What about Airport Express/AirTunes? Can that be considered an External Computer Controlled device? With AirTunes, you control the music output on your airport express and the speakers/stero connected to it with the computer.
Not really. Once they gain control of like 90% of the shares, they would use various methods to squeeze out the disenting shareholders. Once of which is to do a reverse stock split.
For example, the company will exchange 1,000 old Sun shares for 1 new Sun shares. If a shareholder has 200 shares, then this is not enough to exchange for a new share, and they get cashed out.
Being a good manager is not something that comes naturally for most people - whether they have a technical background or an MBA.
Obviously you need to find a balance between getting the work done, and keeping your employees happy to be a good manager. You need to find that sweet spot between mentor and tyrant.
Since you probably have a lot of technical know-how, it is important to keep in mind that your employees might not. Communication will always be important - don't assume that they will always understand what you are talking about, since you may be speaking in different dialects (geek versus non-geek).
Treat them fair, develop their skills and knowledge and keep the job challenging and you will be doing much better than most. Also take the time to listen to them.
Feel free to tap into your inner geek to discover ways to improve processes, or implement creative solutions.
Basically, you have the same experience as any new manager, with the benefit of superior technical abilities. Other managers will learn to pfear your awesome powers.
Microsoft has had the beat us if you can, stop us if you can attitude for some time. You can't blame them for wanting to take over the world...doesn't everyone. The failure here is to successfully demonstrate that in taking over the world they have used dirty tricks to snuff out the competition. Until any settlement hurts them either in the wallet (unlikely) or in their ability to operate as a company (split them up), they will continue with business as usual. Either the laws are outdated/weak, or the cases are flawed - or both
The other problem is that the average non-slashdot computer user probably thinks Microsoft first when they buy software - why? everyone uses it - so it must be the best, and half the time Microsoft is giving it away, whereby the competitor is trying to build/stay in business. Bundling applications/features that drive other companies out of business (regardless of the quality of the programs) hurts everyone but Microsoft. Although I wonder if things were flipped and if Apple had the 90% share would companies/governments/people be suing them for including iPhoto/iTunes/iMovie, etc?
In addition to voice recognition, would the system also be able to identify my level of frustration based on how hard I press the button, how often I press it and how long I hold it down for?
It's not quite as simple as that. First off, the IPO would only be for a portion of the shares now held in private. So Google insiders would still hold significant control. Second, there are disclosure rules pertaining to buying up shares. The SEC requires shareholders to file statements once they cross thresholds in ownership. Third, Google could implore a number of various defences against any "take-over", including a share rights agreement (aka poisin pill), staggered terms for directors, etc. For one company to buy out another, it either has to be a friendly deal between the parties, or hostile - offers shareholders $$$ to tender their shares to the acquiring entity.
The reason for IPO-ing is either 1) to raise capital for growth, expansion, etc. - Google seems to be doing fairly well so far, and money is still cheap enough that they could tap the debt markets or private placements before going public, or 2) (which is likely more the reason), to provide liquidity for the current shareholders - the currently management team is sitting on millions of dollars, but they don't have any easy means to convert their ownership position into cash.
By having a public float, Google would have to disclose their financial information (as well as other stuff). With all that is happening, increased competition, maybe they take a wait and see approach, especially if they aren't in dire needs for cash.
The problem is that all of the device manufacturers look at us and say, what we really need is convergence. We need a single device to replace 3 or 4 others.
Never mind the fact that all consumers want is a device that works well.
If you had your choice of an all-in-one shelf stereo or some really nice seperate components, which would you chose?
They are too busy trying to get one device to do everything, that in many cases it can do anything well.
I guess the sum of the parts is great than the whole, or something like that.
