So you aren't really in the market for an Appel anyway.
If a couple months wait is more important that selecting the hardware and software platform you use for the life of the device, then an Apple laptop just isn't for you (no matter what you SAY you have already purchased).
I dont' understand the reason for writing that article - it was a big introduction with no keynote speaker.
I got from that article that the writer: - Intends to create a column for in depth technical review where other rumor sites fall short. - Feels the Switch campaign didn't work out for Apple because the consumer line can't be customized - Feels Apple's software development strategy yeilds great results but might present a probelm if Apple is the only one developing for the market - Feels there is no market for the Xserve but there is a market for Panther Server (...though there is no market for server grade hardware?)
SO WHERE IS THE IN DEPTH TECHNICAL REVIEW? The author basically did a feature review. There was nothing new - a few opinions about consumer's desire to have faster graphics card - but no in depth anything.
I sure am glad I have apple.slashdot.org and macrumors.com to read because Ars' Apple column won't be on my list again.
I love Apple, but I have had three experiences with the PowerBook G4 400 (first Generation 15" Ti book) that makes me WISH I bought AppleCare.
(1) About 6-mo. after purchase - under warranty The laptop decided that it would, about 75% of teh time, not respond to waking up or coming on when shut down. Sometimes the solution was to remove the battery and press and hold the power button and yell various curses at it until it booted up. This required sending in the laptop to Apple to have some hardware replaced (don't recall what - not power related).
(2) About 18 mo. after purchase - NOT under warranty CD/DVD rader started making loud spinning sounds. would not always read a CD or DVD. Then one day, wouldn't read anything - ever. Hav eot have this fixed but since I bought an external firewire CD-Burner, I have not. Repaid cost is about $300 but will upgrade it to a Combo Drive (CDRW/DVD instead of existing CD/DVD only).
(3) Current issue - NOT under warranty This is a SOFTWARE issue but requires AppleCare to have apple address it. All of a sudden, without me having recently made any software changes to my Mac, I can no longer unlock my keychain. This is bad as you have to use a keychain for things like Apple Mail and it makes eaverything much easier. I read some discussion on Apple's website about a toold to download from Apple that would fix it - it did not work. I then followed a Knowledge Base article to repaire and inaccessible Keychain - the proceedure did not work as described and I found others complaining of the same issue but there is no free Apple support for it - you must have a care plan or pay for support of it.
In summation - I wish I had paid the $150 or whatever for three years of support - would have been worth it.
It all depends if the iPod is seen as a consumer elecronic device - a TV, home stereo, alarm clock - or a computer.
This makes a big difference because a computer implies the ability to manage the software it runs, including the OS. If Apple decided panther would not be supported on my PowerBook G4 you better believe I would be livid - but that I don't have enough video ram to use Quartz Extream is a "sucks for me" situation. It doesn't cause an uproar becuase people are used to upgrading computer software until there are hardware limitations.
But back to the iPod, it evokes an interesting issue. If the iPod was marketed as a device capable of firmware upgrades (that were expected to be released by the manufacturer, just as software is released) then it should live up to that promiss and support the upgrades. Of course they need not be free unless stipulated they would be.
To conclude: If the iPod is a consumer electronic device, then quit the complaining and realize you enjoyed your iPod more an a year longer than those who just bought one. If it is a computer than it should be able to have software upgraded, fee determined by manufacturer, as long as the hardware is capable. That is the modem we IT people are used to. Don't screw it up.
Well my solution was exactly that - to crease one large zip file and then spread it over multiple disks. Thank goodness for WinZip.
It wouldn't have been so bad if Microsoft had just not provided a tool. But to provide a backup tool, and then proceed not to support it through any other versions of the software is just a waste of everyone's time to me. So the near hour I spent backing up with MS Backup, then trying to figure out what I was doing wrong in XP could have been saved if MS didn't include a utility at all and I resorted to a 3rd party solution in the first place.
My favorite MS mistake that I have yet to forget is MS backup.
Yes, that horribly unrobust waste of 800k that comes with Windows. In my case, Windows98.
