but most people (including me) don't want to include a computer and software and video cards and sound cards and monitors or displays and etc, etc... into thier home theatre. When it comes to the basic TV/DVD/music experience, who the fuck wants to make it go through 2 billion ICs? Ahh, no one! There is a reason all-in-one remotes sell well- people want their movies quick and easy.
I know that the/. crowd loves to hack their Tivo and route their multimedia through a Sun 10k, but the average Joe likes it easy. (I could go with a Windows analogy here about easy, but that would be wrong since Macs are the easiest).
It seems that this article wants Aunt Martha to hook here MP3 player into her mainframe to get a sonic overlay over her HDTV videophone, or other some crazy shit. NO!!!! Christ people, they eventually made VCRs that self-programmed their clocks so people wouldn't have to look at the blinking 12:00!!!! General public = not/. and never will be.
Oh well, I will be labeled as a stupid technophobe with no l33t skills. So be it.
"Crucial sells 256 Megs for 50 bucks, compared w/ 30 for some PC133...But I think thats artificial Christmas Price Inflation (TM). "
Please don't tell me you are seriously basing your opinions on the above! You are bitching about a $20 difference in RAM!!!!????!! At one time 2MB RAM cost $2000! 2MB to 4MB was thousands of dollars, yet you complain about $20? Yes, I know that everything is cheaper now, but you have zero perspective on value.
"but the price of DDR RAM is still to expensive to replace SDRAM" - ah, there was a point were RAM was too expensive to replace your floppy drvie. Again, this is dated but don't bitch because you can't buy that "extra juicy" gum instead of the "regular juicy" gum; we're talking 3-4 magnitudes of difference here.
Another OT topic-
"Intel is losing, and has ALWAYS lost, the price battle." I guess Apple should just pack it in?
It's nearly painful to watch these youngins complain about spending an extra $20 on memory!!
I'm only a year younger than you, and was also mature/smart enough to realize that it was only a game. I've also had the first hand experience to realize that violence is NEVER fun in real life.
I agree on porno- it is just wrong, sex stuff even messes up adults on a daily basis- look at the divorce rate. As for horror films or games, I (as a parent) would make that decision on an individual basis for each child. Notice that I say "parent" in the decision. Not the government, not the schools, not anyone else! This whole thinkg gets into a huge amount of other topics that I don't want to elaborate on now.
My basic feeling is if you let your kid watch, say, Evil Dead 2, and he/she gets all fucked up, then you as a parent fucked up royally and did not do your job explaining reality vs. fantasy at all! If your kid thinks Doom is reality, it's your fault! There is absolutely NO reason why I kid playing a game or watching a movie (unless he has a severe psychotic problem) would be able to mix reality with fantasy if their parents are doing a good, fuck decent or average, job.
Desensitizing (sp?) kids occurs more on the news than anywhere else, as far as I'm concerned. "3 people killed in a drive by shooting, 2 dead in house fire, serial rapist claims another victim"?!?!?! THAT isn't desensitizing?!?! C'mon, this is real life smacking the kid in the face, and this is the absolute shit that leads the news every night! First- death, fires, explosions. Second- Celebrities, Hollywood, some government stuff. 3rd- Local puff piece. The rest- national sports, local sports, a "happy feeling" story, maybe a recall or health section, then weather.
How the hell is a kid supposed to process "4 dead in violent testicle knifing, video at 11", then get 60 seconds of talk, and then they move on? Impression- testicle knifing has a 60 second consequence! (Yes, I'm exageratting, but I hope you get the point).
Some other stuff- my parents let me watch every Bond film that came out when I was young. They knew me, they knew the material, they knew I could handle the violence, death, and occasional nudity. Whoopee.
I watch horror movies as long as I can remember, yet I don't ever remember hurting or killing anyone. I did kill all kinds of beasties and people in video games, saw it in movies, yet somehow I didn't become a serial killer! Imagine that!
I agree with you if you decide that the particular child can't handle it, but in general any kid with an ok life will be able to handle these abstract thoughts. But in general a child who is loved and supported can handle some crazy shit and get along just fine. I think that some people/groups/agencies have some kind of agenda (fuck if I know what it is) to try and convince the general public that a solid homelife, caring parents, and a fairly normal life won't help and that (place here) is the (current) evil of the world.
I'm sorry you didn't read my self-reply, and that I didn't elaborate better in my first post.
