...fruit punches have almost (sometimes more!) sugar than sodas themselves. Is there anything out there that maintains the convenience of a canned drink, but without all the sugar?
I haven't tried it yet, but I saw a cheesy TV commercial last night announcing Ocean Spray's new product: Diet Ocean Spray. They seem to be marketing this product at diet soda drinkers looking for an alternative.
At only 5 calories, it probably doesn't have a whole lot of fruit juice. It might be tastier than diet soda, though, and cranberry juice gives a lot of flavor per ounce.
The problem is that Conroe is designed to go into $800 Dell systems. Apple could use it for midline models, but for a $2000 machine they better be using Xeon/Woodcrest to stay competitive with other PC vendors at that price point.
Don't forget Pentium Extreme Edition processors and workstation features like ECC memory, PCIe x4/x8 slots, and workstation graphics cards. After a quick check of Dell's Small Buseness site, the only current Dell systems I see that use Pentium Extreme CPUs are in the same price range as Apple's PowerMac systems. Example: Dell Precision 380 worstation (configured with Extreme Edition CPUs).
I think Apple can still use Conroe (and not Woodcrest) at the PowerMac's current price point if they use Extreme edition processors and workstation chipsets that offer ECC memory, Quadro/FireGL graphics, and PCIe x4/x8 slots.
So, we can expect the intel version of the G5 desktops out in July or latest August 2006, since that is when the next Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) takes place.
Another replier mentioned Woodcrest (Xeon), which I agree is more likely than Conroe (but not a sure thing). In case you didn't know, Woodcrest is scheduled to be introduced in June (Conroe in July, Merom in August).
Even though Pentiums and Xeons have shared the same core since P6 (Pentium 2), Intel has reserved some workstation/server features (like multiple processors) for the Xeon platform (AMD does the same for Athlon/Opteron).
So if Apple still wants dual-processor options for the PowerMac's successor, then they will very likely use Woodcrest (Xeon). However, the emergence of dual-core and the availability of Intel "Extreme" CPUs might mean Apple does not need more than one processor anymore for their "pro" desktops. Also, Intel offers "low end" workstation platforms that use Pentium CPUs with worstation chipsets (ECC memory, worstation graphics cards, PCI-X, PCIe x4/x8). Example: E7230 chipset.
My revised predictions: iMac will use Core 2 Duo. PowerMac (Mac Pro?) will use Core 2 Extreme (no more dual-processor) with a workstation chipset (ECC, workstation graphics cards, PCIe x4 and x8 slots). Xserve will use dual-processor Xeon (Woodcrest). I'm hoping Apple will offer another non-pro desktop (besides iMac and Mac mini) that uses Core 2 Duo.
Last time there was a move from G4-based devices to Core Something devices (Solo or Duo) was the Mac Mini. And the price went up quite a lot for that.
When the Intel Mac minis were introduced on February 28, the 1.5GHz Core Solo and 1.66GHz Core Duo were still relatively new "mainstream" notebook processors (Core Duo/Solo were launched January 5). The G4 processors that they replaced were based on an ancient CPU architecture (introduced September 1999), so the Mac minis got a ton of current CPU technology for that $100 (65nm, 2MB Smart Cache, 667MHz bus, micro-op fusion, great branch prediction, etc).
I'm often wrong on my Mac predictions, but I think Apple might offer a low-priced MacBook based on the new Celeron M CPU based on the Core Solo (Yonah) core (model number 420, 423, and 430). These Celerons differ from Core Solo by having less L2 cache (1MB), slower bus (533MHz), and no Enhanced SpeedStep. I think the lack of SpeedStep is the only thing a MacBook buyer might miss because it significantly improves battery life. However, many other parts of this CPU architecture and chipset were designed with power-saving in mind. If battery life can be made "good enough," these new Celerons should offer great performance for a low price.
I think it would make a lot of sense for Apple to offer a new $500 (or less) Mac mini using this new Celeron M CPU. SpeedStep is not needed on the Mac mini, of course. They also use the same socket as Core Solo/Duo.
Apple finally broke the chicken and egg problem with their 30" Apple Cinema display. They built dual link into their entire product line in preparation for it's launch.
