There was no NEED to do three traces between pins. They just didn't want to fork over the dough for an extra two layers or so. And while that density might have been "unheard of" at the time in the emerging PC industry, it was SOP in industry and aerospace, even back then. You're talkin' about what, 8/8mil traces, maybe even a bit fatter, assuming the gigantic ICs they had back in the 70s.
Um, HOW much did you want those PCBs to cost? They were ALREADY 4 layer, I believe, AS WELL AS having to have THREE traces between each pin.
And 8 and 8 spacing was pretty f-ing FINE back in 1979/80 WHEN THOSE BOARDS WERE LAYED-OUT. 12/12 was about right, then. And don't forget, the PADS are a LOT larger than the IC pins themselves.
Or, have you ever actually DONE a PCB layout? Cuz I've done several myself, back to about 1978, and participated in dozens more.
1. The most that would have had to be replaced on the iMac G5 would have been a motherboard. Ebay has tons of them. $40 will get ya one. There is even a flat $249 repair service [ebay.com] listed.
Do you really think that buying parts from eBay that are scavenged from other, presumably dead iMacs is an enterprise ready solution?
No, but see below.
Considering that nearly ALL PEE-SEE mobos have INTEGRATED ETHERNET on them, do you REALLY think it would be significantly cheaper to fix that problem if it was a PEE-SEE?
Yes actually, since the solution for a dead ethernet port on a standard PC is a $15 PCI ethernet card. That's what we do at work, except the ethernet card is free since we harvested them out of the P2/P3 systems that went off to the recyclers a while back.
So, do you really think that scavenging a used card out of a trash pile is an enterprise-ready solution? Capacitors age, people aren't so kind about static protocols with systems heading to the recyclers, et FUCKING cetera...
YOU put your foot in mouth on that one, buddy-o!
And UNlike that PEE-SEE, the iMac could have connected up via WiFi THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE IMAC, and you could have had the guy back up and running in about 1 minute flat. Methinks you are an EE-DEE-OTT.
And not all workplaces have wi-fi for security and other reasons. You Mac people sure can be dense.
I knew you would say that. But, since you are doing things like SALVAGING PCI CARDS, I take it you aren't working for the gummint, or even a government contractor, who might have an overriding security concern. But if you can show me a valid reason why a PROPERLY secured WiFi network is somehow a security concern, then I'd agree. Also, didja ever think of trying ONE OF THESE Ethernet -> USB adapters? Seems a LOT cheaper than chucking a whole system, don'tcha think?
On the other iMac: did you just want a nice G5 iMac to sneak out the back door for yourself??? You DID mention that the one with "too many dead pixels" was "ON YOUR DESK" right now.
i've actually seen HFS+/OSX screw up more often then NTFS/Windows.
Really?
Because in my use of HFS and HFS+ on Macs since it was released (MFS was the filesystem on the original Macs. HFS came about later, and HFS+ later still), I have never lost a file that wasn't attributed to HD failure (and that happened only once).
Additionally, the lifespan of Apple's server OS was tied exactly to their consumer OS. So instead of 5-6 years that we expect from RH and MS, apple supports their server OSs for about 2 years only.
Um, for example, Tiger Server was first sold in April, 2005, and a quick (30 seconds) check of Google shows that this update was posted on September 10, 2009, so I'd say it was supported for over four years. I didn't even look for a later update.
Meanwhile, on the PC side you can get excellent keyboards and mouse pointers with very good ergonomic feel. I use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 with its ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse pointer and I could use the mouse pointer and keyboard all day without tiring out my hands and wrists.
Are you fucking RETARDED?!?
You can plug ANY USB KEYBOARD AND MOUSE into ANY Mac running MacOS System 8.5 or later. THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON WILL EVEN WORK (as will the scroll wheel in System 9 and all versions of OS X).
My company uses iMac G5's for the people that kicked and screamed for a Mac. We've recently had one of those Macs ethernet port die. We had to replace the whole damned thing. Another one was complaining that he had too many dead pixels
1. The most that would have had to be replaced on the iMac G5 would have been a motherboard. Ebay has tons of them. $40 will get ya one. There is even a flat $249 repair service listed.
Considering that nearly ALL PEE-SEE mobos have INTEGRATED ETHERNET on them, do you REALLY think it would be significantly cheaper to fix that problem if it was a PEE-SEE?
And UNlike that PEE-SEE, the iMac could have connected up via WiFi THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE IMAC, and you could have had the guy back up and running in about 1 minute flat. Methinks you are an EE-DEE-OTT.
