my letter to steve

[puuukeey]

From: puuukeey@comcast.net
Subject: short formal complaint.
Date: March 6, 2005 7:41:00 PM EST
To: sjobs@apple.com

Dear Mr Jobs. my name is matthew aidekman. I'd like to note before continuing that despite the content of this email, I am a long time, dedicated mac user. I have two equally important concerns which I can not find a more appropriate contact for.

First is the design of the powerbook power adapter. 3 of the 5 I've owned have died, one sparked up the chord like a fuse. My local applestore (I live in short hills) tells me that due to the deformation of the jack, and refuses to replace it. My power adapters bend like this due to a shortcoming of the product. it bends after 3 days of typical use. sitting crosslegged with a plugged in powerbook causes this almost instantly. This is just irresponsible.

The second concern I have is that Apples brand impeding on its business strategy and the quality of it's products. I feel branding is ok when it's honest. However, I find it an increasing concern that the "perks" and "features" of os x are quickly stamping out 3rd party developer efforts. My suggestion would be to give the user the ability to turn off or uninstall many of the things hanging around os x. For example the aqua theme, the konfabulator rip, and spotlight.
Think about it this way: If someone comes up with something better than the dock(I've got a better idea), its impossible to turn it off and therefor worthless to develop their idea. While this builds your brand it HINDERS INNOVATION on your platform. It reminds me of the apple, microsoft antitrust suit pertaining to IE. is any developer with an idea for an mp3 player going to develop it for mac? so macs innovation will never extend beyond apples own doing. Take a second look at the number of mac developers, then subtract the ones who just program weak mods to apple branded software and hardware. In general, you're left with corporate developers. this disturbs me to no end. I feel that continuing on this path would lead to an mac experience that feels more like a toy then a computer. I'm not saying stop working on these innovations, what I'm saying is that apple should treat them like apple branded 3rd party software with the ability to get rid of it to make room for something else. An os should be a place to start from not the end all be all of the user experience.

That being said, Keep up the good work.
-Matthew Aidekman
__________________________
Http://www.EstateSound.com

[CaptainCaveMann]

From: puuukeey@comcast.net
Subject: short formal complaint.
Date: March 6, 2005 7:41:00 PM EST
To: sjobs@apple.com

Dear Mr Jobs. my name is matthew aidekman. I'd like to note before continuing that despite the content of this email, I am a long time, dedicated mac user. I have two equally important concerns which I can not find a more appropriate contact for.

First is the design of the powerbook power adapter. 3 of the 5 I've owned have died, one sparked up the chord like a fuse. My local applestore (I live in short hills) tells me that due to the deformation of the jack, and refuses to replace it. My power adapters bend like this due to a shortcoming of the product. it bends after 3 days of typical use. sitting crosslegged with a plugged in powerbook causes this almost instantly. This is just irresponsible.

The second concern I have is that Apples brand impeding on its business strategy and the quality of it's products. I feel branding is ok when it's honest. However, I find it an increasing concern that the "perks" and "features" of os x are quickly stamping out 3rd party developer efforts. My suggestion would be to give the user the ability to turn off or uninstall many of the things hanging around os x. For example the aqua theme, the konfabulator rip, and spotlight.
Think about it this way: If someone comes up with something better than the dock(I've got a better idea), its impossible to turn it off and therefor worthless to develop their idea. While this builds your brand it HINDERS INNOVATION on your platform. It reminds me of the apple, microsoft antitrust suit pertaining to IE. is any developer with an idea for an mp3 player going to develop it for mac? so macs innovation will never extend beyond apples own doing. Take a second look at the number of mac developers, then subtract the ones who just program weak mods to apple branded software and hardware. In general, you're left with corporate developers. this disturbs me to no end. I feel that continuing on this path would lead to an mac experience that feels more like a toy then a computer. I'm not saying stop working on these innovations, what I'm saying is that apple should treat them like apple branded 3rd party software with the ability to get rid of it to make room for something else. An os should be a place to start from not the end all be all of the user experience.

