Apple Store Integration In Tiger?

[MacRumors]

Based on some screen shots posted at AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=658), it seems the Apple Online store will be accessible at the system level, offering to link consumable purchases directly from within the new Printer Setup Utility 4.0. The option, when selected, takes the user to the corresponding ink cartridge page within the Apple Online Store. This would surely eliminate the confusion of buying cartidges from the myriad of options for printers, narrowing the field to only products that worked with the user's particular model of printer.

[SilentPanda]

I guess that's not too bad... I do dislike the link on the Apple menu which opens up your web browser to Apple's store... (not at my Mac so I forget what it says)...

[Whigga Spitta]

when you get a dead pixel, will they refer you to the displays section?

[tromboneaholic]

I won't usit it for consumables because Apple is more expensive than Buy.com....


But if it can make Apple a buck, I guess it's OK if a bit annoying.

[Inkmonkey]

I'm sure you'll pay a premium for the convenience. Much like ordering prints from iPhoto.

[slightly]

If you can configure the link to whichever online retailer you prefer (eg eink4u.com), that would be pretty cool. If it confines you to the Apple Store, then there's not a lot of benefit to the customer, unless they like getting *everything* from Apple.

[Zaty]

It's not a bad idea at all. Some not so tech-savvy people will be happy if they just can order new ink cartridges without having to find out what kind of cartridge they need for their printers.

[bcsmith]

This is just another one of those things that makes Mac's more convenient to use - more expensive too, but you don't have to use the service. I'm sure that this will help out some poor schlub along the way so it a good thing(tm).

[pgwalsh]

I'm sure you'll pay a premium for the convenience. Much like ordering prints from iPhoto.Exactly... What would be cool is if they didn't charge a premium and it gave you a variety of stores to purchase from. Sort of like Pricewatch built into the OS...

[wdlove]

It will certainly make web browsing a little more convenient.

[MM2270]

Well, not sure I like the idea too much. I suppose it might be nice for some folks, but if it only links to Apple I don't love it.
Look, I'm a huge Apple fan and long time user. I want them to continue to thrive, but if MS did something like this in their OS, we would all be on here complaining that they were trying to exert their monopoly on the poor witless end user. How is Apple doing this any different?

If it turns out you can link to any store, I'll eat my words. But somehow I doubt that will be the case.

[j33pd0g]

If you can configure the link to whichever online retailer you prefer (eg eink4u.com), that would be pretty cool. If it confines you to the Apple Store, then there's not a lot of benefit to the customer, unless they like getting *everything* from Apple.

I'm sure there'll be some sort of haxie, or 3rd party share-ware that will be able to modify said link. People love messing with new OS's like this.

hmmmm... system wide shopping channels would be cool. After a while (after it catches on) online shops could develope their own channles that work hand in hand with their site.

[Counterfit]

Didn't MS do something similar to this in regards to pictures and/or music? And didn't they almost get in trouble for it?

[dstorey]

I wonder if this is using some sort of web services frame work, probably related to WebObjects,using SOAP et al. At my university they are continually talking about how web services are the future of computing. Using a web service to link into the data on the store woyuld be a nice use of this tech.

[Macaddicttt]

I think this is a good thing. Yes, some people will end up paying more than they should for some things, but those people probably would spend more money buying the wrong things or getting ripped off by some salesman at a big store. This reminds me of a scene I saw at an Apple Store once...

Some guy was inquiring about the G5s, making sure that they could do word processing, email, internet browsing, and databases. And then he wanted to know if he needed the 2.0 over the 1.8. The salesman made no attempt to direct him to the bottom-of-the-line eMac that would have been more than enough power for him.

[wordmunger]

I think this could be good if it linked to a froogle-like interface and allowed you to choose preferred vendors. It could be bad if it forced you to the Apple Store.

[ibjoshua]

Well, not sure I like the idea too much. I suppose it might be nice for some folks, but if it only links to Apple I don't love it.
Look, I'm a huge Apple fan and long time user. I want them to continue to thrive, but if MS did something like this in their OS, we would all be on here complaining that they were trying to exert their monopoly on the poor witless end user. How is Apple doing this any different?

