G5 iMac?

[pjkelnhofer]

Is the difference between USB and CAT-5 hard? No? Then why would modules have to be?

Sadly for some people it is. I have seen people screw up plugging in PS/2 keyboards and mice. I mean they are color-coded. Don't give the average computer user too much credit.

I disagree. Most of the less future-tech ideas I bring up are things that are going to be standard in PCs over the next year, and hopping on early is a good way to hook even more of the fence sitters than Apple already is.

I agree that many of the ideas will become standard. It is only the modular concept that I do not see happening any time soon. I think that people do not want to have swap things in and out. Oh, I rendering a movie and need to put in my extra processor. Oh, I am looking at 1000 pictures, I need more RAM right now.

The aspect of it that I love is the old "Home on an iPod" concept. I take my home folder with me and when I plug it into another Mac somewhere else it looks just like my desktop with my files and my settings.

As I saw someone at Slashdot put it, Apple is the holy grail of people who really know computers, right now. They're a fast, stable, secure *NIX with a pretty GUI and good usability features, while still retaining the command line. It's all on well-designed and implremented hardware, and it keeps getting faster with every release.

I totally agree with you here. OS X is the strongest OS out there right now. It has a rock-solid UNIX core. The main thing holding OS X back is the ability to only run on Apple machines. Before we get into a totally different discussion here though, Apple is a hardware company first. OS X exists to help sell Mac. Apple does not want to be an OS/Software company (ala MicroSoft). If it did, OS X, FCP, DVD SP, etc. would all run on x86 machines. I just don't think that is their business model.

Apple needs to push the technology in order to sell computers, though. They're a one-company army facing the entirety of the world, with a very limited number of allies in their corner. Without innovation on both hard and software, they're dead in the water and the cheaper, more expansive PC market swallows them up. You can't out-Dell Dell, and you can't out Microsoft... Well, you get the idea.

Entrenched market is a hard opposition to face, but it's the reality. Apple needs the wow-factor, and there's no way around it.

Dell won't last forever. Even MicroSoft is (rather slowly) losing some ground to Linux, but when it comes to being the top hardware manufacture, the position can be fleeting. Remember when Compaq led the field. The problem, as I see it, is that while many people buy their first PC's from Dell, how many buy their second from them. Even people I know who were happy with their original Dell went elsewhere when it was time to upgrade.

While no one can agree on exactly what Apple's marketshare is in the PC world (3-8%), remember even 5% of the overall PC market is not bad from a hardware perspective. The top hardware seller is usually around 20%. The companies that lead this usually do it buy selling to business. I have two jobs, at one every computer is a Compaq, at the other (outside the design department which has three dual G4's) every computer is Dell (and that is about 500 computers where I world alone at a corportation with over 10,000 employees in the US. Apple is a niche computer, and they know it and market to that niche.

The place they can make in roads right now is home users. Come out with an improved iMac (with a G5 for the "Wow!" factor), packaged it with iLife, come out with iOffice (an improved Appleworks that as is actually an OS X native version of OpenOffice like Sun's StarOffice for Solaris) and figure out a way to sell it for the price of the current eMac. All of a sudden you have a stylish, complete solution. You don't need to buy another thing or plug in a single peripheral to listen to music, write term papers, edit home movies, surf the web. Then explain to consumers that you can buy a $500 Dell and spend and extra $100 for XP Pro, $250 for MSOffice, and $150 for various Music, Video, and DVD programs. Or you can buy an all-in-one, everything you need pre-installed for the same price.

Wrong. It was a three cord internet computer with most of the performance of a tower at the time, combined with a perfectly good monitor and optical drive. It also adopted the emerging USB standard before anyone else, and was one of the first production computers to use 802.11 wireless with any commercial success. Compared to the rat's nests that many PCs become, the iMac was a godsend for consumers, and it was pretty enough that you didn't feel you needed to hide it.

Yes, but it did not totally re-think how people used computers. It took what was out there (USB, Firewire (not in the original iMac though), Ethernet, etc.) and put it in a pretty box with simple connections. Now, every manufacturer has an all-in-one solution. You can argue forever about whose looks the best, is the most stylish (for one, I think the fact that the keyboard tends to get in the way of the optical drive bay on the LCD iMacs is annoying).