That being said, Keep up the good work.
-Matthew Aidekman
__________________________
Http://www.EstateSound.comNext time you might want to Capitalize your name. My English teacher would have a field day with this letter.

[sjpetry]

You may want to write it in a business letter format. ;)

[ravenvii]

"konfabulator rip"? Not the best way to put it.

[jefhatfield]

i had two ibook power adapters spark up on me and die out

it is definitely a weakness in the design...i hope apple fixes this soon

[mklos]

As for the bitches and moans about the OS, well if you don't like the features in OS X, then why buy a Mac? The Aqua interface, Dock, etc. are all part of the internal structure of OS X. They're not replaceable because its part of the core of the OS. Its just like saying take out the Taskbar, and the Start Menu in Windows. Its part of the OS, and without it, Windows can't function properly.

As far as I'm concerned, OS X is the best OS out there without a doubt. Its so far ahead of Winblows XP it isn't funny.

[superbovine]

Next time you might want to Capitalize your name. My English teacher would have a field day with this letter.

You don't need to be a teacher to see all the errors in this letter.

[puckhead193]

the only thing i wish apple would changed about the dock is to be able to customize it like transparent dock can do.... other then that i love the OS

[qzak]

Yeah, like mentioned you definetly should have typed this up in Word or some other program that will remind you that writing a letter is different than talking in an IM and fix the many errors in your email to the CEO of a major company.

But anyway, me being new to Macs (another thing, you may want to capitalize the name of the person's company and product when writing them a letter), I've seen people talk about sending suggestions to this email before. Is there proof that Jobs actually reads these, I mean obviously he's a busy guy.

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....I think using one of Apple's product feedback pages would have been a better idea. The last thing Steve needs to see is yet another poorly written email in his inbox....oh yeah!

[broken_keyboard]

The first two paragraphs are OK but you need to rewrite the third one.

[jefhatfield]

i don't know if this thread is about the specific grammar of the letter or the content

i don't have os x, and only have used it a little, so i don't quite understand what the writer is getting at about os x

[mkrishnan]

I'm feeling you on the PB/iBook PS, but I think that if you're deforming them three days after getting them, then at least part of it, maybe, could be resolved by adjusting your sitting position or the way you hold the laptop? Or possibly, could you run off of the battery when you need to sit that way? A 90 degree elbow jack would definitely be more robust than what we have, but no power plug I've seen on a laptop is really designed to sustain a big shear force....

I can see them fraying, and I think Apple could definitely do better, but I've also had my first one for a year, and I haven't had issues with it, using it on the sofa, on the ground, on my lap, and in lots of other different arrangements. You're definitely not the only one who has had issues with this design, but I also don't think there are many people that are going through them as quickly as you are. It doesn't like there are many people who go through bottled water as fast as you're going through power supplies. ;)

[Kwyjibo]

Duff-Man says....I think using one of Apple's product feedback pages would have been a better idea. The last thing Steve needs to see is yet another poorly written email in his inbox....oh yeah!

duffman - usually you're insiteful and logical and this is no different except it doesn't accomplish the goal --- steve won't read that email but someone in his office might ... something might get accomplished, but I guarantee he gets plenty of these and if he really like or agreed with him he might do something about it and thats the point. feedback pages are BS, they are just there mostly to vent, its like a suggestion box, typcially, but not always, nobody reads them

[Chubypig]

Think about it this way: If someone comes up with something better than the dock(I've got a better idea), its impossible to turn it off and therefor worthless to develop their idea.


What is this "better idea"?

[jefhatfield]

What is this "better idea"?

i also have an idea but there is no way i will tell ;)

[mkrishnan]

i also have an idea but there is no way i will tell ;)

LOL, this reminds me of the five minute Abs guy from There's Something About Mary. :D

To the OP, is there something specifically wrong with the known ways to kill the dock, such as....

http://www.creativemac.com/2003/02_feb/tutorials/dockdead20302253.htm

As a developer, I'm sure you'd be comfortable with recreating the other things you lose (I think you might also lose Exposé when you do this?) as part of the dock replacement you're making?

