Apple PDA. Post Your Pics

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
groovebuster...

One, I want the internet provider of MY choice, not one forced upon me.

Who says that you only will have one provider? There will be several, like for normal phone lines.

Two, Widespread high speed internet is many years away. Even then, you will need to sign up for it.

Define many... 5? That's not a lot! 5 years ago most people even couldn't spell the word "internet". In 5 years a lot will have changed. Here in Europe UMTS is around the corner and that is just the beginning. xDSL and Cable-Internet is becoming more an more popular. I didn't mean that this process of change will be "finished" in 2 years, but it will come and it will start sooner that you might imagine.

Three, m$ tried to have the subscription base for windblows, not gonna happen. Too many people screamed about their proposal where if you didn't get it, they were going to charge you even more. People (at least in the US) don't like to be forced into anything.

I am pretty sure that both concepts will coexist for quite a while. Also it could be good for the competition and on the long run it would be probably even cheaper than buying the software, because all the people would have to pay for using software and not just 20% and the rest is illegal copies. It wasn't Microsofts idea to, but they tried it first. And it was just too early. It will come again, mark my words!

Four, internet via electrial wirings?? Not all that viable at this point. That MIGHT work within your home, provided you have the necessary hardware to do it. You still need to get the source signal into the house.

So little trust in technical progress? Here in Europe there are already projects based on that technique and it works pretty nice. It would be a nice way to connect far of places without having to put another wire in the ground. Saves a lot of money.

I don't know how they think over in Germany, but we are free thinkers over here.

Could you please stop those hidden offenses. You don't know anything about Germany, that is OK but embarassing enough for you. But don't be so ignorant to believe that the US are the only place in the world, where people are free, intelligent and educated.

I want more options/choices, not less. If I want to go someplace with nothing other then a power generator (off the power grid) and use my laptop to do up some 3D projects or photoshop work, I want to be able to.

Nobody says that you are not able to do that anymore. I just questioned, if the majority of people needs that. Maby you shoudl read again what I wrote.

As for the annual updates, I know of only one product that ASKS you to update a subscription after the one year of free service is up. That is NAV, and even then, you can deny it and still get the updates.

That was not my point. Please reread what I wrote.

I know more then a few people using old versions (more then a few years old) of Photoshop, Quark, and Illustrator (among other applications) because they didn't FEEL like updating to the newer versions.

I know, it is the same here. That's exactly why e.g. Adobe is not very healthy these days. Not enough people buy an update of their software. But I am pretty sure you would be more than willing to pay 100$ per year to use Photoshop and having the option anytime to update to the newest version or to stick with the old one. Just how you prefer it!

It is not uncommon for software companies to allow you to update from any version within the past several years to the latest at the update price. That includes BOTH Illustrator and Photoshop. For Illustrator, I believe that you can update from version 7 (forward) to version 10 for the update price. I went from version 8 to 10, without buying version 9 and had no problems updating.

With that "renting" model it wouldn't matter anymore. You can work with any version you want to.

I can't think of any additional holes to shoot through your posting at this point. Maybe more will come to me as the day progresses .

You are really addicted to guns I guess!

But so far I don't see any holes, you always missed!

groovebuster

 

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by groovebuster


I don't know how they think over in Germany, but we are free thinkers over here.

Could you please stop those hidden offenses. You don't know anything about Germany, that is OK but embarassing enough for you. But don't be so ignorant to believe that the US are the only place in the world, where people are free, intelligent and educated.

my god, you hit a sore point with me...i am a teacher part time and sometimes tutor/aid...and in the usa

among the developed nations of the world, the usa ranks near the bottom in education and education spending

we have tons of schools, and tons of schools that teach computer related fields, but we are constantly hiring techies educated in other countries to fill what few slots we have in silicon valley

sure, we have some visionaries and good techies, but the foreign techies i meet, especially the indians and chinese, are far more educated in computer science and engineering than their american silicon valley counterparts

and if an american tries to think we are an empire that rules over everything, then why do most americans i meet want european cars (if they have the money), asian electronics, and foreign food?

we are a global community now and it seems my fellow americans are the last to realize that...and if it hasn't happened already, one by one, we are finding out that the world does not revolve around us

try to solve the problem in the middle east?

