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Apple toaster time

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I'd never buy it unless it ran full OSX with Bootcamp.
 
What, you think there's no room to improve the iPod touch?

Here's what I'd like to see (in addition to the aforementioned camera and GPS):
1. aluminum back, like the iPad
2. storage bump
3. DVR capability
4. vibrate function (for apps that use Push)
5. 16:9 screen
6. removable battery
7. flash
8. optional data-only 3G (like the iPad)
9. USB port

though the only ones I have any chance of seeing are the first and second. :(
Besides those two things, there's nothing else I would really want. I asked that to see what others would want.

re: Aluminum back, it's all preference, really. I like the shiny stainless steel. other's might like the aluminum better. I honestly don't care that much about what they choose, as I like both of them. One isn't really better than the other in my view. My only beef is that shiny stainless steel scratches too easily.

re: DVR capability, such a task would be to intensive for a tiny device like that. Wouldn't you rather use a laptop for that?

re: optional 3g, why wouldn't you just get an iPhone?

re: vibrate, agree, haven't thought of that

re: storage bump, the only reason I didn't mention that is because that the capacity going up is given with every next generation ipod (with the exception being the 2007 iPod Classic to the 2008 iPod Classic)

re: flash, if by that you mean camera flash, then yes, i agree, but they have to put a camera first :eek:
if you mean adobe flash, I'd say yes only if it weren't a resource hog on this
platform

re: 16:9, that's iffy. I would rather they had on the iPhone and that iPod Touch from day 1. Now all the apps are deigned to run 3:2. You can't change it now. And quite frankly, I'd rather see black bars around movies (and you could even get rid of them by zooming if you want) than apps. Besides, most movies aren;t even 16:9, they are an even wider ratio.

re: usb port, why?

Oh, and the iPod Touch should have a microphone now that i think of it.
 
What, you think there's no room to improve the iPod touch?

Here's what I'd like to see (in addition to the aforementioned camera and GPS):
1. aluminum back, like the iPad
2. storage bump
3. DVR capability
4. vibrate function (for apps that use Push)
5. 16:9 screen
6. removable battery
7. flash
8. optional data-only 3G (like the iPad)
9. USB port

though the only ones I have any chance of seeing are the first and second. :(

All iPod Touches have metal backs and the current ones have twice the storage of the iPhone.

You'll see Flash offered when Cupertino freezes over.
 
I've already said this once, but to repeat and note it so I can say "I told you so" with proof, I expect this is exactly where things are headed, and it's not necessarily bad.

More specifically: The reason behind creating the original Mac in 1984 was to have a computer that was an appliance. Though they've in some ways gotten closer over the years, no novice user will honestly think of an OSX based computer in the same category of "automatic function" as their car or TV remote control. The iPhone is the first product that approaches that level of intuitive simplicity.

I would bet that within 5 years, give or take, Apple will have three categories of machines (four if you count servers):

  • Mobile devices, like the iPhone and Touch, that use something similar to the current iPhone OS
  • Consumer devices, taking up the same market space as the iPad, ATV, MacBook, and low-end iMacs, which will run a more advanced, powerful variant of what we now call the iPhone OS.
  • "Pro" devices, which run the more traditional MacOS, that hardware-wise will probably be MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and maybe high-end iMacs.
  • Servers, both for consumer and big-iron use, which are the current XServe and Mac mini.

(snip)

I might be wrong, but I'll betcha this is where we end up. And, hey, so long as they keep making a "Pro" OS for people like me, I'll be happy to see us get there.

I tend to agree with you. My thinking is that desktop computer power has grown well beyond what most users need. I avidly followed the high end models of Macs until about 1998 when I found the latest models exceeded my needs. It was about then that I found my needs for higher portability was becoming a stronger buying motive.

I think OSX mobile is nearly robust enough to do what I need for my work and home needs. Once that is well met, I wonder what the next emerging need may be?
 
As other have said I could see the iphone OS as a dual booting situation like those instant on Linus based OS PC manufactures, like Lenovo, and Sony include on many of their laptops. At least this way it be an OS with better/easier app support than those Linux counterparts offer.


Why bother with dual boot?
Look at the quartz engine and Grand central already do.
Both can take code and pass it to the most capable processor it has on hand.

So they could have a single modular OS that starts with the most restricted device the iPod touch and scales as the interface to a whole range of devices. Some of those devices could have an x86 (or any beefy supported processor) in them and the OS would take advantage when it's on offer. So to the user the transition is seamless.

You do have to get Developers to re-think how their tools work so that things work across the range. To me that's what iPhone OS is, that sort of Reboot.