[Yvan256]

Duff-Man says....I think using one of Apple's product feedback pages would have been a better idea. The last thing Steve needs to see is yet another poorly written email in his inbox....oh yeah!

You mean this page (http://www.apple.com/feedback/)? The page with feedback for only iPod, PowerBook and Power Mac?

I guess they don't want any feedback from Mac mini, iBook and iMac users... :rolleyes:

[Chaszmyr]

The dock is pretty easy to turn off (do a google search for the terminal command, or search on VersionTracker for software that disables and enables the dock), and you don't need to uninstall a feature to avoid using it!

[Yvan256]

I'm feeling you on the PB/iBook PS, but I think that if you're deforming them three days after getting them, then at least part of it, maybe, could be resolved by adjusting your sitting position or the way you hold the laptop? Or possibly, could you run off of the battery when you need to sit that way? A 90 degree elbow jack would definitely be more robust than what we have, but no power plug I've seen on a laptop is really designed to sustain a big shear force...

Can you elaborate a bit on this "power supply problem" you guys are talking about? I'm planning on purchasing a 12" iBook or PowerBook this month and these kinds of topics are making me nervous...

[mkrishnan]

Can you elaborate a bit on this "power supply problem" you guys are talking about? I'm planning on purchasing a 12" iBook or PowerBook this month and these kinds of topics are making me nervous...

See here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=77270&highlight=fraying) , and in particular the petition page that iChan links in here has some photos. The problems basically arise because the jack into the iBook/PB body is a straight / 180º plug, with the cable coming out perpendicular to the body, with some rubber reinforcement around the connection. If a lot of pressure is put on this, and it's routinely bent around, it can fray there. Similar issue at the brick end. But again, I've had mine for a year and I have not had this issue; I bought my second one (thanks, Bob! :)) from another MR user used, and it was in great condition as well. So it has happened to enough people that it is not merely a coincidence, but possibly not enough people that it's quite on the Firestone tire scale.

[puuukeey]

I doubt he'll get read it just makes me feel better.

as for the bitches and moans about my bitches and moans heres what I'm getting at. these are not CORE features. they are for the most part asthetic. apple would let people turn this stuff on or off if it werent their branding! if it keeps going we'll get to a place where apple offers all the software and developers need to hack it do get anything cool done! why do you think theres no resedit? Apple brags about all the stuff thats built into the system and open to developers to use, then it implements it in their apps and it falls on its face because no one could possibly dare challenge the all mighty itunes. the iapps and the system are great dont get me wrong but I want more than 20 apps available for my computer.

-matt

[BornAgainMac]

Rather than developing a new replacement for the Dock, why don't developers focus on GAMES! I can't believe Mac users are happy with games like Solitare and Tomb Raider at their local Mac/CompUSA store. Perhaps the marketshare of PC sales will probably go down when Mac users don't have to buy a PC to play games.

Also I purchased the full version of MusicMatch before iTunes 1.0 came out and it wasn't on par with the PC version. I am glad Apple develops software. Still, it's good to provide feedback to Apple from the Support site.

[Hodapp]

http://homepage.mac.com/ehodapp/idiot.gif

[iGary]

Your letter made a bunch of people at Apple laugh.

It never made it past the people that check his e-mail.

[baummer]

I doubt he'll get read it just makes me feel better.

as for the bitches and moans about my bitches and moans heres what I'm getting at. these are not CORE features. they are for the most part asthetic. apple would let people turn this stuff on or off if it werent their branding! if it keeps going we'll get to a place where apple offers all the software and developers need to hack it do get anything cool done! why do you think theres no resedit? Apple brags about all the stuff thats built into the system and open to developers to use, then it implements it in their apps and it falls on its face because no one could possibly dare challenge the all mighty itunes. the iapps and the system are great dont get me wrong but I want more than 20 apps available for my computer.

