Arbulus
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(Sep 15, 2006 - 11:42 AM)
I don't really understand what you mean about Apple not allowing customization. If you mean you can't get a tricked out, lighted, painted, see-through ATX case on your new iMac, well, then no, they don't. But the thing is, Apple's products are beautifully designed. I don't want to mod my Mac.
However, computing isn't about visual appeal. Case mods don't make a better computer. You compare any Windows PC to the capability, functionality, and security (big point there) of a Mac, and there's just no contest. Apple has it beat by far.
But looking at the media market, Apple has been the pioneer. Just look at the new iTunes store: full length movies for sale at $10 a pop now. Look at how they've become the leader in the music market, and how many TV shows are available on iTunes. These guys are bringing the total entertainment experience: music, TV, movies. There's no way anyone is going to be able to match the kind of entertainment choices that Apple offers.
(Aug 8, 2006 - 12:44 PM)
The thing here is that Apple computers are built solidly. There are well designed and made with cutting edge technology. They are as solidly built, as secure, and as advanced as you can get in a computer. You can buy your average PC right now, but in a year or two, you're gunna have to buy another one, because the computer is either so outdated or spyware and viruses had destroyed it to the point that it no longer functions well.
Conversely, if one were to buy a Mac right now, it will last for years to come. They are very easily upgradeable and the OS is so well designed that you don't have to worry about adware, spyware, viruses, etc. There are no viruses for Macs and you don't get spyware. I've had a broadband internet connection for a year and a half on my iMac, and I have never had a firewall, and I have never had a problem- no popups, no adware, spyware, anything.
But when you consider a PowerMac (Mac Pro), these are designed as "high end" models. These are targeted at developers, programmers, designers, professionals, etc. It's not really targeted at the home user. The MacMini and iMac are the home user tagets. However, if one were to purchase a Mac Pro for a home use, consider what you get: up to 16gb RAM, 2TB Hard Drive, 2 optical drives, high end graphics card - how long do you think it would be before you had to buy another? Even if you bought the base model, just upgrade, that's all you have to do. You wouldn't have to buy another computer for years! I know of folk currently who still swear by their first generation G3 and G4 PowerMacs. And, that really says something.
So yes, you may pay more up front, but look what you get in the long run.
(Jul 26, 2006 - 2:53 PM)
You're absolutely right. Once the telcos have the free reign, they will do anything they can to make a buck, and the end users will pay the price.
And, where it will get sticky: politics.
Let's say, for example, AT&T doesn't like porn or abortion or gays. They would then be able to restrict, or disallow all together, any site that they choose that features those themes, and to hell with what the end user wants. And, to circumvent any sort of backlash, they'll just say that these sites haven't paid enough to get themselves featured on the higher tiers, or even at all. If they don't want you to see it, then you won't see it. That's the scariest part. Because if they are given the ability and freedom to do this, then they WILL do it. Big corporations, for the most part, are not altruisitc, nor are they understanding. They're going to do anything it takes to make a buck and they're going to impose themselves as much as they can. They don't care about the end user, it's all about money.
And I must say that I'm really impressed that Microsoft has taken a stand FOR Net Neutrality. I usually don't care for Microsoft, but I do have to hand it to them on this one.
(Jun 9, 2006 - 6:02 PM)
Absolutely. And the problem is that Corporate America ownes Congress. That's what I fear most. The interests are not on the side of the everyday people, but on the side of big corporate sponsors to campaigns. Congress has sold its soul to big business and we're the ones who are going to burn in hell for it.