If it turns out you can link to any store, I'll eat my words. But somehow I doubt that will be the case.

what s/he said.

i_b_joshua

[benpatient]

how tragic.

do you really think that there are people who can't read the model number on the front of their printer? What kind of idiots can't figure that out? Worst case, you might have to open the top of the printer and read the big, obvious model number on the top of the ink cartridge. It's just an excuse to try and get that 1% of blind, stupid, lazy people to spend 20-30% more for the same products that they can buy anywhere else just as easily. I suppose our user accounts will have to get our credit card numbers for this to work, right? And gee, sir, we noticed that your version of Photoshop has an upgrade available for only 49.95 with this mail-in rebate, which you can print out only if you buy it through the integrated apple store...don't worry, this only takes up 1% of your processing power, and isn't it worth it for all the convenience?


If this "feature" can't be disabled (and i mean all the way disabled) then I suppose we won't be going to 10.4 in our office.

No way.

[tny]

Didn't MS do something similar to this in regards to pictures and/or music? And didn't they almost get in trouble for it?

As a monopoly, MS is restrained from doing certain things which leverage that monopoly which its competitors (insofar as it has them: mainly Apple) are not constrained from doing.

[akac]

LOTS of idiots. They are called the average user. And considering that many printers have such similar model numbers its not easy to buy ink really.

Nobody is forced to use this. It is an extra convenience factor that is very good to see them putting this in because for the person who just bought their first computer or the person who thinks that Macs use special peripherals and such - it will get them going. Then once they get it from Apple they can go to the store and use it as a reference to buy more if they want.

[ethernet76]

I'm sure this is illegal in some way.

[gwangung]

how tragic.

do you really think that there are people who can't read the model number on the front of their printer?

You don't work with end users, do you? :p

[jdechko]

Not saying that I agree with how apple may be implementing it (id like to know that id be getting the best deal-not necessarily from the apple store), but I think it is where things are heading. Look at services such as NetFlix... rent movies from your computer. People have been buying stuff from the internet for a long time now. Companies like WebVan were slightly ahead of their time, but now they are building/testing smart homes... a refrigerator that knows how much milk you have and when the milk will spoil and will go ahead and order more for you. Id like to know that my computer would have the ABILITY reorder more ink for my printer when the ink level got to a certain level. I think this is just the next step in the evolution of computing and life as we know it.

[swissmann]

Just as long as it will stay out of my way (no pop up reminders) unless I want to use it.

[Fukui]

how tragic.

do you really think that there are people who can't read the model number on the front of their printer?
Unfortunately, yes there are...

[dongmin]

Uhh, the last I checked, the only store iTunes links to is Apple's store. Now I don't hear anyone bitching about Apple "exerting its monopoly pressure" when it comes to iTMS. Give it up people. The implementation is minimal and nonintrusive. It's an option for people who want it.

[lostngone]

I go to load tiger on my old G4 and right after I stick the first install disk in, the apple store loads up a say my computer is to slow, please enter your credit card number to buy a new one. :rolleyes:

Or better yet it does even ask it just places the order.

I'm sorry dave, I can't let you do that........

[Porchland]

Well, not sure I like the idea too much. I suppose it might be nice for some folks, but if it only links to Apple I don't love it.
Look, I'm a huge Apple fan and long time user. I want them to continue to thrive, but if MS did something like this in their OS, we would all be on here complaining that they were trying to exert their monopoly on the poor witless end user. How is Apple doing this any different?


Apple doesn't have a monopoly OS and isn't illegally tying products. That's the difference.

[CholEoptera36]

I dont think it's wrong for Apple to include a link to their own products, the same to be said that i don't think it's wrong when they include their own software packages with the OS.
But I think some other people might have a point that MS would most likely be sued for attempting something like this. At the very least all the whiners on here would cry about how big of a monopoly MS is.

