There is a LOT more missing than just some "Netmeeting" thing.
As far as I am concerned, the most majorly missing thing are medium and large business applications. Especially the foundation ones, such as payroll, GL, AR, AP, HR, etc. For every one application you can find for Linux, there are several thousand for MS-Windows only (and those include *ix backends with MS-Windows-only frontends or IE-only frontends). When you start looking at industry-specific applications, it is extremely worse.
This is no fault of Linux, but of software companies not supporting it by writing or porting such applications to it. And they blame lack of adoption, lack of trained/skilled programmers for it, lack of standards, and lack of good development tools/evironments.
I keep hoping. Even in 2008, our nearly 95% Linux shop is eroding under pressure to run MS-Windows applications:(
In the US, Libertarian DOES NOT EQUAL Liberal! The classic US (mutated) Liberal mentality is more government programs, welfare, socialism, quotas, and government "protection" of people from themselves. Libertarians believe in less governemnt programs, less welfare, non-socialism, more individual responsibility.
Well, I agree with you, Dutch. If I could flip a switch and make all mosquitos disappear off the face of the earth forever, I would do it without a moment's hestitation. (Although keeping some significant, controlled samples around, "just in case" would be prudent). The amount of human AND animal suffering they inflict far outweighs what little (I believe) effect they probably have in the food chains.
And you can take fleas right along with them.... almost nothing eats those.
Now, I would not necessarily advocate doing it by introducing genetically altered beings, however.
Well, that is why I support a "no OS" or "free Linux" option, so that users can install whatever they want, including BSD, without being financially penalized. I would rather see a commercial Linux than no Linux or no "no OS" option at all, but I think complete freedom is better.
Most companies that do offer some type of Linux option rarely offer it on most of their models. Looking at the leaked specs, MS-Windows is mentioned, so this might be one of those models that have no other option. Personally, I would rather have a "no OS" option, so I can install what I want and save the money. Let them just include a bootable diagnostic DVD for use with warranty issues.
I don't really want to spend money on a commercial SuSE Linux (or Redhat Linux), since that isn't the Linux I would use. I suppose I would rather have the money go to SuSE rather than Microsoft, if given ONLY those two options. Or, like lots of people, if I am forced to pay for an OS (MS-Windows or SuSE), I would choose keep the MS-Windows as a "just in case", even though I would install Linux anyway and use that 99% of the time.
Looks like a fantastic machine, could compete very well with the Sony TX ultra-small, full-powered laptops (models I have used for several years). The only thing obviously missing is the option to buy it with no OS and/or with Linux. Before someone cries about "Linux isn't ready" or "Linux isn't mainstream", I would stress the word *OPTION*. Let consumers decide what they want, if it means no OS, so be it... Lenovo doesn't HAVE to offer Linux support, although that would be even more courageous.
MS-Windows can be preinstalled but licensed separately, meaning there only has to be a single packaging, model, inventory, etc. They could even choose a free, redistributable Linux distro and install that too and the user can have a working machine in minutes, even if they opt to not spend money on Vista. Initialization of the machine can automatically remove the space consumed by either, based on the user's choice.
I kinda doubt Microsoft would allow such competition, though... but it seems a reasonable objective to combat such restrictions based on an anti-trust lawsuit.
From what I see of that technology, it just drives external, autonymous display devices and such WHEN THE COMPUTER IS ON. It can transfer files to a smaller integrated computer, for example, to display appointment or somthing. It would not be useful for web browsing, live file access, etc.
But for the rest of us- we choose to use Linux because we want to use Linux. For most Linux users, it doesn't make much sense to buy and install MS-Windows and Dragon to use in the free/open Virtualbox or the proprietary/closed VMware. With such a model, you cannot use the speech recognition in the Linux applications.
But I, personally, know several people that would buy a Linux version of Natural Speaking... including myself.
Perhaps the Mac version would be easier to port? Don't know. Best thing to do is send them Email saying you would pay for a Linux version. I did: questions@macspeech.com
1) I know many non-MS-Windows, non-Slashdot following, Netflix users that have expressed disgust.
2) If Linux + BSD + MacOS users represent even 10% of the users out there, that is still a LOT of people to ignore. Let's say one out of every 10 mall shoppers have tattoos. Would piss off a lot of potential customers and businesses if security guards at the entrances turned them all away.
3) *THIS* Linux user made my concerns expressed directly to Netflix long before Slashdot postings.