WTF? I remember when the 30" Cinema Display was launched (June 2004) and they certainly did not build dual-link DVI into their entire product line "in preparation for it's launch." MacCentral's coverage of the WWDC 2004 keynote explains it best:
Jobs also introduced a new 30-inch display. The $3,299 display sports 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution, and works only in the Power Mac G5. It requires a new Nvidia GeForce graphics card in order to work, a $599 card that features dual-link DVI interfaces.
That Nvidia card was the first "non-workstation" card (GeForce brand) I can remember that supported dual-link DVI. However, workstation cards (like the Quadro FX 3000) have supported dual-link DVI since at least July 2003. I think the only reason Apple used a "GeForce" card was because they did not support any "workstation" cards at the time (they do now).
...and finally the latest generation of ultra-high end video cards now mostly support dual link.
Gigabyte's GV-RX16P256DE-RH (Radeon X1600 Pro) supports dual-link DVI and costs about $105 at Newegg. Mainstream workstation cards (Nvidia Quadro, ATI FireGL, etc) have supported dual-link DVI longer than "consumer" cards like GeForce and Radeon.
From what I understand this new standard will be incapable of driving monitors at resolutions above what these 30" displays can do now. That's nice but DVI is there and prepared to surpass that. Why create a new standard that limits display size to a resolution that was reached a year before the standard is even released, especially when dual link support is finally taking hold and the original limitations of DVI are starting to melt away.
As I said in another comment, VESA claims that DisplayPort's bandwidth is "future extensible" while DVI's bandwidth is maxed out at 9.9 Gbps per dual-link port. However, what they claim and what they implement might be different. Here's VESA's comparison chart anyway:
DisplayPort has only a negligble bandwidth lead over DVI. The total raw capacity of DisplayPort is 10.8 Gbps versus 9.9 Gbps for a dual-link DVI connection (or a "type B" HDMI connection).
But if you believe VESA's hype, DisplayPort's bandwidth is "future extensible" while DVI's badwidth is maxed out at 9.9 Gbps (dual-link) per port. Ars Technica's article on DisplayPort also mentions VESA's claim of higher bandwidth in the future.
Here's a spec comparison (includes bandwidth) of DisplayPort, LVDS, DVI, and HDMI (I believe it's from VESA):
foobar2000 has a tabbed interface with separate playlists in each tab which is nice. I like the sparse interface. Some people hate it, although if you are willing to invest the time there are a lot of ways to customize it to make it look much nicer.
Many of those people that "hate" the default sparse interface (including me) will like the less-sparse but still simple Columns UI (the Artist, Title, Album, etc information would be there if the files were tagged correctly).
The Columns UI is enabled by selecting the "Foobar2000" menu, then selecting "Preferences," then "Display," then changing "User interface module" from "Default User Interface" to "Columns UI." I think it should be easier to find the Columns UI, but I don't want to complain too much about a great app with so many great customization options.
Here's an example of what Columns UI can look with a few more customizations:
Anybody can configure a "home" PC to look expensive compared to a "professional" Mac's default cost-effective configuration. Also, anybody can make a Mac look ridiculously expensive compared to a cost-effective PC configuration.
I think price comparisons like yours (and mine below) are useless. The computer that's changed more from its standard configuration will almost always be less cost effective.
Example from Dell and Apple (based on your example):
Dell Latitude D820 (Latitude is their business/pro model)
Intel® Core Duo T2600 (2.16GHz) 667Mhz Dual Core
Windows® XP Professional, SP2, with media
15.4 inch Wide Screen WSXGA+ LCD Panel (1680x1050)
512MB (256MB onboard) NVIDIA® Quadro NVS 120M TurboCache
2.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS (dual-channel mode)
100GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 7200RPM
8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio Digital Media and Cyberlink Power DVD
Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Dual-band Mini Card
Dell Wireless® 350 Bluetooth Module
85 WHr 9 Cell Primary Battery
3 Year On-site Economy Plan (3-yr mail-in plan is $99 less)
Microsoft ® Office Basic Edition 2003 and Adobe Acrobat 6.0
Standard features: 56K v92 Internal Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, PC Card slot (Type I or Type II), 54mm Express Card slot (supporting both 54mm and 34mm), Serial, docking connector, USB 2.0 (4), 1394, VGA, headphone/speaker out, integrated microphone, infrared port, Integrated Smart Card Reader
Weight: 6.0lbs (with 6-cell battery, a little more w/9-cell)
HxWxD: 1.39 x 14.2 x 10.43 Total: $2856
15.4" MacBook Pro
2.16GHz Core Duo
15.4-inch TFT display with 1440x900 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory
2GB 667 DDR2 (2 DIMMS)
100GB SATA drive (7200 rpm)
Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) [Apple doesn't state this explicitly, but it's 4x and not dual layer]
iWork preinstalled
60 WHr battery
AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro
Standard Features: iSight, wireless networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 34mm ExpressCard slot, dual-link DVI video out, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and optical digital and analog audio in/out.