After I wrote my first post, I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up (back then, early '80s). This was before they even had a name for it. It was described as a purely homosexual disease because at that point it had only been found in homosexuals.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, any of the social ramifications of the disease, or anything to do with the transmission of the disease, only just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget), and how we now know so much more. Something like reading about cancer in the early 1900s, maybe.
First, I' not sure how you read all of your statements into what I wrote.
Second, I'm sorry you didn't read my self-reply, and that I didn't elaborate better in my first post.
After I wrote my first post, I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up (back then, early '80s). This was before they even had a name for it. It was described as a purely homosexual disease because at that point it had only been found in homosexuals.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, any of the social ramifications of the disease, or anything to do with the transmission of the disease, only just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget), and how we now know so much more. Something like reading about cancer in the early 1900s, maybe.
I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up. This was before they even had a name for it.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget).
back then, there was nearly zero, and I mean ZERO, apam! The term off topic wasn't even invented as far as I can remember.
/. had nothing to do with this by itself- the invention of the web as a whole religated usenet into a smaller niche. Once you could add pretty graphics and pictures, the whole text medium was on the decline.
And forget news, you could find interesting and non-stupid content as well as news. I used to love reading alt.talk.bizarre, as it was different & weird & (again) non-stupid, but I have no idea what it is like now since I haven't been there in about 5-6 years. Probably 90% spam at this point.
Just wanted to mention this after reading my post- I am not blasting gay people at all- it's just that back then AIDS really was first thought of as a "gay only" disease.
Also- you folks who weren't born at the time beginning of this archive... bah! You try and debug assembler!
Younger folks probably won't find this too interesting as it will be more like history to them rather than us old farts re-living younger days...
I went to the Google link where they have a list of firsts:
First mention of Microsoft; not even the oldest post!
IBM PC.
CDs, in 1982! Shit, now I realize how old I am!
C64, Lisa and Mac, AIDS (a purely homosexual disease?!?!- really weird 'cause I just found an old copy of Discover magazine that had a first mention of AIDS; blew me away due to difference in info we know now)
I love the "WorldWideWeb - Executive Summary" link under the Google link:
A bit of the text-
"
Making a web is as simple as writing a few SGML files which point to your existing data. Making it public involves running the FTP or HTTP daemon, and making at least one link into your web from another. In fact, any file available by anonymous FTP can be immediately linked into a web. The very small start-up effort is designed to allow small contributions. At the other end of the scale, large information providers may provide an HTTP server with full text or keyword indexing.
The WWW model gets over the frustrating incompatibilities of data format between suppliers and reader by allowing negotiation of format between a smart browser and a smart server. This should provide a basis for extension into
multimedia, and allow those who share application standards to make full use of them across the web.
This summary does not describe the many exciting possibilities opened up by the WWW project, such as efficient document caching. the reduction of redundant out-of-date copies, and the use of knowledge daemons. There is more information in the online project documentation, including some background on hypertext and many technical notes.
Try it
"
SGML! Does anyone remember this! "Try it" indeed! Wow, when I thought Usenet was the shit... hehehe!
I would say yes for the first time I went somewhere for a product. After the first few times, I start to try out alternatives, and eventually learn what each has to offer (if I don't like the first product better than the previous. Example, Herbal Essence got me to try their shampoo- I liked it and stayed. Since then I've tried a few others, but always came back)
I would hope that most non-brain dead folks would occasionally try out other alternatives just in case, but that is farther than I'm willing to believe in people at this point. The fact that people tell me that Windows is the best OS ever, even though they never used another OS, bugs me. Hell, we are a consultation company, we are supposed to supply the BEST solution to every project, not the "obvious" one!!!!!!!! (And here is where my profession is tarnished... sad, sad)
Oddly enough, whatever my wife orders the first time she goes to a new restaurant (assuming she like the meal) she will order almost every time after because she doesn't want to experience a bad meal, even with the chance of that meal being better. I try at least 5 meals before I determine a favorite.
To summarize this wandering post- most advertising is equivalent to a snack/bathroom break. Occasionally I may get snookered into trying something new, but for the most part I try new stuff randomly just to make sure I'm not missing something good because they have a smaller budget for marketing.
Best part- how many people are convinced to drink Coke/Pepsi due to marketing? Near zero, since alomost everyone tries both before deciding which they like better?
