gonnabuyamacbsh
Apr 18, 05:10 PM
How dare Samsung use a black rectangle with rounded corners! * sarcasm*
those sick twisted bastards!
those sick twisted bastards!
xpipe
Apr 6, 05:36 PM
I just bought the Xoom a few days ago. I had considered purchasing an iPad 2, but instead of more-or-less duplicating my previous iPad purchase, I thought I'd try something new. I have mixed feelings, but overall I am quite happy with the purchase.
The Xoom hardware seems sturdier to me, but that could just be in my head, and the device feels more powerful to me. The Xoom has a larger, higher-resolution display than the iPad, but the iPad has a much higher quality display. That's an issue for a device that is, essentially, one big screen. One aspect in particular that seems far superior to iOS on the iPad is web browsing, which is likely my most frequently-used feature of ether device. The Xoom blows either iPad away in this regard. It offers near desktop-speed performance in its included browser, with none of the checkerboards and frequent page reloads of the iPad. I'm not sure if this (page reloads) is primarily due to the greater RAM, or the fast speed of the browser; perhaps it reloads so fast it doesn't matter. I don't want to restart the whole flash debate, but I watched quite a bit of flash-based internet video and the device didn't get hot nor did the battery take a disproportionate hit. In fact, the battery life has really been great...two very long evenings of heavy usage, and there's plenty to spare.
Multitasking is also quite nice. One of the first apps I downloaded was a (free) great radio app, and as I was listening to the radio I intuitively started web browsing and going back and forth between a few other apps and it wasn't until I received and replied to a message from a friend that it occurred to me that I was having a really cool and full mobile computing experience. I feel that as iOS and Android (Honeycomb) stand right now, Android offers a lot more potential to serve my needs. To realize this potential, though, they need apps and Apple dominates in this area...not only in quantity but in the overall polish of their top-tier apps. Apple's iOS itself is likewise more polished, and the Android team definitely needs to iron out some of the wrinkles. Not showstoppers, mind you, but Apple clearly had the more mature, stable OS.
So now I have two tablets. I have two computers at my desk, an iMac and a PC, and I can use both of those, but I can't quite figure out how two tablets figure into the equation. I know I'm more excited by the Xoom than I was after I first used the iPad, and I was quite excited by the iPad. Time will tell, but I'm currently leaning more towards the Xoom.
The Xoom hardware seems sturdier to me, but that could just be in my head, and the device feels more powerful to me. The Xoom has a larger, higher-resolution display than the iPad, but the iPad has a much higher quality display. That's an issue for a device that is, essentially, one big screen. One aspect in particular that seems far superior to iOS on the iPad is web browsing, which is likely my most frequently-used feature of ether device. The Xoom blows either iPad away in this regard. It offers near desktop-speed performance in its included browser, with none of the checkerboards and frequent page reloads of the iPad. I'm not sure if this (page reloads) is primarily due to the greater RAM, or the fast speed of the browser; perhaps it reloads so fast it doesn't matter. I don't want to restart the whole flash debate, but I watched quite a bit of flash-based internet video and the device didn't get hot nor did the battery take a disproportionate hit. In fact, the battery life has really been great...two very long evenings of heavy usage, and there's plenty to spare.
Multitasking is also quite nice. One of the first apps I downloaded was a (free) great radio app, and as I was listening to the radio I intuitively started web browsing and going back and forth between a few other apps and it wasn't until I received and replied to a message from a friend that it occurred to me that I was having a really cool and full mobile computing experience. I feel that as iOS and Android (Honeycomb) stand right now, Android offers a lot more potential to serve my needs. To realize this potential, though, they need apps and Apple dominates in this area...not only in quantity but in the overall polish of their top-tier apps. Apple's iOS itself is likewise more polished, and the Android team definitely needs to iron out some of the wrinkles. Not showstoppers, mind you, but Apple clearly had the more mature, stable OS.
So now I have two tablets. I have two computers at my desk, an iMac and a PC, and I can use both of those, but I can't quite figure out how two tablets figure into the equation. I know I'm more excited by the Xoom than I was after I first used the iPad, and I was quite excited by the iPad. Time will tell, but I'm currently leaning more towards the Xoom.
marvel2
Nov 9, 04:47 PM
I ordered my TomTom car kit fro BLT this morning and got an email saying they will be in stock Nov 11th. Hopefully it ship then.