-matt

Wow your posts are incredibly hard to digest. Aside from that, how is it NOT part of the core features? You obviously are not sure what you're talking about.

[mkrishnan]

Wow your posts are incredibly hard to digest. Aside from that, how is it NOT part of the core features? You obviously are not sure what you're talking about.

Teehee, and if you could make a third party operating system modification just by changing options in system preferences, I don't think anyone would pay you for it. ;) I should stop now, and unsubscribe from this thread. :D

[CubaTBird]

erm, in my hist class everybody wrote letters to the president in 11th grade, and out of a class of 40 kids.. 8 got letters and stuff back from the pres himself.. u guys are so pesimistic.

[tutubibi]

puuukeey, I just hope you didn't use your real email address in the letter.
Otherwise, be prepared for a lot of junk mail comming to your inbox.

[puuukeey]

definiton of core features.... take a look here: http://developer.apple.com/macosx/architecture/ whats on top whats on bottom?

all I'm saying is that I'm a centrist. aside from george bush being evil, I think smaller government is a good Idea as long as well thought out ideas are allowed to be executed as options to citizens and not end all be alls. pleanty of people might love the dock, some people hate it. same thing with social programs

get my metaphor?

the use of your computer should be an expression of who you are not which computer you own. its a convas not a work of art how many more metaphors can I make here????

[Butler Trumpet]

Your letter made a bunch of people at Apple laugh.

It never made it past the people that check his e-mail.

Good point... guaranteed steve never will read that. Why would he give out his own personal email address? There is, Im sure, a room full of guys right now laughing like crazy.... Kind of reminds me of my roommate who just wrote a letter to George Bush... gets a responce, typed of course, that doesnt reply to anything he said in the letter... which means it is of course a responce that the government sends to every person who thinks they can actually make a difference by writing in. Just thought it was funny :)

[mkrishnan]

how many more metaphors can I make here????

I don't know, but I'm quite enjoying them. Keep going! :p:D

[asif786]

Your letter made a bunch of people at Apple laugh.

It never made it past the people that check his e-mail.

Suprisingly, writing an email to SJ does sometimes help.

I remember when my PB was stuck at applecare for 8 weeks. I got fed-up and emailed SJ. That email got forwarded to Tim Cook, who then forwarded it to the head of Apple Europe, who then sorted out my issue and personally phoned me.

I'm not saying it was steve that initially forwarded the email, but it certainly did help in my case.

[ibilly]

my situation: my dad bought 4 powerbooks after the 12" PB's first came out. Basically my entire family (6) now has a computer to themself.

Anyways, I was neglecting enough to let my powerbook fall about 3 ft. It slid off, so there was only the vertical force at play. My PB is fine, except if you really look, the jack on the 'book is slightly off center. The power chord, however wasn't as lucky. It bent significantly. It still works great, but is a difficult plug-in. I was fortunate enough to pass this off to one of my sisters, who never said a word about it. Mwahaha. Lucky, eh?

This shows that the chord is quite excellent. Fraying due to years of bending in one direction may be an issue, but the bending: they're very sturdy. if you have the computer in your lap, don't sit so that one point on something plugged in is supporting about half of the powerbook's weight. fron about 2.5 to 4 lbs of constant pressure. Depending on how far away from the side you suppoet the book by the plug, you're talking VERY serious stress. 3 days of this would destroy anything plugged into the side of the computer, especially at the corner

don't sit so that the computer is being supported by a power chord. Seriously.

[puuukeey]

probably jus cuz I live on my laptop and dont have a desk

[jsw]

probably jus cuz I live on my laptop...
And I thought my house was small. ;)

[CaptainCaveMann]

http://homepage.mac.com/ehodapp/idiot.gifExactly.

[Timelessblur]

this thread is really sad. Apprently all you can not take the fact that some does not like some of the things about their apple computer and wants them changed. and you all clearly believe that Apple and Steve Jobs is god and anything they say or do is best way to do it and everyone else is god.