...heck, we can't do it with all our immense resources and military might in the decades we have tried to intervene and it is hard to feel so helpless watching our efforts fail time and again while innocent people get slaughtered on both sides

i almost can't watch the news anymore...every day is a 9-11 for israel

 

[groovebuster]

There is a german saying:

Reisen bildet!

... means something like "travelling educates"!

I guess a lot of people wouldn't be so ignorant if they would get around more in the world. And I don't mean one of those "14 european cities in 5 days tours".

My wife is canadian and I am sometimes shocked how little north americans know about the "outside world", since I have instant contact to North America caused by family ties.

Sometimes I have the impression people think we still live on trees. Very surprising, regarding the fact, that some of them drive BMWs, Mercedes or Volkswagen, use SAP-Software in their company.... the list could be endless.

Is Hitler still alive and in power? .... not only one time that somebody asked me that. Or if we have refrigators in Germany... that's also one of the top rankings.

My wife says that in North America european (and german) history stops with the end of WWII. I don't wonder that kids call me a nazi over there, since they never learned what happened in the meantime to Germany, that it is the 3rd biggest export economy of the world, even ist is that small, that we earn as much as people in Norh America and that our living standard in average ist even higher than there (as far as I experienced it).

It is annoying, but you get kind of used of it. Also that american tourists insist on talking english to you, even they are in a foreign country and most of them are upset when they meet someone who's not capable of their language... I wonder what would happen if I would start to talk german or french in the US?

I don't want to start a fight about all that, it is just that it happend so often to me, that it is hard to be ignored. I don't know a lot of countries where americans are very welcomed, because they (almost) always act as if the own the world.

Besides that I have some very wonderful friends in the USA that I wouldn't like to miss... So I am not someone who is generalizing. I always try to be neutral, when I meet a person the first time.... I just wish the other people in general would be the same and more open-minded about other countries and cultures...

Regards,

groovebuster

 

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by jefhatfield
and if an american tries to think we are an empire that rules over everything, then why do most americans i meet want european cars (if they have the money), asian electronics, and foreign food?

Don't count me among those... For me made in the USA actually means something. Take pride in what your country produces (whatever country you are in) and support the local economy. I for one, will never buy a foreign vehicle (auto/truck or motorcycle). I don't care how people rave about toy...ota's or other's, they are not for me.

As for asian electronics, I have a Sony tv and dvd player because I had those when I was growing up, and know they stand up to long term use well. In electronics, I have to agree that there are makers out there better then the US... One reason I think that happened, is they wanted the market more and the American companies got too relaxed. RCA might make a good product, but (again, for ME) unless they are just as good, or better, then a Sony, I won't buy it. Also, electronics are produced (for the most part) in asian countries because the labor costs are cheaper. Why else are there so many plants over there?? Apple for instance has more then a few over there to produce their parts/systems, while the design work is done over here.

One thing about American's (at least most of the ones I know), we have a lot of brand loyalty. Even if I have problems with a Mac, or Ford vehicle, I work with them to get issues resolved and give them the benefit of the doubt. Mainly because I have had excellent results with them in the past. If I was to get an European vehichle, it would have to be flawless and run like a dream forever, or I wouldn't get another.

Whenever I go to make a purchase, I look at the US brands first. I am getting ready to make a purchase of a food processor (since I am just now starting to need one). The brand I am looking at first is Kitchenaid. I would LOVE to have one of their large mixers, but I don't have the need just yet. I don't care if you can get a foreign brand for less, I know it will last me a long time (might even last longer then me).

That is MY take on it, I don't expect anyone else to follow it, but it works for me. I purchase products that I know will last, though personal experience or family members that have had good results with them.

 

[groovebuster]

I have quite some comments about your reply...

Don't count me among those... For me made in the USA actually means something. Take pride in what your country produces (whatever country you are in) and support the local economy. I for one, will never buy a foreign vehicle (auto/truck or motorcycle). I don't care how people rave about toy...ota's or other's, they are not for me.