[må¥å]

Why are people getting into a hissyfit about this?

We don't even know enough in regards to it, all we know is that it gives you an option to buy your ink from the Apple Store considering you have an account with them.

You have a choice to use it or not so why bicker over nothing. If there is a pop up alert I am sure you can disable it or activate it.

If you know so much about where to get the low prices then don't use it no one is forcing you to use it. If you want the added convience that is another thing make a link and store it in the dock. Apple is not getting paid to add and supply you with the lopwest deals on everything that is something that the consumer has to shop around for and compare, they business is to make a profit not supply you with the owest prices for XYZ products.

And no Apple is not a monopoly they have given you a choice, its up to you if you want to use it or not. If you consider 3% a monopoly I don't know what you call the remainder percentage :rolleyes: if they seem to be going the same route as M$ well again you still have a choice to use it or not, I don't see you upgrading drivers and obtaining patches when you install your new OS unlike M$ does.


M$ = Walmart (bargain basement prices)

Apple = Designer

You get what you pay for.



take care.

[CholEoptera36]

And no Apple is not a monopoly they have given you a choice, its up to you if you want to use it or not.

Of course they're not a monopoly. But I think people would most definitely make the claim MS is being a monopoly again if it were MS integrading this into their OS.

[SeaFox]

Didn't MS do something similar to this in regards to pictures and/or music? And didn't they almost get in trouble for it?

Yeah I think so, but don't worry, Microsoft never actually gets in trouble for anything.

[CholEoptera36]

Yeah I think so, but don't worry, Microsoft never actually gets in trouble for anything.

Yeah they always seem to squeeze out somehow.

[Dr. Dastardly]

You don't work with end users, do you? :p
Word! I once spent over 20 minutes on the phone trying to calm down a user who demanded that he receive a new computer because it wa fried and won't even turn on. I eventually found that he was just turning on the monitor and not the CPU. :eek:

[CholEoptera36]

Word! I once spent over 20 minutes on the phone trying to calm down a user who demanded that he receive a new computer because it wa fried and won't even turn on. I eventually found that he was just turning on the monitor and not the CPU. :eek:

I think I'd shoot myself if I was that guy :p :D

[point665]

My grandmother and grandfather have asked me to pick out a computer for them and teach them howto use it when I goto Finland. I already know I will be getting them a iMac G5 or if eMacs are sill out then possibly a eMac... It is ideas and solutions just like this ordering print cartridges, and ordering iPhoto prints that makes Macs so much more userfriendly for beginners. I know we experienced users go "its for noobs" or some even refer to things like these as "gay" but then Apple is showing the world how easy using a computer can be. OSX has always been easy to use while retaining that power for us experienced users, and thats what makes it so great.

[må¥å]

Of course they're not a monopoly. But I think people would most definitely make the claim MS is being a monopoly again if it were MS integrading this into their OS.


Here is the odd twist, since you can run Windows, Linux, *nix (via X11), etc...on Apple they have kept the users to choose.


However on the Windows side this is not possible, thus the whole monopoly thing comes into play.


And lets not forget about M$ implementation of 3rd party software *ahem* JAVA whoch they had a hugh case some years back, poor implementation. That is not playing fair, Apple on the other hand has told it developers that it uses the most recent available to public Java build that SUN has to offer.

[JFreak]

i don't want apple to do it. in my opinion, it's ok to offer a downloadable interface TO the apple store IN the apple store for anyone who wants to use a dedicated app, but bundling the app into the operating system is no better than what microsoft has always been doing. i want apple to do the right thing, even if it costs some market share...

[billyboy]

You already have a link to download the latest Mac software built into the system. The Apple site is neither the only source of software for Mac, nor is it obligatory to get the software from Apple when you get to the page, nor is it obligatory to even hit the option in the menu bar in the first place.

Apple want ways of getting people to go to their online store and have a look around. They arent dear as poison for everything, they do have deals, and with the extra link to the store, the more people they think are browsing the store, the more deals they are likely to offer, so making it better for everyone.