*edit*
Got a new email saying they wont receive them until Dec 2nd :'{
*edit*
Got a new email saying they wont receive them until Dec 2nd :'{
LegendKillerUK
Mar 26, 10:59 PM
[SIZE=1]I like the notification system. An applet pops up whe I have a notification and I can choose to ignore it or go into the app for more information. What is wrong with that? I'm all for doing things better and maybe someone can show me a better way.
Up until recently I was happy with it as well.
Some sort of pull out tray like a few other mobile OS's would be good. The problem I have with iOS's handling is that it's a modal dialogue you must make a decision on. Either destructive (cancel - you may forget etc) or the positive action - which interrupts your current task. We need some way of being able to say cancel and look through it later when it suits us.
Many times we can be playing a game or browsing a website when a text message or an inane push notification takes precedence on screen. Or even better, an icon could gently pulsate in the status bar that relates to a certain app. Such as a text message, then we can be notified without being interrupted.
Up until recently I was happy with it as well.
Some sort of pull out tray like a few other mobile OS's would be good. The problem I have with iOS's handling is that it's a modal dialogue you must make a decision on. Either destructive (cancel - you may forget etc) or the positive action - which interrupts your current task. We need some way of being able to say cancel and look through it later when it suits us.
Many times we can be playing a game or browsing a website when a text message or an inane push notification takes precedence on screen. Or even better, an icon could gently pulsate in the status bar that relates to a certain app. Such as a text message, then we can be notified without being interrupted.
wclyffe
Nov 7, 03:11 PM
thanks for the utube link. It definitely looks like a sturdy mount even on the dash which tends to not be perfectly smooth.
I am surprised it appears in the middle of the dash in the video. I am hoping to use it closer to left of center on a sloping part of the dash for even easier reachability while driving.
You mentioned your dock is shipping midweek. Did you buy from BottomLine Telecommunications for $90?? Says out of stock and on backorder.
Thanks again.
I did, and hopefully it will ship when it says on 11/11. They are apparently expecting a boatload of them. We'll see.
And yes, I'm mounting it closer to me (left of center) on a sloping dash, too.
I am surprised it appears in the middle of the dash in the video. I am hoping to use it closer to left of center on a sloping part of the dash for even easier reachability while driving.
You mentioned your dock is shipping midweek. Did you buy from BottomLine Telecommunications for $90?? Says out of stock and on backorder.
Thanks again.
I did, and hopefully it will ship when it says on 11/11. They are apparently expecting a boatload of them. We'll see.
And yes, I'm mounting it closer to me (left of center) on a sloping dash, too.
ryanw
Nov 22, 11:02 AM
Just like "some PC guy's" named Apple didn't just waltz right in on sony's discman market ownership with a thing called the iPod. Apple isn't just some random "PC Company", they're innovative and they do intense study groups to determine what works and what doesn't with the majority of consumers.
I "Personally" always feel that there is one or two tweaks or features missing from an apple application. For example the ability to change which search engine to use in Safari, or the ability to change what map website the address book uses to pull up a mailing address in a map, the ability to burn a list of songs in iTunes without making a playlist, etc... BUT these lack of tweaks are actually what the consumers LOVE about apple's software. There are enough options to make it functional and not too many options to clutter the interface to scare away the consumer.
I still believe apple could burry options deep in preferences instead of just not have them at all, after all, no consumer goes through the preferences, only power users. But again, the power user isn't the majority of the consumers. So we'll see if apple can take over the phone market. I know I'd buy one.
I "Personally" always feel that there is one or two tweaks or features missing from an apple application. For example the ability to change which search engine to use in Safari, or the ability to change what map website the address book uses to pull up a mailing address in a map, the ability to burn a list of songs in iTunes without making a playlist, etc... BUT these lack of tweaks are actually what the consumers LOVE about apple's software. There are enough options to make it functional and not too many options to clutter the interface to scare away the consumer.