2. HOW many "dead pixels"? This guy sounds like a chronic complainer. First he wants a Mac, then he bitches about dead pixels. Now he wants a PC (again?). Some people are never happy.
3. The G5 iMac hasn't even been SOLD since 2006. and COULD be as old as from 2004. So those systems are a minimum of four years old, and as many as SIX. You described TWO "failures" (and one wasn't even a real FAILURE!) in HOW many systems, in FOUR YEARS?!?
No CIO in their right mind would sign up for a platform with only one hardware vendor, when a multi-vendor option exists.
And yet, they continue to flock around MS Office and Exchange (platform with only one software vendor). when multi-platform, multi-vendor options exist.
But the Apple/// didn't fail because of operating system nor application software. It failed because of HARDWARE instability. The Apple/// was technically too advanced for the PC board fabrication techniques (they had to find a PCB fab that would even attempt to do THREE traces BETWEEN IC PINS. Unheard of at the time). As a result, the Apple/// was very crash-happy, and by the time it was discontinued (AFTER the introduction of the Mac, actually), it didn't matter that all the hardware problems had been worked out...
By the way, AppleSOS was VERY sophisticated for its time (1980), and AppleWorks integrated office software was pretty cool as well...
I'm sure Apple could do a wonderful job of building enterprise servers, if they wanted to do it.
Right.
Instead, as evidenced by their genius little Mac mini server, Apple has figured out that it can percolate up through the home user, into the small business. And there are a LOT more SMALL businesses (that, incidentally also don't need "MS compatibility" so much) than there are BIG businesses.
First, maybe I need that nerf launcher to do my job... let's call it an oscilloscope and let's say the purpose of my business is to build products that we can sell to customers, but hey I'm sure the customers can wait because my IT department has better things to do...
Thank you IT department for saving me from myself. I really enjoy being treated like a child.
My backup runs at 8:30am... well timed IT guys!
You think my IT department grew up? We're still running XP. My browser is IE 6.0.
Nicely played!
I just got finished working on an embedded dev. contract where I had to nearly execute the Windows IT Nazi to get LOCAL (machine) admin rights, so that I could install the dev. toolchain, protocol analyzer ware, et fucking cetera...
IT departments do NOT get "engineering". This is why the smart R&D departments manage their OWN machines on a separate VLAN.
But I'd STILL rather do embedded dev. on a Mac. And it is FINALLY getting possible to do!
Let's see a show of hands: Who wants to be able to give their PARENTS something they can use to browse the web, email, display pictures and video, and read the occasional book/magazine/newspaper, WITHOUT HAVING TO PROVIDE FREE TECH-SUPPORT FOR LIFE?
I thought so... Well that's EXACTLY what the iPad will bring to us geek family-members.
Jeezus! For a bunch of so-called "tech-savvy" readers,/.ers are some of the most anti-change people around...
BTW, have you ever tried to actually USE a "laptop" computer in your lap while seated on typical livingroom furniture (recliner, couch, etc.)? There is NOTHING comfortable about it!
Go back and watch the Keynote. Notice that most of the hands-on was done SITTING IN THE COMFY CHAIR. That wasn't done because Steve-o gets tired standing up. He was demonstrating exactly WHY this is a "game changing" device.
And it is... Or rather, will be...
Quite frankly, this is the device I've been wanting for the past 20 years or so. What it can't deliver on it's own, my computer will sure be able to through a nice VNC client like > this, or this or this running on the iPad!
Now if only VNC supported AUDIO... Seriously, what's up with that???
Clearly, to lift the ban on stem cell research, we must come up with a weapon application for it, or describe how it can be used to catch terrorists...
We can't fund Stem-Cell research and treatment to help millions of suffering in the U.S. (not to mention the rest of the world), but we can LITERALLY "play god" for a WEAPONIZED LIFE FORM?!?
How is it that even after Apple comes out with its products that its competitors' ripoff copies often look so second-rate by comparison?
Patents.
Um, in case you haven't been keeping up, Apple LOST the "Look And Feel" legal battle over a decade ago. So, sorry, that isn't the reason.
Someone could market a device indistiguishable from an iPhone/iPod Touch, with an OS that was indistinguishable from an iPhone/iPod Touch, and that actually ran iPhone/iPod Touch apps (as long as it didn't do the Palm trick and attempt to fool iTunes into thinking it was an iPhone/iPod Touch), and Apple couldn't do a thing about it.