And if you want cheap cartridges, my dad knows a place ...

[idkew]

i think this is cool. great for not techie people who just want to get the cartridge, no hassles.

i will be going elsewhere for mine, but my grandma would prolly use this service.

plus, a nice little bit of income for apple never hurts. more money in the pocket (not like $5,000,000,000 isn't enough) never hurts.

[SiliconAddict]

how tragic.

do you really think that there are people who can't read the model number on the front of their printer? What kind of idiots can't figure that out?

The same people who can't figure out a two-button mouse. :o

Sorry there was a mouse discussion on the boards earlier and I couldn't help myself. :D

[Eric_Z]

I would imagine that the independent Apple resellers might get a little upset with this if you can't change it to link to them instead.

I don't know if they would have enough to file a lawsuit though.

[h00ligan]

This is just another one of those things that makes Mac's more convenient to use - more expensive too, but you don't have to use the service. I'm sure that this will help out some poor schlub along the way so it a good thing(tm).


apple is doing it so it's convenient, but when microsoft does it it's anti competetive..

bs. it's crap from any company.. if they dont' givethe option to change it to another store at least.

t rakes my nerves that people appluad behaviour like this from apple but god forbid M$ do something similar.

stop being hypocrites people. - no offense to the quoted poster.. i have no idea what his/her thoughts are when other companies do this.

[rwclark]

I'm not a fan. I think commercial aspects should be kept out of the OS as much as possible.

[vga4life]

If it stays out of my way, fine. If it's an unremovable apple-menu item, i'll blow a gasket. Just the thought of it boils my blood.

*DON'T DO IT, APPLE!*

I'll toss my Mac out the window if I have to have a goddamn ad in front of my face all day.

-vga4life

[aftk2]

bs. it's crap from any company.. if they dont' givethe option to change it to another store at least.


Bah. It's not anticompetitive if they don't give you an easy option to change it. They don't have to do anything. I'd rather they not make a fancy GUI for changing store preferences, as it would detract from other things they should be working on instead.

Now, when this inevitably gets hacked by someone to allow end users to easily change where it points, if Apple throws a fit and orders the software to come down...then that would be anticompetitive.

[WM.]

how tragic.

do you really think that there are people who can't read the model number on the front of their printer? What kind of idiots can't figure that out? Worst case, you might have to open the top of the printer and read the big, obvious model number on the top of the ink cartridge. It's just an excuse to try and get that 1% of blind, stupid, lazy people to spend 20-30% more for the same products that they can buy anywhere else just as easily. I suppose our user accounts will have to get our credit card numbers for this to work, right? And gee, sir, we noticed that your version of Photoshop has an upgrade available for only 49.95 with this mail-in rebate, which you can print out only if you buy it through the integrated apple store...don't worry, this only takes up 1% of your processing power, and isn't it worth it for all the convenience?
Need to loosen that tinfoil hat there, bro...
If this "feature" can't be disabled (and i mean all the way disabled) then I suppose we won't be going to 10.4 in our office.

No way.
Um, why not? It's just a menu item. I mean, WTF, your users won't even see it unless they're running Printer Setup Utility for some reason (but that should be left to the admins, right?).

I hope you were joking...

[Foxer]

This would surely eliminate the confusion of buying cartidges from the myriad of options for printers, narrowing the field to only products that worked with the user's particular model of printer.

Myriad is an adjective, not a noun.

[Rower_CPU]

Myriad is an adjective, not a noun.

It's both: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=myriad

[spud]

i agree that waht apple is doing is neither illegal nor unconventional.
but i'd expect more from apple.
this ranges from the apple store link in the apple menu to their built-in iTunes music store to their unwillingness to let anybody else use AAC.
these are all the right thing to do in business, but not in the rest of the world.
they should licence aac, and they should, if they're going to build any online shopping into the OS, it should be like froogle.google.com's, with a variety of stores and options.
i don't think this is going to happen, as it would lose apple a lot of money and it's a corporation just like any other, but it is what should happen.
hey, at least their OS is build on open-source foundations...

