I don't think you know what RMS wants:). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Stallman "He campaigns for the freedom of software endusers to use, study, share (copy) and modify software; software that ensures these freedoms legally (via its license) is termed free software. Stallman opposes proprietary software which takes away a user's rights to exercise these freedoms "
Streak 5 is still an impressive piece of kit, in the class of the Galaxy Note. Still turns heads
You were tight to try and correct the original poster, but the truth was the Streak was a flawed device released by a company that gave it little love, the fact it could become the Galaxy Note. If Dell hadn't treated it like a computer. It has potential, and first market moving advantage...then gave it away. In my mind its to Dell what the n900 is to Nokia, but like I say it was deeply flawed, and all phones look good compared to an iPhone...unless you want an iPhone.
Google announcing they are dropping Exchange integration.
I find your link tenuous, Google have dropped *another* Microsoft de-facto standard [read abusive patent used by Microsoft to attack Android]. Mainly for getting mail. The open standards are still there and work.
Dell *could* have stepped in and supplied a *solution* to this if it really was a *artificial* problem, and provided their Dell Android products with a Unique Selling Point.
All this shows is that Microsoft's proprietary technology is not only not wanted, charging Android vendors for it is obsoleting their own platform in a world of the 'pack of four' rule.
Their Symbian smartphone sales had already fallen off a cliff
They hadn't:) don't rewrite history, Nokia smartphone sales were twice that of Apple...and four times that of Samsung....and then the Memo happened.
That is not saying Symbian needed a long term *fix*...it did, but Windows Phone failed as the given solution...Symbian still outsells Windows Phone as a smartphone platform [2.3% vs 2%], Despite Elops best efforts.
People laugh at Dell but I would not be surprised if their share price goes up once HP
I care little for both companies, but ignoring the fact that Dell shares are sliding *today* and HP shares are up. As an outsider I see HP trying to evolve as a company, and Dell being stagnant , while the world changes [Mobile as a growth market, Microsoft evolving into a Hardware company and losing against the 'Pack of Four']. I prefer HP's strategy, not their poor implementation, but I think doing less than nothing is a recipe for failure. Although you can see companies like Asus and Sony doing nicely simply by throwing Android into the mix...the opposite of what Dell has done.
Lets use the correct term *Dependant* on Microsoft. Dell like all the OEM's is in the position of having only one supplier for its OS, and that makes it very weak, even more so as its only successful products rely exclusively on it. Where it is is very *safe*. Its just weird watching on the outside seeing this massive computing revolution, and a company *choosing* to remain Microsoft's bitch, even when Microsoft are working towards obsoleting them with their own products.
They are contractually obligated to do what is in the best interests of their shareholders
No they are not. Seriously a company does not work like that, either in theory or practice:) look at how Apple shares have tumbled, Apple *strategy* could have been several things. it could have licensed its OS to third parties, It could have pursued larger market share, by competing on cost, expanded its product lines. It chose none of these things it chose to maximise profits, and that has left in in a very vulnerable [albeit successfully profitable] position hence why it is ineffectively [even if it wins] lawsuits.
If you don't believe me call apple and tell them you not happy that Android is six time its market share. Lets see how far you get.
Time to invest in Dell. If I've learned anything over the years of coming here it's that Slashdots are the most inept people at business trends.
Slashdot is a discussion group. Its probably why you have not registered, people with *different* opinions make opposing posts about the topic, where you are only capable of attacking people. Ironically in the context of this article is the Trend is towards Android and away from Microsoft, by every measurable factor, and is set to continue for years...those figures are not from Slashdot. In fact the current trend is Android will become the dominant the computing platform as soon an next year. Detailed Blog post http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/brands/2012/12/android-won-windows-lost-now-what-the-battle-of-the-century-is-decided-microsoft-relegated-to-ever-s.html its a fun read.
Microsoft in the correct way, they'll send lots of that money your way.
