What makes it sell is that it has the Apple brandname behind it.
This is *such* a ridiculous argument. If the Apple brand name was such a slam-dunk, they'd be the ones dominating the computer market. The iPod has the right mix of "dated technology", convenience, interface, and price to make it the best choice for more people. I'm sure that you cream your pants over your ability to record an FM stream while simultaneously watching a DiVX rip of Tron, playing Tux Racer, and doing direct voice recording to Ogg Vorbis to remind you when the next episode of Lost comes on, but NOBODY ELSE CARES.
Begging on Slashdot is an entirely different behavior, and I try to avoid it.
Well, if I read your.sig correctly, you don't try very hard. Maybe if you stick with it you can work yourself up to Cialis ads...you know, really think big.
So would I recommend signing up for a site or two? Yeah, if you want to spend some time on it.
Tell you what -- I'll give you a buck if you wipe off my windshield for me. Think that's insulting? At least you'd be working, rather than begging people to inconvenience themselves for your personal benefit.
I guess the problem I have with this is the same problem I have doing all multi-level sales -- basically, you're approaching someone and begging. Oh, it might be a friend who's helping you out 'cause you're a buddy, or it might be a family member, and you might be able to convince yourself that you're providing someone with an opportunity, but basically you're just like the guy gumming a trash-retrieved pickle whilst begging for change. I think that's pretty pathetic.
I think they've got a product with a broader general appeal and a lower price-entry point than a new computer -- that might be why they're pushing it so hard. Remember the ad saturation with the original iMac? That was a big success for Apple, and probably hoisted their asses out of the mud, but I just think switching platforms with a major investment wasn't an option for people the way the iPod is.
I think the phrase 'simple' is what non-techs are using to describe the ability to choose songs with minimal clicks and finger movement, little learning time, and a high degree of accuracy when selecting. Those programmable buttons are no doubt faster, once you set them up and remember the combinations to activate them, but I found DOS to be a much faster way of operating a desktop PC before Windows began its lurch onto the scene.
I guess that's kind of my point -- a product generally has to be made for the lowest common denominator in order to be successful on a wide scale. The features you mention (programmable buttons, OGG and FM, etc) are power-user features that will appeal to a smaller yet loyal customer base, and I think it's a wise move, rather than trying to come up something that will appeal to 'sheep' more than the iPod.
Apple has the same marketing departments for their computers. If marketing were the only things they had going for them, they'd dominate in computer sales as well. Hell, if marketing could really overcome all shortcomings, we'd probably all be enjoying a frosty Pepsi Blue right now.
Functionality and word-of-mouth are clearly important factors here. I respect your opinion on functionality (are you referring to features or ease-of-use?), but you must realize that many people disagree.
I always forget the memes. When a few people disagree with you, they're "oddball wingnut freaks", and when a lot of people disagree with you they're "sheep", right?
I actually like this idea -- in order to "kill" the iPod (or somesuch nonsense) you'd actually need a simultaneous music store/sync software/player package that was so much better than the iPod that it would be worth the switch. I think it makes more sense to add features and hack-friendliness to get the appeal of niche markets. Smaller groups, perhaps, but just as loyal -- hmm...sounds like a popular fruit-flavored computer brand.
The Japanese manufacturer didn't mention any customers by name of course, but having supplied Apple with micro hard drives to date, it seems likely the relationship will continue with the new, higher capacity.
We all remember the fit that Apple threw when they pre-announced Apple's order for the 60-gig. Seems like they're thinking things through this time.
I really don't know what to think anymore. What has happened to democracy? Corporations seem to hold sway over the political arena with utter exclusivity these days. How could free speech have been replaced so easily with corporate lobbying? I say that if Microsoft wants their damn patents so badly, they drag a soap carton out to the public park.
It pains me to see Europe slipping down the same slope. Learn from our folly, yeah?
I'm not complaining. Most of my friends are Canadian. Well, kind of friends. I mainly shuffle behind them, hoping that some of their radiance might inadvertently glance off my troll-like face, giving me a tantalizing glimpse of what I can never be. Oh, and once they let me buy them some beer. It was the best.
Am I the only one that notice just how tall, wide, and long these things are?
Well...I'm guessing that the initial conversation went something like this:
Japanese Engineer: Hey, boss - - would it be ok if I took a couple years off the Prius team and started making Mecha? Japanese Boss: I'm sorry...that sounds like a terrible waste of time and company resources. Japanese Engineer: Ah...yes. You're right. On an unrelated note, have you seen these designs for...uh...Assisted Mobility Vehicles that I've been working on? Japanese Boss: Very impressiv...wait...what's this, an EMP gun?? Japanese Engineer: Personal protection. Old people are weak, and...old. Japanese Boss: Well, I'm sold. Whip up a psychedelic butterfly show while you're at it.