Re:Manufacturers are doing what they're supposed t
on
KISS
·
· Score: 1
First they buy a new television that is HD-ready. Then they find out that they need a set-top box as their tv doesn't have a built-in HD tuner. So then they go out and buy the set-top box, only to find out that they need to buy a new antenea for the room. Then after they install a yagi, they find out that they live too far from the tower and the signal drops off. So then they call the cable company and find out that there are HD station on their digital cable service, but it isn't available in their area yet, and will hopefully be available by the end of the year. Then they decide to order satellite, whereby they need to go out any buy a different set-top box and then spend $$$ a month for the HBO and Showtime so they can enjoy a couple of HD channels.
Cell phones have become so fragmented, as most carriers offer multiple handsets with a variety of features which appeal to differing tastes. However, I still refuse to buy a new phone because my carrier still hasn't offered a phone that meets my specific needs. All I want is a good, small, clamshell, tri-mode phone from Verizon with built-in Bluetooth. I could care less about a camera, I already invested in a digital camera with a better resolution, and there seems to be a lot of anti-camera phone sentiment. When I went to get my passport renewed, people had to surrender their batteries.
In terms of user manuals. It's not like a lot of people read them anyway...that's like asking people to read the articles prior to reply here on slashdot. Look at all the good detailed instructions did for getting baby-boomers to program their VCR or time display.
How many software packages actually come with a full set of documentation anymore these days - it's like we are expected to go out any buy the user manual.
HDTV is a tough subject, because the industry has done such a poor job on rolling out HDTV. Not just the manufacturers, but also the stations, cable companies and the damned FCC. But you would think you would know whether or not you have HDTV after seeing what 1080i looks like.
The competing formats of DVD is equally confusing. My father-in-law made the mistake of buying DVD+R discs only to find out that he needed -R for his drive.
Agreed, DIVX, Circuit City's ill conceived, crappy limited-play DVD format - that offered inexpensive DVDs that could be watched for 48 hours from the initial viewing. There after you could pay to watch it again, or buy lifetime on the disk. However, even it you had lifetime on your disk it was tied to your player, so a friend with a DIVX player would have to pay to watch your disk.
What I really hate about Disney DVD's is how they force sub-titles on so you have to read the crappy songs, well that and the fact that they pull titles from the market, so they can re-release them years later.
One solution to this is to connect your win2K machine to your network via wired ethernet. That takes your rate limiting machine off your wireless network. Since it's wired you don't have to bother with either WEP or WPA for that machine.
That's the same thing I did with my iMac w/ AirPort (not Extreme) card. I wanted to go pure-g, rather than mixed-b/g. Added a switch to my AEBS, and used the built-in ethernet rather than the 802.11b for the iMac. Either move your router near the machine, or get a long cable.
If you've set up multiple AirPort Extreme Base Stations as a wireless distribution system (WDS) to extend your network, you have to use WEP for security. WPA cannot be used with WDS.
If you want to use WPA, you'll have to string your base stations together on the lan
They only paid a dividend because they were getting so much heat for not having done so; and sitting on all that cash without re-investing it in themselves.
The usual argument from a company for not pay a dividend is that they need the cash for growth and investment
The only problem that I have with this is that Apple has created two revenue streams. The $129 upgrade to the operating system (or $199 for the 5-pack) -- and -- the $49 (or $79 for the 5-pack) upgrade to the bundled applications that come with the operating system. Or should we not be thinking of the iLife apps as bundled apps?!?
Last year when Apple released a retail box of iLife for $49 it was due to the iDVD update, which they claimed was too large for downloading
This year the $49 upgrade is mostly likely due to the inclusion of GarageBand, as well as upgrades to the other apps. Again the arguement could be made that they are too big for downloading - then why require a family pack for multiple installs
I'll wait to see whether or not Apple is making the new iPhoto available via software update. If it is then chances are I'll skip this upgrade, as I did for the last iDVD upgrade. Hopefully the new version of iPhoto is really much snappier.
How about off-shore allowance accounts then -- the person who spent $30K has the master/parent account, and feeds the child allowance accounts (which are intended for kids without credit cards).