Apple needs to make the iMac the best all-in-one total solution out there not innovate itself into obscurity.

 

[cubist]

... Once again, we're a very long way from anything that fanciful. Nothing that I've suggested could be done right now is even remotoley this complex, and the human neurosystem (which is my field of study, incidentally) isn't understood enough to tap it thay way yet. ...

Cool discussion, altho not really related to an iMac G5.

I have another suggestion. Have a camera in the gizmo watching the user's hands. By moving his hands in view of the camera, he can manipulate objects on the screen. I think that'd be relatively easy to do.

 

[Rantipole]

Not a Page 2 rumor?

Hmmm....

What's the difference?

 

[pjkelnhofer]

Cool discussion, altho not really related to an iMac G5.

I have another suggestion. Have a camera in the gizmo watching the user's hands. By moving his hands in view of the camera, he can manipulate objects on the screen. I think that'd be relatively easy to do.

Why not take it even a step further and manipulate a virtual three dimensional space? Now that would be cool. Probably still rather advanced for the next version of the iMac, but cool nonetheless.

I am very excited about this year's WWDC, I will have the keynote streaming on my desk at work. I just hope there is something more that 3 GHz G5's desktops. I am really ready for Apple to "wow" me with something.

Just so long as it is not some crazy modular computer

 

[CTerry]

Weird Thought

I had an idea last night. Its just a bit of an educated guess, but I thought the people here might be interested.

All the latest Apple Products (PowerBooks, PowerMacs, iPod Minis) have had an anondized aluminium shell.

Logically, therefore, the iMac will also be anodized aluminium, as it appears to be Apples new fetish.

However for the last few years or so Apple has divided its 'consumer' and 'pro' lines in terms of case. Pro computers had metal cases. The PowerMac G4s, the G5s, the XServes, the TiBooks, and the new PowerBooks. The consumer lines on the other hand were white plastic- iBooks, iMacs, and eMacs.

Yet there is one big eyebrow raiser here- the iPod Mini. The iPod Mini is encased in an anodized aluminium shell. Yet this comes in a choice of 5 colours, which is surely very popular and fashionable.

Apple has experimented with technicolour before with the infamous transparent plastic days of the old iMacs and Clamshell iBooks.

The iMacs are basically fashionable technology to the extreme. They are basically built to be design objects of desire first and good computers second.

Encasing them in similarly coloured aluminium would be a definite distinction between the supposedly consumer iMac, and the pro PowerMacs not to mention make yet another mark on the world of design and fashionability and follow recent Apple trends.

Of course I dont work for Apple, and I have no idea whatsoever how close, or far off the mark I am with this. Frankly if it turns out Im right Ill be surprised. Apple appears to like to try to be unpredictable as possible but it would be fun if it was.

I bagsy a Lime Green iMac G5 ^_^ (Kidding, really)

 

[ingenious]

Is the difference between USB and CAT-5 hard? No? Then why would modules have to be?

I know some people who couldn't figure out why their network wouldn't work. Turns out they plugged (somehow, I really don't know how they did that!) their USB (or maybe it was firewire [it was a PC, so IEEE 1394] cable) cable into their CAT5 port.

You're just not thinking about this rationally, man. There is no reason at all that Apple couldn't make some system by which the modules are perfectly capable of slotting into one bay but not the others. It would be ridiculously simple, in fact.

You're right. There's no reason why they couldn't, but there's enough reason why they won't. The market's not ready for it. Um, actually, most things on a computer are "ridiculously simple" once you learn how to do it, but for the average consumer, it's not.

That's how we ended up in this current political mess...

I think there's more to it than that.

I grok this, but I think that you're wrong. Five years ago, the average consumer wouldn't have spent $400 on a portable music player, either, but they're doing it in droves right now. More and more people are learning about their computers, partly because of people like me who are trying to teach and not just fix when something goes wrong.

Yes, but like I said before, those things take time! That's the point I'm trying to make here. It's not that I don't think this is a great idea, it's just that the market and the average consumer are not ready for it.

It may take time, but upgrades are going to become more important. Nobody wants to buy a whole new computer just because the hard drive is full.

