MacTablet Anyone?

Looprumors has posted an artist's rendering of a possible MacTablet PC. It looks great and with the possibility of it running OS X Leopard, complete with the iPhone's amazing 'Mult-Touch' capabilities, thrown in, it would simply blow the other Window based table pc's out of the water! But since tablet pc's have not become quite exactly the success that Microsoft's Bill Gate promised they would be, I'm not really sure if there is a need for a MacTablet. Of course, I could be dead wrong; God only knows how many times I have been in the past?

Still, the idea of Apple designing and building a MacTablet device has me interested. If anybody out there can design and build a useable tablet pc I'm sure it is Apple. Especially with Apple's Mult-Touch technology driving the tablet it would be, infact, a miniaturerized version of Microsoft's giant "Surface" coffee table! A lot of people really like that one (for a change) and the idea that you could have one for the price of a MacBook Pro would be a definite asset. Microsoft's Surface device weighs hundreds of pounds and can cost up to $15,000, a little too expensive for most pocket books and certainly a pound or two too heavy to lug around the house!

Of course, I doubt that you would be able to order a drink, and such, on it the way the Surface is supposed to be able to do, but then again, you can't pick up a Surface device and carry it around town either. If you can, then I hope I never meet or make you mad at me for any reason what so ever! 

A miniature version of the Surface device, however, may just be capable of syncing with your digital camera, printer, home computer, internet (of course) and other devices. This would allow you, via Bonjour, to download your camera's pictures automatically, print your screen or documents wirelessly, video chat with other MacTablets, etc. 

As Looprumors points out, there has been speculation, ever since Apple axed the Newton, that Apple would eventually return and produced some kind of tablet. Now with Mult-Touch technology in the bag, more people than ever are contemplating that Apple may indeed make a such move into this area.

According to Looprumors:

"From the information we gathered, here's what we know: Apple will gear this new device at those users who already own Macs. The iTablet will run its own version of Mac OS X Leopard, specifically designed for the device. The iTablet will interact with other devices better than an iPhone or iPod. Users will be able to screen share with their home or work computer from a remote location, video conference with other users, and information suggests the iTablet will have beaming capabilities.

Recent data we received suggests there will be solid state storage as well as a mini DVD drive, possibly explaining today's find that Apple is working on a mini-disc adapter. All of the standard I/O ports are said to be exposed on the side of the device, keeping the front and back simple, in Apple's classic design that we've become accustomed to. A mouse attached would confirm earlier reports that Apple is using this display as a hybrid display capable of receiving inputs from multiple sources (hands, mouse, stylus). And although details of the outside are sketchy at best, the iTablet is said to be composed of glass, with one button on the face of the unit, sporting a metallic Apple logo on the back."

The idea of any MacTablet interacting with other devices is a given. The idea that you could share the screen with your home or work computer is really interesting. Video conferencing with other MacTablet users is even more so! I like that idea that your wife could be at one end of a giant mall and you at the other and you could communicate, with both video and sound, with each other. Imagine, she could hold up a piece of clothing and say something like, "Honey, I was thinking of buying these for you, which color do you like, the blue or the yellow one?" That would be great. I love it. What ever she is holding up, I pick the blue ones, but until Apple releases such a tablet I will just have to guess to what it is?

I'm not sure where Looprumors, of course, is getting all of this information, so as far as I'm concerned its all that - just rumor and speculation, but an interesting one at that. I'm beginning to think that the idea of a MacTablet is not that bad of an idea after all. I thought the idea originally was rather lame, at least, the one presented by Microsoft and others. But we are talking about Apple here and, if you ask me, that makes the whole thing a different affair alltogether.

With my curiosity peeked, all I can say is: "Bring it on Apple; surprise me, enchant me and absolutely WOW me as you have done so many times in the past. But pleaseeeeeeeee...... make it affordable and make it quick!

And thats my 2 cents on a possible MacTablet 4 this sunny Friday, November 30, 2007


http://www.looprumors.com/index.php?apple-itablet-the-mac-communicator

The New 3G iPhone 2 is Coming Soon !

Other than Steve Jobs, of course, if anybody should know if, or when, a newer and faster iPhone is coming, it should be AT&T (T) chairman Randall Stephenson, who recently let it slip, at a meeting at the Churchill Club in Santa Clara, California, that we will indeed see a new 3G enabled iPhone 2 early next year.

This is great news for all of us who have been holding our breath in anticipation, as my face is already bluer than blue can be.

Crayton Harrison, writing for Bloomsberg.com, reported the chairman's remarks that the iPhone 2, G3 enabled device was coming, would be sooner rather than later. Lets hope so, as this will help silence the critics of the iPhone and its adoption of the much slower Edge enable network.

Well, to me, at least, it is certainly welcome news to hear about the iPhone's coming G3 support, but sadly, I thought that it should have come, as an option, with the first iPhone.

This is true especially, in Europe where 3G is more the norm than anything, the current Edge Network has been a real impediment, besides the cost, to the adoption of the iPhone in Europe.

One of the reasons, according to Steve Jobs, that the iPhone didn't come with 3G in the first version was that it was a real power hog. He claims, however, that this should be rectified by next year. Lets hope so?

