gregorsamsa
Nov 2, 05:17 PM
In respect to the dedicated graphics card, I totally agree with you here. I keep saying it, but a dedicated gaming machine made in the Apple style would absolutely vault them 5% in share overnight. Maybe more.
However in my experience, fewer people are waiting on Vista for a new machine than you may think. I'm really surprised at how little buzz Vista is getting. I've got several friends with HIGH END hardware running Vista beta now, and the all think it works great except for Aero, which to a person they have all turned off. Every single one of them complains about the speed, but say it is very solid crash-wise, especially for a beta. But when I press them if they will actually buy Vista the day it comes out, all but one said no. The main reason is that there is just nothing all that compelling there. And what with significant evidence (http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-051.mp3) that they have completely re-written their networking stack, I think I'll be with them on the sidelines waiting for a while until they work the bugs out.
So at least in my limited experience, people who need new hardware are buying it now - and not really waiting for Vista, which may be 9-12 months off for them anyway. What this means to me is that Apple's marketshare increases can be written off as an anomaly all that easily.
Thanks for the interesting podcast link. I wasn't unaware of Vista's possible security problems, I just never realized how bad the worst case scenario could be...despite all the delayed launches. Yes, potentially a hackers paradise, but I'd still be surprised if the final version of Vista wasn't far more secure than previous versions of W$.
I think you're right that some people will be wary of becoming early adopters of Vista in light of all the cited beta-version problems. Many may wait for a Vista SP edition (some 12 months away). Also, there's bound to be some initial confusion for less savvy PC users when faced with 6 different versions of Vista. Despite this, I still expect many millions to be swayed by M$'s mass advertizing campaigns to take the plunge soon after launch.
But like you, I think none of this need greatly affect Apple's steady rise in marketshare. For sure, Mac OS X will remain the best & most secure OS there is. I just have growing doubts about whether Apple's lack of dedicated graphics in their consumer Macs, combined with the novelty of M$'s new baby, won't cost Apple dearly in the long term. - I very much hope I'll be proved wrong.
However in my experience, fewer people are waiting on Vista for a new machine than you may think. I'm really surprised at how little buzz Vista is getting. I've got several friends with HIGH END hardware running Vista beta now, and the all think it works great except for Aero, which to a person they have all turned off. Every single one of them complains about the speed, but say it is very solid crash-wise, especially for a beta. But when I press them if they will actually buy Vista the day it comes out, all but one said no. The main reason is that there is just nothing all that compelling there. And what with significant evidence (http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-051.mp3) that they have completely re-written their networking stack, I think I'll be with them on the sidelines waiting for a while until they work the bugs out.
So at least in my limited experience, people who need new hardware are buying it now - and not really waiting for Vista, which may be 9-12 months off for them anyway. What this means to me is that Apple's marketshare increases can be written off as an anomaly all that easily.
Thanks for the interesting podcast link. I wasn't unaware of Vista's possible security problems, I just never realized how bad the worst case scenario could be...despite all the delayed launches. Yes, potentially a hackers paradise, but I'd still be surprised if the final version of Vista wasn't far more secure than previous versions of W$.
I think you're right that some people will be wary of becoming early adopters of Vista in light of all the cited beta-version problems. Many may wait for a Vista SP edition (some 12 months away). Also, there's bound to be some initial confusion for less savvy PC users when faced with 6 different versions of Vista. Despite this, I still expect many millions to be swayed by M$'s mass advertizing campaigns to take the plunge soon after launch.
But like you, I think none of this need greatly affect Apple's steady rise in marketshare. For sure, Mac OS X will remain the best & most secure OS there is. I just have growing doubts about whether Apple's lack of dedicated graphics in their consumer Macs, combined with the novelty of M$'s new baby, won't cost Apple dearly in the long term. - I very much hope I'll be proved wrong.
Sydde
Apr 5, 04:29 PM
Don't forget that the Union stripping bill that somehow is going to help with the fake deficit was passed only because it wasn't a revenue related bill.