The REAL reason that the imitators' products all look and act like ass compared to Apple's products is much simpler than that: Persistence Of Vision and Attention To Detail.
Apple has it, and all the "me-too" knockoff companies do not.
They revolutionized the home computer with a GUI interface model stolen from Xerox, they lowered the price of the hardware (Woz was a wizard after all), but they haven't invented it.
Apple stole nothing. Apple PAID Xerox for the technology (which was actually barely useable until Andy Hertzfeld, Randy Wigginton, Jef Raskin, Steve Capps, and others at Apple made some fundamental changes and improvements).
The first home computer intended for consumers was from Altair - aprox. one year before Apple I was released. And the credits for the "home computer" as it is today cannot be attributed to a single individual or company. Far from it.
The last part of your statement is true; however, Steve Wozniak (and hence, Apple) is, however, rightfully credited at making the home computer USEABLE, by having a ROM-based monitor "OS" on-board. The Apple 1 (which I own) WAS the first home computer (or any computer) you could simply turn on and start using, without having to manually toggle in a bootloader using address and data switches (an idea stolen from the PDP-8, while we're talking about "stolen" technology), then load in a paper tape (or, if you were a real masochist, you could simply toggle in the software...)
Apple's R&D investment is far below industry average, and most of that is "D", not "R".
ORLY?
Then why, pray tell, do they far out-innovate most other tech companies? Please cite the source for your otherwise baseless bashing.
If all companies were as stingy as Apple when it comes to R&D, computer science research would be in deep trouble.
So, I guess all the R&D that Apple has released as Open Source is being "stingy" with R&D (launchd, iCal, Calendar Server, bonjour, Darwin, webkit, Grand Central Dispatch, etc.) and all the R&D that Apple has contributed to ongoing F/OSS projects (zfs fixes, Khtml fixes, CUPS (yes, I know they bought CUPS, but they still leave it Open Source), Apache fixes, etc.) is also being stingy with R&D.
Oh, and that doesn't even count the echnology that Apple released into the Public Domain, long before their was a term for "Open Source" (AppleTalk and OpenDoc come to mind, and I know there are others I can't recall off hand).
Yes, the world would be in a sorry state if all companies were as "stingy" with their R&D as Apple...
Apple can only make nice products because other companies and universities have invested a hell of a lot of money and time inventing the things that Apple then assembles into products.
So, I guess Nokia invented the transistor, the integrated circuit, Li-ion batteries, epoxy, polycarbonate plastics, LCDs, the capacitor, surface mount technology, the resistor, the microprocessor, flash memory, SRAM memory, to name but a few of the "nice products" that Nokia "then assembles into products.", right?
That model is not sustainable
Hmmm. Seems to be working well for not only Apple (since their stock just closed at an all-time high (and in this economy!)), but for all of the tech sector as well. Again, cite a source that says that Apple's business model is "unsustainable".
I can see why companies like Nokia are getting litigious over it.
Really? Because it just looks like going after the deep pockets to me...
As I see it, this requires Social Engineering to work, and is therefore only possible through the use of a Trojan.
1. If you are using Apple's keyboard updater/bootloader, then THAT has to run on the intended victim's machine. That requires either physical access or the use of a Trojan to dupe users into typing an admin. password. In both cases, that's not as easy as it sounds.
2. If you (as hacker) have reverse-engineered Apple's keyboard bootloader protocol and written your own updater/bootloader (that would be crafted to not require as password), then you STILL need to get the user to run that ON THEIR MACHINE. Again, you need either physical access or a Trojan.
I regifted it after it took me 45 minutes to figure out how to play music on the damn thing (after trying to cp *.mp3/dev/sdb1 multiple times
You're really sad. Really, really sad. Hand in you Geek Card immediately. You obviously don't know how to use this thing called the In-ter-net. If you did, you'd see that it is YOU that is deficient, NOT the iPod...
Slashdot Mirror
There was no NEED to do three traces between pins. They just didn't want to fork over the dough for an extra two layers or so. And while that density might have been "unheard of" at the time in the emerging PC industry, it was SOP in industry and aerospace, even back then. You're talkin' about what, 8/8mil traces, maybe even a bit fatter, assuming the gigantic ICs they had back in the 70s.
Um, HOW much did you want those PCBs to cost? They were ALREADY 4 layer, I believe, AS WELL AS having to have THREE traces between each pin.
And 8 and 8 spacing was pretty f-ing FINE back in 1979/80 WHEN THOSE BOARDS WERE LAYED-OUT. 12/12 was about right, then. And don't forget, the PADS are a LOT larger than the IC pins themselves.