Hmmm.... then you shouldn't buy a Chrysler, since Mercedes took it over. Or what about a BMW Z3 or X5? Both are produced in the US. It is not that simple anymore these days. Companies are global players. I bet that some of your supported companies are already taken over by companies not located in the US. That whole pride thing is kinda strange to me... I guess europeans, especially germans are really different on that...

But in general you can say, that also the american economy wouldn't be as wealthy as it is without the rest of the world and there are more dependencies than it shows on the surface.

As for asian electronics, I have a Sony tv and dvd player because I had those when I was growing up, and know they stand up to long term use well. In electronics, I have to agree that there are makers out there better then the US...

Only there? Are you sure? Not only that you contradict yourself somehow with that statement, from experience it is like that for a lot of things (and I don't talk about german products in particular). Made in USA is anything but a guarantee for quality. In general I experienced the opposite with things really made in USA. No offense intended, it is just what I experienced. Especially the vehicles lack a lot of quality. I own a Dodge Caravan in Canada. I never had a car that was broken that often as this car... just an example of many I could tell you.

Talking about computers... the parts are normally build in far east (Asia) and their quality standards are one of the best in whole world. The Hardware of my Mac G4 is built in Asia, even the brand is american. Another proof how global the economy is these days. So is it an american product now or not?? I think that question can't be answered clearly.

So it is OK when you say it is important for you to support the local economy, no problem with that. But still try to be objective about the quality.

One reason I think that happened, is they wanted the market more and the American companies got too relaxed.

We have the same effect here in Germany. All my consumer electronics are japanese. Why? Because since decades they offer better value and (normally) better quality.

The few german brands we still have are producing 95% of their stuff in asia now, only the brand name is left from old days.

That's how a global economy works...

One thing about American's (at least most of the ones I know), we have a lot of brand loyalty. Even if I have problems with a Mac, or Ford vehicle, I work with them to get issues resolved and give them the benefit of the doubt. Mainly because I have had excellent results with them in the past. If I was to get an European vehichle, it would have to be flawless and run like a dream forever, or I wouldn't get another.

So you say you never would buy one but if it would have to run like a dream? How can you know, if you never tried one? My Dodge isn't a dream, it's a night-mare... and I can tell you that I will nevere buy one again, except someone can convince that the quality improved.

I also have brand-loyalty, but normally that is not dependend if the thing was manufactured in germany or anywhere else in the world. I am a Mac-User since 12 years, i guess that tells a lot. But still it is probably not objective... hard to say. Well, if I get a german product with the same quality I maybe would be willing to pay even a few bucks more, but my "pain level" is pretty low on that. It is always a question of value. If the german product sucks for that price, they shall move their asses to be competitve.

Whenever I go to make a purchase, I look at the US brands first. I am getting ready to make a purchase of a food processor (since I am just now starting to need one). The brand I am looking at first is Kitchenaid. I would LOVE to have one of their large mixers, but I don't have the need just yet. I don't care if you can get a foreign brand for less, I know it will last me a long time (might even last longer then me).

As I said, it is not only a question of price, also the quality and design. If a local brand sucks it don't buy it. Why should I waste my money??

That is MY take on it, I don't expect anyone else to follow it, but it works for me. I purchase products that I know will last, though personal experience or family members that have had good results with them.

Interesting how different opinions can be... but I guess you have to think more global earlier or later anyway, we'll see. Maybe here in Europe we don't have a lot of problems with that, since here are a lot of cultures and economies under one roof in the EU anyway.

groovebuster

 

[mischief]

Dont bother....

Americans have isolationism built in like the ****ed up wiring in old English cars. It's all contradictory and backward, ignoring logic but that's how it is.

As a Canadian living in the US I have seen more fannatical ignorance than I would ever have thought possible.

In what other country do "Environmentalists" strap themselves to trees when PLANTING them would be more productive?