The deficit itself is not fake per se, Walker's tax giveaways belong to the next budget period (http://politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/18/rachel-maddow/rachel-maddow-says-wisconsin-track-have-budget-sur/) (after June, I think). What is fake is the raging-conflagration-must-hose-everything-NOW aspect of the situation. IOW, deficit: real, crisis: fake.
The deficit itself is not fake per se, Walker's tax giveaways belong to the next budget period (http://politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/18/rachel-maddow/rachel-maddow-says-wisconsin-track-have-budget-sur/) (after June, I think). What is fake is the raging-conflagration-must-hose-everything-NOW aspect of the situation. IOW, deficit: real, crisis: fake.
notabadname
Apr 5, 11:55 AM
Don't be so ignorant.
Don't be so offensive. You certainly don't know me well enough to make a determination of ignorance, making your personal attack, well . . . ignorant. My opinion is valid, and, as compared to ignorance, formed by the use of both products (in the same fashion CR used to make their similar determination). So then tell me, after direct comparison of the two, what attributes of the Xoom did you find superior?
Don't be so offensive. You certainly don't know me well enough to make a determination of ignorance, making your personal attack, well . . . ignorant. My opinion is valid, and, as compared to ignorance, formed by the use of both products (in the same fashion CR used to make their similar determination). So then tell me, after direct comparison of the two, what attributes of the Xoom did you find superior?
mactactic
Apr 5, 07:21 PM
I knew there was a reason to sit the 2011 mbp refresh out.
PeterQVenkman
Feb 26, 01:25 PM
The blight of liberalism. How about we talk about how time and time again, it's utterly failed to do anything but grow an already bloated government, destroy liberty, personal property, and worsen an economy that used to be second-to-none?
You are unwise to choose a side in a fight where neither parties give a rat's ass about you. It's not liberalism or conservatism that has failed to do anything. It's both. Our government is at a standstill.
But I know they need their vacation time. And of course, they need their pensions even if they only serve one term. It's a lot of hard work accomplishing nothing and we owe them so much.
You are unwise to choose a side in a fight where neither parties give a rat's ass about you. It's not liberalism or conservatism that has failed to do anything. It's both. Our government is at a standstill.
But I know they need their vacation time. And of course, they need their pensions even if they only serve one term. It's a lot of hard work accomplishing nothing and we owe them so much.
Burnsey
May 3, 07:18 PM
They will do a ton of damage in those four years, so get ready. The more I read about them , the more they scare me just as much as our conservatives do.
Wow- just watched him. He's a real horse's ass. How the hell did you guys elect that fool? I'm even more concerned for you Canadians now.
Their performance on the economy has been pretty good so far (even though prior to the recession they opposed the very banking regulations that kept Canada in decent shape coming out of the crisis). At the moment the economy seems to be the #1 priority for most people, and I guess a change in government in the middle of a recovery was not what people wanted.
The conservatives campaigned on "we didn't want an election, we were in the middle of fixing the economy when the other parties decided to call an election, all we ask is for a majority government so that we can go back to work and fix the economy without these distractions". I think that resonated with a lot of people.
Wow- just watched him. He's a real horse's ass. How the hell did you guys elect that fool? I'm even more concerned for you Canadians now.
Their performance on the economy has been pretty good so far (even though prior to the recession they opposed the very banking regulations that kept Canada in decent shape coming out of the crisis). At the moment the economy seems to be the #1 priority for most people, and I guess a change in government in the middle of a recovery was not what people wanted.
The conservatives campaigned on "we didn't want an election, we were in the middle of fixing the economy when the other parties decided to call an election, all we ask is for a majority government so that we can go back to work and fix the economy without these distractions". I think that resonated with a lot of people.
roadbloc
Dec 22, 04:05 AM
What I'm curious about is why blindly (for a lot of people) support a very successful band, wouldn't this have been a really nice little story if people rallied to buy a track from a smaller/upcoming band? Or maybe a real charity single or for something more deserving, like them soldier blokes or whoever.
Good points, but I think you're knit-picking. A smaller and more unknown song from a smaller and more unknown band wouldn't have had the same impact. Nearly everyone has heard of RATM, and I think that's what essentially sold it. The song, band and cause, all being about rebellion.