Nobody means people like the people on this forum: computer literate, very computer literate. Most consumers won't fill up their hard drive during the life of their computer.

I'm perfectly happy to speculate, dream, and brainstorm.

If you read what you put in the first place and then what I put, you'll see this is not what I meant.

Sure, why not? They already call me when they can't find their network and that doesn't even usually have a hardware problem.

You'll eat those words someday I bet! Who really likes to give tech support?

 

[pjkelnhofer]

However for the last few years or so Apple has divided its 'consumer' and 'pro' lines in terms of case. Pro computers had metal cases. The PowerMac G4s, the G5s, the XServes, the TiBooks, and the new PowerBooks. The consumer lines on the other hand were white plastic- iBooks, iMacs, and eMacs.

I am looking at a Dual G4 right now that is not even two years old, and it looks pretty plastic.

 

[Belly-laughs]

I know some people who couldn't figure out why their network wouldn't work. Turns out they plugged (somehow, I really don't know how they did that!) their USB (or maybe it was firewire [it was a PC, so IEEE 1394] cable)

I´m teaching someone Indesign today. She´s been away from the mac, design and desktop publishing for 10 years! She was at first thinking of going for a new PC laptop with Quark Xpress but I somehow managed to persuade her to go for the Apple with CS Studio... Anyway, that´s not the point; from speaking to her on the phone, she´s after all these years what you would call new to the game. I think I will take notes and see just how she interacts with the OS and the machine itself.

And I think you´re right about the modules. What I like is a computer that can handle whatever you might think of throwing at it, wherever you like to be. Being bit of a messy mind, I´m pretty sure I would forget to bring my extra processor, or the Blue Ray burner, or the mind reader when I´m off somewhere.

Still, I´m not saying it isn´t going to happen. I can easily see thatwendigo´s point. You all know that toddler toy where they have to find the right shaped hole for the pieces to fit. Hehe, imagine the embarrasing situation someone would face if he or she doesn´t figure out where to fit the Powerpoint module (ext. storage) in front of an expecting crowd -Better call the IT-guys, someone might say.

 

[MikeTheC]

You'll eat those words someday I bet! Who really likes to give tech support?

I think it is a matter of context, Caleb. I support Windows at work as a means of earning a living. I think it sucks, and I view it as akin to being a 21st century janitor.

On the other hand, if I were doing tech support or, [gak!] even sales working for Apple, I would view it much more along the lines of personal empowerment for those I was helping, much like Tony Robbins gives personal empowerment lessons.

Mike

 

[MikeTheC]

Regarding consumer ability to use alternate strategies for connecting hardware, software components, et al:

I really don't think that there is any metaphor or system that will work here because the average PC user is too stupid (I hate to say stupid, I really do, but it's the God's honest truth) to even figure out what they have now.

If I had a nickle (for you Brits and others, that's $.05) for every customer I deal with who does not know the model of computer they own, cannot follow the most simplistic instructions for finding the case badge with their model name and the case badge on the back with their serial number, I would be rich.

It's like they just switch off their brain when it comes to computers. This is horrific! And, frankly, in many cases, these are NOT the customers that Apple needs or should want. They are devoutly to be avoided.

Example:

Me: "OK, sir, I need you to power down your computer and disconnect everything from it except for your original keyboard, mouse, and monitor."

Customer: "What do you mean, power down?"

Me: "I mean you need to turn your computer off as you normally would."

Customer: "How do I do that?"

Me: "Go to your Start Menu. Click on 'Turn off' and then click the 'Turn Off' button."

Customer: "Do you want me to restart?"

Anyhow, I could continue this conversation on ad nauseum, but there's no point, and besides, I think you folks get mine by now anyhow.

Yes, I have dealt with a few idiot Mac users, too, but most Mac users are savvier than their PC counterparts merely by virtue of knowing enough to know there is an alternative to Windows. To suggest that you can clean up the interface (hardware-wise or OS-wise) to the point that everyone would "get it" is foolish, for we are in the midst of fools.


Mike

 

[sjk]

I really don't think that there is any metaphor or system that will work here because the average PC user is too stupid (I hate to say stupid, I really do, but it's the God's honest truth) to even figure out what they have now.