Weight: 5.6lbs
HxWxD: 1.0 x 14.1 x 9.6 Total: $3627
Dell advantages:
Better GPU for workstation/pro apps, supports more memory with sharing
Higher resolution screen
Better battery
More USB 2.0 ports
Better DVD burner
Modem
Better office suite (Office Basic vs. iWork)
Better ExpressCard slot
PC Card slot
On-site warranty (don't know about overall quality of "business" support)
Integrated smart card reader
Docking options
More configuration options
MacBook advantages:
Better GPU for gaming
Lighter and smaller
DVI
iSight
Digital audio output
Apple remote
Front Row, GarageBand, Quickbooks New User Edition, iMovie HD
"it seems that this is a piece of software that will turn you computer into a dvr"
I don't see this on their website, rather, I see instructions on how to connect your computer to your TV so that you can view media on your TV.
Which web page were you looking at? Their Yahoo! Go for TV Beta web page has four very visible icons/links: Photos, Video, Music, and DVR. When I moused over the DVR icon/link I got:
Use the DVR to record TV shows and movies for future viewing.
Find what you want to watch with personalized TV listings and customized channel lists.
Search TV listings by title, keywords, or names in the cast and credits.
Do it all without major start-up costs, set-top boxes or ongoing monthly fees.
Note that Yahoo! announced their purchase of Meedio (which provides the DVR funcionality) just two weeks ago, so "beta" might not be a good description (alpha?).
"and act as a google desktop search sidebar"
The most important feature in Google Desktop is its Spotlight-like indexing. Again, I don't see this listed as a feature of Yahoo! Go.
Search, Maps, Address lookup, Mail notifier and thousands more widgets put your Internet on your desktop.
I think the GP incorrectly assumes the "Search" function of Yahoo! Go Desktop will be like Yahoo! Desktop Search, which does have the "Spotlight-like" indexing of Google Desktop. However, it appears to be more like the Yahoo! Search Widget from Yahoo! Widget Engine. The Search Widget appears to be limited to Yahoo! online content.
I think Greencine looks like (I haven't tried it) a good Netflix-style site for those that want to hide their pr0n rentals from their roommate/girlfriend/mailperson/etc. Greencine is well known for their selection of independent films, documentaries, and anime. But they also offer pr0n.
You can be a pseudo-hipster by claiming Greencine offers the "alternative" indie/anime/documentary films you desire, while in reality you're using them for pr0n.
The general consensus is that the 12" Macbook Pro will be released when Merom hits the market. With the heat problems the Macbook Pros have been having, a 12" wouldn't be viable at this time.
I wouldn't give up hope on a pre-Merom 12" MacBook Pro. The current 15" and 17" MacBook Pros use the "standard" Core Duo processors rated at 31W TDP. However, since at least late March, "low voltage" versions of Core Duo have been available. These versions are rated at 15W TDP. IBM uses them in their ultraportable Thinkpad X60s.
Since AM2 isn't actually out yet, that's two sockets that have been released in the same time frame that Intel released five.
I don't disagree with your point, but your arguments seem rigged to favor AMD. Why would you count Intel's mobile sockets (Pentium M) in your comparison? Very few people, even among Slashdot readers, upgrade their notebook CPUs. Why not include AMD's other budget desktop socket (Socket A), since it's in the same time frame?