I still believe apple could burry options deep in preferences instead of just not have them at all, after all, no consumer goes through the preferences, only power users. But again, the power user isn't the majority of the consumers. So we'll see if apple can take over the phone market. I know I'd buy one.
tbrinkma
Apr 25, 10:43 AM
Unfortunately it�s not THAT easy. First, to delete the file you need to apply a jailbreak to your device. If you delete it on your Mac, pretty sure it will be recreated on your next device sync. Second, I�m sure the consolidated.db is not used by Apple themselves, BUT I guess it�s used by their advertising partners. I bet certain Apps will be able to access it to show localized iAds to the user. And to top it all off, Apple hasn�t asked for my permission to collect this data.
Ok, here's the information that's actually known about the consolidated.db file:
1) It records the locations of nearby wi-fi access points and cell towers.
2) When location services were originally added to the iPhone, the file had a different name and was stored in a different location. (It was moved as part of the multi-tasking updates.)
3) The purpose of the file has been explicitly spelled out by Apple *from the beginning*. It is used *by* location services to calculate your current position in order to be able to display your position faster than would be possible solely using GPS. (It's part of the Assisted GPS process.)
4) There is absolutely no evidence that the file's contents are ever transmitted to anyone. It exists on the iPhone, and in the backup(s) of said iPhone.
Ok, here's the information that's actually known about the consolidated.db file:
1) It records the locations of nearby wi-fi access points and cell towers.
2) When location services were originally added to the iPhone, the file had a different name and was stored in a different location. (It was moved as part of the multi-tasking updates.)
3) The purpose of the file has been explicitly spelled out by Apple *from the beginning*. It is used *by* location services to calculate your current position in order to be able to display your position faster than would be possible solely using GPS. (It's part of the Assisted GPS process.)
4) There is absolutely no evidence that the file's contents are ever transmitted to anyone. It exists on the iPhone, and in the backup(s) of said iPhone.
Popeye206
Apr 7, 10:20 AM
Good for Apple for being smart enough to secure production. Very smart.
Also... just saw... another Japan Earthquake about 10 mins ago. 7.4.
Not good for Japan!
Also... just saw... another Japan Earthquake about 10 mins ago. 7.4.
Not good for Japan!
milozauckerman
Aug 7, 03:09 PM
We'll have to wait for some benchmarks, but I'm willing to bet that Photoshop even under Rosetta will be phenomenal.
Core 2 chips by themself should be very good, but I'm talking single Core 2 vs. dual Core 2 - is the Quad capability going to matter with Rosetta?
I don't know anyone who doesn't use wireless of some kind now - there are three wireless networks that I can pick up from this desk. People either don't want to run cable from their cable/DSL outlet to a desk/modem, or they have multiple machines, or what have you. 802.11g should be standard on every machine, not a $40 charge.
Bluetooth, sure. I'll order it for future-proofing, but I don't use it at all. (For one thing, if your Mac craps out, you need a USB keyboard to boot it and figure out the problem), I can understand making that an option.
Graphics - sorry, this is just inexcusable to me. Apple isn't just selling these to developers and press-ganged media workers - they're selling them to 'small business' creative types and as personal PCs and (hopefully, one would think) as alternatives to Dell and Gateway machines for the common user. A decent graphics card is a must.
Core 2 chips by themself should be very good, but I'm talking single Core 2 vs. dual Core 2 - is the Quad capability going to matter with Rosetta?
I don't know anyone who doesn't use wireless of some kind now - there are three wireless networks that I can pick up from this desk. People either don't want to run cable from their cable/DSL outlet to a desk/modem, or they have multiple machines, or what have you. 802.11g should be standard on every machine, not a $40 charge.
Bluetooth, sure. I'll order it for future-proofing, but I don't use it at all. (For one thing, if your Mac craps out, you need a USB keyboard to boot it and figure out the problem), I can understand making that an option.
Graphics - sorry, this is just inexcusable to me. Apple isn't just selling these to developers and press-ganged media workers - they're selling them to 'small business' creative types and as personal PCs and (hopefully, one would think) as alternatives to Dell and Gateway machines for the common user. A decent graphics card is a must.
whiteblooder
Mar 30, 01:07 AM
to weep too much for a company that chooses to do business overseas isntead of here in America, employing Americans.Why produce something for more money and less efficiently when it can be done better and cheaper elsewhere? This however are drastically improving though, not sure if we (Americans) could produce all of these things with taxes, restrictions, trade barriers etc.
