I'm sure people are going to put their tiny 1 gig porn files on an expensive blu ray to transfer them. Actually, there is this other technology called Ethernet... and if you don't want a computer on your TV, there are still many options. For the price of 2-4 blu ray discs you could have a wireless media extender, or for the price of a few more discs, and Xbox 360, or for still a few more discs, a PS3. All better options than "Burn Pr0n", Carry to other really expensive player, watch".
Especially when all the smart kids are going HD-DVD. But thanks Sony for using 50's marketing (bundle and jam) to get more Blu-Ray sells!
I just left my local EBgames. They only did 2 preorders, because they don't to do them all at once. Also, a preorder does NOT guarantee you a launch console. So, why can't they take my money for something they don't know if they'll have available?
I is not sure how meny is be. All 80 cores are linked, and the bandwidth available to them is in the TF range. The optical links go out from the processor, if I remember correctly. So they can run as many parallel links as they like...
Wasn't this released months ago? It's just now being reviewed?
First, I'd like to take an oppurtunity at the most over looked joke yet. In Russia, the keyboard uses your computer.
Serously, though... they are making a decent breakthrough. The mini-3 is s'posed to provide income with the technology, so that they might actually finish production on the full size keyboard. Someone mentioned a dual USB for this thing, though... why not have memory in the device to cache images for the keys. A cell phone processor could handle everything from there. Instead of updating drivers, this device would have to be flashed. Mini programs could be loaded to the device, and ran independantly of the computer. I thought this was where they were headed in the first place. I guess they are trying to keep their costs down. Meanwhile, the full size price is "close to the price of a good cell phone". Obviously, making these things would be less than the price of that cell phone, so why not put the memory and processor in it? With a $400 USD price tag (my estimate) on the end product, it had better be awesome.
That's just it. Symantec will still be able to release a product, and it will install just fine on Vista. All the new and improved security center does is limit your choices. Example: Right now, Trend Micro is the exclusive provider of Vista RC1 security center products. So when you install, windows complains that you have no protection. Sweet! So you open it up and there is a link for providers. Trend is the only thing available. Sure, you can still go outside of this and get some good protection. (I say good protection, but right now Trend is looking like they are going to release their first bad product, but I'm focusing on Vista right now). So, imagine if Symantec, your nemesis, were there. Maybe they even pay M$ some extra money. Voila, they are now not only there, but at the top of the list. You still wont select it, but I bet you can think of at least 3 people in 3 different households who would. It's at the top, so it must be the best, right? I think checking and reminding people about security is great. I think forcefeeding people bad aps and limiting 3rd party vendors is not. It's not going to keep Symantec out, but it will make it much harder for any smaller companies to come in. At the very least, the M$ security center should have a better system for integration with the companies actually providing the protection.
Ok, windows shortcut key aside...
In the beginning of Aero, back when it was called Avalon or whatever, the desktop windows were going to be in true 3d. So instead of using this amazing Flip3d, you would actually be able to trag windows in 3d space. They didn't get quite so far as zooming away and back. You could, however, rotate your own windows individually. If you so chose, you could turn each window to the side. You could then click and drag or double click on the side title bars to bring windows back around. Other data could also be put on the side bar of a window, so you could see certain information about your windows without having them "open" in front of you. Basically, all Aero is now is the front pane that would be in front of your side windows and 1 of the shortcuts.
I, generally, prefer windows. But so much was promised with Vista, and what we seem to be getting is the higher price tag and a ghost of what should have been. Oh, and the broken security features. Sure, no one can get to my files. I'd like to, though.
Another note. Remember when OEM manufacturers were upset that they couldn't replace the windows loading screen? There is now a similiar fiasco with the security center. M$ is looking at more anti-trust issues in the years to come. And, for once, I might have to concede they are becoming a touch to evil. Not evil like GW, but close.
Well, it is more stable and a bit faster than the pre-RC1.
It's still pretty.
Explorer likes to hang when transfering files.
IAC is still annoying, and over done.
If Vista doesn't specifically recognize that you own a file, it's read only. This means you have to either download a file, or have it in your directory. Deleting or moving something on any secondary drives (I have 3 other hard drives) is a serious pain. This means usually manually changing ownership, changing read writes, and then repeating this process a couple of times since it doesn't always save the new settings.