4) Multi-platform was only 2 of the 8 points I made.
5) It doesn't have to work on a "nightly build" of Linux to be a useful and compatible Linux application. An app can include libraries or be compiled statically with wide compatibility- working on nearly all Linux distros for many revisions/releases backwards and forward.... just like in MS-Windows.
>Just a reality check, but would you be happy with HD 1080p movies at 500kbps??
No. But there are other models for on-line service that don't require streaming. Downloading, for example. Of course, that does kinda defeat the whole watch-it-NOW concept.
With x264, DVD res+ac3 has a reasonable bitrate at about 1Mb/s. But even with x264, reasonable 1080i/p+ac3 bitrates have to be, what, 5Mb/s or something? That is the absolute max of my cable modem service! I don't think Cox would be very happy:)
DRM: Check Low-def only: Check Low bitrate: Check Watch only on computer: Check Poor selection: Check No non-streaming option: Check No Linux support: Check No MacOS support: Check
I am ***so*** excited about the limits being lifted on my Netflix account!! Guess I will continue to use their old-fashioned DVD's. I *do* like Netflix, have used them for years, but this whole "Watch It Now" thing is about as interesting to me as watching grass grow.
There is nothing special or inherently secure about barcodes. They are just a machine readable number. Security has nothing to do with it- those are measures taken outside the barcodes. Anyone can print any type of barcode on just about anything.
You can "bull" it all you want. I base my comments on direct observations of people, in stores, with HDTV's displaying both upscaled DVD and HD-DVD/Blueray. Plus observations from those in my house that did not realize a certain program was not HD. And even a few people who could not tell when I intentionally switched from HD to SD to HD to SD on the same program.
From a reasonable distance, many people either just can't tell the difference or don't care. I certainly do notice and care! I am even one of those who is constantly annoyed by overcompression artifacts... I was surprised, too, how many people couldn't tell. Goes to show you- different people are different.
And your example with computer monitors? No, it is not at ALL the same. Reading static text several inches away from a monitor is completely different from rapidly moving images viewed several feet away.
>It was on sale at Walmart and I am willing to loose $98 if Blueray wins.
Theoretically you will lose a lot more than $98 if Blueray "wins". It all depends on how many HD-DVD's you decide to purchase. If dual players don't come out, blueray takes over, and HD-DVD players are no longer available, then you are screwed.
Of course, if you are just renting HD discs, then it won't matter. Netflix has a GREAT selection of HD material now...
HD-DVD still has incredible backing. And the largest retailer in the world, Walmart, recently announced they will only carry HD-DVD in their stores. This "fight" is not ending anytime soon. We need cheap, dual-format players.
Most of us are waiting for inexpensive, dual format (Blueray & HD-DVD) players. Who wants to buy into an expensive player that can only play half the movies or programs out there? As the work, friends, and family "hi tech" person, I recommend to everyone to wait for dual format. They find it amazing that I don't have either format yet.
Another group of prospects are waiting for ripping capability, so they can assert their fair use rights (even though they don't have any under the DMCA).
I don't predict either format will "win" nor "die" over the next few years. So, by each camp resisting dual-format, all they are doing is hurting the whole prospective market.
Lastly, a HUGE number of consumers can't even tell the difference between DVD and HD quality! The difference in sound is total marketing drivel. But the difference in picture- oh yes, it is major. But that goes to show... if most consumers can't even tell the difference, why should they pay more?
IANAL- but I don't think warrantless searches are a problem except when it involves the government (police, detectives, FBI, DA, etc). I believe rules of evidence for private entities are different.
Even that can be taken too far. Sometimes soft buttons are annoying. Volume, for example. While on a call, I like to be able to control the volume with hard (real) buttons. Ones that I can feel and get to without interrupting the call by taking the phone away from my face. So there is a delicate balance between having too many or too few real buttons on devices. Usually there are too many, though.
Thank you for clearing that up. In fact, I suspected that was exactly the case. I *SERIOUSLY* doubt that RIAA would go after someone for simply transcoding a CD. It is already known to be fair use and perfectly legal. But the moment that poor, innocent CD-ripper decided to give away copyrighted music- then he was clearly wrong and breaking the law by redistributing copyrighted materials. I really have no sympathy for that guy at all, now.