OneMike
Mar 29, 10:59 AM
pretty cool, too bad can't try it out.
Dr.Gargoyle
Aug 4, 05:22 AM
Why not? They did it with the iBooks for quite some time...
It is a new game after PPC->x86.
Apple is now competing directly with all other PC manufacturers. You can easily compare the hardware between different computers.
Hence, I am sure Apple will upgrade all MBs to Merom as soon as they have made sure they will get enough Meroms to satisfy the need of MBP.
Besides since both the iBook and 12'' PB seems to have merged into the 13'' MB, it is vital to keep this line updated for demanding users with a need for a smaller form factor.
It is a new game after PPC->x86.
Apple is now competing directly with all other PC manufacturers. You can easily compare the hardware between different computers.
Hence, I am sure Apple will upgrade all MBs to Merom as soon as they have made sure they will get enough Meroms to satisfy the need of MBP.
Besides since both the iBook and 12'' PB seems to have merged into the 13'' MB, it is vital to keep this line updated for demanding users with a need for a smaller form factor.
thegreatluke
Aug 7, 05:29 PM
So if I want a mid-range tower, I can configured it to have less RAM, a smaller HD and a completely useless graphics card, and still come in $200-300 more than a comparable machine from Dell/Gateway/etc.? Why can't Apple sell me a desktop with 2GB RAM stock and a 250GB HD for less than two grand?
Yes, the Apple is a quad instead of a dual - but exactly which apps does that matter on? Is a quad really going to be a vast improvement for Photoshop through Rosetta over, say, a single Xeon or 2.4 Conroe?
All I ask for is a moderately priced OS X desktop that isn't crippled in any way (still paying for 802.11g! $350 to get a usable graphics card!).
If using Windows didn't make my eyes bleed, I'd turn and run from Apple hardware in a heartbeat. (And that, of course, is why fanboy dreams of a retail OS X package for any computer would never happen - you'd have to be a fool to use Apple hardware.)
I'm SO angry too! I'm seriously going to be PISSED OFF until Apple offers a 50 GHz workstation with 32 GB of RAM and a 4 TB hard drive for free!
:rolleyes:
This and the MacBook are probably Apple's most competetively-priced computers.
Go ahead - buy a Mac Pro. When you get it, send me the useless graphics card. I wouldn't mind.
This is a good question. What happens if I put my x1900xt from my PC into one of these? Would it run under windows? If it would, then it should run under OS X with the correct driver, because it wouldn't be a hardware issue.
I am willing to bet that, at least for the graphics cards with mac specific drivers, you could buy the PC equivalent. If you branch out to different model numbers, you might run into problems.
Anyone have a MacPro they could lend me to test out my theory? :-)
Most PCI-express graphics cards would work in a Mac Pro without a problem.
Yes, the Apple is a quad instead of a dual - but exactly which apps does that matter on? Is a quad really going to be a vast improvement for Photoshop through Rosetta over, say, a single Xeon or 2.4 Conroe?
All I ask for is a moderately priced OS X desktop that isn't crippled in any way (still paying for 802.11g! $350 to get a usable graphics card!).
If using Windows didn't make my eyes bleed, I'd turn and run from Apple hardware in a heartbeat. (And that, of course, is why fanboy dreams of a retail OS X package for any computer would never happen - you'd have to be a fool to use Apple hardware.)
I'm SO angry too! I'm seriously going to be PISSED OFF until Apple offers a 50 GHz workstation with 32 GB of RAM and a 4 TB hard drive for free!
:rolleyes:
This and the MacBook are probably Apple's most competetively-priced computers.
Go ahead - buy a Mac Pro. When you get it, send me the useless graphics card. I wouldn't mind.
This is a good question. What happens if I put my x1900xt from my PC into one of these? Would it run under windows? If it would, then it should run under OS X with the correct driver, because it wouldn't be a hardware issue.
I am willing to bet that, at least for the graphics cards with mac specific drivers, you could buy the PC equivalent. If you branch out to different model numbers, you might run into problems.
Anyone have a MacPro they could lend me to test out my theory? :-)
Most PCI-express graphics cards would work in a Mac Pro without a problem.