Oh, and google's desktop bar is better than the new-built-in-hard-to-disable M$ desktop bar. And anyone looking for the nifty 3-d desktop should look elsewhere for something to install on XP. Windows are stacked in slightly more than 2-d space, and you have to click a button to view that. Don't worry, you can use that feature to flip through buttons. What happened to rotating windows with side title bars? Hell, don't ask me. I dunno. Last, and probably least, the "Ultimate Edition Extras", a new windows update category, doesn't even have a sample download. Ultimate edition just gives you all of those fancy (cough, cough) graphic features I mentioned.
If google is the messiah of the internet age, Sony has become the rootkit of all evil. Please forgive the pun, I tried hard not to type that. You know how it is, I lost control. Much the way Sony seems to be. They are letting the accountants innovate these days, instead of the engineers of yore.
Seriously. I'd buy a game for 10-20 USD and then add in the rest for.50 to 1USD for different things, on a conditional basis:
Don't give us a fnord of a game. It has to exist, and be somewhat enjoyable, for 10-20 USD.
The amount of content included and ability to progress should relate to the price of the game. For 10 bucks, I'll take a really cool demo. For 20, I better be able to find an ending to whatever game it is. It might be harder for me, but I better have the same plot progression/tournaments/etc. The cooler (addin) version of the game should never make me feel like the core game was a waste.
There should be a LOT of content available. As a consumer, the only point of this system is that I buy what I want. So all of the content out there shouldn't add up to the sticker price or slightly past. If I'm paying.50 USD for a car, I want a friggin' fleet at my disposal should I decide to spend the money. This way, when I buy a sticker prices worth of addons, I have EXACTLY the game I want.
This has just been my thoughts. This can be an advantage. It can ruin a lot of games, and franchises. Gamers will speak with their money, endorsing the games done well and ignoring the rest. This should definitely not be the end of free (quality) content. And if Sony (or M$) screws this up, I'm sure they'll rethink their plans within 1 holiday season.
So, what's the return policy? Will my cell phone companies insurance offer a coverage for the 3rd party purchase? If I purchase a plan with the phone, will it be ready to go out of the box? Wasn't there just a huge problem with people buying a bunch of prepaid phones at wal-mart? What is going to keep someone from buying these phones, with stolen credit cards?
I installed Vista Pre-RC1 and used it for a few weeks. Everything works ok, for the most part. I loved the glass, hated that I couldn't use any right-click commands in IE. When RC1 came out a couple of weeks ago, I reinstalled (upgrade disabled). Any videos that I had watched in Pre-RC1 would no longer play on RC1. Viral DRM. I have plenty of other pr0n, so I haven't looked into this much... but I'm not sure if I'll be able to recover those files or not. M$ is going to be both loved and hated much more than they are right now as they keep implementing these changes.
Companies with too many lawyers on hand may try to turn that expense into profit. Why pay them to sit around and push papers when you can send them off to court?
In one way or another, people want to own ideas. Thoughts themselves, for sale. No longer are people building better mouse traps, they are trying to build a case for owning devices that kill and or trap mice, possibly with adhesive labels.
The most successful poeple try to open any door, where oppurtunity may be knocking. With the massive amounts of money being used, people just want to "do" as much as possible. Something silly to me or you is just another scheme to someone who may possibly pull it off. If netflix wins, they get to roll around in cash. If they lose? Well, I imagine the cost of this lawsuit is a drop in the bucket of marketing expenses.
Murder is a good example, since the person behind the Ponzi scheme set a bounty on his head... which was collected. So.. is he a criminal mastermind or a victim of murder?
Actually, if you read the pages while you're going to download the ISO, it's not quite RC yet. They specifically call it pre RC, which is just a way of saying "This is still beta, but we don't want to say that, we need to restore some faith, so this is the almost RC version. Thank you."
I work in human resources. Sure, they look around and see that maybe they have too many people. But most people would never say such a thing. Most managers want as many people under them as possible. It's good for both their resume and their ego.
People around the office aren't going to suggest lay offs, out of fear for their own job or fear that they will have to take over a co-worker's duties.
For lots of reasons, the employee ranks can become quite bloated over the years. Little things in the work place are usually the cause of this, and looking at the bigger picture is often the best way to notice it. Also, most companies just don't want to do layoffs. It takes a fairly good (financial) reason to start it. It's horrible for moral.