Thank you. So much IE raving here (on a site that loves its Linux?!?), while the whole time I use Netscape and avoid like 70% of the problems that are mentioned here? Yeah, I have to load IE to view some sites (for example, CBS's college football site), but 99% work just fine for me. The big bonus I see is that my company uses Netscape email, so we don't get hit by 95% of the common viruses spread by email due to auto-propagation through Outlook. I constantly hear about all these "great and wonderful" aspects of other email programs, but I have yet to miss any of these "great" features that people espouse.
At what point did collective mindshare become the better choice on/.?
The reason these "Shoshkeles" don't work with Navigator is poor feature support in Navigator's Flash player. Alas, it does not support transparent Flash movies.
And it loaded in my Netscape 4.7 browser why? Magic? Or you just never run Netscape? Just wondering...
And yes, please decapitate the person who thought this shit up...
It is because more or less the US is now run by the media (yes, I know that that statement is a bit much). But really, Joe SixPack sees 'a whole lotta porn going on, they will rape your daughter next!)
'Gays love your sons! Lesbians want to eat your daughters! I want your wife!' And we still rely on the TV news for facts???
No going into what freak acts the Germans and Japanese like to see... it would be too easy.
(Japan- rape all the girls you like, just don't show any pubic hair; germany- yeah, like they care?)
Even worse- in PA and NJ if you refuse a blood alcohol level test you automatically lose your license for 1 year. No way around it, it's part of the legalese when you get your license. Even if you were NOT over the limit, you still lose your license for the year.
In NY (or NYC, not sure), if you get a DUI you lose your car, automatically. Also no way around it unless you beat the DUI. And from what I've heard on the news, they don't take very good car of these cars in the interim (they must know which cases are weak since if they did it to all cars they would lose value on the resell) and they are not very responsive in returning your car upon dismissal or acquittal (up to 2 months!).
If you need to run Windows software, get Virtual PC. Costs about $100 plus the cost of whatever version of Windows you are running. It is slower than getting a real machine, but you get all the Windows programs you want in the Ti box.
One of my co-workers has a Ti, and it just flat out rocks! The only problem is poor AirPort reception, but I guess that should be expected since you are sticking the antenna inside a Ti shell.
Don't get your panties in a twist- UK is pretty much on top of Europe in terms of tech, and wasn't Turing a Brit? I was just using broad generalizations about Europe, I know that some of the contries have plumbing and such (this, too, is a joke).
As for the computer stuff, I was referring to Gates, Jobs, and whoever made the Amiga (I forget). They kinda set the standard for consumer comps.
..I have not bought a CD since 1989 or so. And no, I've never downloaded a song. I just find modern music to be shit, no more no less. I have no need to be-bop my way down the street- I don't listen to music in the house since I'm always busy there, and in the car I listen to news or talk radio. Ie, no need for music. On the few occasions when I feel like listening to music, I pop in one of the hundreds of CDs I bought when I was younger.
I can see how some of you need to listen to Britany Spear's newest crapfest or rap with DJ Doggy-P-Daddy-Boopy-Boo-Funk-Monkey, but when the record companies start producing something resembling music again I may consider buying it. Perhaps some of you should re-consider your attachment to music in the first place. Only my opinion, don't take it as an insult.
"Land-based phone systems in European countries are technically excellent."
Ha ha ha ha ha!
I've had coworkers tell me the various ways they have had to bribe the phone company just to get a connection for their client. And after that, it works maybe 60% of the time.
The US is the leader in tech- we invent it, our rich folk use it, and then we give it to the rest of the world. Ok, Europe beat us on cell phones, whoopee dee f'n doo! When you re-invent the lightbulb, telephone, computer, and car, give me a call, ok?
Slashdot Mirror
but most people (including me) don't want to include a computer and software and video cards and sound cards and monitors or displays and etc, etc... into thier home theatre. When it comes to the basic TV/DVD/music experience, who the fuck wants to make it go through 2 billion ICs? Ahh, no one! There is a reason all-in-one remotes sell well- people want their movies quick and easy.
/. crowd loves to hack their Tivo and route their multimedia through a Sun 10k, but the average Joe likes it easy. (I could go with a Windows analogy here about easy, but that would be wrong since Macs are the easiest).
I know that the
It seems that this article wants Aunt Martha to hook here MP3 player into her mainframe to get a sonic overlay over her HDTV videophone, or other some crazy shit. NO!!!! Christ people, they eventually made VCRs that self-programmed their clocks so people wouldn't have to look at the blinking 12:00!!!! General public = not/. and never will be.
