It doesn't mean that Verizon is right in wanting to squash all competition, but there are things called natural monopolies.
Your electric company is one. Water services.
I don't know what anyone else in the US is going through, but here in NJ, the electric company (PSE&G - Park, Sleep, Eat, & Go Home) for all their faults, works. My electricity is reliable as can be. And when it does fail, they're out here _immediately_ to fix it!
Natural monopolies, as long as there's oversight and consumer protection, can work.
In fact, sometimes it's BETTER to have a monopoly than not. Look at the mess in California's power when they tried to introduce competition.
Letting companies like Microsoft (which is NOT a natural monopoly) run around, are bad. They're just an unchecked bully.
Anyway, back to my point... I don't think Verizon being the only game in town is necessarily a bad thing... as long as they're kept in check, rates are kept reasonable, customer service is a MUST, and they provide the services required.
And they may have a point --- if all the equipment in the facilities were theirs, they could certainly have it back up and running quicker than following some silly FCC rules & procedures for working with other companies....
As long as wireless providers insist on keeping the idea of a "mobile phone" then this is useless.
Watching movies on my phone is dumb -- I'd rather watch them on my home theater or in a real movie theater.
Reading/writing email on my phone is dumb -- I'd rather do that on something with a _real_ keyboard, thanks.
If we can make wireless devices that actually have a _use_ (think wireless Newton), then maybe we're getting somewhere.
If I can read my email comfortably and actually _write_ a response (pressing 4433555555666 just to write "hello" is unacceptable!!) then I might have a use for it.
Of course, none of this matters since 3G doesn't work anyway.
I love my iBook, but make sure you get the 600mhz model. I have the 500, and you can definitely feel the speed difference. the 600 has the 100mhz system bus, where mine has a 66mhz bus. Yuck-o!
It's a great machine though, and OS X rocks. Really makes Linux pretty worthless for me. I use Solaris on my servers, and OSX on the desktop. Squeezed Linux right out of the picture....
Anyway, good luck on getting the iBook! I had great results getting mine from the Apple online store, but you also might want to check out Small Dog Electronics too...
Yes, you *can* use a Sprint phone on the VZW network (sort of). The difference is this:
CDMA (as Bell Atlantic Mobile implemented it) runs on 800mhz.
PCS (As Sprint & other parts of the now-VZW implemented it) runs on 1900mhz.
The new VZW phones that are "Tri-Mode" run on Analog, CDMA/800 and CDMA/1900. It's the same stuff, just a different frequency.
So yes, they're interoperable (sort of!) If there's no PCS service in your area, you're screwed trying to use a Sprint phone in a VZW area. A VZW area in a non-PCS area, however, tries CDMA/800. If that doesn't work, then it drops down to analog. There's almost _always_ analog service (in fact, I've never been completely without service anywhere in the US!)
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Oh wait, the reason European users won't do that is because they pay PER CALL.
Say what you want about the providers in the US, but:
1) CDMA works. TDMA and GSM are fundamentally broken. GSM's encryption is crackable real-time using COTS hardware. CDMA's isn't (yet).
2) Billing per-minute still sucks, but sucks much less than per CALL. Most calls are less than 2 minutes, so you don't get raided too bad in the US. And besides, roaming charges are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and now most providers are including bucketfuls of minutes, even in their cheap plans...
3) Coverage is good. I have no problem making a call no matter where I go (my provider is VZW).
4) KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. I don't want SMS on my phone. Don't want spinning 3-d wingdings. Don't want to read my email from the phone.
If I want to read my email wirelessly, then build me an 802.11b network everywhere. Don't make me do it from a phone!!
And of course, my Startac (and my Audiovox 9000 and my Qualcomm QCP-860 and my QCP-2035a) don't crash!
We get together to go to Yankee games, hang out after work at the bar, etc.....
My entire team (~10 sysadmins) get along great.
I even keep in touch with the folks from my previous job -- we all get together once a month or so to hang out.
Ya gotta keep yourself sane.:-)
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
The thing that makes Airport so WONDERFUL is the integration on both their desktops and laptops.
The built-in antennae make for some excellent reception on the laptops!
On the other hand, the base station, while it looks cool, isn't that impressive. I bought a Linksys wireless station / firewall / router / 4-port 10/100 switch for $159. It was well worth the cash, and the range seems better than on the airport stations.
On the other hand, the fact that it all integrates so perfectly (between Apple's airport, the Linksys, and my neighbor's PC laptop) speaks very highly of the whole thing.:-)
--nbvb
p.s. Also, just a heads up -- Apple's been shipping a 128-bit version of the Airport *CARD* for months. The/C revision of the card was secretly 128-bit.:-)
Slashdot Mirror
Damn straight. Global Wars rocked, too.