We've tried what you said before with something called Band Aid. The first time it was rather good and useful. The second time it sucked. The Americans also tried it and it sucked as well.
I think giving money to shelter is a very good thing to do. I'd certainly hate to be spending xmas alone on the streets, especially in this weather. Soldiers have a job, and it is their choice they wanted to join the army. By all means, they should get all the help needed, but I believe helping the homeless is much more kinder. Please don't shoot me down for that, I fully respect the troops fighting for us abroad, but it was their choice to do that, where as, being homeless, isn't.
Good points, but I think you're knit-picking. A smaller and more unknown song from a smaller and more unknown band wouldn't have had the same impact. Nearly everyone has heard of RATM, and I think that's what essentially sold it. The song, band and cause, all being about rebellion.
We've tried what you said before with something called Band Aid. The first time it was rather good and useful. The second time it sucked. The Americans also tried it and it sucked as well.
I think giving money to shelter is a very good thing to do. I'd certainly hate to be spending xmas alone on the streets, especially in this weather. Soldiers have a job, and it is their choice they wanted to join the army. By all means, they should get all the help needed, but I believe helping the homeless is much more kinder. Please don't shoot me down for that, I fully respect the troops fighting for us abroad, but it was their choice to do that, where as, being homeless, isn't.
leekohler
May 3, 07:39 AM
The Conservatives are for some privatization, or as they call it "alternative delivery", but I doubt the population will allow them to completely privatize healthcare. Normally I'm for a smaller government, but when it comes to healthcare you can only either trust the corporations who make lots of money off of you when you're sick, or you can trust the government. In this case I trust the government a lot more.
Don't ever underestimate conservatives. Sorry for exporting our stupidity Canada. Hopefully, you guys figure this out fast and don't lose too much of what you have built.
Don't ever underestimate conservatives. Sorry for exporting our stupidity Canada. Hopefully, you guys figure this out fast and don't lose too much of what you have built.
matthew12
Nov 17, 05:43 PM
Good luck to that kid. He'll need it seeing Apple's recent track record with cases like this.
firestarter
Apr 5, 05:45 PM
Same thing I was thinking. The ramifications of this.
However, one question that intrigues me is Europe's mini-USB adoption with cell devices. How will this factor in?
The standard says it's OK to implement via an adapter. Apple just needs to put a 30 pin to mini-USB in the box and that's it.
The line-in port on Macs does not have any power to support a microphone. This is why the Griffin iMic exists.
Yes it does. It supplies a small amount of power to polarise the electret mic in the headset. It;s not really enough for a 'proper' microphone, and the port is high pass filtered at 200Hz, so it's better to use the USB/30 pin for quality audio instead.
However, one question that intrigues me is Europe's mini-USB adoption with cell devices. How will this factor in?
The standard says it's OK to implement via an adapter. Apple just needs to put a 30 pin to mini-USB in the box and that's it.
The line-in port on Macs does not have any power to support a microphone. This is why the Griffin iMic exists.
Yes it does. It supplies a small amount of power to polarise the electret mic in the headset. It;s not really enough for a 'proper' microphone, and the port is high pass filtered at 200Hz, so it's better to use the USB/30 pin for quality audio instead.
weldon
Apr 3, 12:49 PM
I couldn't agree more. There has to be a way to implement this. Though, getting the approval from APA, and MLA might be a problem. They want to sell their manuals, and this could, conceivably, cut into their sales.
EndNote and the like don't seem to have a problem. Just imagine an open XML database of references that could be transformed into different citation and bibliography styles using XSLT with a super friendly front-end that can hide the complexity of XML and XSLT for most people, but still leaves all the flexibility there for those that want it, all integrated into Word.
But back to Pages... I think this is an example of a really useful word processing feature that would absolutely ruin Pages. As soon as it tries to compete with Word, the product will be doomed. Apple needs to stay true to the conception of simple page layout app with some decent word-processing features. I still think the perfect comparison is to Microsoft Publisher on Windows. I could use something like that on the Mac.