I roll my eyes whenever the US trots out another wacky scheme like this -- since I've been out of the country 90% of the year lately, any increase in pseudo-security back home means things are really going to be moving in this direction.
It already manifests in visa agreements. I'm currently in South Korea; all of my Canadian friends can march in with a wave and a smile and stay for 6 months, no visa required. I get 30 days and the ability to apply for a 3-month visa outside the country. Why? Because my country mercilessly grills any South Koreans desiring to go to the US (i.e. "WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO TO THE US? DISNEY WORLD?? A LIKELY STORY! A FEW WORDS WITH SGT. GRASSMORE WILL LOOSEN YOUR TONGUE!").
I dearly wish they'd stop being so security-stupid, for everyone's sake. Then again, if you think it can't get worse, try transferring planes in Beijing sometime.
Wrong. The joke celebrates (if you will) the inability of Indian tech support workers to speak comprehensible English. There are certainly Indian call center workers who speak splendid English out there, but I've never been able to speak with one before forking over my credit card number. First-tier Indian support *is* a joke...but I'll agree with you that it isn't particularly funny. Especially after an hour of hold time.
Fair enough -- I'm still a member of the DNRC (but I think I'm due to re-subscribe.
My only point was that an absolute stand on principles isn't *always* admirable. You can stick so closely to a set of ideals that you're unable to change your mind under any circumstances, even when those circumstances suggest a need for change.
Slashdot Mirror
Let's see if the Linux community can match his generosity.
I think there's some penicillin growing on an old meatloaf in the back of my fridge. The little tykes are more than welcome to help themselves.
What makes it sell is that it has the Apple brandname behind it.
This is *such* a ridiculous argument. If the Apple brand name was such a slam-dunk, they'd be the ones dominating the computer market. The iPod has the right mix of "dated technology", convenience, interface, and price to make it the best choice for more people. I'm sure that you cream your pants over your ability to record an FM stream while simultaneously watching a DiVX rip of Tron, playing Tux Racer, and doing direct voice recording to Ogg Vorbis to remind you when the next episode of Lost comes on, but NOBODY ELSE CARES.
Because they're sheep, man. Baaaa.
It's easy to ridicule something that seems very quaint or barbaric.
Fun, too!
Begging on Slashdot is an entirely different behavior, and I try to avoid it.
.sig correctly, you don't try very hard. Maybe if you stick with it you can work yourself up to Cialis ads...you know, really think big.
Well, if I read your
So would I recommend signing up for a site or two? Yeah, if you want to spend some time on it.
Tell you what -- I'll give you a buck if you wipe off my windshield for me. Think that's insulting? At least you'd be working, rather than begging people to inconvenience themselves for your personal benefit.
I guess the problem I have with this is the same problem I have doing all multi-level sales -- basically, you're approaching someone and begging. Oh, it might be a friend who's helping you out 'cause you're a buddy, or it might be a family member, and you might be able to convince yourself that you're providing someone with an opportunity, but basically you're just like the guy gumming a trash-retrieved pickle whilst begging for change. I think that's pretty pathetic.
Quake devastated my social life my first year of college.
Ha ha. Hilarious. Now do one about the AIDS epidemic.
I made $11 an hour doing the drive-though at Wendy's. I make about $20 now teaching English in Korea.
Hm...it doesn't look like they'll be able to use the name iPhone...Nuvio's got it locked up:
http://www.iphone.com/
I think they've got a product with a broader general appeal and a lower price-entry point than a new computer -- that might be why they're pushing it so hard. Remember the ad saturation with the original iMac? That was a big success for Apple, and probably hoisted their asses out of the mud, but I just think switching platforms with a major investment wasn't an option for people the way the iPod is.
I think the phrase 'simple' is what non-techs are using to describe the ability to choose songs with minimal clicks and finger movement, little learning time, and a high degree of accuracy when selecting. Those programmable buttons are no doubt faster, once you set them up and remember the combinations to activate them, but I found DOS to be a much faster way of operating a desktop PC before Windows began its lurch onto the scene.
I guess that's kind of my point -- a product generally has to be made for the lowest common denominator in order to be successful on a wide scale. The features you mention (programmable buttons, OGG and FM, etc) are power-user features that will appeal to a smaller yet loyal customer base, and I think it's a wise move, rather than trying to come up something that will appeal to 'sheep' more than the iPod.