[Dr. Dastardly]

What is everyone talking about with a giant ad infront of them demanding that they upgrade Photoshop or buy a new product all together? Look, the way I see it is its just like how your computer works now. When your printer ink is bone dry your computer tells you and says that it can't print. You have to take the print cartridge out and go to the store and get it replaced. Tiger it looks like there is an option to order it right through Apple's site, and it will have the exact model of cartridge ink needed for the printer. But to go to buy supplies you still have to go to it. It won't come with some internet popup taking you directly to the Apple store. I can get ink at other places for cheap I'm sure and probably won't use this feature all to much. But I know a few people that will use this feature almost exclusivly if they had it. I think its brillant business by Apple and if this is the sort of thing Tiger will bring to the table I'm all in.

Besides if you are dead set on NOT buying from Apple except the thousands you already spent buying on computer equipment then I'm willing to bet that you can change the store and order it from new egg or whatever. Or at least a hack of some sort to allow this as well.

[h00ligan]

It's both: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=myriad


thanks for correcting dr grammar

[Longey Nowze]

iTunes has a link that says "shop for iTunes products" Apple Menu has a link that says "Mac OS X software" and there are many more... so this isn't as big as it sounds, is it? I don't mind them, i never used them, I might but I don't know..

[jestershinra]

Didn't MS do something similar to this in regards to pictures and/or music? And didn't they almost get in trouble for it?

Actually, the MS thing was pretty minor. There was a link to buy music, I think, but the link isn't important. It was in the start menu, and it linked to the MS music store. Problem was, it opened up IE every time- couldn't change it. People screamed bloody murder, and MS changed it.

[Counterfit]

a refrigerator that knows how much milk you have and when the milk will spoil and will go ahead and order more for you. For some reason, this reminds me of that new fridge from LG that has a TV in it.




WHAT THE **** DO YOU NEED A TV IN A REFRIGERATOR FOR!!??? :mad:

[bcsmith]

Too be honest, this isn't a bad thing. Apple isn't forcing you to buy ink from the Apple Store - they are just making it easier to do so. You can still go to your favorite store to pick up an ink cartridge. You can even use your favorite online retailer to purchase one. Apple isn't taking away any functionality, they are only adding.

In short, if you don't like it, don't use it. If it is worth it to you, enjoy the convenience.

[SiliconAddict]

In short, if you don't like it, don't use it. If it is worth it to you, enjoy the convenience.


The problem is this can go both ways. If this was MS they would be chastised for using their OS to advertise products. But since its Apple and they are a small time player its seen as “providing a service”.
It brings up the continuing debate of where the line should be drawn for what an OS provides? Is bundleware a good or bad thing? Should a monopoly have the same privileges that its smaller competition has?

*shrugs* At the end of the day I guess at least Apple's implementation is going to be seen as no different then any other service Apple bundles with its OS. (iPhoto's printing, .MAC, etc.)

[Fukui]

Should a monopoly have the same privileges that its smaller competition has?
No. They would always be a monoploy if that were the case. If apple were to ever become a monopoly... I would expect the same restriction be placed on them. Monopoly from anyone is bad.

[JFreak]

bundleware is a bad thing - where does it end? apple is already going the opposite direction, as it ships iLife with a separate package. the next step would be to remove iLife apps from operating system releases and keeping them separate altogether. let's see if apple has the guts to do so.

it wouldn't be any kind of a problem for apple, as they could still keep system restore discs as they are now (because both operating system and iLife packages are included with a computer purchase). it would however be so cool to be able to install a very clean operating system from the retail disc, and then be able to select wanted iApps from the iLife retail disc. that's a choise apple should offer for the people who actually install software - the rest could just keep using the restore disc, should they ever need to reinstall their system at all.

to repeat myself: i don't want apple to bundle applestore.app into the operating system. it's a different story if it's a part of iLife, or a downloadable app. but bundle it into the operating system? no! what purpose would that app serve for the system? it's already slightly bad thing (in theory!) that apple bundles the music store into the operating system (actually it's bundled into itunes which belongs to iLife, but currently iLife is bundled into the operating system).

