I think they made the video to look like it's for hipsters to mask that the system doesn't look great. I realize I'm burning a few Karma points here, but I'm really not interested in a bike with a big white (or red... or whatever) back wheel that screams "hey, over here... big lazy nerd coming through! "
I've been looking at buying an electric conversion kit for my bike for ~24 months. My requirements are: - Be under $700 for the conversion kit - Look like a normal-ish human would ride it on a regular basis (ie. inconspicuous) - Have a battery that can be replaced/swapped
I've discovered that there are few options out there that meet my most basic requirements. I've been considering building my own electric bike from components. As for the battery, I plan on hiding it in an old-timey leather pannier that will also house a recharging unit that I can take off and recharge at work. I believe you would REALLY need to look at the bike to figure out that it's electric... and that's what I want.
Not that I see Mike Lazaridis or Douglas Fregin as a Steve Jobs, but the same could be said about Jobs when he returned to Apple. Sometimes, leaving and coming back is a good thing. It can provide a unique perspective.
I respectfully disagree with your use of the word "toy" when referencing the original iPhone. Apple, like a few others, simply understood the mobile experience users wanted when using a mobile communication device.
This argument goes beyond an iPhone. We really need to fire up the Way-Back-Machine to 2001 with the release of iTunes and the iPod (remember "Rip Mix Burn"? I sure do!). Apple used their "Software/Hardware" formula to build a truly unique ecosystem that really took off in 2004 with the release of iTunes for Windows. When 2007 rolled around (the launch of the iPhone), they already had millions of loyal iPod users that were hooked on the simplicity of the Apple ecosystem. They also had an e-commerce solution that made sense (for the most part). Apple simply built upon their success: iTunes -> iPod -> iTunes Music Store -> iTunes Store -> iPhone -> iApps -> iPad
Microsoft was simply unable or unwilling the make a true iTunes competitor, which made them unable to move to the next step and create a viable iPod/iStore/iPhone/iPad competitor. Also, their various DRM solutions were flat out confusing. They didn't negotiate the big music deals Apple was able to negotiate, and by the time they figured out that they missed the boat, others had already capitalized on the missed opportunities.Google did exactly what Microsoft wanted to do (control the Operating System), but Google trumped Microsoft by offering the OS as open source to the manufacturers, expecting the make up for that with their App store.
In many ways, I feel sorry for Microsoft. They do a number of things well, but it's clear they aren't able to deliver a viable mobile solution without cutting their ties to manufacturers, which is problematic.
The author gave the following reasons against autonomous war robots:
|| Robots possess neither common sense... || Me: This is true, but isn't that the point? Someone behind the curtain has common sense? For example, the current generation of drones in use aren't intelligent, but the people flying them are making the decisions (or rather, their superiors). We need to separate the ED-209 vs. drone conversation as I'm pro drone, anti-ED-209 style military robot.
|| 'real' reason || Me: See above. Our current drones do have "real reasoning" aka, there is a real human operating them.
|| any sense of mercy || Me: Actually, "mercy" can cause problems. Offering mercy, only to have that terrorist return (with additional knowledge). Also, wouldn't an operator show more mercy with a drone? AKA, if they "kill" the drone, nobody dies. I see this as a Win/Win for the use of drones.
|| nor — most important — the option to not obey illegal commands. || Actually, this is where you lost me. Our current generation of drones are scrutinized in a number of ways. Everything is recorded, the operators are in direct communication with their superiors and their peers (other operators), and the fog of war is very different. I could argue that the "illegal commands" could actually be reduced. What's more likely, a person under the stress of survival making an illegal/horrible decision or the person sitting in an air conditioned building operating a robot 7000+ miles away making an illegal/horrible decision, when being recorded?
All that said, there is something very real about us having real humans on the ground in many places. That said, if we could minimize human casualties by implementing limited drones, why wouldn't we do that?
I would argue that it does considerably more than simply complicate things. The iPad mini will show that Apple can create and expand upon a range of high quality devices on what is essentially a single platform. It's all about the ecosystem that you can buy today vs. Microsoft's ever persistent promises of a better tomorrow. While that may be an oversimplification, most end users just want something that works, looks great, and makes their lives easier. Currently, I don't see that with Windows outside of the traditional desktop experience.