Also, the Pentium 4/D architecture (introduced April 2001) has been around longer than the Athlon 64/x2 architecture (September 2003). Yet you chose to include an Intel socket (423) that had been phased out by the time Athlon 64 was introduced.
I think a fairer comparison would be the number of sockets for each CPU architecture, not just some arbitrary time frame. Pentium 4/D will have three sockets from April 2001 to Q3 2006: Socket 423, 478, and 775. Athlon 64 will also have at least three sockets from September 2003 until M2 is discontinued: Socket 754, 939, and M2.
However, I don't disagree with what I think is your point because dual-core Athlon 64 CPUs worked with many existing Socket 939 motherboards, while Pentium D needed a new chipset when it was introduced. The early adopters who bought Sockets 423 (Intel) and 754 (AMD) got screwed, though.
You look forward to exploiting the "3D interface". But you won't be able to...
any software oriented toward home use cannot depend on the feature...
the feature cannot be exploited in corporate applications either...
My prediction: the ONLY application that exploits this feature will be Vista itself. Possibly Microsoft may update some applications, but it must remain an optional part.
Microsoft will offer.NET updates and maybe force MS IDE users to use the interface (not as many desktops to migrate, and its a minor part).
I'm not sure if I get your point. The "3D interface" you talk about IS optional to users of applications built using Avalon. Apps will not "depend" on this feature because apps that use this feature will "gracefully" fall back to the Vista Basic look (XP tech, but better-looking) if Aero isn't enabled. Developers aren't "forced" to use the interface because the app's interface scales with whatever UI the OS is using.
all new software from Microsoft will ONLY work correctly on the new Vista OS. Want to run Visual Studio XXII? Sorry, built especially for Vista. Office 21? Sorry, Vista only. Halo 2 for the PC, sorry...well, you get the point.
I think I get the point, but I disagree with the part where you say "all" new Microsoft software will require Windows Vista to "work correctly." I've noticed that MS only does this with "consumer" applications like Halo and Windows Media Player. "Business and development" applications continue to work with previous versions of Windows. I think MS knows they can't screw businesses and developers in this way. Consumers, on the other hand...
I think I'm risking getting modded down for partially explaining an in-joke, but it's a quote from the episode "War Stories" from the television series "Firefly." The movie Serenity is based on "Firefly."
If you don't want to rent the "Firefly" DVD, the quote is referenced in the Wikipedia article on that episode, but you need to actually see it to appreciate the humor (or find it unfunny).
ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT
Quick summary and explanation: Crude dude has been working and travelling in space for a long time without a wife/girlfriend. Dude is surprised to see the ship's registered companion (legal, respected whore) bring a female client onboard. Dude imagines hot lesbian action. Dude says: "I'll be in my bunk."
This is very relevant to me because my 4 year old laptop died Sunday. I now have a choice between Core Duo or Turion... what I really want is a 64 bit dual core laptop.
What an unfortunate time to have your laptop die! You know what you want (dual-core 64-bit), but it's not quite available yet. Performance previews aren't quite available either. Ugh.
None of Merom/Conroe or AM2 can be purchased by users today, and Merom is late 2006 at the earliest...
My best hope is gutting it out until May 9 when AMD introduces the Turion X2 on AM2 or S1. For a dual core 64 bit laptop from Intel the wait would be too long.
Yes, Merom has apparently been delayed until Q4. I have more bad news, though. According to a March 29 DailyTech article, dual-core Turion 64 may be delayed until June:
Before you completely eliminate Merom, note that Merom is pin-compatible with Yonah and will work with Intel's current 945PM/GM chipsets. Therefore, a Merom-upgradable notebook is available today, dual-core Turion 64 chipset and CPU is probably coming in June, and the Merom CPU is coming in October at the very earliest.
If you are considering the upgrade-to-Merom option, a cheap interim solution will soon be available. Celeron M processors based on the Core Solo core are now selling in Japan:
is there enough room on the back of a standard PCI card for three DVI ports side-by-side? My workstation graphics card has dual DVI outputs, plus an S-Video port. Even if you took the S-Video port off, there doesn't appear to be enough room for a third DVI connector.
