volume, making the PPC very attractive solution for a console. (Tivo too as I recall?)
As for those who think PPC only means Macs and a few IBM servers, just look under the hood of your car. (Okay, okay, you'll have to dig deeper than that but they're there.)
MD
While wathing the video during the keynote, I couldn't imagine why Apple hasn't donated the remaining G5's (Desktop or XServe) to place them in the number two supercomputer slot.
Costs more than a video but would be even better PR (and tax deductible...)
MD