Maybe it's more that the average PC user simply isn't interested, motivated, curious, etc. enough to try figuring out anything new and unfamiliar beyond a certain point. They're quickly confused when something doesn't work as easily like they saw it demoed on the infomercial. Yeah, maybe that qualifies them as stupid.

Heard some talk show guy this morning touting how easy it was even for a kid^H^H^Hgrandparent to use a DVR. With simple enthusiasm that would appeal to regular TV viewers, he described a couple practical examples of situations when it would be convenient having one. And I bet his pitch sold a few subscriptions, even to "stupid" people who'll eventually figure it out enough for it to be somewhat useful (even if it takes a dozen customer support calls) just because they *want* it to be.

 

[PRØBE]

I had an idea last night. Its just a bit of an educated guess, but I thought the people here might be interested.

All the latest Apple Products (PowerBooks, PowerMacs, iPod Minis) have had an anondized aluminium shell.

Logically, therefore, the iMac will also be anodized aluminium, as it appears to be Apples new fetish.

However for the last few years or so Apple has divided its 'consumer' and 'pro' lines in terms of case. Pro computers had metal cases. The PowerMac G4s, the G5s, the XServes, the TiBooks, and the new PowerBooks. The consumer lines on the other hand were white plastic- iBooks, iMacs, and eMacs.

Yet there is one big eyebrow raiser here- the iPod Mini. The iPod Mini is encased in an anodized aluminium shell. Yet this comes in a choice of 5 colours, which is surely very popular and fashionable.

Apple has experimented with technicolour before with the infamous transparent plastic days of the old iMacs and Clamshell iBooks.

The iMacs are basically fashionable technology to the extreme. They are basically built to be design objects of desire first and good computers second.

Encasing them in similarly coloured aluminium would be a definite distinction between the supposedly consumer iMac, and the pro PowerMacs not to mention make yet another mark on the world of design and fashionability and follow recent Apple trends.

Of course I dont work for Apple, and I have no idea whatsoever how close, or far off the mark I am with this. Frankly if it turns out Im right Ill be surprised. Apple appears to like to try to be unpredictable as possible but it would be fun if it was.

I bagsy a Lime Green iMac G5 ^_^ (Kidding, really)

This has all been suggested many times over the last few months.

 

[pjkelnhofer]

It's like they just switch off their brain when it comes to computers. This is horrific! And, frankly, in many cases, these are NOT the customers that Apple needs or should want. They are devoutly to be avoided.

Sadly, that is exactly the kind of customers that Apple needs. Why, you ask? Because there are so many of them out there. Let's face the majority of Apple users are more tech-savvy then their counterparts, but the world it full of people who have never used their computer for anything but surfing, word processing, and listen to music/watching movies. So many of these people go to buy a computer and they get a Windows box because it is what they have on their desks at work. What Apple really needs is to convince these people that their home computer should be a Mac.

In my opinion the best way to do this is a lower price point for the bottom line Macs. The eMac is a very good value, but I still feel that Apple needs a computer that's based price is even lower just to get people to give it a first look. The second important thing is an Apple branded and supported, OS X native version of OpenOffice. It would be a replacement for Appleworks that doesn't make people feel the need to run out and buy MS Office. It would have to come pre-installed on new Macs. Out of the box, in addition to all the iLife applications people would have a full-service office suite and never have to buy another piece of software for their computers.

 

[segundo]

The second important thing is an Apple branded and supported, OS X native version of OpenOffice. It would be a replacement for Appleworks that doesn't make people feel the need to run out and buy MS Office. It would have to come pre-installed on new Macs.

No, no, no! That would be a Bad Thing (tm). Every Mac fan should want MS Office for OS X to sell like crazy! It is the availability of Office OS X which brings many to the fold and keeps Apple cranking.

I plan to get a new desktop G5 Mac as soon as they are announced. I love my iBook but I need a new desktop now. I will gladly pay twice as much for some of the software I plan to use on it to ensure the availability of good software for OS X. Software companies have to make money too. I'm not buying a lot of games I'd like to play right now because I want to buy them for a desktop Mac. That goes for productivity software like Contribute 2 as well. I realize there are Win XP versions, but I want to support the OS X platform . . . and you should too!