American anti-globalism is the most entertaining considering American companies are the most responsible. If you want to fight globalism yer gonna have to go Amish cuz we went Global a century ago, what we're seeing now is just the result of faster infrastructure. Once the UK had itself spred all over the place we were Global. That's all there is too it. Deal.

As to "Made in the USA".

I've bought VCR's where there were Japanese instructions on the case back detailing where to put the "made in USA" sticker so don't believe all you see.

Get over it folks.......assembly and textiles are going over seas and that's the end of it.

 

[AlphaTech]

Ford trucks are what I am buying... Ford is still an American company, as is Harley-Davidson. Those are the two vehilces that I own, and have NO intention of EVER owning a car again.

If I have to explain why I ride a Harley, you wouldn't be able to comprehend the answer...

Germans... sheeeeesh... get over yourself.

 

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Germans... sheeeeesh... get over yourself.

An impressing demonstration of american ignorance and arrogance!

Thanks, you made my day! You just confirmed everything I said with one little sentence!

groovebuster

P.S.: Have fun maintaining your Harley all the time, while I am riding my motorcycle!

 

[mischief]

As I recall.........

Harley Davidson was acquired by a German company.

 

[AlphaTech]

Re: As I recall.........

Originally posted by mischief
Harley Davidson was acquired by a German company.

Two words... bull and sh*t... Harley is self owned. This happened back in the 80's when they bought the company from AMF. They also went onto the stock exchange and became a public company. Since then, it has remained in the same hands, NOT bought by another company.

I don't know where you got your information from, but it is probably someone's pipe dream.

BTW. BMW bikes are butt-f*cking ugly.... Harley's are works of art.

 

[AlphaTech]

Originally posted by groovebuster


An impressing demonstration of american ignorance and arrogance!

Thanks, you made my day! You just confirmed everything I said with one little sentence!

groovebuster

P.S.: Have fun maintaining your Harley all the time, while I am riding my motorcycle!

You must be thinking of Harley back in the AMF days... Since they bought themselves from AMF, quality has gone through the roof. No oil leaks (at all) and a final drive belt that will go approx. 85,000 miles before needing to be changed (if not longer).

Get out of the past and into the present... and get your ugly motorcycle out of my face... (I'm assuming it is a BMW POC).

 

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by AlphaTech


You must be thinking of Harley back in the AMF days... Since they bought themselves from AMF, quality has gone through the roof. No oil leaks (at all) and a final drive belt that will go approx. 85,000 miles before needing to be changed (if not longer).

Get out of the past and into the present... and get your ugly motorcycle out of my face... (I'm assuming it is a BMW POC).

Why so emotional? Running out of arguments and now you try to pull it on a personal level?

I don't give a sh*t if Harley-Davidson is an all american company or if it is owned by little green marsians. And I also know about the history of Harley-Davidson! You don't have to teach me, thanks!

So the quality has gone through the roof, huh? Let me translate... since it is not owned by AMF anymore they have at least a chance again to compete with other international motorcycle manufacturers and their motorcycles are not already scrap-metal when they roll out of the factory. By the way... a belt drive that lasts 85,000 miles still has to be invented. I can understand your patriotism, but don't start to bull**** about stuff just to win that stupid "mine is longer than yours" game. Harley-Davidson says it lasts approx. 48,000 kms. Shall I believe you or Harley-Davidson?

And nice try to provoke me to call BMW motorcycles ugly, just because they are german. How old are you? At least you act like a 12 years old.

I couldn't care less, since the design of a vehicle is something depending on personal taste and preference. I never found Harley-Davidsons very sexy with their mixture of vintage and 80's retro-design. And Buell on the other hand is too extreme for my taste. I find all the Harleys build after 1970 extremly ugly. But maybe it's because I prefer old motorcycles and almost no motorcycle that is younger than 35 years and with more than two cylinders attracts me in any way.

