Remember ADB-Apple desktop bus; this was the "ultimate" connection for desktop devices (ones that were slower and didn't need SCSI). It was used for mice and I think one or two vendors had ADB modem.
Rule of thumbs: 1) don't trust proprietary hardware standards 2) Wait until a standard is picked up by Wintel machines before investing heavily in devices
It depend on the software and application. For some consumer, low cost software it's quite reasonable to define the requirements that will make you money. If one or two customers out of thousands (or millions) complain that your software does't work on their old configurations, politely point to the specifications--and offer them a refund the purchase price (the right thing to do.)
If you're doing custom development for a specific client, then you need to define the specification--e.g., requires Windows XP with 512 MB etc. Make it clear that you can support a wider range of OS's and configurations--it just costs more.
The best recommendation is figure out where you can make money and build a customer base and target it.
This is why some less mainstream applications are only released for Windows platform; there isn't enough money to convert and support it on Linux, Macintosh, etc.
Remember the total cost is more than just the initial development. If you provide support, you need to have available machines will all the configurations for testing, you also need support techs who understand the details of each platform.
It's a dollar & cents decision. The automotive is a different situation--partially demand to keep auto manufacters from forcing replacement. Some industries have even longer support issues--there are aircraft flying that are over 30 years old, and the pluto mission has a lifetime measured in decades.
The interesting question is when will big information content providers start demanding a fee to allow the ISP customers for access to their site. For example, Google could tell large Telco that unless they pay a few cents per user their customers will not have access to Google. This would pretty much kill the ISP as customers are more interested in content than pipes.
Bell South's attitude is pretty much like the cable companies demanding a fee from the networks for carrying their content.
But corporate systems tend to be better protected (especially in bank/financial services). Most enterprise/corporate systems are protected by firewalls, IDS and other other permeter measures. Windows systems are almost always part of a domain which makes it easier for corporate administration/policies.
There aren't many corporations/enterprises (> 500 employees) with large percentage of Macs deployed. The options for corporate adminstration of Macs are much more limited. Even if they can associate with a domain, you can't remotely control policies.
Most of the hacked systems are poorly patched home users.
I used to think that Macs looked good until I compared a recent G5 pro machine with the looks of a Dell Pro-equivalent. The G5 is huge-- the thing weighs about 40 lbs and has a footprint that is bigger than a suitcase. It's also pretty noisy. The Dell (an Optiplex in a small form factor case), is small, not unattractive and quiet.
Back when PC came in big ugly white tower boxes the Mac with its shinny metal case lookd attractive--now it just looks obsolete.
Apple announced a new processor in an old case? Is this news? Perhaps to the faithful. Other than being technologically interesting (but no more so than going from the 68XXX to the PowerPC) what's new? Essentially the same operating system, same applications, same box.
Does any appreciate the humor of Apple going from a lagging processor to another laggard? If anyone cares about processor innovation (but not market leadership), look to AMD.
How do all those people with shiny powerbook feel about owning a computer that is four times SLOWER than what's available on the desktop Window machines.
The response is the usually corporate weasel words.
Either they use the information or they don't. How about a clear statement: "we don't collect information from users without their explicit permission".
If a company is going to collect information they should be up front about it--and preferable make in an opt-in rather than a hidden opt-out choice or buried deeply in a license.
It's a little concerning that Apple may or may not know what I'm listening to. If the information is saved (or available to be saved) they could correlate the information with the CD's I've purchased to make sure that I haven't inappropriately "borrowed" on of the music.
LAPD: Governor rode motorcycle illegally
Schwarzenegger, who hit car with son in sidecar, lacks proper license
According to news reports, Gov. Schwarzenegger was driving without a license to operate a motorcycle. "I don't need no stinkin' license" reported the governor. See MSNBC.