Or, have you ever actually DONE a PCB layout? Cuz I've done several myself, back to about 1978, and participated in dozens more.
1. The most that would have had to be replaced on the iMac G5 would have been a motherboard. Ebay has tons of them. $40 will get ya one. There is even a flat $249 repair service [ebay.com] listed. Do you really think that buying parts from eBay that are scavenged from other, presumably dead iMacs is an enterprise ready solution?
No, but see below.
Considering that nearly ALL PEE-SEE mobos have INTEGRATED ETHERNET on them, do you REALLY think it would be significantly cheaper to fix that problem if it was a PEE-SEE? Yes actually, since the solution for a dead ethernet port on a standard PC is a $15 PCI ethernet card. That's what we do at work, except the ethernet card is free since we harvested them out of the P2/P3 systems that went off to the recyclers a while back.
So, do you really think that scavenging a used card out of a trash pile is an enterprise-ready solution? Capacitors age, people aren't so kind about static protocols with systems heading to the recyclers, et FUCKING cetera...
YOU put your foot in mouth on that one, buddy-o!
And UNlike that PEE-SEE, the iMac could have connected up via WiFi THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE IMAC, and you could have had the guy back up and running in about 1 minute flat. Methinks you are an EE-DEE-OTT. And not all workplaces have wi-fi for security and other reasons. You Mac people sure can be dense.
I knew you would say that. But, since you are doing things like SALVAGING PCI CARDS, I take it you aren't working for the gummint, or even a government contractor, who might have an overriding security concern. But if you can show me a valid reason why a PROPERLY secured WiFi network is somehow a security concern, then I'd agree. Also, didja ever think of trying ONE OF THESE Ethernet -> USB adapters? Seems a LOT cheaper than chucking a whole system, don'tcha think?
On the other iMac: did you just want a nice G5 iMac to sneak out the back door for yourself??? You DID mention that the one with "too many dead pixels" was "ON YOUR DESK" right now.
i've actually seen HFS+/OSX screw up more often then NTFS/Windows.
Really?
Because in my use of HFS and HFS+ on Macs since it was released (MFS was the filesystem on the original Macs. HFS came about later, and HFS+ later still), I have never lost a file that wasn't attributed to HD failure (and that happened only once).
Additionally, the lifespan of Apple's server OS was tied exactly to their consumer OS. So instead of 5-6 years that we expect from RH and MS, apple supports their server OSs for about 2 years only.
Um, for example, Tiger Server was first sold in April, 2005, and a quick (30 seconds) check of Google shows that this update was posted on September 10, 2009, so I'd say it was supported for over four years. I didn't even look for a later update.
Tool.
Meanwhile, on the PC side you can get excellent keyboards and mouse pointers with very good ergonomic feel. I use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 with its ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse pointer and I could use the mouse pointer and keyboard all day without tiring out my hands and wrists.
Are you fucking RETARDED?!?
You can plug ANY USB KEYBOARD AND MOUSE into ANY Mac running MacOS System 8.5 or later. THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON WILL EVEN WORK (as will the scroll wheel in System 9 and all versions of OS X).
So, what was that, again?
Fucktard.
My company uses iMac G5's for the people that kicked and screamed for a Mac. We've recently had one of those Macs ethernet port die. We had to replace the whole damned thing. Another one was complaining that he had too many dead pixels
1. The most that would have had to be replaced on the iMac G5 would have been a motherboard. Ebay has tons of them. $40 will get ya one. There is even a flat $249 repair service listed.
Considering that nearly ALL PEE-SEE mobos have INTEGRATED ETHERNET on them, do you REALLY think it would be significantly cheaper to fix that problem if it was a PEE-SEE?
And UNlike that PEE-SEE, the iMac could have connected up via WiFi THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE IMAC, and you could have had the guy back up and running in about 1 minute flat. Methinks you are an EE-DEE-OTT.
2. HOW many "dead pixels"? This guy sounds like a chronic complainer. First he wants a Mac, then he bitches about dead pixels. Now he wants a PC (again?). Some people are never happy.
3. The G5 iMac hasn't even been SOLD since 2006. and COULD be as old as from 2004. So those systems are a minimum of four years old, and as many as SIX. You described TWO "failures" (and one wasn't even a real FAILURE!) in HOW many systems, in FOUR YEARS?!?
And yet you complain...
No CIO in their right mind would sign up for a platform with only one hardware vendor, when a multi-vendor option exists.