--dmurphy
[Team DMJ]
Fido: 1:2630/316
HudsonNET: 201:271/1
I thought you meant this Falcon's Eye.
This was the One True.
Long live Mehul Patel!
If I'm going to spend lots of money for hardware like this anyway, why would I use Linux?
:-)
I'm not trolling, I mean it. What does Linux offer me that Solaris doesn't?
And please avoid the philosophical ramifications -- I have nothing against commercial software, except that 99% of it sucks.
--NBVB
It doesn't mean that Verizon is right in wanting to squash all competition, but there are things called natural monopolies.
Your electric company is one. Water services.
I don't know what anyone else in the US is going through, but here in NJ, the electric company (PSE&G - Park, Sleep, Eat, & Go Home) for all their faults, works. My electricity is reliable as can be. And when it does fail, they're out here _immediately_ to fix it!
Natural monopolies, as long as there's oversight and consumer protection, can work.
In fact, sometimes it's BETTER to have a monopoly than not. Look at the mess in California's power when they tried to introduce competition.
Letting companies like Microsoft (which is NOT a natural monopoly) run around, are bad. They're just an unchecked bully.
Anyway, back to my point... I don't think Verizon being the only game in town is necessarily a bad thing... as long as they're kept in check, rates are kept reasonable, customer service is a MUST, and they provide the services required.
And they may have a point --- if all the equipment in the facilities were theirs, they could certainly have it back up and running quicker than following some silly FCC rules & procedures for working with other companies....
Actually, quite the opposite.
:-)
VZ Wireless is the cash cow.
The nvidia drivers on OSX are absolutely _STUNNING!_
I have a Mac with an ATI Rage-128 somethingorother and a GeForce 2 MX board. The GeForce 2 MX _blows away_ everything else!
Seriously.
OS/2 is what the supervisor PC's that control the zSeries mainframes run!
Open up a mainframe and inside is a Thinkpad running OS/2 to control it...
It's not going anywhere anytime soon...
--NBVB
Keep in mind that VZW really has very very little to do with VZ communications. They're a (very) independent entity.
This is required by the feds, since VZ comm is a monopoly...
It's in the works. That's all I can say.
Just bear in mind that VZW is betting the farm on voice still. Smart business plan, actually.
As long as wireless providers insist on keeping the idea of a "mobile phone" then this is useless.
Watching movies on my phone is dumb -- I'd rather watch them on my home theater or in a real movie theater.
Reading/writing email on my phone is dumb -- I'd rather do that on something with a _real_ keyboard, thanks.
If we can make wireless devices that actually have a _use_ (think wireless Newton), then maybe we're getting somewhere.
If I can read my email comfortably and actually _write_ a response (pressing 4433555555666 just to write "hello" is unacceptable!!) then I might have a use for it.
Of course, none of this matters since 3G doesn't work anyway.
Just as a heads-up....
I love my iBook, but make sure you get the 600mhz model. I have the 500, and you can definitely feel the speed difference. the 600 has the 100mhz system bus, where mine has a 66mhz bus. Yuck-o!
It's a great machine though, and OS X rocks. Really makes Linux pretty worthless for me. I use Solaris on my servers, and OSX on the desktop. Squeezed Linux right out of the picture....
Anyway, good luck on getting the iBook! I had great results getting mine from the Apple online store, but you also might want to check out Small Dog Electronics too...
--NBVB
Aside from the actual frame itself, name a SPOF.
--NBVB
I concur. If you mean just a generic Unix, because you need that Unix-y goodness, then why not a Mac?
:-)
You get the best of both worlds --- all the graphics & sound tools that the Macs are famous for, and a real, live, true-blue Unix!
Whoa. Brain overload.
--NBVB
That really-small, really-cool Sony Vaio device comes to mind... or even an Apple iBook....
You could also look into something like the HP palmtops, or, dare I say it, the Newton.
This is really what the Newton could have become, if it had been given a chance. The problem was that it was waaaaay too ahead for its time!
--NBVB
It's really not fair to "report" months-old news without checking for updates:
Check out:
Here
and
here.
Covad's gonna be OK. Really.
--NBVB
Yes, you *can* use a Sprint phone on the VZW network (sort of). The difference is this:
CDMA (as Bell Atlantic Mobile implemented it) runs on 800mhz.
PCS (As Sprint & other parts of the now-VZW implemented it) runs on 1900mhz.
The new VZW phones that are "Tri-Mode" run on Analog, CDMA/800 and CDMA/1900. It's the same stuff, just a different frequency.
So yes, they're interoperable (sort of!) If there's no PCS service in your area, you're screwed trying to use a Sprint phone in a VZW area. A VZW area in a non-PCS area, however, tries CDMA/800. If that doesn't work, then it drops down to analog. There's almost _always_ analog service (in fact, I've never been completely without service anywhere in the US!)
