I use a little 2 button logitech travel thingy on my Powerbook. When I'm too lazy to pull it out, then I'll used the dreaded touch pad and the "Control-Key" as my second mouse button. I can use it, but all touch-pads cause pain in my wrists with extended use.
Even if Apple does get around to shipping a 2-button mouse, which I heard rumors of, I'll still stick with my Logitech mice. I have a MX1000 on my DP 2.5 and MX700 on my DP1.25. Two of the best mouses made to date an I have access to every button. And I wouldn't use my Touch-Pad more even if it had 2 buttons.
You get exactly what you pay for with the Mac, which is a better computer for the majority of us.
You do get more hardware bang for the buck with a "consumer" PC, but not in the software area. The software that ships with even a Mini is easily worth more then that PC's CPU, Mobo, Memory and vid card combined, considering there is absolutely no equivelent on the PC side at all. The Mini, IMac, or any modern OSX Mac can do more out of the box then all consumer PCs on the market.
I have two consumer PCs similar to the one you described and one workstation PC and their overall value are no where near even my 2 year old 1GHz TI book. I use my PCs as a "cheap" rendering solutions and occasional games, but other then that, because I have XP Pro installed on them they are "very poor" computers when compared to any of my Macintoshes.
As for better elements that all depends on who you are buying your parts from. First of all a G5 outclasses a P4, it may not be as fast for 32-bit operations, but its only PC equivilent is an Opteron. And if you know anything about PC's an Opteron costs way more then a P4. This is also true for the mobo it requires. So your're not comparing equivilent systems. The iMacs components are closer to a workstation in some areas. Basically the Mac uses higher grade components which cost more. The G5 towers are true worksations, if you're wondering why their price is even higher.
Another thing, Apple is the "only" computer company on that planet that can offer true "software/hardware intgration." This area is key, it is the main reason why there are no OSX viruses or Spyware. PCs do not have that luxary and until it happens (Which will be a very long time.) they will never be as good as even a Mini for general use. It's a trade off. Buying the OS seperate from the PC components may be fun (At least for me, it's a hobby.) But everything is disconnecting, everybody has their own software utility and cheeseball interface, which sometimes leads to problems.
And a rule of thumb, never buy any ugprades from Apple, because that area is expensive. The same is true for most retail comps. Only buy the base unit from them, then add the Memory or larger HD yourself.
If you're only in for gaming, then stick with a consumer PC, (They are the best choice for this.) but when you become interested in all other areas, or would simply like a better computer then buy a OSX Mac. I strongly recommend a MIni as a starter. There is nothing wrong with owning both platforms. They coexist nicely now days.
Think about it this way. If the PC you described were a Camaro, then the iMac would be a Lexus. The Lexus isn't nescarly faster and does costs more, but it's certainly a better, more reliable car, with a nicer interior and is worth its asking price. When I see a Camaro, I think "cheap."
The 2 gig limit sucks and it has for years, it is simply not enough for Photoshop and a majority of my apps.
I'm still using PS7. I didn't bother upgrading to CS in hopes that Adobe would release a 64-bit version soon. I won't bother with CS2 either if it doesn't suppor it.
I was thinking the same thing about it being tapped out. But you also need to consider that most sain parents aren't going to drop $250 on their child just to play violent games like GTA on the go, or a device that can break easily and isn't as rugged as a Nintendo offering. Sony is targeting adults and most of us have already been burned by Sony's misinformation and horrid tech-support, so buying another propietory device from them isn't that desirable.
Don't dog on the DS, it may be lame in your book but it has way more potentional then just another purdy screen with Sony's typical proprietary B.S. and medicoresy in most areas. The DS does exactly what Nintendo promises and it does it very well, the PSP like every other Sony device really only does one partically area well and the rest is all fluff.
I've been playing with the PSP since yesterday and it's a purdy well built unit, but that's about it. The games are the typical PS2 stuff that really never appealed to me in the first place. I'm probably the only person I know that doesn't have a PS2.
If you like games llike GTA, long-boring-cut-scenes, or racing, then the PSP is by the best choice and this propably fits your style. But it's not what I personaly like in a portable. I'm all for RPGs, strategies and adventures, games that are much better suited for the DS. And if you already didn't know this, the DS is also way better for FPS games. Gameplay is king and this is exactly where the DS excels. And having instant load times also helps. I heard of the load times, but was still taken back by how long it took on a PSP.
Anyways, I'm off to buy a DS game and play with my friend's PSP some more.