Figure with a $50 a month allowance and 3 months...thats nearly 200 kiddies...wonder if you can you claim them as dependants on your tax return
At $249, I won't be getting a miniPod. Although at $199, I most likely would have, even considering I have a 15gig iPod, bought at the 3rd gen launch - where I opted for the smaller form factor vs the 20 gigger.
Size wise, the miniPod is that much smaller than the iPod. On a cubic inch basis (3.6 vs 6.1/7.2), it is certainly smaller, but in my hand I compared my iPod to a stack of 42 business cards (which approximates the 0.5 inch thickness of the miniPod). It doesn't seem to be half the size of the More noteworth would be the difference in the weight. 3.6oz vs 5.6oz, that's 35%/41% lighter than the existing iPods.
Although the screen is smaller, it's recessed a bit, which makes it less likely to get scuffed up. The curved sides look nice as well. Shame the didn't update the remote to include a small lcd display.
Get yourself a pair of 180s Earwarmers. They have a headphone accessory, where the speaker is inserted into the earmuff. They wrap around the back, so your cord could easily go down the back of your jacket.
The perfect solution for winter, but you'ld look pretty funny wearing them in July/August.
Brenthavens are great. I have a laptop briefcase than I've used for the past several years. It's holds a lot and holds up well. Brenthaven was one of the first companies to offer a padded, ergonomic shoulder strap, which made the bag much more comfortable when carried on the shoulder. My problem is that my bag tends to get so heavy that I wear away the strap connectors, have had this happen with my Brenthaven and the Tumi I owned before it.
I few months ago, I decided to pick up a Brenthaven backpack for my PowerBook. I had been carrying it around in a little neoprene sleeve, but this didn't work well for carrying around various accessories, cables, spare battery, etc. Mixed in with the returned items was a mobility backpack. It was marked down to like $70, but since the store manager knows I've bought a ton of stuff there, they gave it to me for $50. It took about 3 days before the backpack competely replaced the other briefcase.
In addition to being way more comfortable, it is also lighter, and more organized for my various gadgets. It's a really nice bag, and was a sweat deal. Whenever someone asks me for a bag recommendation, I always tell them to buy a Brenthaven.
I have always enjoyed the books and have read them all several times.
I have to say that watching the movies has rejuvenated my interest in the books as well; not to mention also prompting my younger nephews to pick up the books themselves.
As far as the films go, sure they're are omissions and changes, but I have been more than satisfied with them, especially the extended version of FOTR, and I'm looking forward to TTT next week.
I will always prefer a book to the film version. But given the general quality of films these days, Peter Jackson's adaptation stands head-and-shoulders above other movies.
The books are great books. The films are great films. It is not perfect, but I imagine vastly better than if someone else hakced it up.
I applaud Peter Jackson, and everyone involved in creating these awesome movies. I also applaud Tolkien for creating such an awesome world.
With that said, I look forward to re-watching and re-reading both the films and the books in years to come.
Lack of cool Bluetooth phones is my #1 gripe with Verizon.
I recently picked up a used Sony-Ericsson T61c, and an Ericsson DBA-10 adapter from eBay. Although the DBA-10 isn't officially supported on the phone it works fine for my Jabra headset.
I'm still working on getting the phone/adapter to work with my T3. All of the profiles/init strings are for GSM phones.
The headset works great with the phone, but I'm still not able to do all the things I would like to do, like syncing the address book.
Both the Apple Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard are only my holiday wish list.
Slashdot Mirror
What about Airport Express/AirTunes? Can that be considered an External Computer Controlled device? With AirTunes, you control the music output on your airport express and the speakers/stero connected to it with the computer.
Not really. Once they gain control of like 90% of the shares, they would use various methods to squeeze out the disenting shareholders. Once of which is to do a reverse stock split.
For example, the company will exchange 1,000 old Sun shares for 1 new Sun shares. If a shareholder has 200 shares, then this is not enough to exchange for a new share, and they get cashed out.