Another replier pointed out that his/her video card can support two displays from one output using a dongle. Matrox, which has found a niche serving the multi-display market, has illustrations of this on their product info pages.
Matrox's QID Pro AGP card ($600) product info page shows four DVI monitors connected to a single card using two outputs + dongles. It appears as thought the video card's two outputs are not standard DVI ports (LFH60), but the card includes two LFH60-to-DVI dual-monitor adapter cables.
If you want to see something really trippy, they also offer this product in a low-profile PCIe or PCI card, supporting four displays off a single output.
Then again, I might consider an HD-DVD player to watch Serenity. If, of course, I could afford a TV that would play it back.
If you have an LCD (w/DVI) that's 17" or larger, then I think you don't need a TV to play Serenity using an HD-DVD player. I'm not seriously suggesting buying a $500 player (plus HDMI-DVI adapter) to watch HD movies on a 17" LCD, but I'm pretty sure it can be played (maybe not well). In case you missed the story:
I'm sure everybody in this forum knows this, but not using ICT means Serenity's HD video will not be downgraded if the TV/monitor lacks HDCP. The standard "HD" port on a HD-DVD player is HDMI. HDMI contains the same video signals as DVI, so adapters are relatively simple and cheap.
I wonder which would suck more:
Watching the Serenity HD-DVD in letterboxed 1280x720p on a 17" LCD from up close.
Watching it in 852x480 on a low-end 42" plasma EDTV.
I'd like to think the GP made an honest mistake when he linked to 2-year-old Longhorn pre-beta screenshots to illustrate how lousy Vista is supposedly going to look. It looks suspiciously like he might be trolling, though.
That's a pretty good list. A few of you selections reminded me of some other useful related tools.
Music: Foobar2000 0.8.3 (iTunes and dumbed down fb2k annoy me)
Foobar2000 is a great powerful alternative to iTunes, but every new Windows user should know about Exact Audio Copy (EAC) for making errorless CD rips. The "jitter correction" in other rippers (like iTunes) is not enough!
Video: Media Player Classic with ffdshow
That reminded me of the important fact that Windows XP does not come with a DVD decoder by default. This is almost never a problem because DVD decoders are always bundled with retail DVD drives and PCs with DVD drives. However, Apple obviously doesn't bundle a Windows DVD decoder with their Intel Macs, so Boot Camp users need to purchase a DVD decoder (e.g. PowerDVD, WinDVD, PureVideo Decoder) or download a non-DirectShow DVD decoder/player like Media Player Classic or VLC.
* DVD Decrypter Recently bought out by Macrovision to shut down it's decryptey goodness, DVD Decrypter is really a no-nonsense, no-fuss DVD ripper and burner. Want to rip a movie from a DVD so you can watch it later? One button. Want to rip it back to a DVD? Another button.
That's a great DVD rip tool (unfortunately not updated anymore), but I think we should also mention the popular freeware tool DVD Shrink. DVD Shrink is also a ripper, but it's more commonly used to re-encode (at high quality) a DVD-9 rip to fit onto DVD-5 media. It also allows you to remove things you don't need (re-author) like alternate audio tracks, subtitles, DVD extras, menus, etc.
If DVD Decrypter can no longer rip/decrypt DVDs (since it's not being updated anymore), the next highest-rated (by videohelp.com users) freeware ripper (that's still being updated) is DVDFab Decrypter.
Two nice sites for information about video tools with guides:
I don't disagree with I think is your comment's point, but I think you're incorrect about Dell and PCI-X/PCI Express.
Early in 2004 it had competition from PCI-X - PCI extended - however, Dell here are discussing the implications of swapping from PCI to PCIe. Now, at the time, PCI-X was seen as an interim measure, but Dell skipped it, instead opting to use PCIe across their desktop range.
I think everybody skipped PCI-X for their "desktops" (Macheads: the dual-CPU PowerMac is a workstation). I'm pretty sure PCI-X was only intended as an interim solution for servers and workstations (e.g. Fibre Channel cards, scsi raid cards), not desktops, and PCI-X started being used around the year 2000, several years before desktops needed the extra bandwidth. PCI Express was years away, but servers and workstations (including Dells) needed the bandwidth of PCI-X at the time.