I have a Dell Axim and Sony Clié (whith audio remote), which by the way is much nicer then the Axim when it comes to music playback and that isn't saying much, because Sony really sucks in the digital audio arena.
But anyways this saying fits both of them nicely;
Jack of all trades, master of none.
The iPod is a master of what it does so well and that is digital-audo playback. There is no other device on the market that comes even remotely close to the quality and ease of use that is an iPod. In the case of the Axim and Clié, not only are they lacking in the software area, but their audio playback aslso sounds bad when compared to an iPod. I own one, so I know this first hand
Being different is only good when it's truly a better choice, but in the case of the PPC, it is only a mediocre alternative to an iPod when it comes to music playback. My Dell Axim which was cheap, is exactly just that; Cheap! You truly get what you pay for and when you decide you want a quality audio device, then buy an iPod.
The only head that will turn is yours, when you need to look down at your Axim's screen just to select a new song or playlist, or switch out your tiny 512 MB CF.
That looks very awkward. I saw it at E3 and thought it was a joke. I saw another PSP keyboard the other day which looks much nicer, but it sill seems awkward to use.
Uing a PSP for functions other then games, movies and so-so music capabilities just does not suit it. I have a Clié with a "somewhat higher-rez" touch-screen and built in keyboard that is much better suited for internet access, word processing and other similar functions, but it sill falls way short of my Powerbook and is practically unuseable in comparison.
Sony should focus on what matters for a portable game system; Faster load times and longer battery life. If they intended this to be a Clié replacement, then they should've included a touch-screen, but in its current form, these additional functions are kind of silly.
1600x1200 was unusable on my old 22" CRT, where as on a 20"+ LCD it's very useable. I'm currently on a 30", so even if I choose 1900x1200 it looks big.
Interesting video BTW. That's a great example of what GPU driven GUI like OSX is capable of doing, or Longhorn in the future. With OSX you can set any ScreenSaver as your desktop using an Apple Script and just like that video, it does not effect any of the GUI's performance.
Here's a link if you're interested; http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Develope r-Tools/Scree nsaver-as-Desktop.shtml
There was also a way to set a DVD as the desktop, but I forgot how to do it.
Without display problems. You know that you can dynamically scale the browsers fonts in OSX by presssing "command + =." This is true for Safari and Firefox, the only ones I personally use. So for the most part, your point about browsing at hi-rez is null, especially when it comes to viewing mostly text sites like Slashdot. In that case it's completely null. And even if the site specifies a set font size, I can stil increase or decrease their sizes.
Your limtations are clearly your "screen." If you were talking about using the "OS" at a higher then 100 PPI rez, then neither OSX or XP are ready at this time. But that's a different topic.
Go ahead and mod me down, sometimes the truth hurts.
Wipeout was one of my favorite racers back in the early PS1 days.
I can understand getting a PSP for its specific games, screen size and multimedia capabilities, but I have a couple of questions;
Why not buy a DS which can truly paly GBA games and offers an excellent battery life while doing so? Also its conrol pad and button's positions are exactly the same as a SNES controler, not nearly identical, the same.
Now to throw something else into the mix. Why wait for something that might be when the DS can do it now? Like mentined above, a DS can play GBA games, well there's a SNES emulator being developed for the GBA:
If you're worried about not having storage for your "rom backups" there's a link on the bottom to some flash carts.
Another thing, a ton of games being released for the DS which are updates to the popular the SNES and GBA games, so to me that's even more reason to go with a DS. ( I bought one now just to play the Minnish cap. ) But we're all different. I personally would like a PSP for its video capability, but not its games.
It took me a little bit to get used to, but for the Metroid demo it kicks so much arse. It is definately just as good as a mouse for these types of games. I use it to steer in Ridge Racer. Once I got passed the learning curve, it really started to feel natural, even more so then an analogue stick for racing. I have trouble putting this game dow now.
RPGs, RTSs and FPSs are definately at home on a DS. Advanced Wars is going to be great on the DS.
I bought a DS, because it's screen looks much nicer then the SPs. And when I say nicer, it's night and day in the DS's favor. I also went with the DS, because my GBA's slightly smaller size cramps my hands up. The times I tried the SP it was even worse. The DS is a bit easier for me to hold for a longer time and its really not that big.
I can easily fit my DS in my pocket and the battery life is pretty good averaging between 6-10 hours. The speakers are also nicer then any other portable I've used. Not a replacement for headphones, but I'm not a big fan of most game music, so having it playing quietly in the background is what I like.