Begging for money of a corporation...that is any corporation works out badly. Microsoft are simply not going to do anything for free. Dell may have *negotiated* something [exclusivity] with Microsoft behind closed doors. Personally I see any strategy involving continued exclusivity to Microsoft will fail...ask Sony:)
Do Amazon, Apple, and Google require book publishers to use DRM even if the publisher would prefer not to use DRM? If not, then you can blame the major publishers for preferring DRM.
Why should Amazon, Apple and Google get a free pass? Apple recently got in trouble for forming a cartel with the publishers...its excuse for this obvious illegal behaviour was Amazon already had one. The reason for it is these companies gain from you being locked into their platform. Personally though I think the government should get involved as DRM in itself is not a problem.
Let's see, today we have basically two sorts of tablet computers - iPad and Android.
The Apple tablet is ad-supported to its core and you have a continuing relationship with Apple in the way you are monitored, tracked and have ads shoved at you, famously making Siri useless, as well as having lock-in of hardware and software, and a device costing 5-10 times as much as the opposition. Please don't piss on my back and call it rain.
I'm so pleased you have so much disposable income to throw around, but its selfish of you to expect others to do so to support your expensive ecosystem.
Not everybody is a spoiled first-world brat whose daddy pays for everything...?
Except this is a first world problem that this is designed to solve, Computers becoming to expensive to tinker with and the rise of consoles/dedicated electronics over General Purpose computers. The UK is still the first world.
Quite frankly I'm a little tired of the lie that I can't complain because if I'm not dying of hunger, or my first priory is not getting clean water. The sad fact is I suspect that those never been your problem either.
The goal was to stop the erosion in what is perceived to be "computer skills" and interest in computer science as computing in UK schools had become about "Office" and Consumer computing had become "electronics". In fact the cheap part is in response to computers being expensive and arcane. [from http://www.raspberrypi.org/about%5D
I personally am convinced that the costs involved in raising the costs slightly to increase "memory" not anything else is incredibly wise. I have used GNU/Linux on little memory and its not fun...and Android seems to have similar requirements.
I think you misunderstand my post. I believe wholeheartedly in buying a tablet/laptop That is great value; locally manufactured; has open hardware; and more importantly open software, bought with national bulk buy savings, and development of shared resources for both children and teachers...Apple do not have such a product, and I find it offensive that money is not invested in additional supply teachers/support staff or that parents are forced to pay for products with 60% mark-up for a short shelf life product, when better value products are everywhere. When bringing up a child is expensive enough on its own. I think its offensive, but supporting learning with tablets and laptops I think is wonderful.
You need to reread my post. You point simply proves it; Your solution to your $5000 is Baenebooks.com and Calibre [Which is excellent, but read my post]. You might find natural a serious tool, like calibre, or be able to understand the vast array of formats, or be able to buy from one of the smaller bookstores, but none of that distract from any of my points. Its another you can "jailbreak" argument or you can "sideload Windows Apps on Windows rt", or you can can remove DRM its not effective.
I am personally am astonished nobody has come forward to protect the consumer where cross platform open formats are not available on the main three platforms. The fact that the three main stores of books, Amazon, Apple and Google, are all incompatible and DRM encumbered seems to have been lost on you, but its a reality for everyone else.
I'm not sure that really justifies you to have an opinion. The oversized iPad is very much an "at home" device...its cumbersome.It not a [as] mobile device. The really threat is from better value 7" tablets that are price competitive to e-ink readers with out the trade-offs, of price and portability, while still keeping most of the advantages of a multi-function smart device.
In areas where people have limitless funds through taxes, schools, government, military etc very rarely buy anything because its good value, practice, fits a purpose.