And yet, they continue to flock around MS Office and Exchange (platform with only one software vendor). when multi-platform, multi-vendor options exist.
I thought they'd done away with XSan? TFA claims they did, anyway.
Obviously not, which should clue you into the depth of research in the rest of TFA.
But the Apple /// didn't fail because of operating system nor application software. It failed because of HARDWARE instability. The Apple /// was technically too advanced for the PC board fabrication techniques (they had to find a PCB fab that would even attempt to do THREE traces BETWEEN IC PINS. Unheard of at the time). As a result, the Apple /// was very crash-happy, and by the time it was discontinued (AFTER the introduction of the Mac, actually), it didn't matter that all the hardware problems had been worked out...
By the way, AppleSOS was VERY sophisticated for its time (1980), and AppleWorks integrated office software was pretty cool as well...
I'm sure Apple could do a wonderful job of building enterprise servers, if they wanted to do it.
Right.
Instead, as evidenced by their genius little Mac mini server, Apple has figured out that it can percolate up through the home user, into the small business. And there are a LOT more SMALL businesses (that, incidentally also don't need "MS compatibility" so much) than there are BIG businesses.
Next stop: Medium scale businesses. Then?
He's obviously a time-traveller, you insensitive clods!
MS pulled Apple's bacon out of the fire at a fortuitous moment over a decade ago,
That meme is as old (and untrue) as the "Only support one mouse button" (untrue since MacOS System 8.0).
Apple was never in any real financial crisis. I'm too tired to look it up; but it's true.
First, maybe I need that nerf launcher to do my job... let's call it an oscilloscope and let's say the purpose of my business is to build products that we can sell to customers, but hey I'm sure the customers can wait because my IT department has better things to do... Thank you IT department for saving me from myself. I really enjoy being treated like a child.
My backup runs at 8:30am... well timed IT guys! You think my IT department grew up? We're still running XP. My browser is IE 6.0.
Nicely played!
I just got finished working on an embedded dev. contract where I had to nearly execute the Windows IT Nazi to get LOCAL (machine) admin rights, so that I could install the dev. toolchain, protocol analyzer ware, et fucking cetera...
IT departments do NOT get "engineering". This is why the smart R&D departments manage their OWN machines on a separate VLAN.
But I'd STILL rather do embedded dev. on a Mac. And it is FINALLY getting possible to do!
Let's see a show of hands: Who wants to be able to give their PARENTS something they can use to browse the web, email, display pictures and video, and read the occasional book/magazine/newspaper, WITHOUT HAVING TO PROVIDE FREE TECH-SUPPORT FOR LIFE?
/.ers are some of the most anti-change people around...
I thought so... Well that's EXACTLY what the iPad will bring to us geek family-members.
Jeezus! For a bunch of so-called "tech-savvy" readers,
BTW, have you ever tried to actually USE a "laptop" computer in your lap while seated on typical livingroom furniture (recliner, couch, etc.)? There is NOTHING comfortable about it!
Go back and watch the Keynote. Notice that most of the hands-on was done SITTING IN THE COMFY CHAIR. That wasn't done because Steve-o gets tired standing up. He was demonstrating exactly WHY this is a "game changing" device.
And it is... Or rather, will be...
Quite frankly, this is the device I've been wanting for the past 20 years or so. What it can't deliver on it's own, my computer will sure be able to through a nice VNC client like > this, or this or this running on the iPad!
Now if only VNC supported AUDIO... Seriously, what's up with that???
Then again, look around. No serious technology user would touch Apple products with a barge pole.
ORLY?
/. readers have (and love) Apple products, right...
Then I guess that explains why so many
What a tool.
Clearly, to lift the ban on stem cell research, we must come up with a weapon application for it, or describe how it can be used to catch terrorists ...
Exactly!
We can't fund Stem-Cell research and treatment to help millions of suffering in the U.S. (not to mention the rest of the world), but we can LITERALLY "play god" for a WEAPONIZED LIFE FORM?!?
...Slashdot FINALLY reports this news...
Um, the BootCamp update has been released almost TEN DAYS AGO, ya know.
Old news for nerds, stuff that mattered a week ago.
I am thinking the only thing that might make it worth the asking price is if there is a VNC type of app for it
You mean like this one? (Look for an iPad-resolution version in about 5 seconds)
Or perhaps this one? It even has a FREE (as in beer) version.
Or perhaps this thing?
Now, since I found these in about 30 seconds, what's your next fake objection?
How is it that even after Apple comes out with its products that its competitors' ripoff copies often look so second-rate by comparison?