Now they've reset the ground rules it can expand. Restrictions we have now will reduce as the range expands. Some may stay in place or developers will always need to bear them in mind as they'll always effect some devices.

The other interesting thing that comes out of this idea is instead of One big OS we might have a system that has many little OS running in it with a host OS that composes the results on screen, or even screens which may not be on the same devices. Even just the security

Your not going to get the developer Co-operation to build a system like that within Mac OS X as your always going to have people who hold out. On the other hand build something attractive in it's own right and scale up, and you can get all the worthwhile dev's on board.
 
re: DVR capability, such a task would be to intensive for a tiny device like that. Wouldn't you rather use a laptop for that?

My old Cowon A2, which is a 30gb(later molde went up to 80gb) PMP/mp3 player came out in late 2005, is a 4in device with built in ability to record stuff from your tv, cable box, satellite, or dvd player. The Archos line of device can do the same thing, but most of those required a dock. Again this was back in 2005, so by now one would think the ability to do this could easily fit on an ipod touch.
 
This one article has scared the Mac out of all of us. I think we are taking this so much farther than it is.

How on earth could Apple really fault the big cat operating systems they have pioneered? It won't happen. It can't.
 
Do professionals still use macs? I mean I just got back from a marketing firm in Chicago that had macs two years ago but now running windows machines. I know that macs are gaining market share among consumers but professionals?anyone know?
 
Do professionals still use macs? I mean I just got back from a marketing firm in Chicago that had macs two years ago but now running windows machines. I know that macs are gaining market share among consumers but professionals?anyone know?

I would love to know as well. I imagine for some very specialized areas with specific OSX software it make sense...perhaps video editing (which I know little about). I've been to architecture firms that used Macs, but seeing as most software in that field is still Windows based, I'm not sure why they would?
 

Maybe that person wants a USB so he can hook up his camera or storage device directly and transfer picture or files directly to the Touch, like some older mp3/PMP/PDA could do.

A USB port would really, really open up what I could do with the Touch. Not only could I connect mass storage devices (though this would be most useful), but I could also connect a wired keyboard, a printer, even a beverage cooler if I wanted to. And yes bloodycape, I could do this with my old Archos 604 Wifi, and it was great (though I did need a dock). And like adding an FM radio to the Nano, it couldn't hurt to add USB to the Touch.
 
My old Cowon A2, which is a 30gb(later molde went up to 80gb) PMP/mp3 player came out in late 2005, is a 4in device with built in ability to record stuff from your tv, cable box, satellite, or dvd player. The Archos line of device can do the same thing, but most of those required a dock. Again this was back in 2005, so by now one would think the ability to do this could easily fit on an ipod touch.

In 2004, I had DVR capabilities built-in to my RCA Lyra Jukebox, along with a 3" color screen, video playback, and a kickstand. If I recall, at this point Apple still had the black-and-white clickwheel iPods. Apple's always been behind the curve when it comes to MP3 players, but no one seems to acknowledge that.
 
In 2004, I had DVR capabilities built-in to my RCA Lyra Jukebox, along with a 3" color screen, video playback, and a kickstand. If I recall, at this point Apple still had the black-and-white clickwheel iPods. Apple's always been behind the curve when it comes to MP3 players, but no one seems to acknowledge that.
Yeah, the SQ is what made choose Cowon over RCA, Archos, and Apple. Welcome to your acknowledgement. http://dapreview.net/
 
re: Aluminum back, it's all preference, really. I like the shiny stainless steel. other's might like the aluminum better... My only beef is that shiny stainless steel scratches too easily.

That's the main problem, I always put my iPod down backside up because I know if I don't, it'll get some nasty scratches on the back.

re: DVR capability, such a task would be to intensive for a tiny device like that. Wouldn't you rather use a laptop for that?

As I responded to another poster, my MP3 player from 2004 handled the task just fine.

re: optional 3g, why wouldn't you just get an iPhone?

By "optional," I mean like the iPad, where you aren't forced into a contract and you don't need a voice package.

re: flash, if by that you mean camera flash, then yes, i agree, but they have to put a camera first :eek:
if you mean adobe flash, I'd say yes only if it weren't a resource hog on this
platform
I meant Adobe Flash, the Touch has to gain a camera before it gets a camera flash, no? ;)

re: 16:9, that's iffy. I would rather they had on the iPhone and that iPod Touch from day 1. Now all the apps are deigned to run 3:2. You can't change it now. And quite frankly, I'd rather see black bars around movies (and you could even get rid of them by zooming if you want) than apps. Besides, most movies aren;t even 16:9, they are an even wider ratio.
This is very true. Never mind then.

re: usb port, why?