You have to be willing to treat your vendors right and prioritize what's important. Don't expect to beat your vendor up on price and complain about every little nit and then have the vendor go the extra mile. If vendor spares, service and responsiveness are important, find a vendor who has built that into the price. Also, give the vendor enough business and that they are willing to go the extra mile (km outside the US) for you. As prices have been driven down, many vendors have cut services--it's hard to compete with Joe's chopshop down the internet.
It also helps to establish a relationship with your vendor and sales rep/teams. They frequently have the power to rush orders and do favors. Try being nice to your sales and service reps occasionally.
If you have special requirements and demand extra service it's only fair that you pay for it.
A better choice would be to limit the total number of stories a submitter can submit per period of time. The limit could be based on the submitter's karma. This would encourage submitters to think about the story before hitting the submit button. As it is now, there is an incentive to submit as many as possible hoping one sticks (or slips by an editor).
Alternatively, the editors could quickly rate each story submitted and throwing too many stories could lower the maximum allowed.
When a submitter reaches their maximum, they should get a clear message encouraging them to think more carefully before submitting. If it really is a hot story, they can just wait for their quota to be reset.
Perhaps Intel made Apple an offer they couldn't refuse (or vice versa), but how long will the romance between Intel and Apple last? Apple will be an important, but not major customer for Intel. Apples association might provide a halo effect for Intel, but customers like Dell have much more sway on the bottom line. Ensuring compatibility and feature-availability with Windows will be more important than the Apple marketing-driven relationship.
Place your bets...in two, three or five years will Apple be trashing the Intel proessors and touting the new improved (pick one) Sparc, PowerPC, custom.
I suspect their are some big egos involved all around.
Before the/. crowd puts MS down for the count to Apple---look at the sales numbers.... MS is on track to sell 3 million xboxes (about as many ipods as Apple has sold) and has sold 5 million copies of Windows Media center.
Actually, according to a recent Business Week article this is not true. Dell's bread and butter business is corporate sales (medium to large businesses). The margins are higher (as corporations look to productivity rather than the lowest cost) and support is lower (internal help desks.)
Dell is is having trouble going down market--their machines can't compete on price against really low end manufacturers (e-machines, gateway) and the support costs are higher.
Why don't the smug apple users ever complain about the Macintosh tax? Can I buy G5 and run linux on it without paying the Apple OS tax.
I already have OS X on an old machine and want to upgrade to a newer one--yet I still have to buy another copy of the OS.
I bought a home three-pack of the OS, yet if I buy another machine...I still have to buy the OS again.
It seems like there are many fewer OS options from Apple yet no one complains about paying the tax.
Also, Macs come with their own shovelware (to some useful, to others just clutter) like iTunes, iMovie, quicktime...although posible, not easy to remove (actually I think QT, with its really annoying paid upgrade ads, is required for some components of the OS like help.)
Actually...Dell has a pretty good line of busines laptops. Look for the latitude series -- ranging from the ultralight X1 to destop replacements. They come with 2, 3 or 4 year on-site service (priced extra).
The microsoft tax isn't much--compare the cost of a Dell to an equivalent home built system with purchased parts (not from the dust bin/guy on the corner) + cost of your time.
Also, Dell is going for the high volume--there are lots of specialty retailers catering to the hobby market--it just isn't as big as the corporate/average consumer.
You can get an approximate value of the shovelware by comparing the business machines to the consumer versions at Dell. The business machines (optiplex, latitude, workstations, servers) do not include any of the trials or demos. They typically cost about $50 - $100 more (before corporate discounts) than consumer.
However, as your purchase volume goes up the cost of the business machines becomes less than that of consumer because high volume purchasers use less support (per machine) than low volume. In a corporate environment there is likely to be a help desk that fixes most of the problems that would otherwise hit support.
It's interesting to see what side Apple will take? Are they going the Intel standard? Thinking differently (like ADB or firewire)? Or just not thinking at all.
I've found the business reps on "gold" (which is the business standard plan) relatively pleasant and efficient. They are eager to help and generally competent in their domain. In dealing with tech support a bit of pleasantry goes a long way. The men and women at the other end of the line are human and doing a job to earn a living.