 

[punkmac]

imac sale

Despite the seeming lull in product releases in the past few months, according to sources, Apple has been hard at work on upcoming releases...

Most specifically, sources report that a PowerPC G5 based iMac is in the works and should represent the next iMac revision.

As with many of Apple's revisions, sources are unable to provide a specific timeframe for release, but iMacs are due for a revision. The iMac was last updated in November 2003.

From now until June 30, well-qualified customers can apply for a 90-day, same-as-cash Apple Instant Loan with annual percentage rates as low as 9.99%.* That means you can get an elegant iMac with a flat-panel display for as low as $29 a month or the superportable and lightweight iBook for as low as $25 a month.**

Both systems come with over $300 worth of software, including Mac OS X v10.3 “Panther,” AppleWorks 6, Safari, iChat AV, Quicken, World Book, and more. You also get iLife ’04, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications so you can organize your photos and songs with iPhoto and iTunes, create movies and DVDs with iMovie and iDVD, and make your own music with GarageBand.***

Best of all, when you shop online at the Apple Store or over the phone at 1-800-MY-APPLE, you can custom-configure your system with additional memory, more hard drive space, an AirPort Extreme Card, a Bluetooth module, and more.


New Imac Soon?


Got this in an email from apple today.

I.

 

[Nemesis]

yes, but ...

From now until June 30, well-qualified customers can apply for a 90-day, same-as-cash Apple Instant Loan with annual percentage rates as low as 9.99%.* That means you can get an elegant iMac with a flat-panel display for as low as $29 a month or the superportable and lightweight iBook for as low as $25 a month.**
...
New Imac Soon?
Got this in an email from apple today.
I.

Probably announced at WWDC, and delivered somewhere in August/September. That's too much waiting. But I've decided to go for current iMac 20" -- local Mac dealer is offering me that 20" baby with 1Gig of RAM and 15GB iPod for just $150 extra! Well, that's sweet deal! G5 iMac? Yeah, that one will be fine, but I need machine N O W!

 

[mklos]

No, no, no! That would be a Bad Thing (tm). Every Mac fan should want MS Office for OS X to sell like crazy! It is the availability of Office OS X which brings many to the fold and keeps Apple cranking.

Not true...right now M$ has no competition so they can do whatever they want and charge what ever they want. M$ needs a little competition so an Apple branded Office Suite that will read/write Office files seamlessly would be great for Mac Users. Especially if Apple didn't charge ungodly amounts of money for it like M$ does.

I've always said that Apple has to be working on an Office Suite. I mean why would they only develop Keynote? Doesn't make any sense. They have to be working on the rest of the suite. They wouldn't just make a presentation app. Plus, have any of you noticed that Apple hasn't updated Keynote to 2.0? Apple has to be up to something there!

 

[thatwendigo]

PJ:

Have we already lost track of the comments I made about fixing others' computers for them? I know just how dense some people are, because I've become the technocratic priest of the digital age, the man who can untangle the demons from their magic box and make it usable once more.

For the rest of what you've said, I have little to say that I haven't said at least a hundred times before to other people. We think alike about much of the market, and it would seem that there's at least a slight confluence of prediction for the near-term computer market. My dad and I are banking on the idea that there might be a serious, sharp push for PPC Linux on the desktop in enterprise as soon as the SCO court case is cleared up. It's interesting to note that the company is about to lose millions if they can't reach a conclusion fast, and this could spur the other considerations in a possible stab at the market.

Think of it this way... IBM, Toshiba, Sony. AMD, nVidia, VIa, Apple, and some others are all in together on either the PowerPC or the HyperTransport group. In many cases, they're in both of them. What if IBM fabs a processor, Via or nVidia provide a chipset for a motherboard manufacturer (using the HT interconnect), Toshiba provides an HD, Sony an optical drive, throw some commodity RAM into the package, and put a frontend on the Darwin kernel? BLAM! Instant Linux on the desktop, and every takes a slice off the pie when it beats out Microsoft at the lowend.

However, I flatly disagree on selling a mac below the cost of the Emac, because even that machine is cutting corners when compared to the power off current models. The reason that PC manufacturers can sell machines that cheaply is that they cut features (integrated graphics, tiny HDs, slow RAM, etc.) and run off of other electronics markets to cut their losses (Sony, HP, etc.).