You are right, I have a BMW motorcycle. So what? A black R26 from 1958.

http://www.motorrad.bmw.de/common/images/content/history/hist_img_middle/hist_mod_r26_m.jpg

A single with 250ccms. A real beauty. Why that little puppy? To use your words: it's running like a dream! The Frame has more than 380,000 kms now. The engine is still original but got totally overhauled 18,000 kms ago (new cylinder and stuff). The only maintenance it needs is an oil change every 10,000 kms, that's it! And of course the normal stuff that has to be replaced once in a while after a certain cycles, like tires or brakes! But that is so seldom that I totally forget about it most of the time. Big plus is the traditional cardan drive. Not bad for a 44 years old motorcycle, huh? A lot of modern motorcycles need more maintenance than my R26. And if really something brakes (you never know), you still get almost any spare-part for those old models, since there are still quite a few out there in service. This old baby is pure fun at minimum cost-of-ownership.

If ever an american motorcycle, it would be an old Indian. But since my days are over when I loved to spend weekends in the garage with my puppies and I prefer just to ride my motorcyles no Indian will be ever be parked in my garage...

So wonna tell me my motorcycle is ugly? I don't give a sh*t at all! I love it, that's all that counts. And that's not because it is a german motorcycle. If BMW would be a british company, I would like it the same (always was tempted to buy an old Triumph when I was younger btw)... or french, or whatever...

Go on buying your only american stuff and be happy. You really do big advertisement for your country acting like that.

Will you shoot me now in self-defence?

groovebuster

P.S.: A lot of engineering of Ford is done here in Germany and in the UK, where they run research centers. Ford models for the european market are developed completely here. Since the european engineers aren't as bad as you might wish them to be, a lot of stuff is engineered here also for the american vehicles. But probably you didn't know that. I hope you won't sell your all american Truck now! Just relax and don't exaggerate that patriotism bull-sh*t. It is one world we are living in, even people like you will get it one day. Or shall I consider your case hopeless?

 

[AmbitiousLemon]

groovebuster: nice machine. i dont know bikes but thats a good looking piece of machinery. and please dont let mister alpha give you a bad impression of americas. i grew up in a very conservative area of california and was not at all happy. moved to berkeley and realized that most american are actually good people. dont let the bad ones spoil your image of the. but you seem like a level headed guy so im sure you are already there.

but back to pdas. the post that started this thread was a picture of a bunch of device that one guy was unhappy about having to carry around. a later post showed that all these things were remarkedly similiar in construction and could easily be converged. the hiptop has proved that they can make a convergent device cheaper than most cell phones (<$100). the only thing is lacks is a hard drive, and an ibm micordrive would not add much bulk (~1inx1in). some people mentioned that high speed wireless net is a ways off, this is true but maybe not as far off as youn might think. and besides there IS wireless access now that is faster than dialup modems at very reasonable costs. the parts are falling into place and we will see devices that we have all described, will apple do it? maybe (but probably not for a few years at the soonest). if you dont think you would use such a device then i dont think you are thinking reasonably. sorry to be so blunt but every single time i have detailed what a device such as has been described could do and actually walked people through a day in the life of such a device ive found everybody drooling. so just use your imagination (or did up my old posts).

and keep one thing in mind: remember al the people back in december 2001 who said apple would NEVER put a G4 in an imac, especially not a flat panel imac. these people were in the overwhleming majority. there were like one or two g4 flatpanel hold outs and they were dismissed as idiots. people quoted cost, heat, need, demand, etc. Apple DOES surprise us sometimes. I never hold out for a surprise but i keep it in mind before saying they wont or cant do something.

 

[jefhatfield]

thanks for bringing us back, ambitiouslemon...i was one of those who believed apple would not come out with a flat panel and a g4 together...and i love it when apple exceeds my expectations!

btw - i would gladly take both the harley and the bmw bikes, thank you

 

[AlphaTech]

groovebuster, for someone that claims to know the history of Harley, you don't seem to know jack... Anyone that bothers to look at the history of HD knows that during the AMF years quality wasn't there. That is one of the reasons why the workers at HD bought the company from AMF. Besides the fact that AMF didn't want to have HD any longer. It took HD a few years to get the quality back up to where it should be. They have worked very hard to keep quality up, even sacrificing production numbers in order to keep the quality where it should be.