Mostly mass storage, keyboards, and printers.

Oh, and the iPod Touch should have a microphone now that i think of it.

I thought about this, but decided it would be weird to hold the iPod up to your mouth backwards to record a memo/give a command... unless the microphone were coupled with a video camera, of course. :)
 
That's cool--as long as they keep developing OS X along the way...

OS X was the reason I switched, but I've come to believe that Apple is a hardware company that uses its OS to sell that hardware. An iPhone OS-centric approach wouldn't really shock me.

Micro-server? Not a bad idea, but I think Apple has pretty well staked out the markets it wants to participate in.

Well, I think the iPad will eventually either become the next ultimate macbook pro or Apple is going to convert the macbook pro to a tablet form. If the 2nd is the way the Apple go, they would need to rewrite the entire os to fit on a tablet format. I don't think they have figured out on how to optimized that yet.
 
a person would be severely misinformed to assume that the iphone os isnt going to expand its capabilities and functions from how we see it now. it is osx in modular form. solid, quick, and simple. sounds like a good foundation for a revolutionary OS evolution. dont be scared. apple is apple for a reason.
 
Do professionals still use macs? I mean I just got back from a marketing firm in Chicago that had macs two years ago but now running windows machines. I know that macs are gaining market share among consumers but professionals?anyone know?

Well, depends on which professional market you're talking about.

I'm a photographer and educator. From the different places I've worked and interacting with other peers, Macs are still the primary computer used. At this point, it's just second nature. Everything we do software-side is muscle memory based on the OSX architecture. Plus even if we wanted to make a jump, we're pretty locked in with software. Even if some software was multi-platform, that would involve converting everything over, and possibly at great expense.

That said, the frustration with Apple is getting louder and louder. They've made decisions in the past few years that seem to alienate those who are most dependent on the accuracy of our displays and the power behind our machines. Instead of innovating at the top level and letting this trickle down to the consumer gadgets, Apple is instead "iPhone-izing" their hardware. It's not good.

And let's not forget Apple's squabble with Adobe. If Apple lost Adobe, they lose possibly the entire userbase from the photography/design/illustration sector.
 
Well, depends on which professional market you're talking about.

I'm a photographer and educator. From the different places I've worked and interacting with other peers, Macs are still the primary computer used. At this point, it's just second nature. Everything we do software-side is muscle memory based on the OSX architecture. Plus even if we wanted to make a jump, we're pretty locked in with software. Even if some software was multi-platform, that would involve converting everything over, and possibly at great expense.

That said, the frustration with Apple is getting louder and louder. They've made decisions in the past few years that seem to alienate those who are most dependent on the accuracy of our displays and the power behind our machines. Instead of innovating at the top level and letting this trickle down to the consumer gadgets, Apple is instead "iPhone-izing" their hardware. It's not good.

And let's not forget Apple's squabble with Adobe. If Apple lost Adobe, they lose possibly the entire userbase from the photography/design/illustration sector.

Maybe Apple should just by Adobe.
 
So they're very serious about moving consumers to the iPhone OS, which makes sense - they control it so much more, it's simpler, designed for portability...

But I do hope Steve doesn't get totally bored with the professional market and OS X.

I doubt that will happen, but I will be pissed if it does. An iPhone OS on a MBP or on my Mac Pro would just be crazy.
 
this is not going to be good. see the iphone os on a macbook air or mac mini instead of an actual OS. The user configuration will be gone and Apple will lock everyone into iTunes and its App Store. This does not look promising.
I agree.
 
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Aren't we all worried about fragmentation?

From what I've seen from posters here, the unified nature of iPhone OS devices was one of the positive aspects of what iPhone OS had to offer. With the iPad and potential future devices being released using iPhone OS, that simple hardwareset is starting to change.

Different processors, different cpu speeds, different amounts of ram, different screen sizes... The fragmentation list grows.
 
You are going to see this replacing laptops in the office meeting room, classroom and field visit spaces.

Not replacing laptops in the immediate future. The current generation of users simply aren't ready to move to this, I know I'm not.

The first one that brings a Microsoft Office compatible app suite to this platform is going to cash in big.

Most likely, but again, the usability of the iPad for trying to type something on it currently sucks. You can't put it on a flat surface as it's slightly curved. I can't see people hunched over with it on their legs trying to type on it for any length of time.

One handed use of this thing for typing again is going to just suck.
 
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