They could be your neighbor's son or the kid in college.
Where the entry cost is low, competition works well (joe's computer shop, asmet's sweatshirt shop, even beverages). Where barriers to entry are very high (telecom, drugs, automobiles) regulation is needed to prevent monopoly powers.
Dell sells both business and consumer models. In the desktop line the Optiplexes are the business versions and Dimensions are the consumer. They share almost all the internal parts but have different skins.
The big difference is in the software. The consumer versions come preloaded with a bunch of crappy demos and spyware-lite. The business versions have no extra pre-loaded software--just what is ordered. In addition, the business versions usually come with Gold service--a 800 number answered in the US by an English-speaking rep. Typically, the calls are answered in less than 5 minutes.
If you're looking at Dells, check out the small business store for the bloat-ware free versions.
Typically, the business versions are $50 to $100 more (depending on the system) than the consumer.
Desktop
Dimension=consumer
Optiplex=business Lapto
Inspiron=consumer
Latitude
I also think the review was a bit harsh. They already didn't like Dell for the lack of complete choice in parts and the "big evil brand". They started out by complaining about paying taxes...if they buy their systems from any vendor in Texas they should be paying taxes...hardly Dell's fault.
What exactly is a root kit? To some, the functionality of what looks like a root kit is a valuable service, to others it's a root kit. There are lots of services that run on my Mac (as well as PCs) that to me are a PIA, but to others are extremely valuable. I'd like to turn off spotlight and a bunch of other startup programs on my Mac, but without really messing in the shell there's no easy way.
Windows has the same silly indexing service, but at least they make it easy to turn off with a GUI checkbox.
Slashdot Mirror
Remember ADB-Apple desktop bus; this was the "ultimate" connection for desktop devices (ones that were slower and didn't need SCSI). It was used for mice and I think one or two vendors had ADB modem.
Rule of thumbs: 1) don't trust proprietary hardware standards
2) Wait until a standard is picked up by Wintel machines before investing heavily in devices
It depend on the software and application. For some consumer, low cost software it's quite reasonable to define the requirements that will make you money. If one or two customers out of thousands (or millions) complain that your software does't work on their old configurations, politely point to the specifications--and offer them a refund the purchase price (the right thing to do.)
If you're doing custom development for a specific client, then you need to define the specification--e.g., requires Windows XP with 512 MB etc. Make it clear that you can support a wider range of OS's and configurations--it just costs more.
The best recommendation is figure out where you can make money and build a customer base and target it.
This is why some less mainstream applications are only released for Windows platform; there isn't enough money to convert and support it on Linux, Macintosh, etc.
Remember the total cost is more than just the initial development. If you provide support, you need to have available machines will all the configurations for testing, you also need support techs who understand the details of each platform.
It's a dollar & cents decision. The automotive is a different situation--partially demand to keep auto manufacters from forcing replacement. Some industries have even longer support issues--there are aircraft flying that are over 30 years old, and the pluto mission has a lifetime measured in decades.
The interesting question is when will big information content providers start demanding a fee to allow the ISP customers for access to their site. For example, Google could tell large Telco that unless they pay a few cents per user their customers will not have access to Google. This would pretty much kill the ISP as customers are more interested in content than pipes.
Bell South's attitude is pretty much like the cable companies demanding a fee from the networks for carrying their content.
I think it works the other way around.
But corporate systems tend to be better protected (especially in bank/financial services). Most enterprise/corporate systems are protected by firewalls, IDS and other other permeter measures. Windows systems are almost always part of a domain which makes it easier for corporate administration/policies.
There aren't many corporations/enterprises (> 500 employees) with large percentage of Macs deployed. The options for corporate adminstration of Macs are much more limited. Even if they can associate with a domain, you can't remotely control policies.
Most of the hacked systems are poorly patched home users.