When I was going to school, I would buy a bag of candy every morning. Snack size candy bars and the like. I'd sell them for about $0.25 each. Eventually I added more variety of flavors and sizes. I always undercut the vending machine.
Why do I bring this up? If every child had a laptop, so many more oppurtunities for "business" would crop up. Selling hacks for the school system, teach and setting up ad-hoc networking so that you can talk with your friends, and even selling alternate internet connections so you never had to use the school system. For example, you could get a Verizon net card and hide it whereever you liked. Sure, parts of your network would be found and disabled... but you could afford to replace those components.
So the school administered network option really doesn't work. It actually seems to encourage competition. I love the idea of these oppurtunities to challenge kids, but is computer security and hacking that big of a priority for middle school? I think the focus should be more on their studies. I'd like to see more hard wired desktops in school, or maybe some cheap text books on e-paper. Kids at a very young age are already paying more attention to multiple forms of digital media. I think, properly implemented, the next generation of schools might be able to squeeze in some education into those tightly woven attention spans. If it takes some lights and sounds, so be it! And extra points if you turn in your math homework on a powerpoint presentation that isn't annoying.
You should know something is up if their entire ad campaign is just mud slinging. I'm a current comcrap subscriber, and have every service they offer with the exception of digital voice. The voice plan, btw, is 40 bucks in my area. VOIP, however, is much cheaper.
I've had nothing but problems for the last several month, including with receiving the credits they offer me for my frustrations. I'm moving in 7 weeks, and I will never again be a comcrap subscriber.
A few examples of their misdeads: Installer couldn't figure out how to hook up component video. "on Demand" rarely works, and is slow when it does. Three motorola boxes that didn't work. Cable internet occasionally takes the night off, and frequently takes potty breaks (about ever 1-2 nights).
Anarchy online offers ads. I can still see the "Sprite" ad in my mind, although I haven't played it in over a year. If you pay for a subscription, the ads go away. They are tastefully done, and generally out of the way on virtual billboards in cities. They don't look out of place, and cycle regularly with fantasy ads.
With that said, I really don't like the idea of ads in non ad-supported games. They'll never bother me on the side of a race track or in places where I normally see ads. But what about dynamic ads? Do they have a right to use my bandwidth to deliver an update that is just new ads? I don't see the prices of games with ads going down. I also don't see the back of the box saying "Modes: Multiplayer Genre: RPG Ads: In your face and all over the place". I prefer ads for stuff I already like. And in some cases, I consciously let the ads influence me. Hey, part of my fun tonight was brought to me by Sprite. I think I'll make that my next soda. But I intend to actively boycott any game that makes "extra" money off of ads, especially at my expense or annoyance.
Drop 10-20 bucks off the price tag and we'll talk. But while we're talking, I'd like for you to look at some of my adsense ads...
Nintendo is truly changing the way we look at the letter "i". On seseme street, Big Bird was heard to say that today was brought to you by the number 2 and the letter "ii".
Jokes aside, I think it's great. Sure, there will be some kinks to work out. I'm betting the Wiimote will introduce an entire new world of bugs (and exploits) for tons of games. However, it's nice to see developers using what they have. While it would be easy to make "normal" games without using the advanced features for launch, they aren't. I could even see them waiting out for the second wave of releases, so as to have more time to fine tune the mechanics. I'd love a career as a game tester right now.
Not every use is in your home. Many production facilities could use something like this, with multiple computers w/n a 30 foot range.
However, I could see it in my home. Although it may have trouble with multip walls and obstacles to get the full range, I think 10 feet through a ceiling/floor should be fine.
I'd love it. I'd keep several of my favorite ISO's on it, some CD some DVD. Probably a program to read them with, just in case Daemon tools isn't installed where ever I am.
Just be careful not to put too much personal information on there. Or, for that matter, anything that you can't afford to lose and have recovered by someone else.
See, despite the importance of porn, there are a couple of things to watch out for. That "huge download" will most likely still be on the laptop. And if you are using your corporation's network, the server you are connecting to will still have a record. But, hey, if you still feel safe...
That is a rediculous analogy. If, somehow, AT&T was protecting someone from AIDS, I'm sure if someone broke in and caused a wide spread infection, our attention would be at the person breaking in. Why doesn't anyone care who stole this information? Just one of them wandering security holes? No, someone broke in and stole it. If someone had stolen diamonds, "AT&T" would be looking for and replacing diamonds. Someone stole information, AT&T is trying to keep it from being used.