We need to remember, it's Apple on AT&T vs. Google on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and just about everyone else. I think you are going to see a sea of people go with the iPhone once it is available on Verizon.
Also, Android is the less expensive option. There are regular 2 for 1 deals... and also crazy 29.99 deals with Google. You just aren't going to see that with the iPhone.
I don't think the goal of the App Store was to provide an impervious DRM store solution. We have known for years (and many vendors will tell you) that is an unrealistic expectation. Apple simply wants a revenue stream where people can easily purchase and install licensed versions of software. As a store, they should try to disrupt all illegal sharing to the best of their ability. Don't be surprised if the 1.1 version of all the software requires a license check. I'm of the opinion that they are going to use the same "we'll annoy them to death" method they have used for the iTunes store which has proven to be a good business model. Sure, you can usually find cracked free stuff, but you must be willing to hack your system or jump through hoops to make it work normally... but it's always one update away from not working.
With all due respect, I don't agree. The teen seemed to have threaten the President (Bush/Obama... I would have the same opinion) which in this country is a federal offense. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00000871----000-.html If I threatened the leader of another country (even if I was a teen... and drunk), should I really be surprised when they don't grant me permission to visit? If our federal agents can click a button and keep someone that has been confirmed as threatening the President, out of the coutnry, why wouldn't they? In this silly case, sure... and Obama would probably echo that. But let the kid appeal the decision or ask for reconsideration.
There were are few places where they were critical--the majority for instance, aren't happy with Apple's App Store approval process.
The question asked:
Apple permits distribution of iPad applications only in its Apple Store, and rejects applications for a variety of reasons. What is your opinion of this approach?
The response: ~43% It's not a problem at all ~42% It's a minor problem ~12% It's a major problem ~4% It's unacceptable ~1% No opinion
This question seems incredibly flawed. The "at all" in the question would be a big red flag in my book. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to the App Store, but the fact that so many people (over 80%) said that it was either no issue "at all" or it's a minor issue... says volumes.
I believe Sasser sums it up rather nicely: "I could see a gradual, slow merger between iOS and Mac OS X styles and approaches," he said. "It doesn't make sense for them to be developing two of everything, one good, one not as good--two calendars, two address books--it's got to merge somehow."
Apple should learn from Microsoft's mistake of trying to have two rather diverse platforms (Windows and Windows mobile). Granted, Microsoft seems to be moving in a better direction these days with their mobile platform, but they could have been much further along if they would have used this method.
WordPress 3.0 is somewhat of a snoozer if you are only using it as a single person blogging platform...
BUT, those of us that have been using WordPress as a quasi-CMS are filled with joy. This update brings us one step closer to a full blown CMS, if we aren't there already.
WASHINGTON, DC—mitchell_pgh LLC has filed a 1.8 billion dollar class action lawsuit against Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google. "They are in clear violation of our half click patent. In fact, they violate our patent TWICE with every purchase!" said mitchell_pgh's director of operations Edward Smelt. "We are working closely with the USPTO to announce our 'press click' patent, 'mouse movement' patent, and 'depress click' patent as we speak." Smelt was unwilling to discuss mitchell_pgh LLC's ongoing "no click" patent.
It makes PERFECT economic sense when you consider that we will be transferring our transportation grid to electricity. It is a more difficult sell when you are simply replace coal power with nuclear power. We have plenty of coal, but dolling out billions of dollars a month in foreign oil doesn't make economic sense.
>> 2/Having to store waste for over 100000 years is not what someone with any common sense would call 'green'.
We have no idea how long we will need to store the spent fuel. With 2010 technology (ie: put it in a box and wait), it is ~100000 years. But what new technologies will we have in the year 2050, 2100 or 2200.
Without limited liability, insurance companies could not offer insurance to the companies building/maintaining the systems.
>> 4/fuel-dependency Fuel dependency? Errr, I don't follow you. We, as a country, should try to be as fuel independent as possible. This isn't a macho "GO USA!!!" kind of rant. Being fuel independent is key to the national security of any country. We are currently over extended in the worst possible way. Nuclear is ONE way to get us where we need to go. Ideally, we would use wind, solar, etc. etc. but as others have said, until that day, nuclear is a great option. I like the idea of (literally) sitting on our coal reserves... "just in case."