Dell, like everybody else, used PCI-X as an interim solution for their bandwidth-hungry servers and workstations. They started using PCI Express for their desktops, workstations, and servers when Intel started including it "for free" in their chipsets. I don't think PCI-X and PCI Express were ever "in competition."
If you look on thier web site you can find the exact same computer with Windows installed, for the exact same price or lower. You dont save anything, so it makes it a waste of time.
Oddly, they do the same thing with Red Hat Enterprise Linux Workstation on Dell Precision workstations. Choosing FreeDOS (uninstalled, no support) costs the same as having Red Hat EL WS preinstalled, supported, and with a 1-year subscription to Red Hat Network.
If you customize a Precision (e.g. Dell.com -> Small Business -> Desktops & Workstations -> View Linux Workstations -> Precision 470n), you'll see what I mean.
I'm not sure why or how the heck Dell offers no price difference between preinstalled/supported Windows/Linux and uninstalled/unsupported FreeDOS. It's not just a Microsoft thing, though.
The only reason for Apple not allowing XP booting would be if Apple were truly scared. If it thought that OS X wasn't up to snuff and the OS X applications (iLife, iWork et al) were lame, then it should shy away from Windows booting. Instead it is trusting its technology and giving its users more options.
Could this be the reason why Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2 is not being supported by Boot Camp? I might sound like a troll, but I'm wondering why the heck XP MCE (which is now the most popular version of Windows on new PCs) isn't supported by Boot Camp when it uses the same codebase (and Service Pack) as XP Home and XP Professional.
Do they think Front Row will look like simple shareware in comparison to Media Center? There's a reason Front Row's remote has only six buttons: it doesn't do much compared to XP MCE. I'm not saying that XP is better than OS X, but for many home users, the Media Center interface is something that Apple hasn't come close to matching.
I hope my speculation is wrong and Apple soon adds XP MCE support to Boot Camp. I'm sure most home Boot Camp users would like the Media Center version of XP better than Home or Pro.
Slashdot Mirror
At only 5 calories, it probably doesn't have a whole lot of fruit juice. It might be tastier than diet soda, though, and cranberry juice gives a lot of flavor per ounce.
I think Apple can still use Conroe (and not Woodcrest) at the PowerMac's current price point if they use Extreme edition processors and workstation chipsets that offer ECC memory, Quadro/FireGL graphics, and PCIe x4/x8 slots.
Even though Pentiums and Xeons have shared the same core since P6 (Pentium 2), Intel has reserved some workstation/server features (like multiple processors) for the Xeon platform (AMD does the same for Athlon/Opteron).
So if Apple still wants dual-processor options for the PowerMac's successor, then they will very likely use Woodcrest (Xeon). However, the emergence of dual-core and the availability of Intel "Extreme" CPUs might mean Apple does not need more than one processor anymore for their "pro" desktops. Also, Intel offers "low end" workstation platforms that use Pentium CPUs with worstation chipsets (ECC memory, worstation graphics cards, PCI-X, PCIe x4/x8). Example: E7230 chipset.
My revised predictions: iMac will use Core 2 Duo. PowerMac (Mac Pro?) will use Core 2 Extreme (no more dual-processor) with a workstation chipset (ECC, workstation graphics cards, PCIe x4 and x8 slots). Xserve will use dual-processor Xeon (Woodcrest). I'm hoping Apple will offer another non-pro desktop (besides iMac and Mac mini) that uses Core 2 Duo.
I'm often wrong on my Mac predictions, but I think Apple might offer a low-priced MacBook based on the new Celeron M CPU based on the Core Solo (Yonah) core (model number 420, 423, and 430). These Celerons differ from Core Solo by having less L2 cache (1MB), slower bus (533MHz), and no Enhanced SpeedStep. I think the lack of SpeedStep is the only thing a MacBook buyer might miss because it significantly improves battery life. However, many other parts of this CPU architecture and chipset were designed with power-saving in mind. If battery life can be made "good enough," these new Celerons should offer great performance for a low price.
I think it would make a lot of sense for Apple to offer a new $500 (or less) Mac mini using this new Celeron M CPU. SpeedStep is not needed on the Mac mini, of course. They also use the same socket as Core Solo/Duo.