I needed to transfer files from my fiance's old computer from college to her XP desktop. I just loaded up MS Backup in Widows 98, created the handy QIC file across several 3.5" floppies (as there was no NIC or CD-R installed).
What I found amazed me
When trying to restore in XP, I found it couldn't read Win98 backup files! In fact, after reading post after post on the web, I found that ONLY WINDOWS 98 CAN READ QIC BACKUP FILES.
How healpful is this feature? WHY would you provide a backup tool, knowing a primary use for backup is system restore after upgrade, and only have it work on one VERSION of your OS? (recall that Windows XP is just another version of 98, not like trying to, I don't know, open a Word Perfect file with MS Word)
I must be the only one out there but instead of the fancy packaging, colored circuit bords, flashing lights, included CD's filled with shareware games, and... as of this article... cooling devices fit for the Red October, I would like a graphics card that...
IS IN EXPENSIVE!
Imagine that graphics card marketing departments. Keep your fluff and give me a lower cost card!
Of other note, a card shardard for laptops so I could upgrade my PowerBook G4 would be huge for me, expecially as laptops become the PC of choice for the younger, more mobile 20 somethings.
Does this remind anyone else of the 80's movie The Last Starfighter where the goofy kid living in a California trailer park gets the high score on a video game and gets recruited by the "Star Leauge" to save the Earth or Universe or Star Leauge or something like that?
This really could become some next generation of recruitment.
I mean, think of the possibilities for NASCAR to recruit top scorers for Gran Turismo, or the National Football Leauge to recruit top scorers of Madden 2004. Heck, if you can wiggle your fingers fast you must be able to do the real thing too. I'd hate to get in a kick boxing competition with the high scorer of Dynasty Wariors 4. I bet that overweight 12 year old would use the old A-B-A-B-B on my ass and the next thing I know he'd be holding my beating heart in his hand!
But what about the ability to modify the data? It is useful to be able to read, but to change a spreadsheet number and have the corresponding calculations be made is many times more useful than read access.
I know that my first handheld ran PocketPC and the big draw was that I could use pocket Excel.
I am not promoting full code on the Palm, I am suggesting a palm version - one with "core" functionality and not all the bloat code (we ALL talk about how many useless features there are - so trim the fat and give us OpenOfficePalm for mobile needs)
Does/will OpenOffice have/plan to have a build for Palm OS or other (read MS) variants?
As more mobile devices appear in business markets (particularly new growth in the medical and industrial markets) I believe it is sound to include a strategy for atleast view if not edit capabilities for these smaller than life devices.
Forget the debate over if restricitng GCC is fair, let's think about what we are trying to measure!
What it comes down to is the speed of the system, not the chip. The 1000+hp dragster is a useless vehicle to me because I don't need to go in a straight line at over 200 mph. What I do need is to be able to accelerate in traffic, handle corners, etc.
To me, a computer is a system. So I don't really care if the G5 is cranking out power I will never need. I feel like the G4 and the P3 are plenty powerful chips if the OS is built to be efficient and the supporting components to the system are configured correctly.
These days, my biggest reason to upgrade to a new computer is desire for faster system components. I wish my P3 had firewire (might go buy a card), I wish my PowerBook G4 (400mhz mind you) had BlueTooth (not 1600 extra mhz).
Benchmark the user experience, give a review that is more like Automobile or Road and Track. Tell us the zero to sixty and then move on the how the G5 handles in the turns. Tell us if the wind noise is less than a Xeon. Tell me if it has power windows. But don't spend 90% of your marketing materials telling me about the engine, that is only 10% of my buying criteria.
The key here is that with the (development) release of Panther, with integrated X11 client released (currently, X11 is Beta 3), will Open Office also enjoy an integrated clipboard, new Font Book, and other (as yet to be named by this author) features that limit the adoption of said orphan (huh?) office suite?
If someone attending WWDC who was given the developer release of panther (and high quality, brushed metal, $129 retail value kaleidoscope) would let us know ASAP, "that would be great".
So before today, I heard lots of rumors about the 970 being less expensive for IBM to make (25% or more cost savings) than the the chips from Motorola in the G4.