The current budget is a far cry from a "little for space research." The United States of America leads the world in raw spending for space exploration. I would argue that we are spending about as much as the rest of the world combined. I am in NO way saying we are the best, or we haven't had our fair share of failures, but to say that NASA's budget is a "little" amount is simply wrong.
$17.2 billion - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (United States of America GDP: $14.25 trillion (2009 est.) $5.4 billion - European Space Agency (European Union GDP: $14.52 trillion [2009 est.]) $2.4 billion - Russian Federal Space Agency (Russian GDP: $2.103 trillion [2009 est.]) $2.15 billion - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan's GDP: $4.141 trillion [2009 est.]) $2.0 billion - China (Chinese GDP: $8.767 trillion [2009 est.]) $1.01 billion - Indian Space Research Organization (Indian GDP: $3.548 trillion [2009 est.])
We can care about space AND make sure people aren't being kicked out of their homes because of a recession. I would hate to lose our edge on space, but at the same time... I would rather live with less poverty.
Without Apple's "We've Got a Secret" marketing machine, Apple would have died off long ago. It's free advertising that permeates the industry. How many free ads have I seen on/., Engadget, AppleInsider? Dozens... and the hype is out of control.
If Apple would have come out, six months ago, with a clear road map of how they were going to build a tablet and an example of the OS that would fuel the device, knock off companies would have beat them to market, or killed the device before it saw the light of day.
On the flip side, can you name a Microsoft item that has approached the Apple level of events? Microsoft has a number of interesting devices, but I'm happy to wait. With the Apple events... I basically feel out of touch if I don't watch it live.
I am a PS3 user. I would never have purchased a stand alone Blu-ray player or HD-DVD player, and still wouldn't. Neither of them offere/d enough to throw down hundreds of dollars ($200-$400+) for movies only. The fact that one format was a little cheaper or one loaded faster just wasn't enough to push me one way or another. In fact, the more the HD-DVD fans foamed at the mouth about how great their format was, the more I wanted to see Blu-ray win.
What changed EVERYTHING for me was the fact that the PS3 could eliminate TWO pieces of current hardware AND replaced one future piece of hardware. It was also capable of playing games (I have yet to use it for a game) and was "future proof" for the most part.
The PS3 replaced my non-upscaling DVD player, it replaced the PC I used to stream divx movies. It also replaced a future high definition movie player (Blu-ray or HD-DVD). My setup has never been more complete.
You could argue that the Xbox 360 with the additional HD-DVD player could do the same thing, but it just seemed like an afterthought from Microsoft (why didn't they just offer a HD-DVD version?)... and they really didn't have vested interest in the success of HD-DVD. When HD-DVD "fell" the choice was over.
In my opinion, the "Play" in PlayStation 3 is actually holding the system back. When I talk about how I use my PS3 as a media center, the first thing out of their mouth is "but I don't play games." Neither do I, but for $400, you get a DVD player, a high definition movie player, mini-computer/divx streaming system... along with all the other stuff.
Inventory, inventory, inventory... and make recommendations.
Also, when talking to the higher ups, make sure to consider a "transition period" where you go from illegal software to "gray software", to a fully licensed office. It makes them recognize that it doesn't all have to happen overnight.
I worked at a design firm and they had illegal versions of Adobe CS and MS Office floating around like it was their business. I basically performed an inventory of every system, created a spreadsheet highlighting the illegal software and then created a strategic timeframe/cost for how you are going to go legit.
If they don't want to go legit, you should consider a new company or push FOSS alternatives.
Slashdot Mirror
I think they made the video to look like it's for hipsters to mask that the system doesn't look great. I realize I'm burning a few Karma points here, but I'm really not interested in a bike with a big white (or red... or whatever) back wheel that screams "hey, over here... big lazy nerd coming through! "
I've been looking at buying an electric conversion kit for my bike for ~24 months. My requirements are:
- Be under $700 for the conversion kit
- Look like a normal-ish human would ride it on a regular basis (ie. inconspicuous)
- Have a battery that can be replaced/swapped
I've discovered that there are few options out there that meet my most basic requirements. I've been considering building my own electric bike from components. As for the battery, I plan on hiding it in an old-timey leather pannier that will also house a recharging unit that I can take off and recharge at work. I believe you would REALLY need to look at the bike to figure out that it's electric... and that's what I want.