Here's a spec comparison (includes bandwidth) of DisplayPort, LVDS, DVI, and HDMI (I believe it's from VESA):
The Columns UI is enabled by selecting the "Foobar2000" menu, then selecting "Preferences," then "Display," then changing "User interface module" from "Default User Interface" to "Columns UI." I think it should be easier to find the Columns UI, but I don't want to complain too much about a great app with so many great customization options.
Here's an example of what Columns UI can look with a few more customizations:
I think price comparisons like yours (and mine below) are useless. The computer that's changed more from its standard configuration will almost always be less cost effective.
Example from Dell and Apple (based on your example):
Dell Latitude D820 (Latitude is their business/pro model)
Intel® Core Duo T2600 (2.16GHz) 667Mhz Dual Core
Windows® XP Professional, SP2, with media
15.4 inch Wide Screen WSXGA+ LCD Panel (1680x1050)
512MB (256MB onboard) NVIDIA® Quadro NVS 120M TurboCache
2.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS (dual-channel mode)
100GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 7200RPM
8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio Digital Media and Cyberlink Power DVD
Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Dual-band Mini Card
Dell Wireless® 350 Bluetooth Module
85 WHr 9 Cell Primary Battery
3 Year On-site Economy Plan (3-yr mail-in plan is $99 less)
Microsoft ® Office Basic Edition 2003 and Adobe Acrobat 6.0
Standard features: 56K v92 Internal Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, PC Card slot (Type I or Type II), 54mm Express Card slot (supporting both 54mm and 34mm), Serial, docking connector, USB 2.0 (4), 1394, VGA, headphone/speaker out, integrated microphone, infrared port, Integrated Smart Card Reader
Weight: 6.0lbs (with 6-cell battery, a little more w/9-cell)
HxWxD: 1.39 x 14.2 x 10.43
Total: $2856
15.4" MacBook Pro
2.16GHz Core Duo
15.4-inch TFT display with 1440x900 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory
2GB 667 DDR2 (2 DIMMS)
100GB SATA drive (7200 rpm)
Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) [Apple doesn't state this explicitly, but it's 4x and not dual layer]
iWork preinstalled
60 WHr battery
AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro
Standard Features: iSight, wireless networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 34mm ExpressCard slot, dual-link DVI video out, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and optical digital and analog audio in/out.
Weight: 5.6lbs
HxWxD: 1.0 x 14.1 x 9.6
Total: $3627
Dell advantages:
Better GPU for workstation/pro apps, supports more memory with sharing
Higher resolution screen
Better battery
More USB 2.0 ports
Better DVD burner
Modem
Better office suite (Office Basic vs. iWork)
Better ExpressCard slot
PC Card slot
On-site warranty (don't know about overall quality of "business" support)
Integrated smart card reader
Docking options
More configuration options
MacBook advantages:
Better GPU for gaming
Lighter and smaller
DVI
iSight
Digital audio output
Apple remote
Front Row, GarageBand, Quickbooks New User Edition, iMovie HD
Note that Yahoo! announced their purchase of Meedio (which provides the DVR funcionality) just two weeks ago, so "beta" might not be a good description (alpha?).
This part of Yahoo! Go Beta (called Yahoo! Go Desktop) is only partially implemented. From that page: I think the GP incorrectly assumes the "Search" function of Yahoo! Go Desktop will be like Yahoo! Desktop Search, which does have the "Spotlight-like" indexing of Google Desktop. However, it appears to be more like the Yahoo! Search Widget from Yahoo! Widget Engine. The Search Widget appears to be limited to Yahoo! online content.You can be a pseudo-hipster by claiming Greencine offers the "alternative" indie/anime/documentary films you desire, while in reality you're using them for pr0n.
Here's some links if you want em':
Also, the Pentium 4/D architecture (introduced April 2001) has been around longer than the Athlon 64/x2 architecture (September 2003). Yet you chose to include an Intel socket (423) that had been phased out by the time Athlon 64 was introduced.