[SeaFox]

Too be honest, this isn't a bad thing. Apple isn't forcing you to buy ink from the Apple Store - they are just making it easier to do so. You can still go to your favorite store to pick up an ink cartridge. You can even use your favorite online retailer to purchase one. Apple isn't taking away any functionality, they are only adding.

Ooo! Oooo! Can I rewrite this one?
<hops in Wayback Machine to 1997>

Too be honest, this isn't a bad thing. Microsoft isn't forcing you to use Internet Explorer as your web browser - they are just making it easier to do so. You can still go to your favorite store to pick up Netscape Communicator. You can even use your favorite online retailer to purchase a copy. Microsoft isn't taking away any functionality, they are only adding.

Moral: Consumerists will reach for the lowest hanging fruit, even if it's full of worms.

[kettle]

bundleware is a bad thing - where does it end?

and how does it end?

Thin end of the wedge.
I don't like Software Update either.
But I can't think of a reason why it is intrusive. I just never download from it, just double check.

anyone know where I get the stand alone installer for iPhoto 2.0.1?
just one reason I may have to start using it.

I was forced to.

and that's why I call it a wedge

[JFreak]

software updater is in my opinion a good thing, it only updates what you already have installed; however, apple should offer the same method for 3rd parties too - it would be nice to be notified when for example photoshop gets a minor update.

[ojames]

looks like apple legal had the screengrabs of the AppleStore integration removed from appleinsider. now instead of the screenshots I get

"Item removed under threat of litigation by Apple Computer."

So i guess all these reports on new tiger builds on the site are the real deal?

[Maxx Power]

looks like apple legal had the screengrabs of the AppleStore integration removed from appleinsider. now instead of the screenshots I get

"Item removed under threat of litigation by Apple Computer."

So i guess all these reports on new tiger builds on the site are the real deal?

Terrible idea, self-aggrandizing to the max, advertising all over our lives...
Soon, they'll pick for us what to buy, watch, listen and enjoy, oh wait, they've already started on that....

[bcsmith]

Ooo! Oooo! Can I rewrite this one?
<hops in Wayback Machine to 1997>

Too be honest, this isn't a bad thing. Microsoft isn't forcing you to use Internet Explorer as your web browser - they are just making it easier to do so. You can still go to your favorite store to pick up Netscape Communicator. You can even use your favorite online retailer to purchase a copy. Microsoft isn't taking away any functionality, they are only adding.

Moral: Consumerists will reach for the lowest hanging fruit, even if it's full of worms.

Microsoft didn't get in trouble for bundling IE with Windows - otherwise Apple would be in trouble for bundling Safari. Microsoft got in trouble for forcing computer manufacturer to put IE's icon on the desktop and not allowing other browsers to be pre-installed. This was an abuse of its monopolistic postion.

Apple avoids this issue because they make the hardware as well. If they were still licensing the OS out and prohibited other manufacturer from add something that would allow customers to buy ink in any other way, then this would be bad. For now, it is just added convenience.

[SeaFox]

Microsoft didn't get in trouble for bundling IE with Windows - otherwise Apple would be in trouble for bundling Safari. Microsoft got in trouble for forcing computer manufacturer to put IE's icon on the desktop and not allowing other browsers to be pre-installed. This was an abuse of its monopolistic postion.


Microsoft never got in trouble at all. There was a long drawn out thing in the court system that resulted in restrictions being made in how Microsoft does business, to be overseen by a group hired by Microsoft, that have been violated since then with no repercussions by the U.S. courts.

What resulted is Microsoft won the Browser Wars. They won because of the monopolistic practices. What was the gov't going to do? Force a huge swath of people to start using Netscape again? It was done. There was no way to "do-over" the whole thing. Microsoft got what they wanted at the expense of consumers. For years after that everyone on Windows has had to pay for their stupidity? gullibility? I dunno.