Apple shares are took a beating because of a massive slump in ipods [Now they are just simply dropping], which are being replaced with modern smartphones, and I believe those usurped the cd-players, and tape players that were so universal.So the answer is often Yes
I know its possible, albeit dubious to move move between devices, and Applications for the Kindle means you can be locked into their furry handcuffs even in an Apple Gaol, and I know you can switch between the numerous and confusing formats [ignoring the awful PDF]...but it all seems a little too technical, and not always leads to premium results, my personal experience is epubs [The DRM free not the crippled ones from Apple] are not appearing in Android Books. Considering how ebooks are so overpriced [and the market confusing as hell], are they simply being discarded for that other content that is cheaper [Apps], or not locked [Web]. Can ebooks be sold?
a sign that BSD is becoming less relevant to modern computing needs
Obligatory remark about how Mac OS X and iOS are BSD and are used by tens of millions of people everyday, blah, blah, blah.
...and that does not refute the point. Mac OS took code one way; the main developers...and gave out free laptops to the others. Its an example how the spirit of sharing from BSD is not as strong as having a license enforce it. When a company gets involved with Linux the ecosystem gets stronger...not sort of meander into obscurity [and no throwing money it at in a PR stunt is not the answer]. The only sick thing is the amount of Apple users promoting BSD.
Performance is irrelevant, when the developers will have little incentive to create games targeted at anything but the lowest-common-denominator
...That has always been true...but its demonstrably not true. The reality is if you look at the current PC gaming platform, Android gaming platform. Its not true, why would you think something different would happen here. If you do not know why it doesn't happen. Its because maximising your *potential* market, is not the same as sales, revenue or even profit.
So the apple app store was designed to cut of steam's users as well then? and the Google one.
Your half getting it. Microsoft is trying to mimic Apples walled garden, so the possibility of not allowing other stores other than Microsoft's on your machine is very likely...unlike Google on Android which allows for you to have multiple stores on your device.
As for being in Microsoft control or Streams...My vote is for competition which is why I will always chose devices that are more open.:)
Slashdot Mirror
RMS, is that you?
I don't think you know what RMS wants :). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Stallman "He campaigns for the freedom of software endusers to use, study, share (copy) and modify software; software that ensures these freedoms legally (via its license) is termed free software. Stallman opposes proprietary software which takes away a user's rights to exercise these freedoms "
Streak 5 is still an impressive piece of kit, in the class of the Galaxy Note. Still turns heads
You were tight to try and correct the original poster, but the truth was the Streak was a flawed device released by a company that gave it little love, the fact it could become the Galaxy Note. If Dell hadn't treated it like a computer. It has potential, and first market moving advantage...then gave it away. In my mind its to Dell what the n900 is to Nokia, but like I say it was deeply flawed, and all phones look good compared to an iPhone...unless you want an iPhone.
Google announcing they are dropping Exchange integration.
I find your link tenuous, Google have dropped *another* Microsoft de-facto standard [read abusive patent used by Microsoft to attack Android]. Mainly for getting mail. The open standards are still there and work.
Dell *could* have stepped in and supplied a *solution* to this if it really was a *artificial* problem, and provided their Dell Android products with a Unique Selling Point.
All this shows is that Microsoft's proprietary technology is not only not wanted, charging Android vendors for it is obsoleting their own platform in a world of the 'pack of four' rule.
Their Symbian smartphone sales had already fallen off a cliff
They hadn't :) don't rewrite history, Nokia smartphone sales were twice that of Apple...and four times that of Samsung....and then the Memo happened.
That is not saying Symbian needed a long term *fix*...it did, but Windows Phone failed as the given solution...Symbian still outsells Windows Phone as a smartphone platform [2.3% vs 2%], Despite Elops best efforts.
People laugh at Dell but I would not be surprised if their share price goes up once HP
I care little for both companies, but ignoring the fact that Dell shares are sliding *today* and HP shares are up. As an outsider I see HP trying to evolve as a company, and Dell being stagnant , while the world changes [Mobile as a growth market, Microsoft evolving into a Hardware company and losing against the 'Pack of Four']. I prefer HP's strategy, not their poor implementation, but I think doing less than nothing is a recipe for failure. Although you can see companies like Asus and Sony doing nicely simply by throwing Android into the mix...the opposite of what Dell has done.