I used to think that Macs looked good until I compared a recent G5 pro machine with the looks of a Dell Pro-equivalent. The G5 is huge-- the thing weighs about 40 lbs and has a footprint that is bigger than a suitcase. It's also pretty noisy. The Dell (an Optiplex in a small form factor case), is small, not unattractive and quiet.
Back when PC came in big ugly white tower boxes the Mac with its shinny metal case lookd attractive--now it just looks obsolete.
Apple announced a new processor in an old case? Is this news? Perhaps to the faithful. Other than being technologically interesting (but no more so than going from the 68XXX to the PowerPC) what's new? Essentially the same operating system, same applications, same box.
Does any appreciate the humor of Apple going from a lagging processor to another laggard? If anyone cares about processor innovation (but not market leadership), look to AMD.
How do all those people with shiny powerbook feel about owning a computer that is four times SLOWER than what's available on the desktop Window machines.
It serves all those M$ users right. I'm so smug that I use an Apple/Linux/Fisher Price computer.
The response is the usually corporate weasel words.
Either they use the information or they don't. How about a clear statement: "we don't collect information from users without their explicit permission".
If a company is going to collect information they should be up front about it--and preferable make in an opt-in rather than a hidden opt-out choice or buried deeply in a license.
It's a little concerning that Apple may or may not know what I'm listening to. If the information is saved (or available to be saved) they could correlate the information with the CD's I've purchased to make sure that I haven't inappropriately "borrowed" on of the music.
LAPD: Governor rode motorcycle illegally
Schwarzenegger, who hit car with son in sidecar, lacks proper license
According to news reports, Gov. Schwarzenegger was driving without a license to operate a motorcycle. "I don't need no stinkin' license" reported the governor. See MSNBC.
You have to be willing to treat your vendors right and prioritize what's important. Don't expect to beat your vendor up on price and complain about every little nit and then have the vendor go the extra mile. If vendor spares, service and responsiveness are important, find a vendor who has built that into the price. Also, give the vendor enough business and that they are willing to go the extra mile (km outside the US) for you. As prices have been driven down, many vendors have cut services--it's hard to compete with Joe's chopshop down the internet.
It also helps to establish a relationship with your vendor and sales rep/teams. They frequently have the power to rush orders and do favors. Try being nice to your sales and service reps occasionally.
If you have special requirements and demand extra service it's only fair that you pay for it.
DDS (-1, -2, -3, -4, -5) have all been upwardly compatible for reading. Frequent problem is that you need to find/run the original software.
A better choice would be to limit the total number of stories a submitter can submit per period of time. The limit could be based on the submitter's karma. This would encourage submitters to think about the story before hitting the submit button. As it is now, there is an incentive to submit as many as possible hoping one sticks (or slips by an editor).
Alternatively, the editors could quickly rate each story submitted and throwing too many stories could lower the maximum allowed.
When a submitter reaches their maximum, they should get a clear message encouraging them to think more carefully before submitting. If it really is a hot story, they can just wait for their quota to be reset.
Perhaps Intel made Apple an offer they couldn't refuse (or vice versa), but how long will the romance between Intel and Apple last? Apple will be an important, but not major customer for Intel. Apples association might provide a halo effect for Intel, but customers like Dell have much more sway on the bottom line. Ensuring compatibility and feature-availability with Windows will be more important than the Apple marketing-driven relationship.
Place your bets...in two, three or five years will Apple be trashing the Intel proessors and touting the new improved (pick one) Sparc, PowerPC, custom.
I suspect their are some big egos involved all around.
By similar logic...
After I've gone to a movie theater and watched a movie I should get a free copy of the DVD.
After I've paid rent on my appartment for a couple of years I should own it.
Before the /. crowd puts MS down for the count to Apple---look at the sales numbers.... MS is on track to sell 3 million xboxes (about as many ipods as Apple has sold) and has sold 5 million copies of Windows Media center.