Does anyone have any numbers to note if this is true? I (foolishly) didn't write down the previous G4 specs before today.
Are there any Store.Apple.com archivists who would be willing to enlighten us on the G4 vs. G5 pricing?
Reminds me of Apple and the way they pushed themselves into the education market. That combined with a techno-stupid administration meant I had to grow up in a school district saturated with useless computers that weren't compatible with what I had at home.
Just so I am reading the article correctly, it was the school district's administrators who were stupid for buying computers that weren't compatible with what you were using at home?
Can anyone provide a success story for viewing molecular graphics in 3D on a Mac? Can anyone discuss the merits of different schema (blue line, quad buffer, stereo-ready card, etc), and suggest other molecular graphics programs for Mac OS X
I don't think I can.
But I bet that Apple can. Try calling 800-MY-APPLE and ask to talk to someone about high end 3D. I mean, if they can make 3D annimated movies on a Mac, surely...
Before fussing with importing QuickBooks accounting data into the Quicken personal checkbook product, I would buy a copy of QuickBooks for OS X (Click the "Products" tab and then "Pro 5.0 for Mac" on the left side).
As for importing mail, the best thing to do is use an IMAP (not POP) mail solution, like.Mac and then you can access the mail from any computer and where, via IMAP or the Website.
I know this is way off topic but for $799 plus tax and S&H Apple selling overstock/returned/refurbished iBooks (G3/CD/20GB/700MHz/128k) for $799. I just ordered one for my grand parents.
There are other models too - with combo drive and faster processors. Take a look at The Apple Store and click the link on the lower left bottom of the page to "Special Deals: great prices on limited offers".
It's a good way to get a Mac without blowing a lot of money and if you like it, eBay the one you bought and your Wintel/Linux box and get a more expensive new Mac.
Slashdot Mirror
So you aren't really in the market for an Appel anyway.
If a couple months wait is more important that selecting the hardware and software platform you use for the life of the device, then an Apple laptop just isn't for you (no matter what you SAY you have already purchased).
I dont' understand the reason for writing that article - it was a big introduction with no keynote speaker.
I got from that article that the writer:
- Intends to create a column for in depth technical review where other rumor sites fall short.
- Feels the Switch campaign didn't work out for Apple because the consumer line can't be customized
- Feels Apple's software development strategy yeilds great results but might present a probelm if Apple is the only one developing for the market
- Feels there is no market for the Xserve but there is a market for Panther Server (...though there is no market for server grade hardware?)
SO WHERE IS THE IN DEPTH TECHNICAL REVIEW? The author basically did a feature review. There was nothing new - a few opinions about consumer's desire to have faster graphics card - but no in depth anything.
I sure am glad I have apple.slashdot.org and macrumors.com to read because Ars' Apple column won't be on my list again.
Oh it's not bullshit. Come check it out.
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, that did not correct the issue.
My next attempt will be to have another mac user create a keychain on their system and copy it to mine in the hope of some success.
I love Apple, but I have had three experiences with the PowerBook G4 400 (first Generation 15" Ti book) that makes me WISH I bought AppleCare.
(1) About 6-mo. after purchase - under warranty
The laptop decided that it would, about 75% of teh time, not respond to waking up or coming on when shut down. Sometimes the solution was to remove the battery and press and hold the power button and yell various curses at it until it booted up. This required sending in the laptop to Apple to have some hardware replaced (don't recall what - not power related).
(2) About 18 mo. after purchase - NOT under warranty
CD/DVD rader started making loud spinning sounds. would not always read a CD or DVD. Then one day, wouldn't read anything - ever. Hav eot have this fixed but since I bought an external firewire CD-Burner, I have not. Repaid cost is about $300 but will upgrade it to a Combo Drive (CDRW/DVD instead of existing CD/DVD only).
(3) Current issue - NOT under warranty
This is a SOFTWARE issue but requires AppleCare to have apple address it. All of a sudden, without me having recently made any software changes to my Mac, I can no longer unlock my keychain. This is bad as you have to use a keychain for things like Apple Mail and it makes eaverything much easier. I read some discussion on Apple's website about a toold to download from Apple that would fix it - it did not work. I then followed a Knowledge Base article to repaire and inaccessible Keychain - the proceedure did not work as described and I found others complaining of the same issue but there is no free Apple support for it - you must have a care plan or pay for support of it.
