fluidinclusion said:
It's also got a slow, cool old G4 in it. My main argument is three-fold:
1. I should not have to hack the OS to get basic functionality that EVERY other company in the world (that I'm aware of) gives you. This isn't the only example of Apple crippling their hardware or software.
On some Dell inspiron laptops (upto 2003 for sure) there was no support for screen spanning. The models effected by this were the "low end" inspiron laptops. A more recent example is my D505 for work that was limited to XGA from the factory. It has the exact same chip-set as my coworkers D505 with native SXGA support. There is a multi part hack that he was able to do on my laptop, to get my SXGA to function. In this case my D505 was the "low end" no frills model and his wasn't.
Since the iBook is the "low end" Apple laptop, it isn't that unique of a concept for apple to "cripple" the iBook to make features on it's up model powerbook look better.
fluidinclusion said:
2. I don't install software that I don't trust. That is especially true for hacks like that. I'm not a programmer, and I'm not going to trust the "it's worked fine on my iBook" word of message board posters (no offense intended).
That is probably smart and is your decision. I think everyone should respect that and leave it alone.
fluidinclusion said:
3. Until I am convinced IN WRITING from Apple (which I won't get) that hacking the OS in this way will not void my warranty, I won't use it. Who says OS 10.4.3 won't prevent you from using the hack? Then I can't use the second monitor I'd have purchased and would be stuck with a more limited machine.
You have already made your argument on this with point #2.
on your nested point
In most cases involving "hacks" like this, a patch is available quite quickly after a major upgrade. I would imagine the combined time you spent posting and arguing on this thread, would net you an upgraded patch or fix needed for this "hack" if Apple were to implement such a change.
fluidinclusion said:
I love Apple - mostly, but this is the same crap that got everyone pissed at them in the 1980's. They had a closed system hardware wise, and most people didn't like that. Now it's all about the software, and they are purposely, unneccessarily crippling the software to force you to buy a $2000 machine. THAT'S NOT RIGHT, and potential switchers will be dissuaded from moving to the Mac platform because of sleazy tactics like this.
Crippling the low models to promote the higher units is something MANY companies in the world do. I can think of many examples from personal electronics, Ham radio equipment, Automobiles, and even Dirt Bikes! I do agree that sometimes the way apple cripples hardware is strange (like the case of the original LC), but you should note that Dell (my example above), HP, and Sony also do this from time to time. Making this issue not unique to apple.
Conclusion on my thoughts
It appears to me that the only point you made, was that you are not comfortable installing 3rd party software on your computer. That is fine and I respect that completely. However, calling out apple because they cripple hardware is foolish, unless you include the many other manufacturers that make the same kinds of business decisions.