The point of my example wan't whether Apple doing it is legal or not. It's whether it is good for competition or not. And in this case I say it's not.

[CholEoptera36]

What apple is practicing by integrading advertisment of their products into their OS hurts other smaller companies the same way MS does. As far as the principle of what they're doing goes, Apple doesn't have to be as big as MS for it to be wrong, nor do they have to be the size of MS to hurt other companies by doing so. It's not fair to other companies for Apple to include links to sell their own products in their own OS without including alternatives other than their own company as a source for the products.

It's the same practice that monopolistic companies like MS does, only Apple isn't that big yet. It still hurts companies smaller than Apple though, which IMO follows the same footsteps as a monopoly.

[SeaFox]

^ ^ ^

nice to see someone gets it.

[Codemonkey]

OK, I don't get it. Is Tiger making you order ink (presumably from Apple) at gunpoint?

I kind of expected more from the Apple community. We tend to be bright folk most of the time (though a bit fanatical), and can usually be rational and level headed when it comes to 'nice to have' features.

Instead I see comments like "Nuh-uh, there's no way in Redmond that we'll be upgrading to Tiger! Nosir. Idon'tlikeit."

For those of you that need to disable it "all the way": When you're out of ink, avert your eyes (we'd hate for you to read something against your will), get your jacket on, get in your car and drive to [insert thecheapestplacetogetinkfrom here]. Voila. Crisis averted, and you still get to experience all the juicy goodness of Tiger. For those of you that truly have no clue (nor the ambition) how to procure a new ink cartridge: let us know how it works for ya!

[Codemonkey]

Ooo! Oooo! Can I rewrite this one?
[snip]

Moral: Consumerists will reach for the lowest hanging fruit, even if it's full of worms.

Uh, that was almost good: I think you mean consumers. Consumerists are a whole 'nuther breed (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=consumerist).

[Codemonkey]

What apple is practicing by integrading advertisment of their products into their OS hurts other smaller companies the same way MS does. As far as the principle of what they're doing goes, Apple doesn't have to be as big as MS for it to be wrong, nor do they have to be the size of MS to hurt other companies by doing so. It's not fair to other companies for Apple to include links to sell their own products in their own OS without including alternatives other than their own company as a source for the products.

It's the same practice that monopolistic companies like MS does, only Apple isn't that big yet. It still hurts companies smaller than Apple though, which IMO follows the same footsteps as a monopoly.

I still don't get how this is "hurting" other companies. For example, say I buy a brand new phone. The guy comes by, plugs it in for me, and slaps a sticker on the side: "For cheap long distance call..." So now, every time I use my phone, I'm reminded of this handy number I can call. But wait! Holy CRAP! There are dozens - nay, hundreds of other good, upstanding long distance companies out there that might not get a fair shake!

Where's the local Troubleshooter in this fine example of opportunistic capitalism?

:D

Of course, it's late and I feel like arguing...

[SeaFox]

Uh, that was almost good: I think you mean consumers. Consumerists are a whole 'nuther breed (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=consumerist).

Ouch, thank you. I was not aware of that definition.

I was using a personal definition, where a consumerist is like part of a flock of sheep, a drone to marketting and the promise of consumption. Someone who does not make informed decisions. Sucked in by the hype, ect. I try to distance this type of person from the term "consumer" because a consumer can be informed and in a way, we ALL are consumers. But I personally separate the population into groups like this. The consumerists (by my definition), the non-consumerists (people who are unaffected by slick marketting and above the hype), and there are other groups I wont go into.

Actually, the second and third definition on your link tie in to my idea.

[Super Dave]

iTunes has a link that says "shop for iTunes products" Apple Menu has a link that says "Mac OS X software" and there are many more... so this isn't as big as it sounds, is it? I don't mind them, i never used them, I might but I don't know..