As for the drive belt, I actually spoke to someone that works on Harley's, not some obscure reference. I would not be surprised that the numbers that you saw were on the very conservative side. Assuming that you are going to really 'hop up' on the motorcycle.

As for the asthetics of BMW bikes, cylinders shooting out horizontally in front of your feet is butt-f*cking ugly, at least TO ME. I refuse to have a radiator on a motorcycle as well. That's just one more thing to break, and very, very expensive to fix/replace. Who can justify $400-$500 to replace a radiator just because it is for a motorcycle?? I sure as hell won't. IF you bothered to get your head out of your arogant a$$ you would have read that my opinion of BMW bikes is just that... MY OPINION.

Do you think I care where some of the processes are done??? I mentioned before (if you bothered to read my posts) that American based companies are my concern. At least as far as vehicles are concerned. I also make purchases at local stores and support local vendors. I would rather give my hard earned money to someone that I can actually drive to or call and not pay long distance then to order from across the country, if not globe. For one thing, the new V-Rod has a foreign designed (and built??) engine. I don't remember if it was a joint venture with either Ferrari or Porche, but it was one of those two. That doesn't mean that HD is owned by them, they just designed the engine.

As far as I am concerned, I will only have HD motorcycles, no matter how 'good' foreign motorcycles are supposed to be. I DON'T CARE... can I make it any clearer???

Now put down the vehicle bashing, and get back to the Mac postings... sheesh...

 

[groovebuster]

Originally posted by AmbitiousLemon
groovebuster: nice machine. i dont know bikes but thats a good looking piece of machinery. and please dont let mister alpha give you a bad impression of americas. i grew up in a very conservative area of california and was not at all happy. moved to berkeley and realized that most american are actually good people. dont let the bad ones spoil your image of the. but you seem like a level headed guy so im sure you are already there.

Don't worry, I don't tend to generalize, especially not people. As I said before, I have some very nice friends in the US that I respect a lot.

People like AlphaTech unfortunately are not a one time experience, since I am in North America on a regular basis.

Of course we have morons here in Germany too, don't get me wrong on that.

It is interesting, that the "nice" US citizens normally are those, who travelled a lot the world or/and are very educated. I bet Mr. Alpha never wasn't out of North America his whole life.

I often had the discussion with people from the US (I don't like the term "americans", coz that would also mean canadians, mexicans and whole South America) about statements like "The US are the best country in the world!". When I asked then why they think that the answer akmost always was "because of the freedom".... Asking what that freedom is exactly they always started to stotter and couldn't really tell, or told me things that are not different to a lot of other countries. More educated people (like you) are less biased and also question stuff that is going on also in their own country.

In my experience there is no best country in the world. Of course you can be proud of your country, but I would never be so arrogant to put it above all others, especially when in most cases I don't know anything about them. I would find it strange to claim that something is better, just because it is german. And my "american" friends think similar about the US.

And now we should close this subject, it doesn't have anything to do with a mac forum.

Regards,

groovebuster

 

[groovebuster]

groovebuster, for someone that claims to know the history of Harley, you don't seem to know jack... Anyone that bothers to look at the history of HD knows that during the AMF years quality wasn't there. That is one of the reasons why the workers at HD bought the company from AMF.

Did I contradict that in any sentence I wrote? Of course the AMF years where the starting point for the bad reputation of Harleys. But your biased view of the quality matter with statements like "quality is going through the roof" is the thing I questioned. Since HD is independent again they don't have problems with the engines anymore... So what? That's what I expect from a motorcycle that normally costs double than most other models from other manufacturers. So they can compete again. Period! Is that statement incompetent? I don't think so! It seems you are one of those "I have to win no matter what" guys. But don't forget also to at least trying to understand what people are writing and not just bashing the other person because you feel challenged to discuss your opinion.

Besides the fact that AMF didn't want to have HD any longer. It took HD a few years to get the quality back up to where it should be. They have worked very hard to keep quality up, even sacrificing production numbers in order to keep the quality where it should be.