Caleb:

Sure, some people screw stuff up no matter how simple it is, but that's hardly a reason to hold progress back, now is it? Grandmothers still drive their cars through stores and other vehicles, but we didn't stop putting things on wheels because they might just be too complex for someone really simple to figure out. The thing with this modular tech that I espouse is that it would be a bonus for people who know what they're doing, and would be no worse than the current model for consumers. At the very harshest, they have to convince or pay someone to do it, just as it is now.

--

On an unrelated note, I pointed out the 90-days, same as cash thing a while back.

 

[ingenious]

Caleb:

Sure, some people screw stuff up no matter how simple it is, but that's hardly a reason to hold progress back, now is it? Grandmothers still drive their cars through stores and other vehicles, but we didn't stop putting things on wheels because they might just be too complex for someone really simple to figure out. The thing with this modular tech that I espouse is that it would be a bonus for people who know what they're doing, and would be no worse than the current model for consumers. At the very harshest, they have to convince or pay someone to do it, just as it is now.

I think you and I are thinking along the same lines, even if I'm not making myself that clear. What I have been trying to say is exactly what you have put up there, with a few minor changes. I think that modular computing might come, but not in the near future. If it does come, there needs to be computers that aren't modular, for the average consumer who can't figure out where the desktop is.

I agree with above posters, though. Modular computer, while a great theoretical idea on paper, may not work in the real world. It's like someone said about the PowerPoint Module. Sure, it might be the same as carrying around a disc, but as I see it, things are becoming standard (built-in) and integrated, not luxury and segregated.

Your idea would best work in the server market. Think about it: a completely customizable machine, and all of the time!

 

[pjkelnhofer]

PJ:
Think of it this way... IBM, Toshiba, Sony. AMD, nVidia, VIa, Apple, and some others are all in together on either the PowerPC or the HyperTransport group. In many cases, they're in both of them. What if IBM fabs a processor, Via or nVidia provide a chipset for a motherboard manufacturer (using the HT interconnect), Toshiba provides an HD, Sony an optical drive, throw some commodity RAM into the package, and put a frontend on the Darwin kernel? BLAM! Instant Linux on the desktop, and every takes a slice off the pie when it beats out Microsoft at the lowend.

However, I flatly disagree on selling a mac below the cost of the Emac, because even that machine is cutting corners when compared to the power off current models. The reason that PC manufacturers can sell machines that cheaply is that they cut features (integrated graphics, tiny HDs, slow RAM, etc.) and run off of other electronics markets to cut their losses (Sony, HP, etc.).

First, it is nice to have a dicussion on these boards that is not just arguing and nitpicking. It is the times that I have a dialogue with other posters that keeps me coming back.

I totally agree with you on the future of Linux in the workplace. I think that is where you will see its real growth. In fact, you already starting to see it. As soon as companies realize the potential for long term savings, MicroSoft is going to have to rethink it's strategies.

My theory on pricing something below the eMac is really just to get people into the stores. Even at the $799 price, Apple does a bad job of marketing this machine. It is everthing you need, comes with iLife, basically plug it in and go (like the old iMac commercials). Why doesn't Apple use the eMac to get people into the stores? Some sort of "And you thought you couldn't afford a Mac" campaign. Once people realize they can get value at the Apple store (I would say that in it's current configs the eMac goes head to head with similarly priced Dells).

I hope that the split of the Mac and iPod division means that we will start seeing some marketing of the Mac instead on everything iPod.

 

[Rantipole]

Probably announced at WWDC, and delivered somewhere in August/September. That's too much waiting. But I've decided to go for current iMac 20" -- local Mac dealer is offering me that 20" baby with 1Gig of RAM and 15GB iPod for just $150 extra! Well, that's sweet deal! G5 iMac? Yeah, that one will be fine, but I need machine N O W!