I think a fairer comparison would be the number of sockets for each CPU architecture, not just some arbitrary time frame. Pentium 4/D will have three sockets from April 2001 to Q3 2006: Socket 423, 478, and 775. Athlon 64 will also have at least three sockets from September 2003 until M2 is discontinued: Socket 754, 939, and M2.
However, I don't disagree with what I think is your point because dual-core Athlon 64 CPUs worked with many existing Socket 939 motherboards, while Pentium D needed a new chipset when it was introduced. The early adopters who bought Sockets 423 (Intel) and 754 (AMD) got screwed, though.
But maybe I missed your point.
Visual Studio 2005 works with Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, and Vista. Office 2003 works with Windows 2000 and XP.
On the other hand, Windows Media Player 10 requires XP, even though there's no good technical reason why it won't work with Windows 2000.
If you don't want to rent the "Firefly" DVD, the quote is referenced in the Wikipedia article on that episode, but you need to actually see it to appreciate the humor (or find it unfunny).
ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT
Quick summary and explanation: Crude dude has been working and travelling in space for a long time without a wife/girlfriend. Dude is surprised to see the ship's registered companion (legal, respected whore) bring a female client onboard. Dude imagines hot lesbian action. Dude says: "I'll be in my bunk."
Before you completely eliminate Merom, note that Merom is pin-compatible with Yonah and will work with Intel's current 945PM/GM chipsets. Therefore, a Merom-upgradable notebook is available today, dual-core Turion 64 chipset and CPU is probably coming in June, and the Merom CPU is coming in October at the very earliest.
If you are considering the upgrade-to-Merom option, a cheap interim solution will soon be available. Celeron M processors based on the Core Solo core are now selling in Japan:
Matrox's QID Pro AGP card ($600) product info page shows four DVI monitors connected to a single card using two outputs + dongles. It appears as thought the video card's two outputs are not standard DVI ports (LFH60), but the card includes two LFH60-to-DVI dual-monitor adapter cables.
If you want to see something really trippy, they also offer this product in a low-profile PCIe or PCI card, supporting four displays off a single output.
I wonder which would suck more:
Wikipedia has an article titled "Development of Windows Vista" that summarizes and gives a timeline of the Longhorn/Vista builds from 2002-present.
A much better source for current Vista beta screenshots is Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows Build 5342 (3/24/06) Screenshot Gallery.
I'd like to think the GP made an honest mistake when he linked to 2-year-old Longhorn pre-beta screenshots to illustrate how lousy Vista is supposedly going to look. It looks suspiciously like he might be trolling, though.
Shit, I missed GP's inclusion of Exact Audio Copy (EAC). Mod me redundant.
If you are using an iMac or MacBook Pro, then you might be interested in the Windows-only software that enables the ATI Radeon 1600's GPU-accelerated H.264 playback and video transcoding. For GPU-accelerated H.264, I think you need to purchase CyberLink's H.264 decoder. ATI's Avivo Video Converter is integrated into the latest Catalyst Control Center, which I'm not sure is included on Apple's Windows driver disc image.
Does anybody know if GPU-accelerated H.264 playback and video transcoding is enabled on OS X yet?
If DVD Decrypter can no longer rip/decrypt DVDs (since it's not being updated anymore), the next highest-rated (by videohelp.com users) freeware ripper (that's still being updated) is DVDFab Decrypter.
Two nice sites for information about video tools with guides:
Dell, like everybody else, used PCI-X as an interim solution for their bandwidth-hungry servers and workstations. They started using PCI Express for their desktops, workstations, and servers when Intel started including it "for free" in their chipsets. I don't think PCI-X and PCI Express were ever "in competition."
I'm not sure why or how the heck Dell offers no price difference between preinstalled/supported Windows/Linux and uninstalled/unsupported FreeDOS. It's not just a Microsoft thing, though.
Do they think Front Row will look like simple shareware in comparison to Media Center? There's a reason Front Row's remote has only six buttons: it doesn't do much compared to XP MCE. I'm not saying that XP is better than OS X, but for many home users, the Media Center interface is something that Apple hasn't come close to matching.
I hope my speculation is wrong and Apple soon adds XP MCE support to Boot Camp. I'm sure most home Boot Camp users would like the Media Center version of XP better than Home or Pro.