Zamyatin's Profile

I'm still waiting for the fix to my MBP after the video driver update... clamshell mode has effectively been wrecked when connected to my external monitor (HP 2207).

I don't see how this is all that profound... Is it so surprising that a company would want to say "well, we have proven the quality of our products in this arena (iPod/digital media), why don't you come over and check out some of our other products (Mac, now iPhone), that are built with the same concept in mind (unity between software and hardware, the feeling that "it just works"). This is a notion Apple has pushed hard since teh Steve made his return to the company, and one that seems to be working well for them. The congruity of experience btw iTunes and Finder is just another step along the same path - that path, of course, being that Apple designs its software in a controlled hardware environment, so turning on a macbook is like turning on a calculator - the user doesn't have to think about the technical nerdery unless he/she wants to. The way I've always looked at it is this - it's great to have a wide selection of hardware and software options, but the thing is, eventually I'm going to purchase something, and have to live with it. I may be slightly more likely to upgrade a Dell's video card or sound card over a Mac's, but in the long run I just want that machine to work, because I have to live with my decision. That I made a decision and purchased something, then, immediately negates the need for a million other hardware options, since I don't change hardware every day. On the low-cost Mac thing - I don't think you can necessarily make the claim that Apple is only interested in selling high-priced computers. They do have a 600 dollar-ish model. Remember, though, Apple does not have the installed/business user base (in terms of operating system usage) to sell cheap machines at a very slim margin in vast quantities, as Dell or HP does. As their model depends on hardware sales (since their software remains relatively cheap) I think it's kind of a Catch-22 Apple finds itself in - in order to expose and win over large populations of OSX users, they need cheap machines, but in order to maintain profit margins, they need to keep hardware prices up. I think, over time, Apple will start to see increases in OSX in the business sector, and when that time comes, we'll start seeing more inexpensive Mac models to feed increased business demands. However, considering the position Dell finds itself in now, after years of selling sub-500 dollar machines, I think this theory could use a bit more analysis.

Oh yeah, let's also not forget the mac mini - direct cybernetic attachment to my medulla oblongota. Back when I was a Windows user I didn't really have faith in a Windows-based interface plugged directly into my brain... viruses, you know. But nowadays with my trusty iBook and iMac by my side, I'm ready to make the leap. Bring it to me Steve! Ghost in the Shell here I come.

First off, when was Beowulf the underdog? Guy had a sword, armor, shield, etc and not only injured Grendel enough to let him die in front of his mother, but then proceeded to kill Grendel's mother when she came looking for revenge. This is not the story of an underdog. "The days until the good that is Apple triumphs over the evil that is every company that isn’t Apple or an Apple partner is unknowable, but the outcome isn’t in doubt; the question is “when will people wake up?” not “will people wake up?”" Ever think this was nothing more than the unrequited optimism of a misanthrope? My first Dell, a P200 back in '97-'98 was not purchased on price... in fact it was more expensive than most competitors. I bought it because Dell had *service* that trounced the competition. When my CD drive broke, they actually sent someout out to my house in *Champaign, IL* to fix the thing for me. After watching him I learned how to fix it myself, but at that point, the computer was a mysterious tan box that did things for me. Remember - some of us did not grow up wiht the internet - computers had a steep learning curve. Why can't we just accept th at Apple is innovative, not necessarily "The Innovator", and that they have a skill at combining their technology with a keen business sense that just works for what they're trying to do. I have always like apple not because they've tried to overtly corner the market (although they have at times, Apple II, iPod), but rather that they just seem to straight-up like making the machines they make. Playing with my Mac is like cookies made by my girlfriend - sometimes you can taste the love. Is this a cardinal sin in the computer industry these days? When was that change instituted, I seem to have missed the memo. Apparently Dell did too, judging from their current product line, which are about as generic month-old-baked-goods as you can get.