Yes, I don't know if I can wait that long either. My 333 blueMac is creaking. I was really hoping, based on this rumor, that the new iMacs would be here by June at the absolute latest. (BTW, what is the difference between a Page 2 rumor and a "regular" rumor? )

I'd also like to address some of the comments about iMac buyers not "needing" a G5. That may be true *today*. But, I hope to keep my new computer 5 years, like my current comp. I'm not as sure that I will be able to do that with a 1.25 G4, or even a 1.5 G4. Having said that, if with the new release, they drop the prices of the leftover iMacs enough, maybe I will buy the G4. With a good discount, I can justify buying a new comp in 4 years or maybe less.

 

[jsw]

BTW, what is the difference between a Page 2 rumor and a "regular" rumor?

Page one rumors are usually of the "Apple or other company announced" variety.

Page two rumors are of the "I read somewhere that someone said that maybe Apple might..." variety.

So page one rumors are, generally speaking, more reliable in that the sources are often closer to the facts.

Of course, as with all rumors, sometimes the unlikely ones come true anyway (often via a different route than the rumor predicted) and the "likely" ones never surface.

 

[denm316]

I really see that most Windows users just see it as normal when things dont work. Like when you are doing something intensive and you click something else and it says "Not Responding", they are used to it and then start the process iver again. It's a shame but it is true. I mean your normal computer user does not want to be worried about applying their daily updates from Microsoft and then from Symante/McAfee.

My friend was at my house the other day, I was burning a DVD for him using Toast and then was playing music I just bought off of iTMS and surfing the web, the whole time clicking back and forth between apps, he said he was surprised to never see anything freeze or say "Not Responding" and then I thought about it, I take it for granted as most do when things work, but there is this whole world out there that doesnt even get to see how easy computing could be. Another example I wont really go into, my Uncle was showing me the process he was going throguh to import video from a camcorder and create a movie with effects and a dvd, I was in shock how horribly complicated it was, I then showed him my powerbook and how easy it was then he was in shock.

Dont get me wrong windows is good for a business, I am an MCSE and manage Microsoft servers all day, but for home users I think people really need to see there is another "easier" alternative out there. And for the two examples I gave I am sure there are a million more people with the same type of stories, but you can only try and convert people one at a time.

Just my opinion on the whole thing...Thanks for listening,

 

[ingenious]

Dont get me wrong windows is good for a business, I am an MCSE and manage Microsoft servers all day, but for home users I think people really need to see there is another "easier" alternative out there. And for the two examples I gave I am sure there are a million more people with the same type of stories, but you can only try and convert people one at a time.

You, know, that's right along the lines of what I was thinking earlier today. Apple doesn't have an eterprise/corporate market because their OS, I'm sorry to say, doesn't seem ready for it. Sure, OS X, was (is) being built for networking, i.e. the UNIX core, but it's not there yet. Network updates to make OS X on par, or over their Windows/Linux counterparts is what I'm hoping Tiger will include.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe OS X is really great for networking. It's great for me in networking whenever I don't run into a bug, but, I don't think it's ready for prime time yet.

 

[Squire]

I really see that most Windows users just see it as normal when things dont work. Like when you are doing something intensive and you click something else and it says "Not Responding", they are used to it and then start the process iver again. It's a shame but it is true. I mean your normal computer user does not want to be worried about applying their daily updates from Microsoft and then from Symante/McAfee.

My friend was at my house the other day, I was burning a DVD for him using Toast and then was playing music I just bought off of iTMS and surfing the web, the whole time clicking back and forth between apps, he said he was surprised to never see anything freeze or say "Not Responding" and then I thought about it, I take it for granted as most do when things work, but there is this whole world out there that doesnt even get to see how easy computing could be. Another example I wont really go into, my Uncle was showing me the process he was going throguh to import video from a camcorder and create a movie with effects and a dvd, I was in shock how horribly complicated it was, I then showed him my powerbook and how easy it was then he was in shock.

Dont get me wrong windows is good for a business, I am an MCSE and manage Microsoft servers all day, but for home users I think people really need to see there is another "easier" alternative out there. And for the two examples I gave I am sure there are a million more people with the same type of stories, but you can only try and convert people one at a time.

Just my opinion on the whole thing...Thanks for listening,

That is, in a nutshell, the reason I bought my Mac in the first place (a 17" 1 GHz iMac). I was sick and tired of my computer doing things that I didn't want it to do.

Squire