Now for 2 screens, this is why I love the DS. First of all even though a PSP has somewhat better graphics for a FPS, the DS definately has the superior controls for one. The touch screen is absolutely the next best thing to a mouse. Using an analogue stick for any FPS is way to cumbersome and has been my main reason for avoiding them on consoles. I couldn't even stand Halo, which I've played to many times too count.
I also personally like games like Zelda or console RPGs in general. Using the touch screen to instantly access and see stats or spells without taking away from the main screen will be great. It's already great for quick menu acces for the games I own.
There is a slight learning curve when first using the screen, but it become second nature pretty quickly. Even Ridge Racer and its weird steering wheel setup has become really easy to use and is lots of fun.
The only thing I wish my DS could do, is connect to my GC like my GBA or your SP.
I guess that is why so many facilities are choosing G5 clusters, because they are so wimpy and not because their terflop to price ratio is so good. I suppose a Power4 with a 128bit SIMD tacked on is whimpy in your book? If you want whimpy, look up the Itanimum 2.
Jelous that the 64bit market is quickly becoming common place and no longer a placid of the super nerds?:)
Yes we would all love a Power5 or Mips cluster to run e-mail and Maya on the same machine. Yep, that's a great way to blow a small business's budget.
If MS had focused on security and not features, XP's kernal wouldn't be accessible by spyware, but we all know that's not the case. And to give MS a little bit of credit, it has to deal with thousands of more configuations when creating an update. Apple does not, hence they fix their holes right away, that and the OS was designed with security in mind. Some PC networks are now turning to OSX XServes as a preventive measure against attacks on the net and it's working.
If Apple does its part, which it has, any critical holes found are patched with in a week. This is the benifiet of using a system that has a very tight software to hardware integration. I've read on Maccentral that some companies are now using OSX machines as the front for their PC networks, since it creates a truly secure front lilne.
Slashdot Mirror
It's what I like and what I've wanted for a very long time.
I use a little 2 button logitech travel thingy on my Powerbook. When I'm too lazy to pull it out, then I'll used the dreaded touch pad and the "Control-Key" as my second mouse button. I can use it, but all touch-pads cause pain in my wrists with extended use.
Even if Apple does get around to shipping a 2-button mouse, which I heard rumors of, I'll still stick with my Logitech mice. I have a MX1000 on my DP 2.5 and MX700 on my DP1.25. Two of the best mouses made to date an I have access to every button. And I wouldn't use my Touch-Pad more even if it had 2 buttons.
You get exactly what you pay for with the Mac, which is a better computer for the majority of us.
You do get more hardware bang for the buck with a "consumer" PC, but not in the software area. The software that ships with even a Mini is easily worth more then that PC's CPU, Mobo, Memory and vid card combined, considering there is absolutely no equivelent on the PC side at all. The Mini, IMac, or any modern OSX Mac can do more out of the box then all consumer PCs on the market.
I have two consumer PCs similar to the one you described and one workstation PC and their overall value are no where near even my 2 year old 1GHz TI book. I use my PCs as a "cheap" rendering solutions and occasional games, but other then that, because I have XP Pro installed on them they are "very poor" computers when compared to any of my Macintoshes.
As for better elements that all depends on who you are buying your parts from. First of all a G5 outclasses a P4, it may not be as fast for 32-bit operations, but its only PC equivilent is an Opteron. And if you know anything about PC's an Opteron costs way more then a P4. This is also true for the mobo it requires. So your're not comparing equivilent systems. The iMacs components are closer to a workstation in some areas. Basically the Mac uses higher grade components which cost more. The G5 towers are true worksations, if you're wondering why their price is even higher.
Another thing, Apple is the "only" computer company on that planet that can offer true "software/hardware intgration." This area is key, it is the main reason why there are no OSX viruses or Spyware. PCs do not have that luxary and until it happens (Which will be a very long time.) they will never be as good as even a Mini for general use. It's a trade off. Buying the OS seperate from the PC components may be fun (At least for me, it's a hobby.) But everything is disconnecting, everybody has their own software utility and cheeseball interface, which sometimes leads to problems.
And a rule of thumb, never buy any ugprades from Apple, because that area is expensive. The same is true for most retail comps. Only buy the base unit from them, then add the Memory or larger HD yourself.
If you're only in for gaming, then stick with a consumer PC, (They are the best choice for this.) but when you become interested in all other areas, or would simply like a better computer then buy a OSX Mac. I strongly recommend a MIni as a starter. There is nothing wrong with owning both platforms. They coexist nicely now days.
Think about it this way. If the PC you described were a Camaro, then the iMac would be a Lexus. The Lexus isn't nescarly faster and does costs more, but it's certainly a better, more reliable car, with a nicer interior and is worth its asking price. When I see a Camaro, I think "cheap."