Apple has the same marketing departments for their computers. If marketing were the only things they had going for them, they'd dominate in computer sales as well. Hell, if marketing could really overcome all shortcomings, we'd probably all be enjoying a frosty Pepsi Blue right now.
Functionality and word-of-mouth are clearly important factors here. I respect your opinion on functionality (are you referring to features or ease-of-use?), but you must realize that many people disagree.
I always forget the memes. When a few people disagree with you, they're "oddball wingnut freaks", and when a lot of people disagree with you they're "sheep", right?
I actually like this idea -- in order to "kill" the iPod (or somesuch nonsense) you'd actually need a simultaneous music store/sync software/player package that was so much better than the iPod that it would be worth the switch. I think it makes more sense to add features and hack-friendliness to get the appeal of niche markets. Smaller groups, perhaps, but just as loyal -- hmm...sounds like a popular fruit-flavored computer brand.
The Japanese manufacturer didn't mention any customers by name of course, but having supplied Apple with micro hard drives to date, it seems likely the relationship will continue with the new, higher capacity.
We all remember the fit that Apple threw when they pre-announced Apple's order for the 60-gig. Seems like they're thinking things through this time.
I really don't know what to think anymore. What has happened to democracy? Corporations seem to hold sway over the political arena with utter exclusivity these days. How could free speech have been replaced so easily with corporate lobbying? I say that if Microsoft wants their damn patents so badly, they drag a soap carton out to the public park.
It pains me to see Europe slipping down the same slope. Learn from our folly, yeah?
I'm not complaining. Most of my friends are Canadian. Well, kind of friends. I mainly shuffle behind them, hoping that some of their radiance might inadvertently glance off my troll-like face, giving me a tantalizing glimpse of what I can never be. Oh, and once they let me buy them some beer. It was the best.
When we stop and reflect on the vast crystalline superiority of Canada we tend to shoot each other out of despair.
We'll try to keep the blood off your carpet.
Am I the only one that notice just how tall, wide, and long these things are?
Well...I'm guessing that the initial conversation went something like this:
Japanese Engineer: Hey, boss - - would it be ok if I took a couple years off the Prius team and started making Mecha?
Japanese Boss: I'm sorry...that sounds like a terrible waste of time and company resources.
Japanese Engineer: Ah...yes. You're right. On an unrelated note, have you seen these designs for...uh...Assisted Mobility Vehicles that I've been working on?
Japanese Boss: Very impressiv...wait...what's this, an EMP gun??
Japanese Engineer: Personal protection. Old people are weak, and...old.
Japanese Boss: Well, I'm sold. Whip up a psychedelic butterfly show while you're at it.
The iRiver is also bulkier and has a less intuitive interface. The iPod has brand recognition for a reason.
I roll my eyes whenever the US trots out another wacky scheme like this -- since I've been out of the country 90% of the year lately, any increase in pseudo-security back home means things are really going to be moving in this direction.
It already manifests in visa agreements. I'm currently in South Korea; all of my Canadian friends can march in with a wave and a smile and stay for 6 months, no visa required. I get 30 days and the ability to apply for a 3-month visa outside the country. Why? Because my country mercilessly grills any South Koreans desiring to go to the US (i.e. "WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO TO THE US? DISNEY WORLD?? A LIKELY STORY! A FEW WORDS WITH SGT. GRASSMORE WILL LOOSEN YOUR TONGUE!").
I dearly wish they'd stop being so security-stupid, for everyone's sake. Then again, if you think it can't get worse, try transferring planes in Beijing sometime.
Wrong. The joke celebrates (if you will) the inability of Indian tech support workers to speak comprehensible English. There are certainly Indian call center workers who speak splendid English out there, but I've never been able to speak with one before forking over my credit card number. First-tier Indian support *is* a joke...but I'll agree with you that it isn't particularly funny. Especially after an hour of hold time.
We have to recalibrate the lateral baffles, and rotate the shield harmonics! Ziggy swears you should have leaped by now!
Whoa, nice. Can I borrow a few bucks for lunch?
Tell it to these guys: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=58 3&ncid=583&e=2&u=/nm/20040920/od_nm/china_child_dc
Fair enough -- I'm still a member of the DNRC (but I think I'm due to re-subscribe. My only point was that an absolute stand on principles isn't *always* admirable. You can stick so closely to a set of ideals that you're unable to change your mind under any circumstances, even when those circumstances suggest a need for change.
You've shattered my faith. I have no more heroes.