Really a guy just states an opinan not flaming anyone and look what all of you do. This is a clear example why a lot of people dont like apple because they hate the cult. it also shows why the fanitic and zealots are more of a problem than helpful because they flame anyone that says they dont like blah blah part of apple. Now you could offer helpful advice but NO you choose to flame. You all need to GROW UP.

[iGary]

Suprisingly, writing an email to SJ does sometimes help.


When properly written using accepted grammar, syntax and style standards, yes.

[Davito]

When properly written using accepted grammar, syntax and style standards, yes.

What if someone's mothertongue is not english :confused:

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

What if someone's mothertongue is not english :confused:You can still get your spelling, captialization and basic grammar correct, and maybe throw in some space here and there, linebreaks are very readerfriendly... Not to mention a civilized and polite tone will help in not alienating the receiver of the letter...

(As Firefox hasn't got spell check: 10 points given for every spelling error found in this post... ;))

[Bear]

You can still get your spelling, captialization and basic grammar correct, and maybe throw in some space here and there, linebreaks are very readerfriendly... Not to mention a civilized and polite tone will help in not alienating the receiver of the letter...

(As Firefox hasn't got spell check: 10 points given for every spelling error found in this post... ;))I claim 20 points - "captialization" should be "capitalization" and "linebreaks" should be "line-breaks".

Note: I did this only for the points offered.

[puuukeey]

honestly I wrote it more for mac rumors than for steve. Grammar natzis always amazed me because I'm such a concept oriented person.

All I can think when I get comments like this is "ok whats the more intelegent thing to say? 'your post has no validity because even though you have something to say, you haven't memorized strunk and white!' or 'good point, might wanna work on the grammar but heres what I think about your point...'"

These are the same people that memorized time lines in history class, got As and but couldn't come up with an interesting or original point to save their lives. Now matter how much ray kurzwiel you've read, humans are still smarter than machines. so stop giving me syntax errors and EVOLVE A BIT!

ARG!!!!! FLAME ON!
-matt

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

honestly I wrote it more for mac rumors than for steve.Then why didn't you post it as an open letter to SJ here on MR, instead of actually sending it...? :confused:

And, it sounds like you would be far happier with a OpenBSD, FreeBSD or Linux system than with Mac running OS X. You can still use Apple Hardware, but configure any of those other system with the window system of your choice...
You may even make a creative challenge of it, and see if you can't make a better and cooler looking system than the reigning champions... ;)

[za9ra22]

...Grammar natzis always amazed me because I'm such a concept oriented person.

All I can think when I get comments like this is "ok whats the more intelegent thing to say? 'your post has no validity because even though you have something to say, you haven't memorized strunk and white!' or 'good point, might wanna work on the grammar but heres what I think about your point...'".....

-matt

There will always be those who consider the idea less important than the niceties of its expression. Those are, I think, sad people, and not, I think, reflective of the spirit in which Apple Computers came to being or in which its products are fashioned.

If expression requires exactitude, there would be very little of it worth bothering with at all. And if a complaint needs to be formed in perfect grammar, with perfect spelling and perfect punctuation in order to be read and noted, the chances are the manufacturer won't be listening anyway.

Language is worth nothing if it isn't for communication. There are no rules or rights or wrongs in how you use it, as long as you use it sufficiently to communicate your thoughts. I'm pretty sure Steve Jobs understands that well, even if others appear not to.

[radio893fm]

I believe this is a good letter (not grammatically)... but, if you look around this forum you will immediately know that apple won't care just because most of the people around here feel so aggreviate when apple is criticized...

ohh well... we will have recurring problems for life if we don't demand solutions and have apple-brainwashed kids going the unlogical way to protect our beloved apple!

[YoYoMac]

http://homepage.mac.com/ehodapp/idiot.gif

If you really want to get technical...

When you write a formal piece, you have to write out your numbers if they are less than two digits. So "3" would need to be "three." :D

I am NOT a "Grammar Natzi" I just play one on T.V.