I don't think Apple is interested in this. They started with the computer, and that image quickly became the typical "IBM PC Compatible".
Now Apple seem to be focussed on building an experience that uses computer technology. BUT they don't want people to even consider what goes on INSIDE the box... just that it does what it does. It has a screen. It improves life. It's easy to use.
iPod, iMac, Mac Mini, iPhone, MacBook.... even the Xserve.
The Xserve can be opened by the user and is as upgradable as any other server. I get your point though and I agree totally. I think it's a system that is working for Apple and that many consumers were used to in the first place. Not too many consumers upgrade, and when they do it's just the RAM and maybe the HDD.
It has absolutely nothing to do w/ the touch - most any phone can easily act as a modem - certainly any windows mobile based phone.
But speaking of the HTC Touch, few days ago I had a chance to play around w/ one at the Sprint store and I honestly don't see what's all the excitement about... Of course the hardware feels quite a bit more solid then any other smartphone, but its still running WM which is as optimized for fingers as... eh... lets be honest, it aint optimized for sh*t - You can't even control half the stuff w/o the stylus - everything is much too small for fingers...
I agree about Windows Mobile. I have seen it in action and really the phone makes the difference in user experience. The HTC Touch is easy to use, about the same as any other phone sans the iPhone, but once you start getting down into the WM software it becomes the same old story. Palm OS is even worse IMHO.
The fact that any phone can act as a modem leaves many power users to believe that Apple dropped the ball on that feature in the iPhone. Just about every smartphone and mid range phone on the market has that feature, and it's becoming more common now-a-days. The Palm Centro is the only smartphone I can think of that lacks it.
I shouldn't have to go that far once I pay the cash. It should be standard, especially with a high technology, high media company like Apple.
Completely disagree, apple has notoriously been UNABLE to set standards. *cough* *cough* firewire *cough* *cough*
Yeah... Firewire is a true standard in video editing, which is why many editors have to get laptops that carry some sort of FW port, and why the Apple laptops have had such success in the film industry. And when it comes to setting standards, it doesn't just mean creating new tech, it's also implementing tech that no one is using yet, or killing off old tech first.
Apple was the first to kill the floppy drive, and first to give an Ethernet port on a consumer machine. They also killed the God awful modem port on the laptops (thank you GOD!) and where first to use Express Card slots on their portables. They also made Bluetooth a standard on their machines while many manufacturers still give it as only an option, but that could be a plus or minus.
Other companies have done their fair share as well though... such as Blu-Ray and HD-DVD adoption and OLED displays and many others.
"the G5 PowerBooks will be made out of carbon fiber!"