In summation - I wish I had paid the $150 or whatever for three years of support - would have been worth it.
It all depends if the iPod is seen as a consumer elecronic device - a TV, home stereo, alarm clock - or a computer.
This makes a big difference because a computer implies the ability to manage the software it runs, including the OS. If Apple decided panther would not be supported on my PowerBook G4 you better believe I would be livid - but that I don't have enough video ram to use Quartz Extream is a "sucks for me" situation. It doesn't cause an uproar becuase people are used to upgrading computer software until there are hardware limitations.
But back to the iPod, it evokes an interesting issue. If the iPod was marketed as a device capable of firmware upgrades (that were expected to be released by the manufacturer, just as software is released) then it should live up to that promiss and support the upgrades. Of course they need not be free unless stipulated they would be.
To conclude: If the iPod is a consumer electronic device, then quit the complaining and realize you enjoyed your iPod more an a year longer than those who just bought one. If it is a computer than it should be able to have software upgraded, fee determined by manufacturer, as long as the hardware is capable. That is the modem we IT people are used to. Don't screw it up.
Well my solution was exactly that - to crease one large zip file and then spread it over multiple disks. Thank goodness for WinZip.
It wouldn't have been so bad if Microsoft had just not provided a tool. But to provide a backup tool, and then proceed not to support it through any other versions of the software is just a waste of everyone's time to me. So the near hour I spent backing up with MS Backup, then trying to figure out what I was doing wrong in XP could have been saved if MS didn't include a utility at all and I resorted to a 3rd party solution in the first place.
My favorite MS mistake that I have yet to forget is MS backup.
Yes, that horribly unrobust waste of 800k that comes with Windows. In my case, Windows98.
I needed to transfer files from my fiance's old computer from college to her XP desktop. I just loaded up MS Backup in Widows 98, created the handy QIC file across several 3.5" floppies (as there was no NIC or CD-R installed).
What I found amazed me
When trying to restore in XP, I found it couldn't read Win98 backup files! In fact, after reading post after post on the web, I found that ONLY WINDOWS 98 CAN READ QIC BACKUP FILES.
How healpful is this feature? WHY would you provide a backup tool, knowing a primary use for backup is system restore after upgrade, and only have it work on one VERSION of your OS? (recall that Windows XP is just another version of 98, not like trying to, I don't know, open a Word Perfect file with MS Word)
Meanwhile, I own a PowerBook G4
I must be the only one out there but instead of the fancy packaging, colored circuit bords, flashing lights, included CD's filled with shareware games, and ... as of this article ... cooling devices fit for the Red October, I would like a graphics card that ...
IS IN EXPENSIVE!
Imagine that graphics card marketing departments. Keep your fluff and give me a lower cost card!
Of other note, a card shardard for laptops so I could upgrade my PowerBook G4 would be huge for me, expecially as laptops become the PC of choice for the younger, more mobile 20 somethings.
LOL ... that was good!
Does this remind anyone else of the 80's movie The Last Starfighter where the goofy kid living in a California trailer park gets the high score on a video game and gets recruited by the "Star Leauge" to save the Earth or Universe or Star Leauge or something like that?
This really could become some next generation of recruitment.
I mean, think of the possibilities for NASCAR to recruit top scorers for Gran Turismo, or the National Football Leauge to recruit top scorers of Madden 2004. Heck, if you can wiggle your fingers fast you must be able to do the real thing too. I'd hate to get in a kick boxing competition with the high scorer of Dynasty Wariors 4. I bet that overweight 12 year old would use the old A-B-A-B-B on my ass and the next thing I know he'd be holding my beating heart in his hand!
All of a sudden I miss the 80's
But what about the ability to modify the data? It is useful to be able to read, but to change a spreadsheet number and have the corresponding calculations be made is many times more useful than read access.
I know that my first handheld ran PocketPC and the big draw was that I could use pocket Excel.