It is a basic principle of ergonomics. It is also very true. I see users (and myself) frustrated all the time with stupid or confusing designs. Buttons that don't make sense, user interfaces with too many choices, missing features, badly categorized menus, poorly written or absent documentation, etc. A current trend in electronics is to "dumb down" the device to make it "friendly", by chopping out useful features. That is a mistake! You can have all the features, just organize them well! Resist the urge to make them all visible at once! If necessary, add "user level" modes like "basic" and "advanced".
Every now and then I end up with something so well designed and thought-out it is amazing. At first one doesn't even notice the great- it just "works" and you get done what you need, effortlessly. All the features you need are there, easy to find, well documented. Makes you want to scream at some manufacturers "Hey, look at this product. THIS is how to do it." (I know, you want an example.... OK, the TiVo fits into that category for me.)
It is difficult for people to pretend to be other people- to have different skill sets, capabilities, thought processes.
And who are you to make fun of other peoples' hobbies? Don't watch Star Trek if you don't like it,
As I already stated in the original message, I am a major Trekkie. I have watched every episode of every series many times. I think it is one of the best series of shows ever on TV. But that is because it is a CREATION. Something entertaining, interesting, artistic, creative. A plastic visor some prop guy purchased at a department store?? Ug.
but slandering other people is yet another example of people who have really big Internet high horses and makes you look foolish. One man's piece of junk is another's treasure.
The posting was meant to be a bit humorous, you know... (well, obviously didn't hit the mark; and it wasn't "slander"). Yes, it would be sad if it were a fake, and wrong of Christie's. And I don't wish sorrow or monetary loss on the guy. I am trying to say "hey people, step back... it is a piece of plastic! Cherish the shows, not the fibers, wood, and plastic."
>Get over it! It's just a canvas with paint splattered on it! [etc...]
Oh please. The prop masters probably bought it off the shelf at some department store. Comparing a green visor to creative art or photography is a bit insane. But you are right- people place all kinds of value on strange stuff.
I am certainly a major trekkie myself. But it is just a freaking visor! Who cares?!!! Get a life! Real or not, I guarantee it won't have any mystical or special powers. It won't make your brain compute on the level of Data's. It won't make you a member of Star Fleet. It isn't an "investment". IT IS A FLIPPING GREEN TRANSLUCENT VISOR!
Suing for damages? What damages? Emotional??? Yeesh
Slashdot Mirror
There is a LOT more missing than just some "Netmeeting" thing.
:(
As far as I am concerned, the most majorly missing thing are medium and large business applications. Especially the foundation ones, such as payroll, GL, AR, AP, HR, etc. For every one application you can find for Linux, there are several thousand for MS-Windows only (and those include *ix backends with MS-Windows-only frontends or IE-only frontends). When you start looking at industry-specific applications, it is extremely worse.
This is no fault of Linux, but of software companies not supporting it by writing or porting such applications to it. And they blame lack of adoption, lack of trained/skilled programmers for it, lack of standards, and lack of good development tools/evironments.
I keep hoping. Even in 2008, our nearly 95% Linux shop is eroding under pressure to run MS-Windows applications
In the US, Libertarian DOES NOT EQUAL Liberal! The classic US (mutated) Liberal mentality is more government programs, welfare, socialism, quotas, and government "protection" of people from themselves. Libertarians believe in less governemnt programs, less welfare, non-socialism, more individual responsibility.
Well, I agree with you, Dutch. If I could flip a switch and make all mosquitos disappear off the face of the earth forever, I would do it without a moment's hestitation. (Although keeping some significant, controlled samples around, "just in case" would be prudent). The amount of human AND animal suffering they inflict far outweighs what little (I believe) effect they probably have in the food chains.
And you can take fleas right along with them.... almost nothing eats those.
Now, I would not necessarily advocate doing it by introducing genetically altered beings, however.
>Linux ... Linux ... Linux ... Linux ...
LOL!
Well, that is why I support a "no OS" or "free Linux" option, so that users can install whatever they want, including BSD, without being financially penalized. I would rather see a commercial Linux than no Linux or no "no OS" option at all, but I think complete freedom is better.
Most companies that do offer some type of Linux option rarely offer it on most of their models. Looking at the leaked specs, MS-Windows is mentioned, so this might be one of those models that have no other option. Personally, I would rather have a "no OS" option, so I can install what I want and save the money. Let them just include a bootable diagnostic DVD for use with warranty issues.