But funny.
The 2 gig limit sucks and it has for years, it is simply not enough for Photoshop and a majority of my apps. I'm still using PS7. I didn't bother upgrading to CS in hopes that Adobe would release a 64-bit version soon. I won't bother with CS2 either if it doesn't suppor it.
The last numbers I saw, showed that Nintendo had sold about 2.8 million DSs in 2004.
Speak for yourself. I love my DS.
I was thinking the same thing about it being tapped out. But you also need to consider that most sain parents aren't going to drop $250 on their child just to play violent games like GTA on the go, or a device that can break easily and isn't as rugged as a Nintendo offering. Sony is targeting adults and most of us have already been burned by Sony's misinformation and horrid tech-support, so buying another propietory device from them isn't that desirable.
Don't dog on the DS, it may be lame in your book but it has way more potentional then just another purdy screen with Sony's typical proprietary B.S. and medicoresy in most areas. The DS does exactly what Nintendo promises and it does it very well, the PSP like every other Sony device really only does one partically area well and the rest is all fluff.
I've been playing with the PSP since yesterday and it's a purdy well built unit, but that's about it. The games are the typical PS2 stuff that really never appealed to me in the first place. I'm probably the only person I know that doesn't have a PS2.
If you like games llike GTA, long-boring-cut-scenes, or racing, then the PSP is by the best choice and this propably fits your style. But it's not what I personaly like in a portable. I'm all for RPGs, strategies and adventures, games that are much better suited for the DS. And if you already didn't know this, the DS is also way better for FPS games. Gameplay is king and this is exactly where the DS excels. And having instant load times also helps. I heard of the load times, but was still taken back by how long it took on a PSP.
Anyways, I'm off to buy a DS game and play with my friend's PSP some more.
I have a Dell Axim and Sony Clié (whith audio remote), which by the way is much nicer then the Axim when it comes to music playback and that isn't saying much, because Sony really sucks in the digital audio arena.
But anyways this saying fits both of them nicely;
Jack of all trades, master of none.
The iPod is a master of what it does so well and that is digital-audo playback. There is no other device on the market that comes even remotely close to the quality and ease of use that is an iPod. In the case of the Axim and Clié, not only are they lacking in the software area, but their audio playback aslso sounds bad when compared to an iPod. I own one, so I know this first hand
Being different is only good when it's truly a better choice, but in the case of the PPC, it is only a mediocre alternative to an iPod when it comes to music playback. My Dell Axim which was cheap, is exactly just that; Cheap! You truly get what you pay for and when you decide you want a quality audio device, then buy an iPod.
The only head that will turn is yours, when you need to look down at your Axim's screen just to select a new song or playlist, or switch out your tiny 512 MB CF.
ActiveX doesn't work on a Macintosh, it doesn't do squat. :)
Nope on a PSP release, but it is being made for the DS which is a better choice for that type of game.
That looks very awkward. I saw it at E3 and thought it was a joke. I saw another PSP keyboard the other day which looks much nicer, but it sill seems awkward to use.
Uing a PSP for functions other then games, movies and so-so music capabilities just does not suit it. I have a Clié with a "somewhat higher-rez" touch-screen and built in keyboard that is much better suited for internet access, word processing and other similar functions, but it sill falls way short of my Powerbook and is practically unuseable in comparison.
Sony should focus on what matters for a portable game system; Faster load times and longer battery life. If they intended this to be a Clié replacement, then they should've included a touch-screen, but in its current form, these additional functions are kind of silly.
1600x1200 was unusable on my old 22" CRT, where as on a 20"+ LCD it's very useable. I'm currently on a 30", so even if I choose 1900x1200 it looks big.
e r-Tools/Scree nsaver-as-Desktop.shtml
Interesting video BTW. That's a great example of what GPU driven GUI like OSX is capable of doing, or Longhorn in the future. With OSX you can set any ScreenSaver as your desktop using an Apple Script and just like that video, it does not effect any of the GUI's performance.
Here's a link if you're interested;
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Develop
There was also a way to set a DVD as the desktop, but I forgot how to do it.
Without display problems. You know that you can dynamically scale the browsers fonts in OSX by presssing "command + =." This is true for Safari and Firefox, the only ones I personally use. So for the most part, your point about browsing at hi-rez is null, especially when it comes to viewing mostly text sites like Slashdot. In that case it's completely null. And even if the site specifies a set font size, I can stil increase or decrease their sizes.