--NBVB
This opinion is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance
to real persons, living or dead is purley coincidental. Void where
prohibited. Some assembly required. List each check separately by
bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during
shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or
implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy
equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to CAB
approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to
affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp.
Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only.
Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition
persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside.
Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without
notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary
if mailed in the United States. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance
of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits
all. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substaintial amount of
non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. We have sent
the forms which seem to be right for you. Slippery when wet. For
in any mailbox. Edited for television. Keep cool; process promptly.
Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at
time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file,
unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental
or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure
to perform. At participating locations only. Not the Beatles.
Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial
penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling
rock. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your cancelled check is your
recipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin.
Sanitized for your protection. Be sure each item is properly
endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher west
of the Mississippi. Employees and their families are not eligible.
Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions
before the show. Limited time offer, call now to insure prompt
delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this
engagement. No purchase necessary. Processed at location stamped in
code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only
in well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flame. Replace with
same type. Approved for veterans. Booths for two or more. Check
here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price
does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for
children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Reproduction strictly
prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs, or horses. No
anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for
resale. List at least two alternate dates. First pull up, then pull
down. Call toll free before digging. Driver does not carry cash.
Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for
identification purposes only. Record additional transactions on back
of previous stub.
This supersedes all previous notices.
Why bother snding mgs tht dnt mk snse?
Just pick up the GOD DAMN PHONE AND TALK.
Oh wait, the reason European users won't do that is because they pay PER CALL.
Say what you want about the providers in the US, but:
1) CDMA works. TDMA and GSM are fundamentally broken. GSM's encryption is crackable real-time using COTS hardware. CDMA's isn't (yet).
2) Billing per-minute still sucks, but sucks much less than per CALL. Most calls are less than 2 minutes, so you don't get raided too bad in the US. And besides, roaming charges are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and now most providers are including bucketfuls of minutes, even in their cheap plans...
3) Coverage is good. I have no problem making a call no matter where I go (my provider is VZW).
4) KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. I don't want SMS on my phone. Don't want spinning 3-d wingdings. Don't want to read my email from the phone.
If I want to read my email wirelessly, then build me an 802.11b network everywhere. Don't make me do it from a phone!!
And of course, my Startac (and my Audiovox 9000 and my Qualcomm QCP-860 and my QCP-2035a) don't crash!
--NBVB
I use WindowMaker daily on my Solaris 2.8 machine. No more CDE, no BrokenWindows, no GNOME, that's for sure.
:-)
:-)
Just plain old WM. I have almost all the features turned off -- all I want is a root menu and the ability to change the background image.
And lots and lots and lots of xterms.
Oh, the other feature I like is the windowshade-like function (double-click on the title bar and it rolls up).
Excellent window manager.
Of course, to each their own. I've also used fvwm and twm on occasion.
Heck, I used to use a WPS replacement on OS/2 called tmenu.
The only thing I want out of my window manager is to give me a menu and go away. Simplicity is key.
--DM
p.s. And that's got NOTHING to do with lightweight hardware. I have a Sun Ultra 60 on my desktop (dual 450mhz procs, 1gb RAM). Massive overkill.
We get together to go to Yankee games, hang out after work at the bar, etc.....
:-)
My entire team (~10 sysadmins) get along great.
I even keep in touch with the folks from my previous job -- we all get together once a month or so to hang out.
Ya gotta keep yourself sane.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.....
:-)
I guess this means we need to start pooling bail money then, huh?
--nbvb
EleBBS is written mostly as an RA clone... works pretty well in Linux.. and is FREE!
:-)
http://www.elebbs.com/
And the author, Maarten Beckers is a good guy.
--nbvb
I got mine via an "internet special" on compusa.com (yeah yeah, I know!) but I think the in-store price is about $199...
--DM
The thing that makes Airport so WONDERFUL is the integration on both their desktops and laptops.
:-)
/C revision of the card was secretly 128-bit. :-)
The built-in antennae make for some excellent reception on the laptops!
On the other hand, the base station, while it looks cool, isn't that impressive. I bought a Linksys wireless station / firewall / router / 4-port 10/100 switch for $159. It was well worth the cash, and the range seems better than on the airport stations.
On the other hand, the fact that it all integrates so perfectly (between Apple's airport, the Linksys, and my neighbor's PC laptop) speaks very highly of the whole thing.
--nbvb
p.s. Also, just a heads up -- Apple's been shipping a 128-bit version of the Airport *CARD* for months. The
The TiBook G4 has almost _EXACTLY_ the features you want.
It runs Yellow Dog Linux very, very nicely.
And the wide-screen aspect ratio on its display is FANTASTIC for running side-by-side xterms....
--nbvb