Being a good manager is not something that comes naturally for most people - whether they have a technical background or an MBA.
Obviously you need to find a balance between getting the work done, and keeping your employees happy to be a good manager. You need to find that sweet spot between mentor and tyrant.
Since you probably have a lot of technical know-how, it is important to keep in mind that your employees might not. Communication will always be important - don't assume that they will always understand what you are talking about, since you may be speaking in different dialects (geek versus non-geek).
Treat them fair, develop their skills and knowledge and keep the job challenging and you will be doing much better than most. Also take the time to listen to them.
Feel free to tap into your inner geek to discover ways to improve processes, or implement creative solutions.
Basically, you have the same experience as any new manager, with the benefit of superior technical abilities. Other managers will learn to pfear your awesome powers.
Microsoft has had the beat us if you can, stop us if you can attitude for some time. You can't blame them for wanting to take over the world...doesn't everyone. The failure here is to successfully demonstrate that in taking over the world they have used dirty tricks to snuff out the competition. Until any settlement hurts them either in the wallet (unlikely) or in their ability to operate as a company (split them up), they will continue with business as usual. Either the laws are outdated/weak, or the cases are flawed - or both
The other problem is that the average non-slashdot computer user probably thinks Microsoft first when they buy software - why? everyone uses it - so it must be the best, and half the time Microsoft is giving it away, whereby the competitor is trying to build/stay in business. Bundling applications/features that drive other companies out of business (regardless of the quality of the programs) hurts everyone but Microsoft. Although I wonder if things were flipped and if Apple had the 90% share would companies/governments/people be suing them for including iPhoto/iTunes/iMovie, etc?
SCO after reviewing the leaked source code claims it contains SCO code and will move forward with IP claims against Microsoft.
In addition to voice recognition, would the system also be able to identify my level of frustration based on how hard I press the button, how often I press it and how long I hold it down for?
BEEEEEEEPPP...BBBEEEEEEPPPPP...BEEEEEEEEEPPPP!
It's not quite as simple as that. First off, the IPO would only be for a portion of the shares now held in private. So Google insiders would still hold significant control. Second, there are disclosure rules pertaining to buying up shares. The SEC requires shareholders to file statements once they cross thresholds in ownership. Third, Google could implore a number of various defences against any "take-over", including a share rights agreement (aka poisin pill), staggered terms for directors, etc. For one company to buy out another, it either has to be a friendly deal between the parties, or hostile - offers shareholders $$$ to tender their shares to the acquiring entity.
The reason for IPO-ing is either 1) to raise capital for growth, expansion, etc. - Google seems to be doing fairly well so far, and money is still cheap enough that they could tap the debt markets or private placements before going public, or 2) (which is likely more the reason), to provide liquidity for the current shareholders - the currently management team is sitting on millions of dollars, but they don't have any easy means to convert their ownership position into cash.
By having a public float, Google would have to disclose their financial information (as well as other stuff). With all that is happening, increased competition, maybe they take a wait and see approach, especially if they aren't in dire needs for cash.
Did you know that there is a small coffee at starbucks? You have to ask for it by its proper Starbucks name - a short
It's not listed on the menu, and sometimes the people working there don't know about it, but it exists.
It's the same size as a kids hot cocoa - 8oz, as opposed to the Tall (12oz), Grande (16oz) and Venti (20oz) - Venti means twenty.
The problem is that all of the device manufacturers look at us and say, what we really need is convergence. We need a single device to replace 3 or 4 others.
Never mind the fact that all consumers want is a device that works well.
If you had your choice of an all-in-one shelf stereo or some really nice seperate components, which would you chose?
They are too busy trying to get one device to do everything, that in many cases it can do anything well.
I guess the sum of the parts is great than the whole, or something like that.