Actually, according to a recent Business Week article this is not true. Dell's bread and butter business is corporate sales (medium to large businesses). The margins are higher (as corporations look to productivity rather than the lowest cost) and support is lower (internal help desks.)
Dell is is having trouble going down market--their machines can't compete on price against really low end manufacturers (e-machines, gateway) and the support costs are higher.
Why don't the smug apple users ever complain about the Macintosh tax? Can I buy G5 and run linux on it without paying the Apple OS tax.
I already have OS X on an old machine and want to upgrade to a newer one--yet I still have to buy another copy of the OS.
I bought a home three-pack of the OS, yet if I buy another machine...I still have to buy the OS again.
It seems like there are many fewer OS options from Apple yet no one complains about paying the tax.
Also, Macs come with their own shovelware (to some useful, to others just clutter) like iTunes, iMovie, quicktime...although posible, not easy to remove (actually I think QT, with its really annoying paid upgrade ads, is required for some components of the OS like help.)
Actually...Dell has a pretty good line of busines laptops. Look for the latitude series -- ranging from the ultralight X1 to destop replacements. They come with 2, 3 or 4 year on-site service (priced extra).
The microsoft tax isn't much--compare the cost of a Dell to an equivalent home built system with purchased parts (not from the dust bin/guy on the corner) + cost of your time.
Also, Dell is going for the high volume--there are lots of specialty retailers catering to the hobby market--it just isn't as big as the corporate/average consumer.
You can get an approximate value of the shovelware by comparing the business machines to the consumer versions at Dell. The business machines (optiplex, latitude, workstations, servers) do not include any of the trials or demos. They typically cost about $50 - $100 more (before corporate discounts) than consumer.
However, as your purchase volume goes up the cost of the business machines becomes less than that of consumer because high volume purchasers use less support (per machine) than low volume. In a corporate environment there is likely to be a help desk that fixes most of the problems that would otherwise hit support.
It's interesting to see what side Apple will take? Are they going the Intel standard? Thinking differently (like ADB or firewire)? Or just not thinking at all.
I've found the business reps on "gold" (which is the business standard plan) relatively pleasant and efficient. They are eager to help and generally competent in their domain. In dealing with tech support a bit of pleasantry goes a long way. The men and women at the other end of the line are human and doing a job to earn a living.
They could be your neighbor's son or the kid in college.
Give them a break.
You're missing the piece about barriers to entry.
Where the entry cost is low, competition works well (joe's computer shop, asmet's sweatshirt shop, even beverages). Where barriers to entry are very high (telecom, drugs, automobiles) regulation is needed to prevent monopoly powers.
Dell sells both business and consumer models. In the desktop line the Optiplexes are the business versions and Dimensions are the consumer. They share almost all the internal parts but have different skins.
The big difference is in the software. The consumer versions come preloaded with a bunch of crappy demos and spyware-lite. The business versions have no extra pre-loaded software--just what is ordered. In addition, the business versions usually come with Gold service--a 800 number answered in the US by an English-speaking rep. Typically, the calls are answered in less than 5 minutes.
If you're looking at Dells, check out the small business store for the bloat-ware free versions.
Typically, the business versions are $50 to $100 more (depending on the system) than the consumer.
Desktop
Dimension=consumer
Optiplex=business
Lapto
Inspiron=consumer
Latitude
I also think the review was a bit harsh. They already didn't like Dell for the lack of complete choice in parts and the "big evil brand". They started out by complaining about paying taxes...if they buy their systems from any vendor in Texas they should be paying taxes...hardly Dell's fault.
What exactly is a root kit? To some, the functionality of what looks like a root kit is a valuable service, to others it's a root kit. There are lots of services that run on my Mac (as well as PCs) that to me are a PIA, but to others are extremely valuable. I'd like to turn off spotlight and a bunch of other startup programs on my Mac, but without really messing in the shell there's no easy way.
Windows has the same silly indexing service, but at least they make it easy to turn off with a GUI checkbox.