EndNote and the like don't seem to have a problem. Just imagine an open XML database of references that could be transformed into different citation and bibliography styles using XSLT with a super friendly front-end that can hide the complexity of XML and XSLT for most people, but still leaves all the flexibility there for those that want it, all integrated into Word.
But back to Pages... I think this is an example of a really useful word processing feature that would absolutely ruin Pages. As soon as it tries to compete with Word, the product will be doomed. Apple needs to stay true to the conception of simple page layout app with some decent word-processing features. I still think the perfect comparison is to Microsoft Publisher on Windows. I could use something like that on the Mac.
Scottsdale
Apr 20, 12:40 PM
I have zero reason to downgrade to Sandy Bridge with its forced worthless IGP & chipset.
I do believe the backlit keyboard will make it back IF Apple continues to sell a MacBook. If Apple eliminates the MB and puts the low end MBA in its place at $999, then I suspect the backlit keyboard stays a thing of the past. If however Apple keeps the MB, I think it will conclude that at least the 13" MBA needs the upgraded feature. It is extremely low cost. I would be shocked if it costs $0.50 per MBA unit, and it seems like a big advantage. I think Apple likes to "experiment" with features so it can then add them back and act like they learned their lesson when actually they just want added sales.
I really don't believe there is any worry about a Sandy Bridge CPU making its way into the MBA. With Apple's update cycles, it could easily just wait for Ivy Bridge. Let's remember that the only Mac that uses low and ultra low voltage CPUs are the two MBAs. Apple can update the MB, Mac mini, and 21.5" iMac to Sandy Bridge standard core CPUs and not get the horrific loss in graphics performance that the MBA would receive with LV and ULV CPUs and their respective IGPs. I just think the vast majority of MBA buyers a, don't care, and b, would be better off with C2D and Nvidia 320m for another year.
I will be shocked to see a Sandy Bridge MBA unless it includes a standard voltage CPU... Ivy Bridge just makes much more sense.
I do believe the backlit keyboard will make it back IF Apple continues to sell a MacBook. If Apple eliminates the MB and puts the low end MBA in its place at $999, then I suspect the backlit keyboard stays a thing of the past. If however Apple keeps the MB, I think it will conclude that at least the 13" MBA needs the upgraded feature. It is extremely low cost. I would be shocked if it costs $0.50 per MBA unit, and it seems like a big advantage. I think Apple likes to "experiment" with features so it can then add them back and act like they learned their lesson when actually they just want added sales.
I really don't believe there is any worry about a Sandy Bridge CPU making its way into the MBA. With Apple's update cycles, it could easily just wait for Ivy Bridge. Let's remember that the only Mac that uses low and ultra low voltage CPUs are the two MBAs. Apple can update the MB, Mac mini, and 21.5" iMac to Sandy Bridge standard core CPUs and not get the horrific loss in graphics performance that the MBA would receive with LV and ULV CPUs and their respective IGPs. I just think the vast majority of MBA buyers a, don't care, and b, would be better off with C2D and Nvidia 320m for another year.
I will be shocked to see a Sandy Bridge MBA unless it includes a standard voltage CPU... Ivy Bridge just makes much more sense.
Counter
Oct 10, 08:14 AM
Digital distribution of movies isn't going to put any sizeable dent in dvd sales for a long time. If ever at the current prices, which I extremely doubt will be reduced.
wackymacky
Nov 8, 05:13 PM
imagine being able to walk around a store and scan items with your iphone for the company's information about the product. That's the kind of stuff we're gonna see in the not-so-distant future imo.
Ummm. What about just snapping the barcode or data-matrix stamp on the product and looking it up, like you can already do?
Seems like a lot of un-necessary fuss.
Ummm. What about just snapping the barcode or data-matrix stamp on the product and looking it up, like you can already do?
Seems like a lot of un-necessary fuss.
2056
Mar 24, 07:31 PM
All sold out in my area. Such a bummer. :(
bizzle
Apr 8, 07:59 PM
It's not the job of the government (or government funded agencies) to teach people how to not get knocked up and give out birth control. I don't have any objections to this. I don't pay taxes so Sally doesn't pop out another unit.