First they buy a new television that is HD-ready. Then they find out that they need a set-top box as their tv doesn't have a built-in HD tuner. So then they go out and buy the set-top box, only to find out that they need to buy a new antenea for the room. Then after they install a yagi, they find out that they live too far from the tower and the signal drops off. So then they call the cable company and find out that there are HD station on their digital cable service, but it isn't available in their area yet, and will hopefully be available by the end of the year. Then they decide to order satellite, whereby they need to go out any buy a different set-top box and then spend $$$ a month for the HBO and Showtime so they can enjoy a couple of HD channels.
Poor saps.
Cell phones have become so fragmented, as most carriers offer multiple handsets with a variety of features which appeal to differing tastes. However, I still refuse to buy a new phone because my carrier still hasn't offered a phone that meets my specific needs. All I want is a good, small, clamshell, tri-mode phone from Verizon with built-in Bluetooth. I could care less about a camera, I already invested in a digital camera with a better resolution, and there seems to be a lot of anti-camera phone sentiment. When I went to get my passport renewed, people had to surrender their batteries.
In terms of user manuals. It's not like a lot of people read them anyway...that's like asking people to read the articles prior to reply here on slashdot. Look at all the good detailed instructions did for getting baby-boomers to program their VCR or time display.
How many software packages actually come with a full set of documentation anymore these days - it's like we are expected to go out any buy the user manual.
HDTV is a tough subject, because the industry has done such a poor job on rolling out HDTV. Not just the manufacturers, but also the stations, cable companies and the damned FCC. But you would think you would know whether or not you have HDTV after seeing what 1080i looks like.
The competing formats of DVD is equally confusing. My father-in-law made the mistake of buying DVD+R discs only to find out that he needed -R for his drive.
Agreed, DIVX, Circuit City's ill conceived, crappy limited-play DVD format - that offered inexpensive DVDs that could be watched for 48 hours from the initial viewing. There after you could pay to watch it again, or buy lifetime on the disk. However, even it you had lifetime on your disk it was tied to your player, so a friend with a DIVX player would have to pay to watch your disk.
What I really hate about Disney DVD's is how they force sub-titles on so you have to read the crappy songs, well that and the fact that they pull titles from the market, so they can re-release them years later.
One solution to this is to connect your win2K machine to your network via wired ethernet. That takes your rate limiting machine off your wireless network. Since it's wired you don't have to bother with either WEP or WPA for that machine.
That's the same thing I did with my iMac w/ AirPort (not Extreme) card. I wanted to go pure-g, rather than mixed-b/g. Added a switch to my AEBS, and used the built-in ethernet rather than the 802.11b for the iMac.
Either move your router near the machine, or get a long cable.
If you've set up multiple AirPort Extreme Base Stations as a wireless distribution system (WDS) to extend your network, you have to use WEP for security. WPA cannot be used with WDS.
If you want to use WPA, you'll have to string your base stations together on the lan
Ohh, I want a free XBox too.
www.MikeRhoSoft.com is still free.
MikeRowSoft.com, MikeRoeSoft.com, and MyCrowSoft.com are all taken.
You'll probably be able to watch it on Apple's website the following day
My body will have to adjust to getting 4x the amount of caffeine it is used to during the next couple of months.
They only paid a dividend because they were getting so much heat for not having done so; and sitting on all that cash without re-investing it in themselves.
The usual argument from a company for not pay a dividend is that they need the cash for growth and investment
The only problem that I have with this is that Apple has created two revenue streams. The $129 upgrade to the operating system (or $199 for the 5-pack) -- and -- the $49 (or $79 for the 5-pack) upgrade to the bundled applications that come with the operating system. Or should we not be thinking of the iLife apps as bundled apps?!?
Last year when Apple released a retail box of iLife for $49 it was due to the iDVD update, which they claimed was too large for downloading
This year the $49 upgrade is mostly likely due to the inclusion of GarageBand, as well as upgrades to the other apps. Again the arguement could be made that they are too big for downloading - then why require a family pack for multiple installs
I'll wait to see whether or not Apple is making the new iPhoto available via software update. If it is then chances are I'll skip this upgrade, as I did for the last iDVD upgrade. Hopefully the new version of iPhoto is really much snappier.