I am not promoting full code on the Palm, I am suggesting a palm version - one with "core" functionality and not all the bloat code (we ALL talk about how many useless features there are - so trim the fat and give us OpenOfficePalm for mobile needs)
All typos included at no extra charge
Does/will OpenOffice have/plan to have a build for Palm OS or other (read MS) variants?
As more mobile devices appear in business markets (particularly new growth in the medical and industrial markets) I believe it is sound to include a strategy for atleast view if not edit capabilities for these smaller than life devices.
Get an Apple and enjoy computing again
Forget the debate over if restricitng GCC is fair, let's think about what we are trying to measure!
What it comes down to is the speed of the system, not the chip. The 1000+hp dragster is a useless vehicle to me because I don't need to go in a straight line at over 200 mph. What I do need is to be able to accelerate in traffic, handle corners, etc.
To me, a computer is a system. So I don't really care if the G5 is cranking out power I will never need. I feel like the G4 and the P3 are plenty powerful chips if the OS is built to be efficient and the supporting components to the system are configured correctly.
These days, my biggest reason to upgrade to a new computer is desire for faster system components. I wish my P3 had firewire (might go buy a card), I wish my PowerBook G4 (400mhz mind you) had BlueTooth (not 1600 extra mhz).
Benchmark the user experience, give a review that is more like Automobile or Road and Track. Tell us the zero to sixty and then move on the how the G5 handles in the turns. Tell us if the wind noise is less than a Xeon. Tell me if it has power windows. But don't spend 90% of your marketing materials telling me about the engine, that is only 10% of my buying criteria.
You just gotta TRY OS X!
Even 1.0 STILL won't work correctly with my On-line banking!
AARRGGHH!!
The key here is that with the (development) release of Panther, with integrated X11 client released (currently, X11 is Beta 3), will Open Office also enjoy an integrated clipboard, new Font Book, and other (as yet to be named by this author) features that limit the adoption of said orphan (huh?) office suite?
If someone attending WWDC who was given the developer release of panther (and high quality, brushed metal, $129 retail value kaleidoscope) would let us know ASAP, "that would be great".
Office Space, the poor man's lite beer
So before today, I heard lots of rumors about the 970 being less expensive for IBM to make (25% or more cost savings) than the the chips from Motorola in the G4.
Does anyone have any numbers to note if this is true? I (foolishly) didn't write down the previous G4 specs before today.
Are there any Store.Apple.com archivists who would be willing to enlighten us on the G4 vs. G5 pricing?
Not to be an ass, but the g5 can not run OS 9
You wouldn't be yanking it would you?
Just so I am reading the article correctly, it was the school district's administrators who were stupid for buying computers that weren't compatible with what you were using at home?
WARINGING - FIRE LINE - DO NOT CROSS
I don't think I can.
But I bet that Apple can. Try calling 800-MY-APPLE and ask to talk to someone about high end 3D. I mean, if they can make 3D annimated movies on a Mac, surely...
Before fussing with importing QuickBooks accounting data into the Quicken personal checkbook product, I would buy a copy of QuickBooks for OS X (Click the "Products" tab and then "Pro 5.0 for Mac" on the left side).
.Mac and then you can access the mail from any computer and where, via IMAP or the Website.
As for importing mail, the best thing to do is use an IMAP (not POP) mail solution, like
Buy Macs for the Karma
That link is supposed to be store.apple.com
I know this is way off topic but for $799 plus tax and S&H Apple selling overstock/returned/refurbished iBooks (G3/CD/20GB/700MHz/128k) for $799. I just ordered one for my grand parents.
There are other models too - with combo drive and faster processors. Take a look at The Apple Store and click the link on the lower left bottom of the page to "Special Deals: great prices on limited offers".
It's a good way to get a Mac without blowing a lot of money and if you like it, eBay the one you bought and your Wintel/Linux box and get a more expensive new Mac.
RTFA
Apple stated you MUST use a lable to sell music and it would not support people posting their own tracks on iTMS.
Further, the FA says participation by a lable in the iTMS is invitation only.
RTFA