I'm definitely not a corporate fanboy, but hating blindly is just wrong. They did the best they could, and are working towards a solution.
And public information deserves to be free. Even many forms of artistic media. Information that can be used to hurt someone's well being or finances should be protected.
Slashdot Mirror
Especially when all the smart kids are going HD-DVD. But thanks Sony for using 50's marketing (bundle and jam) to get more Blu-Ray sells!
I just left my local EBgames. They only did 2 preorders, because they don't to do them all at once. Also, a preorder does NOT guarantee you a launch console. So, why can't they take my money for something they don't know if they'll have available?
I is not sure how meny is be. All 80 cores are linked, and the bandwidth available to them is in the TF range. The optical links go out from the processor, if I remember correctly. So they can run as many parallel links as they like...
They've already addressed the FSB issues. They are going to use fiber optics for a LOT of the data transfer around the processor, including the FSB.
First, I'd like to take an oppurtunity at the most over looked joke yet.
In Russia, the keyboard uses your computer.
Serously, though... they are making a decent breakthrough. The mini-3 is s'posed to provide income with the technology, so that they might actually finish production on the full size keyboard. Someone mentioned a dual USB for this thing, though... why not have memory in the device to cache images for the keys. A cell phone processor could handle everything from there. Instead of updating drivers, this device would have to be flashed. Mini programs could be loaded to the device, and ran independantly of the computer. I thought this was where they were headed in the first place. I guess they are trying to keep their costs down.
Meanwhile, the full size price is "close to the price of a good cell phone". Obviously, making these things would be less than the price of that cell phone, so why not put the memory and processor in it? With a $400 USD price tag (my estimate) on the end product, it had better be awesome.
Don't panic, I really did mention a non-Nvidia graphics card. This is the one that made me switch.
That's just it. Symantec will still be able to release a product, and it will install just fine on Vista. All the new and improved security center does is limit your choices.
Example: Right now, Trend Micro is the exclusive provider of Vista RC1 security center products. So when you install, windows complains that you have no protection. Sweet! So you open it up and there is a link for providers. Trend is the only thing available. Sure, you can still go outside of this and get some good protection. (I say good protection, but right now Trend is looking like they are going to release their first bad product, but I'm focusing on Vista right now).
So, imagine if Symantec, your nemesis, were there. Maybe they even pay M$ some extra money. Voila, they are now not only there, but at the top of the list. You still wont select it, but I bet you can think of at least 3 people in 3 different households who would. It's at the top, so it must be the best, right?
I think checking and reminding people about security is great. I think forcefeeding people bad aps and limiting 3rd party vendors is not. It's not going to keep Symantec out, but it will make it much harder for any smaller companies to come in. At the very least, the M$ security center should have a better system for integration with the companies actually providing the protection.
In the beginning of Aero, back when it was called Avalon or whatever, the desktop windows were going to be in true 3d. So instead of using this amazing Flip3d, you would actually be able to trag windows in 3d space. They didn't get quite so far as zooming away and back. You could, however, rotate your own windows individually. If you so chose, you could turn each window to the side. You could then click and drag or double click on the side title bars to bring windows back around. Other data could also be put on the side bar of a window, so you could see certain information about your windows without having them "open" in front of you. Basically, all Aero is now is the front pane that would be in front of your side windows and 1 of the shortcuts.
I, generally, prefer windows. But so much was promised with Vista, and what we seem to be getting is the higher price tag and a ghost of what should have been. Oh, and the broken security features. Sure, no one can get to my files. I'd like to, though.
Another note. Remember when OEM manufacturers were upset that they couldn't replace the windows loading screen? There is now a similiar fiasco with the security center. M$ is looking at more anti-trust issues in the years to come. And, for once, I might have to concede they are becoming a touch to evil. Not evil like GW, but close.
Well, it is more stable and a bit faster than the pre-RC1.
It's still pretty.
Explorer likes to hang when transfering files.
IAC is still annoying, and over done.
If Vista doesn't specifically recognize that you own a file, it's read only. This means you have to either download a file, or have it in your directory. Deleting or moving something on any secondary drives (I have 3 other hard drives) is a serious pain. This means usually manually changing ownership, changing read writes, and then repeating this process a couple of times since it doesn't always save the new settings.
Oh, and google's desktop bar is better than the new-built-in-hard-to-disable M$ desktop bar.