...as it was originally designed (20-30, maybe even 40 years). Not this 110+ the lift of author business.
Not that I see Mike Lazaridis or Douglas Fregin as a Steve Jobs, but the same could be said about Jobs when he returned to Apple. Sometimes, leaving and coming back is a good thing. It can provide a unique perspective.
I respectfully disagree with your use of the word "toy" when referencing the original iPhone. Apple, like a few others, simply understood the mobile experience users wanted when using a mobile communication device.
This argument goes beyond an iPhone. We really need to fire up the Way-Back-Machine to 2001 with the release of iTunes and the iPod (remember "Rip Mix Burn"? I sure do!). Apple used their "Software/Hardware" formula to build a truly unique ecosystem that really took off in 2004 with the release of iTunes for Windows. When 2007 rolled around (the launch of the iPhone), they already had millions of loyal iPod users that were hooked on the simplicity of the Apple ecosystem. They also had an e-commerce solution that made sense (for the most part). Apple simply built upon their success: iTunes -> iPod -> iTunes Music Store -> iTunes Store -> iPhone -> iApps -> iPad
Microsoft was simply unable or unwilling the make a true iTunes competitor, which made them unable to move to the next step and create a viable iPod/iStore/iPhone/iPad competitor. Also, their various DRM solutions were flat out confusing. They didn't negotiate the big music deals Apple was able to negotiate, and by the time they figured out that they missed the boat, others had already capitalized on the missed opportunities.Google did exactly what Microsoft wanted to do (control the Operating System), but Google trumped Microsoft by offering the OS as open source to the manufacturers, expecting the make up for that with their App store.
In many ways, I feel sorry for Microsoft. They do a number of things well, but it's clear they aren't able to deliver a viable mobile solution without cutting their ties to manufacturers, which is problematic.
The author gave the following reasons against autonomous war robots:
|| Robots possess neither common sense... ||
Me: This is true, but isn't that the point? Someone behind the curtain has common sense? For example, the current generation of drones in use aren't intelligent, but the people flying them are making the decisions (or rather, their superiors). We need to separate the ED-209 vs. drone conversation as I'm pro drone, anti-ED-209 style military robot.
|| 'real' reason ||
Me: See above. Our current drones do have "real reasoning" aka, there is a real human operating them.
|| any sense of mercy ||
Me: Actually, "mercy" can cause problems. Offering mercy, only to have that terrorist return (with additional knowledge). Also, wouldn't an operator show more mercy with a drone? AKA, if they "kill" the drone, nobody dies. I see this as a Win/Win for the use of drones.
|| nor — most important — the option to not obey illegal commands. ||
Actually, this is where you lost me. Our current generation of drones are scrutinized in a number of ways. Everything is recorded, the operators are in direct communication with their superiors and their peers (other operators), and the fog of war is very different. I could argue that the "illegal commands" could actually be reduced. What's more likely, a person under the stress of survival making an illegal/horrible decision or the person sitting in an air conditioned building operating a robot 7000+ miles away making an illegal/horrible decision, when being recorded?
All that said, there is something very real about us having real humans on the ground in many places. That said, if we could minimize human casualties by implementing limited drones, why wouldn't we do that?
I would argue that it does considerably more than simply complicate things. The iPad mini will show that Apple can create and expand upon a range of high quality devices on what is essentially a single platform. It's all about the ecosystem that you can buy today vs. Microsoft's ever persistent promises of a better tomorrow. While that may be an oversimplification, most end users just want something that works, looks great, and makes their lives easier. Currently, I don't see that with Windows outside of the traditional desktop experience.
I think we have other issues to worry about before the 3.8kg of Plutonium from NASA.
The Kara Sea has ~16 dumped nuclear reactors (some with spent fuel rods) from the Soviet era.
We need to remember, it's Apple on AT&T vs. Google on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and just about everyone else. I think you are going to see a sea of people go with the iPhone once it is available on Verizon.
Also, Android is the less expensive option. There are regular 2 for 1 deals... and also crazy 29.99 deals with Google. You just aren't going to see that with the iPhone.