Oh well, I will be labeled as a stupid technophobe with no l33t skills. So be it.
"Crucial sells 256 Megs for 50 bucks, compared w/ 30 for some PC133...But I think thats artificial Christmas Price Inflation (TM). "
Please don't tell me you are seriously basing your opinions on the above! You are bitching about a $20 difference in RAM!!!!????!! At one time 2MB RAM cost $2000! 2MB to 4MB was thousands of dollars, yet you complain about $20? Yes, I know that everything is cheaper now, but you have zero perspective on value.
"but the price of DDR RAM is still to expensive to replace SDRAM" - ah, there was a point were RAM was too expensive to replace your floppy drvie. Again, this is dated but don't bitch because you can't buy that "extra juicy" gum instead of the "regular juicy" gum; we're talking 3-4 magnitudes of difference here.
Another OT topic-
"Intel is losing, and has ALWAYS lost, the price battle." I guess Apple should just pack it in?
It's nearly painful to watch these youngins complain about spending an extra $20 on memory!!
I'm only a year younger than you, and was also mature/smart enough to realize that it was only a game. I've also had the first hand experience to realize that violence is NEVER fun in real life.
I agree on porno- it is just wrong, sex stuff even messes up adults on a daily basis- look at the divorce rate. As for horror films or games, I (as a parent) would make that decision on an individual basis for each child. Notice that I say "parent" in the decision. Not the government, not the schools, not anyone else! This whole thinkg gets into a huge amount of other topics that I don't want to elaborate on now.
My basic feeling is if you let your kid watch, say, Evil Dead 2, and he/she gets all fucked up, then you as a parent fucked up royally and did not do your job explaining reality vs. fantasy at all! If your kid thinks Doom is reality, it's your fault! There is absolutely NO reason why I kid playing a game or watching a movie (unless he has a severe psychotic problem) would be able to mix reality with fantasy if their parents are doing a good, fuck decent or average, job.
Desensitizing (sp?) kids occurs more on the news than anywhere else, as far as I'm concerned. "3 people killed in a drive by shooting, 2 dead in house fire, serial rapist claims another victim"?!?!?! THAT isn't desensitizing?!?! C'mon, this is real life smacking the kid in the face, and this is the absolute shit that leads the news every night! First- death, fires, explosions. Second- Celebrities, Hollywood, some government stuff. 3rd- Local puff piece. The rest- national sports, local sports, a "happy feeling" story, maybe a recall or health section, then weather.
How the hell is a kid supposed to process "4 dead in violent testicle knifing, video at 11", then get 60 seconds of talk, and then they move on? Impression- testicle knifing has a 60 second consequence! (Yes, I'm exageratting, but I hope you get the point).
Some other stuff- my parents let me watch every Bond film that came out when I was young. They knew me, they knew the material, they knew I could handle the violence, death, and occasional nudity. Whoopee.
I watch horror movies as long as I can remember, yet I don't ever remember hurting or killing anyone. I did kill all kinds of beasties and people in video games, saw it in movies, yet somehow I didn't become a serial killer! Imagine that!
I agree with you if you decide that the particular child can't handle it, but in general any kid with an ok life will be able to handle these abstract thoughts. But in general a child who is loved and supported can handle some crazy shit and get along just fine. I think that some people/groups/agencies have some kind of agenda (fuck if I know what it is) to try and convince the general public that a solid homelife, caring parents, and a fairly normal life won't help and that (place here) is the (current) evil of the world.
Just my thoughts on my observations of the world.
Forgot to hit that "no +1 bonus" button. Sorry.
I'm sorry you didn't read my self-reply, and that I didn't elaborate better in my first post.
After I wrote my first post, I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up (back then, early '80s). This was before they even had a name for it. It was described as a purely homosexual disease because at that point it had only been found in homosexuals.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, any of the social ramifications of the disease, or anything to do with the transmission of the disease, only just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget), and how we now know so much more. Something like reading about cancer in the early 1900s, maybe.
Sorry I didn't make the above clear.
Because I'm getting bashed by being misunderstood about what I wrote, please take a second and look at my reply to the parent of your post.
Thanks
First, I' not sure how you read all of your statements into what I wrote.
Second, I'm sorry you didn't read my self-reply, and that I didn't elaborate better in my first post.