I don't really want to spend money on a commercial SuSE Linux (or Redhat Linux), since that isn't the Linux I would use. I suppose I would rather have the money go to SuSE rather than Microsoft, if given ONLY those two options. Or, like lots of people, if I am forced to pay for an OS (MS-Windows or SuSE), I would choose keep the MS-Windows as a "just in case", even though I would install Linux anyway and use that 99% of the time.
Looks like a fantastic machine, could compete very well with the Sony TX ultra-small, full-powered laptops (models I have used for several years). The only thing obviously missing is the option to buy it with no OS and/or with Linux. Before someone cries about "Linux isn't ready" or "Linux isn't mainstream", I would stress the word *OPTION*. Let consumers decide what they want, if it means no OS, so be it... Lenovo doesn't HAVE to offer Linux support, although that would be even more courageous.
MS-Windows can be preinstalled but licensed separately, meaning there only has to be a single packaging, model, inventory, etc. They could even choose a free, redistributable Linux distro and install that too and the user can have a working machine in minutes, even if they opt to not spend money on Vista. Initialization of the machine can automatically remove the space consumed by either, based on the user's choice.
I kinda doubt Microsoft would allow such competition, though... but it seems a reasonable objective to combat such restrictions based on an anti-trust lawsuit.
From what I see of that technology, it just drives external, autonymous display devices and such WHEN THE COMPUTER IS ON. It can transfer files to a smaller integrated computer, for example, to display appointment or somthing. It would not be useful for web browsing, live file access, etc.
In his case, that might be OK.
But for the rest of us- we choose to use Linux because we want to use Linux. For most Linux users, it doesn't make much sense to buy and install MS-Windows and Dragon to use in the free/open Virtualbox or the proprietary/closed VMware. With such a model, you cannot use the speech recognition in the Linux applications.
Probably not.
But I, personally, know several people that would buy a Linux version of Natural Speaking... including myself.
Perhaps the Mac version would be easier to port? Don't know. Best thing to do is send them Email saying you would pay for a Linux version. I did: questions@macspeech.com
1) I know many non-MS-Windows, non-Slashdot following, Netflix users that have expressed disgust.
2) If Linux + BSD + MacOS users represent even 10% of the users out there, that is still a LOT of people to ignore. Let's say one out of every 10 mall shoppers have tattoos. Would piss off a lot of potential customers and businesses if security guards at the entrances turned them all away.
3) *THIS* Linux user made my concerns expressed directly to Netflix long before Slashdot postings.
4) Multi-platform was only 2 of the 8 points I made.
5) It doesn't have to work on a "nightly build" of Linux to be a useful and compatible Linux application. An app can include libraries or be compiled statically with wide compatibility- working on nearly all Linux distros for many revisions/releases backwards and forward.... just like in MS-Windows.
>Just a reality check, but would you be happy with HD 1080p movies at 500kbps??
:)
No. But there are other models for on-line service that don't require streaming. Downloading, for example. Of course, that does kinda defeat the whole watch-it-NOW concept.
With x264, DVD res+ac3 has a reasonable bitrate at about 1Mb/s. But even with x264, reasonable 1080i/p+ac3 bitrates have to be, what, 5Mb/s or something? That is the absolute max of my cable modem service! I don't think Cox would be very happy
DRM: Check
Low-def only: Check
Low bitrate: Check
Watch only on computer: Check
Poor selection: Check
No non-streaming option: Check
No Linux support: Check
No MacOS support: Check
I am ***so*** excited about the limits being lifted on my Netflix account!! Guess I will continue to use their old-fashioned DVD's. I *do* like Netflix, have used them for years, but this whole "Watch It Now" thing is about as interesting to me as watching grass grow.
There is nothing special or inherently secure about barcodes. They are just a machine readable number. Security has nothing to do with it- those are measures taken outside the barcodes. Anyone can print any type of barcode on just about anything.
You can "bull" it all you want. I base my comments on direct observations of people, in stores, with HDTV's displaying both upscaled DVD and HD-DVD/Blueray. Plus observations from those in my house that did not realize a certain program was not HD. And even a few people who could not tell when I intentionally switched from HD to SD to HD to SD on the same program.
From a reasonable distance, many people either just can't tell the difference or don't care. I certainly do notice and care! I am even one of those who is constantly annoyed by overcompression artifacts... I was surprised, too, how many people couldn't tell. Goes to show you- different people are different.