Patents.
Um, in case you haven't been keeping up, Apple LOST the "Look And Feel" legal battle over a decade ago. So, sorry, that isn't the reason.
Someone could market a device indistiguishable from an iPhone/iPod Touch, with an OS that was indistinguishable from an iPhone/iPod Touch, and that actually ran iPhone/iPod Touch apps (as long as it didn't do the Palm trick and attempt to fool iTunes into thinking it was an iPhone/iPod Touch), and Apple couldn't do a thing about it.
The REAL reason that the imitators' products all look and act like ass compared to Apple's products is much simpler than that: Persistence Of Vision and Attention To Detail.
Apple has it, and all the "me-too" knockoff companies do not.
Period.
"It won't have any problems my previous OS had!" -- 'PC guy' on latest 'Get a Mac' ad
> Apple basically invented the home computer
:)
That's rich
They revolutionized the home computer with a GUI interface model stolen from Xerox, they lowered the price of the hardware (Woz was a wizard after all), but they haven't invented it.
Apple stole nothing. Apple PAID Xerox for the technology (which was actually barely useable until Andy Hertzfeld, Randy Wigginton, Jef Raskin, Steve Capps, and others at Apple made some fundamental changes and improvements).
The first home computer intended for consumers was from Altair - aprox. one year before Apple I was released. And the credits for the "home computer" as it is today cannot be attributed to a single individual or company. Far from it.
The last part of your statement is true; however, Steve Wozniak (and hence, Apple) is, however, rightfully credited at making the home computer USEABLE, by having a ROM-based monitor "OS" on-board. The Apple 1 (which I own) WAS the first home computer (or any computer) you could simply turn on and start using, without having to manually toggle in a bootloader using address and data switches (an idea stolen from the PDP-8, while we're talking about "stolen" technology), then load in a paper tape (or, if you were a real masochist, you could simply toggle in the software...)
Apple's R&D investment is far below industry average, and most of that is "D", not "R".
ORLY?
Then why, pray tell, do they far out-innovate most other tech companies? Please cite the source for your otherwise baseless bashing.
If all companies were as stingy as Apple when it comes to R&D, computer science research would be in deep trouble.
So, I guess all the R&D that Apple has released as Open Source is being "stingy" with R&D (launchd, iCal, Calendar Server, bonjour, Darwin, webkit, Grand Central Dispatch, etc.) and all the R&D that Apple has contributed to ongoing F/OSS projects (zfs fixes, Khtml fixes, CUPS (yes, I know they bought CUPS, but they still leave it Open Source), Apache fixes, etc.) is also being stingy with R&D.
Oh, and that doesn't even count the echnology that Apple released into the Public Domain, long before their was a term for "Open Source" (AppleTalk and OpenDoc come to mind, and I know there are others I can't recall off hand). Yes, the world would be in a sorry state if all companies were as "stingy" with their R&D as Apple...
Apple can only make nice products because other companies and universities have invested a hell of a lot of money and time inventing the things that Apple then assembles into products.
So, I guess Nokia invented the transistor, the integrated circuit, Li-ion batteries, epoxy, polycarbonate plastics, LCDs, the capacitor, surface mount technology, the resistor, the microprocessor, flash memory, SRAM memory, to name but a few of the "nice products" that Nokia "then assembles into products.", right?
That model is not sustainable
Hmmm. Seems to be working well for not only Apple (since their stock just closed at an all-time high (and in this economy!)), but for all of the tech sector as well. Again, cite a source that says that Apple's business model is "unsustainable".
I can see why companies like Nokia are getting litigious over it.
Really? Because it just looks like going after the deep pockets to me...
As I see it, this requires Social Engineering to work, and is therefore only possible through the use of a Trojan.
1. If you are using Apple's keyboard updater/bootloader, then THAT has to run on the intended victim's machine. That requires either physical access or the use of a Trojan to dupe users into typing an admin. password. In both cases, that's not as easy as it sounds.
2. If you (as hacker) have reverse-engineered Apple's keyboard bootloader protocol and written your own updater/bootloader (that would be crafted to not require as password), then you STILL need to get the user to run that ON THEIR MACHINE. Again, you need either physical access or a Trojan.
I regifted it after it took me 45 minutes to figure out how to play music on the damn thing (after trying to cp *.mp3 /dev/sdb1 multiple times
You're really sad. Really, really sad. Hand in you Geek Card immediately. You obviously don't know how to use this thing called the In-ter-net. If you did, you'd see that it is YOU that is deficient, NOT the iPod...