After I wrote my first post, I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up (back then, early '80s). This was before they even had a name for it. It was described as a purely homosexual disease because at that point it had only been found in homosexuals.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, any of the social ramifications of the disease, or anything to do with the transmission of the disease, only just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget), and how we now know so much more. Something like reading about cancer in the early 1900s, maybe.
Sorry I didn't make the above clear.
Sorry you didn't read my self-reply.
I noticed that I was unclear in my AIDS statement- in the Discover article I uncovered their was a brief description of "a new homosexual disease" that recently popped up. This was before they even had a name for it.
I had no intention of commenting on the disease today, just how it was represented in a popular science magazine back in 1984 (or so, I forget).
"How the hell do you think all those slow-mo replays are done on Monday Night Football anyway? Sheez."
I always thought that they just made the hamsters providing the power run at half speed. My bad!
(sorry for the bad joke)
Think about this-
back then, there was nearly zero, and I mean ZERO, apam! The term off topic wasn't even invented as far as I can remember.
/. had nothing to do with this by itself- the invention of the web as a whole religated usenet into a smaller niche. Once you could add pretty graphics and pictures, the whole text medium was on the decline.
And forget news, you could find interesting and non-stupid content as well as news. I used to love reading alt.talk.bizarre, as it was different & weird & (again) non-stupid, but I have no idea what it is like now since I haven't been there in about 5-6 years. Probably 90% spam at this point.
Just wanted to mention this after reading my post- I am not blasting gay people at all- it's just that back then AIDS really was first thought of as a "gay only" disease.
Also- you folks who weren't born at the time beginning of this archive... bah! You try and debug assembler!
Younger folks probably won't find this too interesting as it will be more like history to them rather than us old farts re-living younger days...
I went to the Google link where they have a list of firsts:
First mention of Microsoft; not even the oldest post!
IBM PC.
CDs, in 1982! Shit, now I realize how old I am!
C64, Lisa and Mac, AIDS (a purely homosexual disease?!?!- really weird 'cause I just found an old copy of Discover magazine that had a first mention of AIDS; blew me away due to difference in info we know now)
I love the "WorldWideWeb - Executive Summary" link under the Google link:
A bit of the text-
"
Making a web is as simple as writing a few SGML files which point to your existing data. Making it public involves running the FTP or HTTP daemon, and making at least one link into your web from another. In fact, any file available by anonymous FTP can be immediately linked into a web. The very small start-up effort is designed to allow small contributions. At the other end of the scale, large information providers may provide an HTTP server with full text or keyword indexing.
The WWW model gets over the frustrating incompatibilities of data format between suppliers and reader by allowing negotiation of format between a smart browser and a smart server. This should provide a basis for extension into
multimedia, and allow those who share application standards to make full use of them across the web.
This summary does not describe the many exciting possibilities opened up by the WWW project, such as efficient document caching. the reduction of redundant out-of-date copies, and the use of knowledge daemons. There is more information in the online project documentation, including some background on hypertext and many technical notes.
Try it
"
SGML! Does anyone remember this! "Try it" indeed! Wow, when I thought Usenet was the shit... hehehe!
I would say yes for the first time I went somewhere for a product. After the first few times, I start to try out alternatives, and eventually learn what each has to offer (if I don't like the first product better than the previous. Example, Herbal Essence got me to try their shampoo- I liked it and stayed. Since then I've tried a few others, but always came back)
I would hope that most non-brain dead folks would occasionally try out other alternatives just in case, but that is farther than I'm willing to believe in people at this point. The fact that people tell me that Windows is the best OS ever, even though they never used another OS, bugs me. Hell, we are a consultation company, we are supposed to supply the BEST solution to every project, not the "obvious" one!!!!!!!! (And here is where my profession is tarnished... sad, sad)
Oddly enough, whatever my wife orders the first time she goes to a new restaurant (assuming she like the meal) she will order almost every time after because she doesn't want to experience a bad meal, even with the chance of that meal being better. I try at least 5 meals before I determine a favorite.
To summarize this wandering post- most advertising is equivalent to a snack/bathroom break. Occasionally I may get snookered into trying something new, but for the most part I try new stuff randomly just to make sure I'm not missing something good because they have a smaller budget for marketing.
Best part- how many people are convinced to drink Coke/Pepsi due to marketing? Near zero, since alomost everyone tries both before deciding which they like better?