Lets use the correct term *Dependant* on Microsoft. Dell like all the OEM's is in the position of having only one supplier for its OS, and that makes it very weak, even more so as its only successful products rely exclusively on it. Where it is is very *safe*. Its just weird watching on the outside seeing this massive computing revolution, and a company *choosing* to remain Microsoft's bitch, even when Microsoft are working towards obsoleting them with their own products.
They are contractually obligated to do what is in the best interests of their shareholders
No they are not. Seriously a company does not work like that, either in theory or practice :) look at how Apple shares have tumbled, Apple *strategy* could have been several things. it could have licensed its OS to third parties, It could have pursued larger market share, by competing on cost, expanded its product lines. It chose none of these things it chose to maximise profits, and that has left in in a very vulnerable [albeit successfully profitable] position hence why it is ineffectively [even if it wins] lawsuits.
If you don't believe me call apple and tell them you not happy that Android is six time its market share. Lets see how far you get.
Time to invest in Dell. If I've learned anything over the years of coming here it's that Slashdots are the most inept people at business trends.
Slashdot is a discussion group. Its probably why you have not registered, people with *different* opinions make opposing posts about the topic, where you are only capable of attacking people. Ironically in the context of this article is the Trend is towards Android and away from Microsoft, by every measurable factor, and is set to continue for years...those figures are not from Slashdot. In fact the current trend is Android will become the dominant the computing platform as soon an next year. Detailed Blog post http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/brands/2012/12/android-won-windows-lost-now-what-the-battle-of-the-century-is-decided-microsoft-relegated-to-ever-s.html its a fun read.
Microsoft in the correct way, they'll send lots of that money your way.
Begging for money of a corporation...that is any corporation works out badly. Microsoft are simply not going to do anything for free. Dell may have *negotiated* something [exclusivity] with Microsoft behind closed doors. Personally I see any strategy involving continued exclusivity to Microsoft will fail...ask Sony :)
Do Amazon, Apple, and Google require book publishers to use DRM even if the publisher would prefer not to use DRM? If not, then you can blame the major publishers for preferring DRM.
Why should Amazon, Apple and Google get a free pass? Apple recently got in trouble for forming a cartel with the publishers...its excuse for this obvious illegal behaviour was Amazon already had one. The reason for it is these companies gain from you being locked into their platform. Personally though I think the government should get involved as DRM in itself is not a problem.
Let's see, today we have basically two sorts of tablet computers - iPad and Android.
The Apple tablet is ad-supported to its core and you have a continuing relationship with Apple in the way you are monitored, tracked and have ads shoved at you, famously making Siri useless, as well as having lock-in of hardware and software, and a device costing 5-10 times as much as the opposition. Please don't piss on my back and call it rain.
I'm so pleased you have so much disposable income to throw around, but its selfish of you to expect others to do so to support your expensive ecosystem.
Not everybody is a spoiled first-world brat whose daddy pays for everything...?
Except this is a first world problem that this is designed to solve, Computers becoming to expensive to tinker with and the rise of consoles/dedicated electronics over General Purpose computers. The UK is still the first world.
Quite frankly I'm a little tired of the lie that I can't complain because if I'm not dying of hunger, or my first priory is not getting clean water. The sad fact is I suspect that those never been your problem either.
...except it wasn't.
The goal was to stop the erosion in what is perceived to be "computer skills" and interest in computer science as computing in UK schools had become about "Office" and Consumer computing had become "electronics". In fact the cheap part is in response to computers being expensive and arcane. [from http://www.raspberrypi.org/about%5D
I personally am convinced that the costs involved in raising the costs slightly to increase "memory" not anything else is incredibly wise. I have used GNU/Linux on little memory and its not fun...and Android seems to have similar requirements.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323339704578173173413977046.html Its a phone with two screens one with e-ink the other lcd. Its...interesting.