And your example with computer monitors? No, it is not at ALL the same. Reading static text several inches away from a monitor is completely different from rapidly moving images viewed several feet away.
http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback184.html
I heard it from several places. Of course, this may not be reliable. A quick search on Walmart's site and they still sell Bluray players and discs.
>It was on sale at Walmart and I am willing to loose $98 if Blueray wins.
Theoretically you will lose a lot more than $98 if Blueray "wins". It all depends on how many HD-DVD's you decide to purchase. If dual players don't come out, blueray takes over, and HD-DVD players are no longer available, then you are screwed.
Of course, if you are just renting HD discs, then it won't matter. Netflix has a GREAT selection of HD material now...
Your prediction is far too premature.
HD-DVD still has incredible backing. And the largest retailer in the world, Walmart, recently announced they will only carry HD-DVD in their stores. This "fight" is not ending anytime soon. We need cheap, dual-format players.
Most of us are waiting for inexpensive, dual format (Blueray & HD-DVD) players. Who wants to buy into an expensive player that can only play half the movies or programs out there? As the work, friends, and family "hi tech" person, I recommend to everyone to wait for dual format. They find it amazing that I don't have either format yet.
Another group of prospects are waiting for ripping capability, so they can assert their fair use rights (even though they don't have any under the DMCA).
I don't predict either format will "win" nor "die" over the next few years. So, by each camp resisting dual-format, all they are doing is hurting the whole prospective market.
Lastly, a HUGE number of consumers can't even tell the difference between DVD and HD quality! The difference in sound is total marketing drivel. But the difference in picture- oh yes, it is major. But that goes to show... if most consumers can't even tell the difference, why should they pay more?
IANAL- but I don't think warrantless searches are a problem except when it involves the government (police, detectives, FBI, DA, etc). I believe rules of evidence for private entities are different.
Even that can be taken too far. Sometimes soft buttons are annoying. Volume, for example. While on a call, I like to be able to control the volume with hard (real) buttons. Ones that I can feel and get to without interrupting the call by taking the phone away from my face. So there is a delicate balance between having too many or too few real buttons on devices. Usually there are too many, though.
Thank you for clearing that up. In fact, I suspected that was exactly the case. I *SERIOUSLY* doubt that RIAA would go after someone for simply transcoding a CD. It is already known to be fair use and perfectly legal. But the moment that poor, innocent CD-ripper decided to give away copyrighted music- then he was clearly wrong and breaking the law by redistributing copyrighted materials. I really have no sympathy for that guy at all, now.
It is a basic principle of ergonomics. It is also very true. I see users (and myself) frustrated all the time with stupid or confusing designs. Buttons that don't make sense, user interfaces with too many choices, missing features, badly categorized menus, poorly written or absent documentation, etc. A current trend in electronics is to "dumb down" the device to make it "friendly", by chopping out useful features. That is a mistake! You can have all the features, just organize them well! Resist the urge to make them all visible at once! If necessary, add "user level" modes like "basic" and "advanced".
Every now and then I end up with something so well designed and thought-out it is amazing. At first one doesn't even notice the great- it just "works" and you get done what you need, effortlessly. All the features you need are there, easy to find, well documented. Makes you want to scream at some manufacturers "Hey, look at this product. THIS is how to do it." (I know, you want an example.... OK, the TiVo fits into that category for me.)
It is difficult for people to pretend to be other people- to have different skill sets, capabilities, thought processes.
The posting was meant to be a bit humorous, you know... (well, obviously didn't hit the mark; and it wasn't "slander"). Yes, it would be sad if it were a fake, and wrong of Christie's. And I don't wish sorrow or monetary loss on the guy. I am trying to say "hey people, step back... it is a piece of plastic! Cherish the shows, not the fibers, wood, and plastic."
>Get over it! It's just a canvas with paint splattered on it!
[etc...]
Oh please. The prop masters probably bought it off the shelf at some department store. Comparing a green visor to creative art or photography is a bit insane. But you are right- people place all kinds of value on strange stuff.
I am certainly a major trekkie myself. But it is just a freaking visor! Who cares?!!! Get a life! Real or not, I guarantee it won't have any mystical or special powers. It won't make your brain compute on the level of Data's. It won't make you a member of Star Fleet. It isn't an "investment". IT IS A FLIPPING GREEN TRANSLUCENT VISOR! Suing for damages? What damages? Emotional??? Yeesh