Thank you. So much IE raving here (on a site that loves its Linux?!?), while the whole time I use Netscape and avoid like 70% of the problems that are mentioned here? Yeah, I have to load IE to view some sites (for example, CBS's college football site), but 99% work just fine for me. The big bonus I see is that my company uses Netscape email, so we don't get hit by 95% of the common viruses spread by email due to auto-propagation through Outlook. I constantly hear about all these "great and wonderful" aspects of other email programs, but I have yet to miss any of these "great" features that people espouse.
/.?
At what point did collective mindshare become the better choice on
The reason these "Shoshkeles" don't work with Navigator is poor feature support in Navigator's Flash player. Alas, it does not support transparent Flash movies.
And it loaded in my Netscape 4.7 browser why? Magic? Or you just never run Netscape? Just wondering...
And yes, please decapitate the person who thought this shit up...
I'm not sure what kind of connection you have, but on my 56k modem running Netscape 4.7 under Win98 it took less than 30 seconds to load www.ford.com.
Maybe it's something to do with Opera, your connection, or your system? Just wondering, since we have a 60x difference in load times!
It is because more or less the US is now run by the media (yes, I know that that statement is a bit much). But really, Joe SixPack sees 'a whole lotta porn going on, they will rape your daughter next!)
'Gays love your sons! Lesbians want to eat your daughters! I want your wife!' And we still rely on the TV news for facts???
No going into what freak acts the Germans and Japanese like to see... it would be too easy.
(Japan- rape all the girls you like, just don't show any pubic hair; germany- yeah, like they care?)
Bah!
That's good to hear, I read a review that said the rev 2 reception was like 10% better (but still pretty sad).
Of course, I should have expected Apple to figure out a solution- they seem to always do without fucking everything else up.
Ah, thank you! I was just looking for this (6.22) yesterday at MS's website, to no avail. Now I can get on with my beta testing :)
Players getting more and more complex
More portable desktops (LCD iMac)
It ought to be rather interesting when these 2 trends run into each other.... the digital home appliance, maybe?
Even worse- in PA and NJ if you refuse a blood alcohol level test you automatically lose your license for 1 year. No way around it, it's part of the legalese when you get your license. Even if you were NOT over the limit, you still lose your license for the year.
In NY (or NYC, not sure), if you get a DUI you lose your car, automatically. Also no way around it unless you beat the DUI. And from what I've heard on the news, they don't take very good car of these cars in the interim (they must know which cases are weak since if they did it to all cars they would lose value on the resell) and they are not very responsive in returning your car upon dismissal or acquittal (up to 2 months!).
If you need to run Windows software, get Virtual PC. Costs about $100 plus the cost of whatever version of Windows you are running. It is slower than getting a real machine, but you get all the Windows programs you want in the Ti box.
One of my co-workers has a Ti, and it just flat out rocks! The only problem is poor AirPort reception, but I guess that should be expected since you are sticking the antenna inside a Ti shell.
Don't get your panties in a twist- UK is pretty much on top of Europe in terms of tech, and wasn't Turing a Brit? I was just using broad generalizations about Europe, I know that some of the contries have plumbing and such (this, too, is a joke).
As for the computer stuff, I was referring to Gates, Jobs, and whoever made the Amiga (I forget). They kinda set the standard for consumer comps.
..I have not bought a CD since 1989 or so. And no, I've never downloaded a song. I just find modern music to be shit, no more no less. I have no need to be-bop my way down the street- I don't listen to music in the house since I'm always busy there, and in the car I listen to news or talk radio. Ie, no need for music. On the few occasions when I feel like listening to music, I pop in one of the hundreds of CDs I bought when I was younger.
I can see how some of you need to listen to Britany Spear's newest crapfest or rap with DJ Doggy-P-Daddy-Boopy-Boo-Funk-Monkey, but when the record companies start producing something resembling music again I may consider buying it. Perhaps some of you should re-consider your attachment to music in the first place. Only my opinion, don't take it as an insult.
"Land-based phone systems in European countries are technically excellent."
Ha ha ha ha ha!
I've had coworkers tell me the various ways they have had to bribe the phone company just to get a connection for their client. And after that, it works maybe 60% of the time.
The US is the leader in tech- we invent it, our rich folk use it, and then we give it to the rest of the world. Ok, Europe beat us on cell phones, whoopee dee f'n doo! When you re-invent the lightbulb, telephone, computer, and car, give me a call, ok?