Hmmm...... why do you tell me that? I knew that before. *yawn*

As for the drive belt, I actually spoke to someone that works on Harley's, not some obscure reference. I would not be surprised that the numbers that you saw were on the very conservative side. Assuming that you are going to really 'hop up' on the motorcycle.

The obscure reference was the german HD Website. When you use a vehicle very modest it always last almost forever if the quality is good enough and it is well engineered. The Website said it is the average life-cycle... show me your reference for the more than 80,000 miles and I'll believe you. I also wonder if there are a lot of Harleys with a mileage of more than 80,000 miles with still the first engine or not at least being overhauled completely once? But since I don't know that I don't start to discuss about that...

As for the asthetics of BMW bikes, cylinders shooting out horizontally in front of your feet is butt-f*cking ugly, at least TO ME.

So what? I already told you, that I couldn't care less... especially since mine is a single. You should have checked the picture buddy!

I refuse to have a radiator on a motorcycle as well. That's just one more thing to break, and very, very expensive to fix/replace. Who can justify $400-$500 to replace a radiator just because it is for a motorcycle??

Mine doesn't have have one, is fully air-cooled without any fans or other bull-sh*t. I told you, that I don't like modern motorcycles. Too complicated technique put into an ugly outfit...

I sure as hell won't. IF you bothered to get your head out of your arogant a$$ you would have read that my opinion of BMW bikes is just that... MY OPINION.

Why so upset? I never questioned your opinion. If you find them ugly... whatever!?! I don't care. I guess you are just pissed because someone doesn't like modern all-american motorcycles. You know what? You should try relaxing techniques, you'll have a heart-attack soon, when you get upset that easily!

Do you think I care where some of the processes are done??? I mentioned before (if you bothered to read my posts) that American based companies are my concern. At least as far as vehicles are concerned. I also make purchases at local stores and support local vendors. I would rather give my hard earned money to someone that I can actually drive to or call and not pay long distance then to order from across the country, if not globe. For one thing, the new V-Rod has a foreign designed (and built??) engine. I don't remember if it was a joint venture with either Ferrari or Porche, but it was one of those two. That doesn't mean that HD is owned by them, they just designed the engine.

And what kind of argument ist that? What is american based? The headquarters are in the US? Wow! That really is all-american! Actually, if you would be serious about what you said, you would have to support any company that is producing in the US, because that's what makes jobs. What's the point of being an american company but only having adminstrative staff in your home-country? From an econonmical point of view that's not better than if you buy a japenese or european product anyway. Is Chrysler a german company now, just because it was taken over by Mercedes? But why do I bother... you don't get it anyway.

As far as I am concerned, I will only have HD motorcycles, no matter how 'good' foreign motorcycles are supposed to be. I DON'T CARE... can I make it any clearer???

Did anybody tell you what to buy? I guess not! Buy whatever you like to. The dispute started over that all-american stuff. And that is narrow-minded... MY OPINION! It's just funny that you react like a little boy that is pouting.

Now put down the vehicle bashing, and get back to the Mac postings... sheesh...

You tell me that? You start to offend me in your post instead of accepting the peace-pipe I offered and in the end you act as if I was the one who was starting all that??

Kindergarten!

But you are right, it doesn't make sense to discuss that here, especially when two totally different people like us are involved. But somehow I have the feeling you will write back again anyway, to be the "winner" of this battle. If you have to... go ahed. If you don't ... even better. I said everything that was needed to say, so that's it from my side.

Regards,

groovebuster

 

[mcrain]

Ok, I have to admit that I didn't read all the posts before i hit submit reply, but I heard something very interesting recently...

Apparently, Cingular is going to 3G wireless in June or July nationwide. I then heard on the radio that Verizon's 3G wireless systme has data speeds averaging around 60Kb (similar to dialup speeds) with peak speeds around 160Kb. That's not too shabby.

Apple loves their airport, and from what I've seen are in the process of implementing a g standard of some sort. I'm not sure what it is...

Anyway, the conspiracy theory my little brain can't help but come up with is that Apple has something wireless in the works that will offer always on, mobile internet...

I don't know, just a thought.