And anyone looking for the nifty 3-d desktop should look elsewhere for something to install on XP. Windows are stacked in slightly more than 2-d space, and you have to click a button to view that. Don't worry, you can use that feature to flip through buttons. What happened to rotating windows with side title bars? Hell, don't ask me. I dunno.
Last, and probably least, the "Ultimate Edition Extras", a new windows update category, doesn't even have a sample download. Ultimate edition just gives you all of those fancy (cough, cough) graphic features I mentioned.
Seriously. I'd buy a game for 10-20 USD and then add in the rest for .50 to 1USD for different things, on a conditional basis:
.50 USD for a car, I want a friggin' fleet at my disposal should I decide to spend the money. This way, when I buy a sticker prices worth of addons, I have EXACTLY the game I want.
Don't give us a fnord of a game. It has to exist, and be somewhat enjoyable, for 10-20 USD.
The amount of content included and ability to progress should relate to the price of the game. For 10 bucks, I'll take a really cool demo. For 20, I better be able to find an ending to whatever game it is. It might be harder for me, but I better have the same plot progression/tournaments/etc. The cooler (addin) version of the game should never make me feel like the core game was a waste.
There should be a LOT of content available. As a consumer, the only point of this system is that I buy what I want. So all of the content out there shouldn't add up to the sticker price or slightly past. If I'm paying
This has just been my thoughts. This can be an advantage. It can ruin a lot of games, and franchises. Gamers will speak with their money, endorsing the games done well and ignoring the rest. This should definitely not be the end of free (quality) content. And if Sony (or M$) screws this up, I'm sure they'll rethink their plans within 1 holiday season.
So, what's the return policy? Will my cell phone companies insurance offer a coverage for the 3rd party purchase? If I purchase a plan with the phone, will it be ready to go out of the box?
Wasn't there just a huge problem with people buying a bunch of prepaid phones at wal-mart? What is going to keep someone from buying these phones, with stolen credit cards?
You have to press "Select" once before hitting start.
I installed Vista Pre-RC1 and used it for a few weeks. Everything works ok, for the most part. I loved the glass, hated that I couldn't use any right-click commands in IE. When RC1 came out a couple of weeks ago, I reinstalled (upgrade disabled). Any videos that I had watched in Pre-RC1 would no longer play on RC1. Viral DRM. I have plenty of other pr0n, so I haven't looked into this much... but I'm not sure if I'll be able to recover those files or not. M$ is going to be both loved and hated much more than they are right now as they keep implementing these changes.
In one way or another, people want to own ideas. Thoughts themselves, for sale. No longer are people building better mouse traps, they are trying to build a case for owning devices that kill and or trap mice, possibly with adhesive labels.
The most successful poeple try to open any door, where oppurtunity may be knocking. With the massive amounts of money being used, people just want to "do" as much as possible. Something silly to me or you is just another scheme to someone who may possibly pull it off. If netflix wins, they get to roll around in cash. If they lose? Well, I imagine the cost of this lawsuit is a drop in the bucket of marketing expenses.
Murder is a good example, since the person behind the Ponzi scheme set a bounty on his head... which was collected. So.. is he a criminal mastermind or a victim of murder?
Actually, if you read the pages while you're going to download the ISO, it's not quite RC yet. They specifically call it pre RC, which is just a way of saying "This is still beta, but we don't want to say that, we need to restore some faith, so this is the almost RC version. Thank you."
The sadness does not hide the truth.
I work in human resources. Sure, they look around and see that maybe they have too many people. But most people would never say such a thing. Most managers want as many people under them as possible. It's good for both their resume and their ego.
People around the office aren't going to suggest lay offs, out of fear for their own job or fear that they will have to take over a co-worker's duties.
For lots of reasons, the employee ranks can become quite bloated over the years. Little things in the work place are usually the cause of this, and looking at the bigger picture is often the best way to notice it. Also, most companies just don't want to do layoffs. It takes a fairly good (financial) reason to start it. It's horrible for moral.
When I was going to school, I would buy a bag of candy every morning. Snack size candy bars and the like. I'd sell them for about $0.25 each. Eventually I added more variety of flavors and sizes. I always undercut the vending machine.