How about off-shore allowance accounts then -- the person who spent $30K has the master/parent account, and feeds the child allowance accounts (which are intended for kids without credit cards).
Figure with a $50 a month allowance and 3 months...thats nearly 200 kiddies...wonder if you can you claim them as dependants on your tax return
At $249, I won't be getting a miniPod. Although at $199, I most likely would have, even considering I have a 15gig iPod, bought at the 3rd gen launch - where I opted for the smaller form factor vs the 20 gigger.
Size wise, the miniPod is that much smaller than the iPod. On a cubic inch basis (3.6 vs 6.1/7.2), it is certainly smaller, but in my hand I compared my iPod to a stack of 42 business cards (which approximates the 0.5 inch thickness of the miniPod). It doesn't seem to be half the size of the More noteworth would be the difference in the weight. 3.6oz vs 5.6oz, that's 35%/41% lighter than the existing iPods.
Although the screen is smaller, it's recessed a bit, which makes it less likely to get scuffed up. The curved sides look nice as well. Shame the didn't update the remote to include a small lcd display.
Get yourself a pair of 180s Earwarmers. They have a headphone accessory, where the speaker is inserted into the earmuff. They wrap around the back, so your cord could easily go down the back of your jacket.
The perfect solution for winter, but you'ld look pretty funny wearing them in July/August.
Brenthavens are great. I have a laptop briefcase than I've used for the past several years. It's holds a lot and holds up well. Brenthaven was one of the first companies to offer a padded, ergonomic shoulder strap, which made the bag much more comfortable when carried on the shoulder. My problem is that my bag tends to get so heavy that I wear away the strap connectors, have had this happen with my Brenthaven and the Tumi I owned before it.
I few months ago, I decided to pick up a Brenthaven backpack for my PowerBook. I had been carrying it around in a little neoprene sleeve, but this didn't work well for carrying around various accessories, cables, spare battery, etc. Mixed in with the returned items was a mobility backpack. It was marked down to like $70, but since the store manager knows I've bought a ton of stuff there, they gave it to me for $50. It took about 3 days before the backpack competely replaced the other briefcase.
In addition to being way more comfortable, it is also lighter, and more organized for my various gadgets. It's a really nice bag, and was a sweat deal. Whenever someone asks me for a bag recommendation, I always tell them to buy a Brenthaven.
I have always enjoyed the books and have read them all several times.
I have to say that watching the movies has rejuvenated my interest in the books as well; not to mention also prompting my younger nephews to pick up the books themselves.
As far as the films go, sure they're are omissions and changes, but I have been more than satisfied with them, especially the extended version of FOTR, and I'm looking forward to TTT next week.
I will always prefer a book to the film version. But given the general quality of films these days, Peter Jackson's adaptation stands head-and-shoulders above other movies.
The books are great books. The films are great films. It is not perfect, but I imagine vastly better than if someone else hakced it up.
I applaud Peter Jackson, and everyone involved in creating these awesome movies. I also applaud Tolkien for creating such an awesome world.
With that said, I look forward to re-watching and re-reading both the films and the books in years to come.
Bad link for the T61c.
The other option for Verizon customer is the Motorola 270c and phone module
Lack of cool Bluetooth phones is my #1 gripe with Verizon.
I recently picked up a used Sony-Ericsson T61c, and an Ericsson DBA-10 adapter from eBay. Although the DBA-10 isn't officially supported on the phone it works fine for my Jabra headset.
I'm still working on getting the phone/adapter to work with my T3. All of the profiles/init strings are for GSM phones.
The headset works great with the phone, but I'm still not able to do all the things I would like to do, like syncing the address book.
Both the Apple Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard are only my holiday wish list.
Dead? I think not.