Your limtations are clearly your "screen." If you were talking about using the "OS" at a higher then 100 PPI rez, then neither OSX or XP are ready at this time. But that's a different topic.
Go ahead and mod me down, sometimes the truth hurts.
Wipeout was one of my favorite racers back in the early PS1 days.
m s_ on_gba.htm
I can understand getting a PSP for its specific games, screen size and multimedia capabilities, but I have a couple of questions;
Why not buy a DS which can truly paly GBA games and offers an excellent battery life while doing so? Also its conrol pad and button's positions are exactly the same as a SNES controler, not nearly identical, the same.
Now to throw something else into the mix. Why wait for something that might be when the DS can do it now? Like mentined above, a DS can play GBA games, well there's a SNES emulator being developed for the GBA:
http://www.snesadvance.org/
http://www.gameboy-advance.net/emulated/snes_ro
If you're worried about not having storage for your "rom backups" there's a link on the bottom to some flash carts.
Another thing, a ton of games being released for the DS which are updates to the popular the SNES and GBA games, so to me that's even more reason to go with a DS. ( I bought one now just to play the Minnish cap. ) But we're all different. I personally would like a PSP for its video capability, but not its games.
I was having trouble finding it with the provided link, but I found this: http://www.cube-europe.com/newsgfx/goldaoe.jpg
They include a screen shot of Golen Eye also. These two games are perfect examples of why the touch screen is so great.
It took me a little bit to get used to, but for the Metroid demo it kicks so much arse. It is definately just as good as a mouse for these types of games. I use it to steer in Ridge Racer. Once I got passed the learning curve, it really started to feel natural, even more so then an analogue stick for racing. I have trouble putting this game dow now.
RPGs, RTSs and FPSs are definately at home on a DS. Advanced Wars is going to be great on the DS.
I saw the PSP at E3. I don't know if this helps but its screen is more vibrant then a Cliés. At least the ones I've seen and own.
I bought a DS, because it's screen looks much nicer then the SPs. And when I say nicer, it's night and day in the DS's favor. I also went with the DS, because my GBA's slightly smaller size cramps my hands up. The times I tried the SP it was even worse. The DS is a bit easier for me to hold for a longer time and its really not that big.
I can easily fit my DS in my pocket and the battery life is pretty good averaging between 6-10 hours. The speakers are also nicer then any other portable I've used. Not a replacement for headphones, but I'm not a big fan of most game music, so having it playing quietly in the background is what I like.
Now for 2 screens, this is why I love the DS. First of all even though a PSP has somewhat better graphics for a FPS, the DS definately has the superior controls for one. The touch screen is absolutely the next best thing to a mouse. Using an analogue stick for any FPS is way to cumbersome and has been my main reason for avoiding them on consoles. I couldn't even stand Halo, which I've played to many times too count.
I also personally like games like Zelda or console RPGs in general. Using the touch screen to instantly access and see stats or spells without taking away from the main screen will be great. It's already great for quick menu acces for the games I own.
There is a slight learning curve when first using the screen, but it become second nature pretty quickly. Even Ridge Racer and its weird steering wheel setup has become really easy to use and is lots of fun.
The only thing I wish my DS could do, is connect to my GC like my GBA or your SP.
I guess that is why so many facilities are choosing G5 clusters, because they are so wimpy and not because their terflop to price ratio is so good. I suppose a Power4 with a 128bit SIMD tacked on is whimpy in your book? If you want whimpy, look up the Itanimum 2.
:)
Jelous that the 64bit market is quickly becoming common place and no longer a placid of the super nerds?
Yes we would all love a Power5 or Mips cluster to run e-mail and Maya on the same machine. Yep, that's a great way to blow a small business's budget.
First DEC and now AMD. http://www.internetnews.com/infra/article.php/3335 981
Blah blah blah..
If MS had focused on security and not features, XP's kernal wouldn't be accessible by spyware, but we all know that's not the case. And to give MS a little bit of credit, it has to deal with thousands of more configuations when creating an update. Apple does not, hence they fix their holes right away, that and the OS was designed with security in mind. Some PC networks are now turning to OSX XServes as a preventive measure against attacks on the net and it's working.
No. It is only for removing "PC viruses."
If Apple does its part, which it has, any critical holes found are patched with in a week. This is the benifiet of using a system that has a very tight software to hardware integration. I've read on Maccentral that some companies are now using OSX machines as the front for their PC networks, since it creates a truly secure front lilne.
They must be taking pointers from the Bush administration.
Now why does the Mac need virsu protection? Oh, to clean our e-mail of PC viruses, so that our PC friends can be safe.