I don't think the goal of the App Store was to provide an impervious DRM store solution. We have known for years (and many vendors will tell you) that is an unrealistic expectation. Apple simply wants a revenue stream where people can easily purchase and install licensed versions of software. As a store, they should try to disrupt all illegal sharing to the best of their ability. Don't be surprised if the 1.1 version of all the software requires a license check. I'm of the opinion that they are going to use the same "we'll annoy them to death" method they have used for the iTunes store which has proven to be a good business model. Sure, you can usually find cracked free stuff, but you must be willing to hack your system or jump through hoops to make it work normally... but it's always one update away from not working.
The older I get, the less I like to jump.
With all due respect, I don't agree. The teen seemed to have threaten the President (Bush/Obama... I would have the same opinion) which in this country is a federal offense.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00000871----000-.html
If I threatened the leader of another country (even if I was a teen... and drunk), should I really be surprised when they don't grant me permission to visit? If our federal agents can click a button and keep someone that has been confirmed as threatening the President, out of the coutnry, why wouldn't they? In this silly case, sure... and Obama would probably echo that. But let the kid appeal the decision or ask for reconsideration.
A good reputation is the most valuable asset. You can have all the goodwill in the world, but if don't produce... goodbye.
Slashdot Wrote:
There were are few places where they were critical--the majority for instance, aren't happy with Apple's App Store approval process.
The question asked:
Apple permits distribution of iPad applications only in its Apple Store, and rejects applications for a variety of reasons. What is your opinion of this approach?
The response:
~43% It's not a problem at all
~42% It's a minor problem
~12% It's a major problem
~4% It's unacceptable
~1% No opinion
This question seems incredibly flawed. The "at all" in the question would be a big red flag in my book. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to the App Store, but the fact that so many people (over 80%) said that it was either no issue "at all" or it's a minor issue... says volumes.
The end user may not agree.
I'm not sure I would hate having a central repository for all Macintosh applications (as long as freeware was still free, as with the Apple Store).
It sure would simplify things (trusted, signed source)... again, from an end user's perspective.
I'm sure every software programmer (minus Apple) would disagree.
I believe Sasser sums it up rather nicely: "I could see a gradual, slow merger between iOS and Mac OS X styles and approaches," he said. "It doesn't make sense for them to be developing two of everything, one good, one not as good--two calendars, two address books--it's got to merge somehow."
Apple should learn from Microsoft's mistake of trying to have two rather diverse platforms (Windows and Windows mobile). Granted, Microsoft seems to be moving in a better direction these days with their mobile platform, but they could have been much further along if they would have used this method.
I clicked one bottom and it updated. Everything seems to be working normally.
What fun is this ;)
WordPress 3.0 is somewhat of a snoozer if you are only using it as a single person blogging platform...
BUT, those of us that have been using WordPress as a quasi-CMS are filled with joy. This update brings us one step closer to a full blown CMS, if we aren't there already.
MITCHELL_PGH LLC PATENTS HALF CLICK
WASHINGTON, DC—mitchell_pgh LLC has filed a 1.8 billion dollar class action lawsuit against Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google. "They are in clear violation of our half click patent. In fact, they violate our patent TWICE with every purchase!" said mitchell_pgh's director of operations Edward Smelt. "We are working closely with the USPTO to announce our 'press click' patent, 'mouse movement' patent, and 'depress click' patent as we speak." Smelt was unwilling to discuss mitchell_pgh LLC's ongoing "no click" patent.
>> 1/Nuclear energy does not make economic sense. http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50308sp?idnews=50308 [ipsnews.net] (translation: it is expensive)
It makes PERFECT economic sense when you consider that we will be transferring our transportation grid to electricity. It is a more difficult sell when you are simply replace coal power with nuclear power. We have plenty of coal, but dolling out billions of dollars a month in foreign oil doesn't make economic sense.
>> 2/Having to store waste for over 100000 years is not what someone with any common sense would call 'green'.
We have no idea how long we will need to store the spent fuel. With 2010 technology (ie: put it in a box and wait), it is ~100000 years. But what new technologies will we have in the year 2050, 2100 or 2200.
>> 3/limited liability. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price%E2%80%93Anderson_Nuclear_Industries_Indemnity_Act [wikipedia.org]
Without limited liability, insurance companies could not offer insurance to the companies building/maintaining the systems.