Has smartphones killed off mp3 players?
yes they pretty much. iPod sales are dropping faster than Apple shares
I think you misunderstand my post. I believe wholeheartedly in buying a tablet/laptop That is great value; locally manufactured; has open hardware; and more importantly open software, bought with national bulk buy savings, and development of shared resources for both children and teachers...Apple do not have such a product, and I find it offensive that money is not invested in additional supply teachers/support staff or that parents are forced to pay for products with 60% mark-up for a short shelf life product, when better value products are everywhere. When bringing up a child is expensive enough on its own. I think its offensive, but supporting learning with tablets and laptops I think is wonderful.
You need to reread my post. You point simply proves it; Your solution to your $5000 is Baenebooks.com and Calibre [Which is excellent, but read my post]. You might find natural a serious tool, like calibre, or be able to understand the vast array of formats, or be able to buy from one of the smaller bookstores, but none of that distract from any of my points. Its another you can "jailbreak" argument or you can "sideload Windows Apps on Windows rt", or you can can remove DRM its not effective.
I am personally am astonished nobody has come forward to protect the consumer where cross platform open formats are not available on the main three platforms. The fact that the three main stores of books, Amazon, Apple and Google, are all incompatible and DRM encumbered seems to have been lost on you, but its a reality for everyone else.
I have an iPad2
I'm not sure that really justifies you to have an opinion. The oversized iPad is very much an "at home" device...its cumbersome.It not a [as] mobile device. The really threat is from better value 7" tablets that are price competitive to e-ink readers with out the trade-offs, of price and portability, while still keeping most of the advantages of a multi-function smart device.
In areas where people have limitless funds through taxes, schools, government, military etc very rarely buy anything because its good value, practice, fits a purpose.
Look at this recent selfish plan to roll out of iPads in a UK school, Where Teachers have been treated to free iPads, and the cost to them is nothing; they are spending taxpayers money, so don't choose the affordable, open solutions. I can't justify the expense of an iPad, expecting partents to is insane http://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2012/12/11/backlash-after-school-asks-parents-to-buy-ipads-for-their-children/
Apple shares are took a beating because of a massive slump in ipods [Now they are just simply dropping], which are being replaced with modern smartphones, and I believe those usurped the cd-players, and tape players that were so universal.So the answer is often Yes
I know its possible, albeit dubious to move move between devices, and Applications for the Kindle means you can be locked into their furry handcuffs even in an Apple Gaol, and I know you can switch between the numerous and confusing formats [ignoring the awful PDF]...but it all seems a little too technical, and not always leads to premium results, my personal experience is epubs [The DRM free not the crippled ones from Apple] are not appearing in Android Books. Considering how ebooks are so overpriced [and the market confusing as hell], are they simply being discarded for that other content that is cheaper [Apps], or not locked [Web]. Can ebooks be sold?
is that 50k or 500k?
Perhaps you should look at the graphic in the middle of the linked article.
a sign that BSD is becoming less relevant to modern computing needs
Obligatory remark about how Mac OS X and iOS are BSD and are used by tens of millions of people everyday, blah, blah, blah.
...and that does not refute the point. Mac OS took code one way; the main developers...and gave out free laptops to the others. Its an example how the spirit of sharing from BSD is not as strong as having a license enforce it. When a company gets involved with Linux the ecosystem gets stronger...not sort of meander into obscurity [and no throwing money it at in a PR stunt is not the answer]. The only sick thing is the amount of Apple users promoting BSD.
Performance is irrelevant, when the developers will have little incentive to create games targeted at anything but the lowest-common-denominator
...That has always been true...but its demonstrably not true. The reality is if you look at the current PC gaming platform, Android gaming platform. Its not true, why would you think something different would happen here. If you do not know why it doesn't happen. Its because maximising your *potential* market, is not the same as sales, revenue or even profit.
So the apple app store was designed to cut of steam's users as well then? and the Google one.
Your half getting it. Microsoft is trying to mimic Apples walled garden, so the possibility of not allowing other stores other than Microsoft's on your machine is very likely...unlike Google on Android which allows for you to have multiple stores on your device.
As for being in Microsoft control or Streams...My vote is for competition which is why I will always chose devices that are more open. :)