Eidorian
Mar 29, 02:38 PM
Why in limbo? The "phone part" of the Iphone is widely acknowledged to be craptastic.True enough, I am still in search of a mobile internet device with a camera. The iPad 3G comes close except in price, size, and the mediocre camera.
I am not willing to frivolously spend money on such an endeavor just to return it to the store. I already feel guilty enough about my many product returns to the point where I believe my card number is just shy of being blacklisted. Thank god for cash.
I have a good inner circle of friends but our jobs and relationships are really killing what free time we have to game. That limits my desire to an Alienware M11x to have something portable for games.
The internet just needs to get to the point where it really is everywhere as a public service before I really buy into it. Sadly we are not there yet.
I am not willing to frivolously spend money on such an endeavor just to return it to the store. I already feel guilty enough about my many product returns to the point where I believe my card number is just shy of being blacklisted. Thank god for cash.
I have a good inner circle of friends but our jobs and relationships are really killing what free time we have to game. That limits my desire to an Alienware M11x to have something portable for games.
The internet just needs to get to the point where it really is everywhere as a public service before I really buy into it. Sadly we are not there yet.
Amnak
Apr 7, 11:49 AM
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_6 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E200 Safari/6533.18.5)
I'd like to know when apples ever had real pressure to do anything, they do what they want when they want and they DGF
I'd like to know when apples ever had real pressure to do anything, they do what they want when they want and they DGF
-aggie-
May 4, 11:59 AM
Ah!
If i remember right, last time you tried we had to take you to the White Witch of Cupertino Mountains to get rid of your tail...
Your insolence grows tiresome. :)
What does the OP mean we found a healing treasure and it has no effect? I thought we'd get an extra 5 HP for that.
If i remember right, last time you tried we had to take you to the White Witch of Cupertino Mountains to get rid of your tail...
Your insolence grows tiresome. :)
What does the OP mean we found a healing treasure and it has no effect? I thought we'd get an extra 5 HP for that.
Eidorian
Aug 3, 10:44 PM
Yay, September...
suneohair
Sep 15, 04:20 PM
Sounds good. Hope it happens for those waiting for it.
I also hope the design is revamped i.e. magnetic latch etc.
Maybe an ACD update to boot?
I also hope the design is revamped i.e. magnetic latch etc.
Maybe an ACD update to boot?
darrens
Aug 4, 07:36 AM
I don't think price for MB will ever drop, even if they're staying with yonah. It's selling quite well at this price. If they offer yonah and merom in the same system, the price diff will not be a lot, and apple will end up stocking for both yonah and merom, which is not something they will do
More likely is a speed bump to 2.16 Yonah on the MB, Merom on the MBP. 64 bit/power consumption the differentiator for the MBP.
Yonah's price will be going down a lot once Merom is shipping - perhaps we will see a $499 mini again, just a price drop - no change in specs. If Yonah sees a 60% price drop (it's happened lots of times before with intel chips), maybe the low end mini will go duo.
More likely is a speed bump to 2.16 Yonah on the MB, Merom on the MBP. 64 bit/power consumption the differentiator for the MBP.
Yonah's price will be going down a lot once Merom is shipping - perhaps we will see a $499 mini again, just a price drop - no change in specs. If Yonah sees a 60% price drop (it's happened lots of times before with intel chips), maybe the low end mini will go duo.
RKpro
Apr 7, 10:15 AM
I suspect THIS is why HP chose to use a 9.7" 4:3 display on their TouchPad tablet. When all of Asia is stamping out iPad screens it would be a lot easier for HP to acquire iPad panels, using the manufacturer's economies of scale, than to have them manufacture different panels alongside iPad panels.
dernhelm
Nov 22, 05:38 AM
Not PC guys, but good industrial and interface designers will. Starting with a clean sheet with little or no knowledge on the subject is an advantage; you tend to have different perceptions on how things work/could work. This gives a far greater idea base with simpler implementations as a result.
Advantage Apple.
So Apple has an advantage here because they have no experience in a market where it traditionally takes to get a device right? No, Apple doesn't have an advantage, any more than they did with the iPod - but they didn't need that advantage then either.