And iPhoto has a link to buy iPhoto stuff too!. The Apple menu has a link to their downloads page. I can't believe that people are freaking out about a single menu item in a program very few people ever actually look in the menu of anyway.

Mac OS X has it, iTunes has it, iPhoto. As far as I know GarageBand, iMovie and iDvd might too, but I'm too lazy to open them up. And if all of these have it, who gives a crap about a silly little printer utility?!

Nothing is new here.

David :cool:

[moorghan]

I think you're all missing the point.

If this feature is tied to webservices, then, in theory, any ink retailer could offer a plug-in for Tiger users that would allow them instant purchasing capability on any site. Users could select a source via a drop down menu, and a price would be displayed next to the appropriate cartridge.

There was an article a while back (I forget where?) about the possibility of Apple offering customized iTunes stores to Universities. This is a similar thing. I doubt Apple will ever go with a subscription service (and rightly so), but instead Universities could buy customizable iTunes services, offering locally hosted, free downloads of various types of orientation info, class notes and assignments, maybe even the audio equivalent of photocopied readings! The sky's the limit, I guess.

Given Apple's niche marketshare, it makes far more sense for Apple to compete in the services space than in the retail space.

[moorghan]

Just found this article, check it out:

http://www.ahorre.com/archives/2004/09/duke_university.html

Anyone have any info about what "modeled after" means? I couldn't find anything significant on Duke's website.

[slughead]

This is very, very bad.

If I had to shut off a buying feature in every Apple application I use, I'd be pretty damn annoyed iTunes is bad enough.

However, if they did this instead of charging for updates, I'd be all for it!.. as long as they don't sacrifice R&D for the task of putting ads in their OS.. which they inevitably would do.

[EDIT: WOOT! THIS POST BRINGS ME TO Mac Rumors 6502! hoorah]

[CholEoptera36]

I still don't get how this is "hurting" other companies. For example, say I buy a brand new phone. The guy comes by, plugs it in for me, and slaps a sticker on the side: "For cheap long distance call..." So now, every time I use my phone, I'm reminded of this handy number I can call. But wait! Holy CRAP! There are dozens - nay, hundreds of other good, upstanding long distance companies out there that might not get a fair shake!

Then don't complain next time MS uses their size over Apple to not allow Apple to get a piece of the pie.

[EDIT]that is, if you really don't think this kind of thing hurts other smaller companies.

[Codemonkey]

Then don't complain next time MS uses their size over Apple to not allow Apple to get a piece of the pie.

[EDIT]that is, if you really don't think this kind of thing hurts other smaller companies.

Erm. Have you ever heard this from me?

No, I didn't think so.

FWIW, I work in a 100% Wintel/ ASP.net environment very comfortably.

It's called Capitalism. Get used to it.

[atomiton]

and while they're at it... link to other music stores in iTunes.

Hate to say it, but i prefer MS "music mall" more than apple's.

it makes the store compete with library.

Sure, make it so they have to pay apple a small fee per download... but give me a choice of AAC DRM music.

[CholEoptera36]

Erm. Have you ever heard this from me?

No, I didn't think so.

FWIW, I work in a 100% Wintel/ ASP.net environment very comfortably.

It's called Capitalism. Get used to it.

I realized after I typed that how I was accusing you of saying that but no I haven't ever heard you say it, so my appologies.

Let me rather rephrase my last post in a question for you:
Your earlier post sounds like you don't think this action Apple is taking will hurt smaller companies.
My question, If you don't think this type of thing hurts smaller companies, then do you also think MS doesn't hurt Apple when they pull stunks like these?
An example would be when MS used it's size and power to standardize IE and run Netscape into the ground.

Just to make an after note, yes I do believe, IMO, that this integration has the same potential to hurt smaller companies as the practices of MS. And that in further releases of mac OS, this integration can play a much larger roll in standardizing the way consumers buy products for their computers through Apple only. I definitely see the potential.

[JonMaker]

What if there are ppl out there who have money to burn, but no spare time?
This feature (like most of everything Mac) would be great for them! :o