>> 4/fuel-dependency
Fuel dependency? Errr, I don't follow you. We, as a country, should try to be as fuel independent as possible. This isn't a macho "GO USA!!!" kind of rant. Being fuel independent is key to the national security of any country. We are currently over extended in the worst possible way. Nuclear is ONE way to get us where we need to go. Ideally, we would use wind, solar, etc. etc. but as others have said, until that day, nuclear is a great option. I like the idea of (literally) sitting on our coal reserves... "just in case."
The current budget is a far cry from a "little for space research." The United States of America leads the world in raw spending for space exploration. I would argue that we are spending about as much as the rest of the world combined. I am in NO way saying we are the best, or we haven't had our fair share of failures, but to say that NASA's budget is a "little" amount is simply wrong.
$17.2 billion - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (United States of America GDP: $14.25 trillion (2009 est.)
$5.4 billion - European Space Agency (European Union GDP: $14.52 trillion [2009 est.])
$2.4 billion - Russian Federal Space Agency (Russian GDP: $2.103 trillion [2009 est.])
$2.15 billion - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan's GDP: $4.141 trillion [2009 est.])
$2.0 billion - China (Chinese GDP: $8.767 trillion [2009 est.])
$1.01 billion - Indian Space Research Organization (Indian GDP: $3.548 trillion [2009 est.])
We can care about space AND make sure people aren't being kicked out of their homes because of a recession. I would hate to lose our edge on space, but at the same time... I would rather live with less poverty.
Without Apple's "We've Got a Secret" marketing machine, Apple would have died off long ago. It's free advertising that permeates the industry. How many free ads have I seen on /., Engadget, AppleInsider? Dozens... and the hype is out of control.
If Apple would have come out, six months ago, with a clear road map of how they were going to build a tablet and an example of the OS that would fuel the device, knock off companies would have beat them to market, or killed the device before it saw the light of day.
On the flip side, can you name a Microsoft item that has approached the Apple level of events? Microsoft has a number of interesting devices, but I'm happy to wait. With the Apple events... I basically feel out of touch if I don't watch it live.
From the article: "Bowing to pressure from the EU"
I wouldn't say that Microsoft is exactly doing this by their own accord.
You mean the European Union? ;-)
I am a PS3 user. I would never have purchased a stand alone Blu-ray player or HD-DVD player, and still wouldn't. Neither of them offere/d enough to throw down hundreds of dollars ($200-$400+) for movies only. The fact that one format was a little cheaper or one loaded faster just wasn't enough to push me one way or another. In fact, the more the HD-DVD fans foamed at the mouth about how great their format was, the more I wanted to see Blu-ray win.
What changed EVERYTHING for me was the fact that the PS3 could eliminate TWO pieces of current hardware AND replaced one future piece of hardware. It was also capable of playing games (I have yet to use it for a game) and was "future proof" for the most part.
The PS3 replaced my non-upscaling DVD player, it replaced the PC I used to stream divx movies. It also replaced a future high definition movie player (Blu-ray or HD-DVD). My setup has never been more complete.
You could argue that the Xbox 360 with the additional HD-DVD player could do the same thing, but it just seemed like an afterthought from Microsoft (why didn't they just offer a HD-DVD version?)... and they really didn't have vested interest in the success of HD-DVD. When HD-DVD "fell" the choice was over.
In my opinion, the "Play" in PlayStation 3 is actually holding the system back. When I talk about how I use my PS3 as a media center, the first thing out of their mouth is "but I don't play games." Neither do I, but for $400, you get a DVD player, a high definition movie player, mini-computer/divx streaming system... along with all the other stuff.
I am a very happy PS3 owner.
Inventory, inventory, inventory... and make recommendations.
Also, when talking to the higher ups, make sure to consider a "transition period" where you go from illegal software to "gray software", to a fully licensed office. It makes them recognize that it doesn't all have to happen overnight.
I worked at a design firm and they had illegal versions of Adobe CS and MS Office floating around like it was their business. I basically performed an inventory of every system, created a spreadsheet highlighting the illegal software and then created a strategic timeframe/cost for how you are going to go legit.
If they don't want to go legit, you should consider a new company or push FOSS alternatives.
I LOVE the idea of those that use the roads the most paying more to use them.
I HATE the idea of the government forcing me to install a GPS unit on my car.
My question: Why not use that newfangled odometer I've been reading about. They could check it when you have it inspected (for most states).
I'm also one of those people that loves the idea of E-ZPass... but have yet to install one due to privacy concerns.