Apple could change the way phones are made as well, but only if they rethink the device from the ground up. Most phones have too many features that it takes too long to figure out how to use, don't have enough battery life, and are too painful to get hooked up to your computer so you can transfer photos and songs back and forth. Apple has the synchronization stuff down. If you can sync it like an iPod - and charge it in the process, its already leaps above most phones out there. But they cannot miss the interface.
If they want a camera on it (optional in my opinion) they have to make it dirt simple to use (scroll wheel to zoom, middle button to snap) and to get the photos taken on it into iPhoto. Otherwise, skip it altogether. And please don't make me fumble around to find the right button to hit to answer a call. Open it to answer the call, close it to hang up. And if you aren't going to put the number buttons in a tranditional layout - don't put them on there at all. I don't have the time or energy to learn some idiotic circular arrangement. I'd rather you put the numbers up on a touch screen and let me smudge up my phone than deal with a non-standard button arrangement. It also has to be hearty - I don't have time for a phone that stops working if I drop it 3 feet onto a carpeted floor.
It goes on and on. And that is why the interviewee is saying it's so hard. Apple does a pretty good job of industrial design, but even they may need an iteration or two to get it right. And in the mean time the current players could play some catch up.
Advantage Apple.
So Apple has an advantage here because they have no experience in a market where it traditionally takes to get a device right? No, Apple doesn't have an advantage, any more than they did with the iPod - but they didn't need that advantage then either.
Apple could change the way phones are made as well, but only if they rethink the device from the ground up. Most phones have too many features that it takes too long to figure out how to use, don't have enough battery life, and are too painful to get hooked up to your computer so you can transfer photos and songs back and forth. Apple has the synchronization stuff down. If you can sync it like an iPod - and charge it in the process, its already leaps above most phones out there. But they cannot miss the interface.
If they want a camera on it (optional in my opinion) they have to make it dirt simple to use (scroll wheel to zoom, middle button to snap) and to get the photos taken on it into iPhoto. Otherwise, skip it altogether. And please don't make me fumble around to find the right button to hit to answer a call. Open it to answer the call, close it to hang up. And if you aren't going to put the number buttons in a tranditional layout - don't put them on there at all. I don't have the time or energy to learn some idiotic circular arrangement. I'd rather you put the numbers up on a touch screen and let me smudge up my phone than deal with a non-standard button arrangement. It also has to be hearty - I don't have time for a phone that stops working if I drop it 3 feet onto a carpeted floor.
It goes on and on. And that is why the interviewee is saying it's so hard. Apple does a pretty good job of industrial design, but even they may need an iteration or two to get it right. And in the mean time the current players could play some catch up.
greenstork
Aug 4, 01:02 AM
Never buy an apple product!!!
As soon as you do something new and better comes out!!!
AAAHHHHHH
I am typing this away on my new Macbook, Core 1 Duo; which i bought under the self-brainwashed reasoning that the MBP alone would see 2x2. Why you ask? Cuz I figured hey, the MB JUST came out, why refresh it every 2 months! The MBP has been out like 8 months, that makes sense.
I can only PRAY I am right.
No that my Macbook will be instant crap... I just COULD have waited until september.
Damn you apple...
What doesn't your Macbook do fast enough?
As soon as you do something new and better comes out!!!
AAAHHHHHH
I am typing this away on my new Macbook, Core 1 Duo; which i bought under the self-brainwashed reasoning that the MBP alone would see 2x2. Why you ask? Cuz I figured hey, the MB JUST came out, why refresh it every 2 months! The MBP has been out like 8 months, that makes sense.
I can only PRAY I am right.
No that my Macbook will be instant crap... I just COULD have waited until september.
Damn you apple...
What doesn't your Macbook do fast enough?
mwatha
Mar 30, 06:12 PM
I'm downloading it as well, but I have no icon on my dock to show me the progress! AppStore said the download had started, but I see no icon. I tried to Redeem my code again, but it said it had already been redeemed. My bandwidth monitor is reporting a solid 600KB/s down though... hopefully it works!
Actually the download is happening in the Launchpad icon this time... that's new
Actually the download is happening in the Launchpad icon this time... that's new
silentnite
Apr 24, 11:14 AM
This is good news with the new imacs on the way this should tie everything together nicely.