Why do I bring this up? If every child had a laptop, so many more oppurtunities for "business" would crop up. Selling hacks for the school system, teach and setting up ad-hoc networking so that you can talk with your friends, and even selling alternate internet connections so you never had to use the school system. For example, you could get a Verizon net card and hide it whereever you liked. Sure, parts of your network would be found and disabled... but you could afford to replace those components.
So the school administered network option really doesn't work. It actually seems to encourage competition. I love the idea of these oppurtunities to challenge kids, but is computer security and hacking that big of a priority for middle school? I think the focus should be more on their studies. I'd like to see more hard wired desktops in school, or maybe some cheap text books on e-paper. Kids at a very young age are already paying more attention to multiple forms of digital media. I think, properly implemented, the next generation of schools might be able to squeeze in some education into those tightly woven attention spans. If it takes some lights and sounds, so be it! And extra points if you turn in your math homework on a powerpoint presentation that isn't annoying.
You should know something is up if their entire ad campaign is just mud slinging. I'm a current comcrap subscriber, and have every service they offer with the exception of digital voice. The voice plan, btw, is 40 bucks in my area. VOIP, however, is much cheaper.
I've had nothing but problems for the last several month, including with receiving the credits they offer me for my frustrations. I'm moving in 7 weeks, and I will never again be a comcrap subscriber.
A few examples of their misdeads:
Installer couldn't figure out how to hook up component video.
"on Demand" rarely works, and is slow when it does.
Three motorola boxes that didn't work.
Cable internet occasionally takes the night off, and frequently takes potty breaks (about ever 1-2 nights).
Ditch the Box before it's too late.
Anarchy online offers ads. I can still see the "Sprite" ad in my mind, although I haven't played it in over a year. If you pay for a subscription, the ads go away. They are tastefully done, and generally out of the way on virtual billboards in cities. They don't look out of place, and cycle regularly with fantasy ads.
With that said, I really don't like the idea of ads in non ad-supported games. They'll never bother me on the side of a race track or in places where I normally see ads. But what about dynamic ads? Do they have a right to use my bandwidth to deliver an update that is just new ads? I don't see the prices of games with ads going down. I also don't see the back of the box saying "Modes: Multiplayer Genre: RPG Ads: In your face and all over the place".
I prefer ads for stuff I already like. And in some cases, I consciously let the ads influence me. Hey, part of my fun tonight was brought to me by Sprite. I think I'll make that my next soda. But I intend to actively boycott any game that makes "extra" money off of ads, especially at my expense or annoyance.
Drop 10-20 bucks off the price tag and we'll talk. But while we're talking, I'd like for you to look at some of my adsense ads...
Nintendo is truly changing the way we look at the letter "i". On seseme street, Big Bird was heard to say that today was brought to you by the number 2 and the letter "ii".
Jokes aside, I think it's great. Sure, there will be some kinks to work out. I'm betting the Wiimote will introduce an entire new world of bugs (and exploits) for tons of games. However, it's nice to see developers using what they have. While it would be easy to make "normal" games without using the advanced features for launch, they aren't. I could even see them waiting out for the second wave of releases, so as to have more time to fine tune the mechanics. I'd love a career as a game tester right now.
Not every use is in your home. Many production facilities could use something like this, with multiple computers w/n a 30 foot range.
However, I could see it in my home. Although it may have trouble with multip walls and obstacles to get the full range, I think 10 feet through a ceiling/floor should be fine.
I'd love it. I'd keep several of my favorite ISO's on it, some CD some DVD. Probably a program to read them with, just in case Daemon tools isn't installed where ever I am.
Just be careful not to put too much personal information on there. Or, for that matter, anything that you can't afford to lose and have recovered by someone else.
See, despite the importance of porn, there are a couple of things to watch out for. That "huge download" will most likely still be on the laptop. And if you are using your corporation's network, the server you are connecting to will still have a record. But, hey, if you still feel safe...
That is a rediculous analogy. If, somehow, AT&T was protecting someone from AIDS, I'm sure if someone broke in and caused a wide spread infection, our attention would be at the person breaking in. Why doesn't anyone care who stole this information? Just one of them wandering security holes? No, someone broke in and stole it. If someone had stolen diamonds, "AT&T" would be looking for and replacing diamonds. Someone stole information, AT&T is trying to keep it from being used. I'm definitely not a corporate fanboy, but hating blindly is just wrong. They did the best they could, and are working towards a solution. And public information deserves to be free. Even many forms of artistic media. Information that can be used to hurt someone's well being or finances should be protected.