CWallace
Apr 5, 08:55 PM
Apple should've held out on the refresh to include USB 3 and even HDMI. Thunderbolt is currently useless.
DisplayPort to HDMI cables that support both audio and video are quite inexpensive from many online sources. I use one from my iMac to my 40" LCD TV and the DP port takes up a good bit less space than an HDMI port would (which can be important for a portable device).
DisplayPort to HDMI cables that support both audio and video are quite inexpensive from many online sources. I use one from my iMac to my 40" LCD TV and the DP port takes up a good bit less space than an HDMI port would (which can be important for a portable device).
Dooger
Mar 25, 08:27 PM
Wow. Your logic here is inescapable. What is it you're denouncing exactly?
Dear oh dear. Have you read the rest of this thread or did you just bull on in there at the end? So out of all the comments, you tried pulling me up on just this one. It's hardly deeply philosophical, are you really struggling? Nice try lil tiger.
Dear oh dear. Have you read the rest of this thread or did you just bull on in there at the end? So out of all the comments, you tried pulling me up on just this one. It's hardly deeply philosophical, are you really struggling? Nice try lil tiger.
macUser2007
Apr 19, 04:27 PM
Nothing, directly. I was responding to a previous comment as you can see. There is an indirect connection to the cartoonist issue. My feeling is that there's a general failure to understand why Apple has a restrictive policy regarding what types of apps can appear in the app store. My post addressed the issue regarding the prohibition of pornography, instead of the issue of what defines an app with defamatory content as was the case with the cartoonist. There's also, in my opinion, a failure to appreciate that the lack of consistency in the app approval process is a result of Apple being unable to anticipate every scenario and nuance that is presented by certain apps, and the fact that Apple hires people to review apps. You can't realistically expect different people to always agree on situations that are slightly different. In order to respond to the explosion of submitted apps, Apple must have had to hire a lot of new reviewers. That means that you may have less control over the quality and experience level of the people that you have working as reviewers.
This is a whole lot of excuses, for a policy which is simply inexcusable.
There are many other companies which sell applications and content, which don't resort to such draconian measures. When I download a new version of Firefox on my desktop, I don't get a warning that it may provide access to inappropriate content. Neither Apple, nor MS arbitrarily ban desktop applications from being purchased or distributed.
Apple wants to be a publishing distributor. If they can object to and ban the cartoon today, why not object to and ban an article in The Economist tomorrow?
Apple has become Big Brother. It wants to control every purchase and every download, so it doesn't miss a single dollar you may otherwise spend outside the walled garden. And these are the predictable consequences.
This is a whole lot of excuses, for a policy which is simply inexcusable.
There are many other companies which sell applications and content, which don't resort to such draconian measures. When I download a new version of Firefox on my desktop, I don't get a warning that it may provide access to inappropriate content. Neither Apple, nor MS arbitrarily ban desktop applications from being purchased or distributed.
Apple wants to be a publishing distributor. If they can object to and ban the cartoon today, why not object to and ban an article in The Economist tomorrow?
Apple has become Big Brother. It wants to control every purchase and every download, so it doesn't miss a single dollar you may otherwise spend outside the walled garden. And these are the predictable consequences.
sand0s
Jun 10, 04:41 PM
it is strange that they added a fourth band (VIII - 900 frequency) which is for more of europe, asia and also vodaNZ but doesn't open up anything in the US... even stranger is that i was just in NZ and my 3G[S] (which doesn't support VIII / 900 apparently) was on the vodaNZ 3G network the whole time. anyone with knowledge of this whole UMTS / HSDPA band and frequency thing, please tell me how this worked then?
robbieduncan
Mar 29, 08:12 AM
from your same source, the VERY NEXT paragraph:
The EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is a great example of a well designed EF-S series lens. It provides a field of view similar to what Canon�s popular EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM and EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM do on a full frame camera like the 5D Mark II.
Yup. So the EF-s lens is providing a field of view of 16-35.2mm in full-frame, 35mm equivalent. So is effected by the 1.6 crop. Which is what I've been saying all along.
The EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is a great example of a well designed EF-S series lens. It provides a field of view similar to what Canon�s popular EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM and EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM do on a full frame camera like the 5D Mark II.
Yup. So the EF-s lens is providing a field of view of 16-35.2mm in full-frame, 35mm equivalent. So is effected by the 1.6 crop. Which is what I've been saying all along.
jctevere
Apr 19, 10:11 AM
I don't think this is real. If this was a "prototype" why would it have XX GB on the back. None of the OEM iPhone 4's have any storage indication markings on the outside. So why would the XX be on the case?
If you ask me, its customized with aftermarket white glass (that you can buy from china, in white, pink, blue, black, green, etc).
In fact, after looking closer at the video. The back of the case appears to be a shiny or clear-coat plastic, and not glass. Furthermore, there appears to be a separation or gap along the bottom edge of the phone on the back of the device. Supporting that it is a poor seal from an aftermarket replacement of a black iphone 4's glass with a replica white piece. Such a gap would NOT exist if this was released by apple or exist in a prototype.
If you ask me, its customized with aftermarket white glass (that you can buy from china, in white, pink, blue, black, green, etc).
In fact, after looking closer at the video. The back of the case appears to be a shiny or clear-coat plastic, and not glass. Furthermore, there appears to be a separation or gap along the bottom edge of the phone on the back of the device. Supporting that it is a poor seal from an aftermarket replacement of a black iphone 4's glass with a replica white piece. Such a gap would NOT exist if this was released by apple or exist in a prototype.
karlwig
Aug 20, 09:16 PM
Great, more ways of other people telling the world where you are without your permission.
FTFY
edit: The Norwegian goverment today declared Facebook's new "Places"-integration might be illegal, and will discuss this matter with contacts in the EU.
They probably can't stop it, but I'm glad they're raising awereness of the privacy issues. I just don't see why there isn't at least a button you have to click to activate this. There's plenty of people who login to their FB accounts very rarely, including myself. I'm just glad I was informed about this by the media and in forums, so I can go and disable this feature ASAP.
FTFY
edit: The Norwegian goverment today declared Facebook's new "Places"-integration might be illegal, and will discuss this matter with contacts in the EU.
They probably can't stop it, but I'm glad they're raising awereness of the privacy issues. I just don't see why there isn't at least a button you have to click to activate this. There's plenty of people who login to their FB accounts very rarely, including myself. I'm just glad I was informed about this by the media and in forums, so I can go and disable this feature ASAP.
mountainbiker
Oct 27, 08:26 AM
The line was pretty mad, but it seemed to move rather quickly once the doors were opened at 6pm. My hat is off to those who in the queue who had a word with the queue cutters as well as the Apple staff. (Dear queue cutters get with the program, or go back to your friends at Microsoft.)
I was amazed at the number of people in the queue that didn't buy Leopard. LOL... was the lame free t-shirt really worth your time in the queue?
I was a bit embarrassed by all the hot women who asked us what we were queuing up for. Oops, was I really standing in a queue for 2 hours on a Friday night. Hell ya! I saw the ladies later with a big box in my pocket.
Apple you get poor marks for selling Leopard right by entrance door and free t-shirts. It was rather disorganized. (Lets hope you learn for next month's iPhone event.) Upstairs seemed like it could use a few more rows of seats.
I got the new OS. A belly full of sushi. A bloodstream full of alcohol. And, a much lighter wallet. Fun times. I love London!
I was amazed at the number of people in the queue that didn't buy Leopard. LOL... was the lame free t-shirt really worth your time in the queue?
I was a bit embarrassed by all the hot women who asked us what we were queuing up for. Oops, was I really standing in a queue for 2 hours on a Friday night. Hell ya! I saw the ladies later with a big box in my pocket.
Apple you get poor marks for selling Leopard right by entrance door and free t-shirts. It was rather disorganized. (Lets hope you learn for next month's iPhone event.) Upstairs seemed like it could use a few more rows of seats.
I got the new OS. A belly full of sushi. A bloodstream full of alcohol. And, a much lighter wallet. Fun times. I love London!
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