 

[mcrain]

Wow, here I am assuming this thread is about pda's and wireless stuff, and when I scroll up I see all sorts of posts about motorcycles.

All I can say is that as well engineered as the new HD's are, they aren't anything like my old nasty sounding bike. Sure it's not as reliable as a honda or a BMW bike, or even a newer HD, but it's real, it's classic, and its custom.

Oh, Alphatech... Congrats on getting the new bike recently. Enjoy it. But remember one thing. Those of us with shovelheads wonder why the evos are so quiet. Have you modded yours yet to make it "sound" like a real harley yet? Or is it still stock.

Heck, the newer HD's would hardley wake a sleeping baby. Mine is so noisy and nasty I can't take it to work in the morning for fear of waking up everyone within a block or two. LOL!

Oh, BMW's with their weird cylinders... when your riding, you aren't looking down or your dead. It's all in tactile feel, and from what I've heard, BMW's are very, very nice. Not for me, but nice.

M

 

[AlphaTech]

Thanks mcrain... I have 'tweaked' it already. I changed the pipes to Vance and Hines big shots since I didn't like the look of the stock ones. I wanted something more radical then the stock. I also had a Screamin Eagle air filter kit installed (they jetted the carbs for those two items). I did those at the same time so that I wouldn't need to jet the carbs again later when I did one or the other. I also went with the wide rear tire kit and a quick detach windwhield (comes off in a few seconds) and a pair of large leather saddlebags.

Everywhere I go, I have people drooling over it. I have never seen that kind of reaction to a bmw motorcycle (and I have been to places where they are). At shows, people typically go ho hum to the bmw bikes and flock to the big twin motorcycles, V-twin that is.

I look forward to the next 10-20 years of customizing the Harley. I'm not sure what I will do at that point (how many people plan that far ahead??). I do know, that when I am ready to trade up, I will be able to bring my Harley in and pay only a few grand more to get a brand new ride. As long as you do the routine maintenance (no more then any other motorcycle) and don't trash it, you will essentially get back what the sticker price was (plus any upgrades/additions you have installed). I know a woman that her husband bought a Harley several years ago and has done two new purchases by trading in his ride to get the newer one. He has only paid a couple of thousand (at the most) each time to get the brand new (NOT used) ride. How many other motorcycles hold their value like that???

 

[mcrain]

Originally posted by AlphaTech
How many other motorcycles hold their value like that???

The answer is none. A lot of the custom US V-twin rides are expensive as can be, but without the HD Vin (even if everything has been replaced) those lose their value too.

 

[jefhatfield]

speaking about losing their value, computers have to top that list

vehicles are up there in depreciation

but baseball cards and vintage guitars sometimes hold their value but i was never any good at those types of speculations

hey, mcrain, maybe i should have become a tax llm or cpa or something?

nah...i hate numbers

 

[mcrain]

Originally posted by jefhatfield
i hate numbers

Me too, unless they have a $ in front of them. Ha, I'm only kidding.

 

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by mcrain


Me too, unless they have a $ in front of them. Ha, I'm only kidding.

i used to be into the concept of having a career or job for making the most money...in america, making big bucks only ranks 4th in the reason someone picks a job and i know that now...feeling like you are making a positive difference in your life and others is the most important thing

some years back, i entered grad school so i could get an advanced degree in taxation and then eventually become a tax lawyer/accountant because i read somewhere they make the most of any lawyers

clerking for a lady who had her own firm convinced me that it was not the job for me...she never slept but made great money and was going to be dead before she reached 45 with cancer, heart disease, and other ailments as her constant friends

so i got into IT where i am today and while it will never pay what a tax lawyer makes, i am healthy and hope to see 45 with most of my body intact

 

[sjs]

I don't ride a HD (wife and four kids!) I have a new VW Passat and older BMW 325i. I can tell, until you drive a German car you just can't understand how great they are. Just like riding a Harley, I suppose.

Back to PDAs: you know how Kirk and Spock could talk to the computers? THAT is the next big revolutionary step in computing. I don't know if that capability could ever fit in a PDA , but imagine a day in which you actually don't even have a keyboard or mouse...