Lets also hope, for the sake of the iPhone, that both the iPhone's hardware and cellular service plans can also be reduced, as the European prices are totally out of sync with that of the average person's ability to comfortably pay. I hate to see the innovative technology of the iPhone limited to only the rich.

It does seem strange to me, in meantime, however, that the news of a faster 3G equipped iPhone, was announced by AT&T's chairman as this, I think, would only discourage people who where thinking of buying an iPhone now, while, at the same time, encouraging them to wait for the 3G version next year?

So, in conclusion, I welcome the news of the next iPhone and hope that it will feature even more goodies besides the addition of the promised 3G capability. You know, for instance, like, how about giving the thing a numeric, slide-out keyboard. Apple created a fantastic 'thin-as-air' keyboard for the iMac, so they should be able to do the same for the iPhone, shouldn't they?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one!

And thats my 2 cents 4 Thursday, November 29, 2007 on the next 3G+ iPhone.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aAoHevYzQJgw

Available Now - 24-Hour Apple TV News!

If you can't get enough news on the iPhone, iMac or anything else Apple related, you will now be very pleased to know that you are in luck. As of today, you can get a new web-based, 24-hour Apple news channel via the Digitallifestyle TV website.

The Digitallifestyle website states:

"iMac, iPod, and now iPhone. The names have become synonymous with pop culture in the 21st century. And they all belong to one company: Apple. Apple products are pushing and refining what we call the digital lifestyle. From music, to movies, to communications, for better or worse, Apple is the trendsetter for the tech industry. Here at the Digital Lifestyle, we'll offer you 24-hour video coverage of Apple News, Rumors, and lifestyle. Stop back soon to find out more....."

So far, I have only viewed a few minutes of it, but it seems really nice. Can they actually come up with content to fill a 24-hour time slot, well, that is yet to be seen? I am rooting for them, however, as the concept is very interesting to me as a Mac user and writer. It will be very interesting to see how they progress in the coming days.

Certainly, I for one, will keep coming back, both out of curiosity and the hope that they will succeed.

If your into anything related to Apple Inc., then by all means, click on Digitallifestyle TV's link below:

And thats my 2 cents on the new 24-hour Apple news network 4 Wednesday, November 28, 2007.

http://www.thedigitallifestyle.tv/Home.html

Special thanks to Applegazette for bringing this to my attention: http://www.applegazette.com/on-the-web/is-a-24-hour-apple-news-network-necessary/

iPhone: The Real European Competition Begins!

Debitel, a reseller of airtime that it buys from T-Mobile, Vodafone, Q2, and E-Plus in Germany, will now be offering customers a whopping $891 dollars, or 600 Euros rebate on any unlocked iPhones bought from T-Mobile. 

The catch, of course,  is that the customer must agree to use Debitel wireless service instead of T-Mobile's. This, naturally, undermines most of the advantages of T-Mobile and provides real competition that is great for consumers, but hardly great for Apple and especially T-Mobile!

All this, of course, is to allow Debitel to take advantage of a German courts decision that ordered T-Mobile and Apple to unlock (as an option) the iPhone and thus gain increased market share and subscribers for itself.

According to Debitel's marketing chief, Oliver Steil, "We are happy to offer iPhone buyers the freedom of choice that customers are entitled to expect from a service provider."

Well, maybe Herr Steil might be happy, but I'm quite sure that neither Apple or T-Mobile is too happy about it one little bit. Debitel, and, no doubt, others to come, have thrown a monkey wrench into Apple's and T-Mobile's hard negotiated plans. The iPhone European prices are much too high, and frankly, out of the reach for the vast majority of people, especially at 999 Euros for most to really seriously consider. 

With an unlock iPhone going for up to $1,500, it is real impediment for people who may be lusting and hoping to buy an iPhone. Apple and its iPhone partners need to come up with a better plan, one that will help put more iPhones into the hands of more consumers, which can mean only one thing: they have to lower both the cost of the iPhone itself, and, as well, the cost of running it.  

The current pricing for the iPhone puts it into what I call the millionaire's mobile category, one that might be prestigeous, but if the iPhone is to succeed, it has to be priced for the mainstream market. In other words, the iphone has to have a lower and more realistic price, because presently, its simply too expensive for the average user to ever seriously consider.

Presently, the iPhone is an expensive phone, a very, very expensive phone, that has been cheapened by what many consider to be a very poor European introduction and pricing scheme. Already other phone makers are offering better pricing deals on phones offering more features, including, I might add, G3 speeds. Despite the iPhone's great interface and all of its bells and whistles, if the price is beyond a persons ability to pay, it just ain't going to sell - PERIOD!

Common Apple, 'Think Different' and work out a more affordable solution, one that not only the rich can afford, but one that we all can afford!

And thats my 2 cents on the iPhones 'too expensive' European sales model 4 this sunny, but cold, Wednesday, November 28, 2007.

Source:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/11/27/german_mvno_to_undercut_t_mobile_with_600_euro_iphone_rebate.html

Steve Jobs: The Most Powerful Businessman in the World!

Steve Jobs not only gave life to Apple, but he resurrected it from a near certain death upon his return to the helm some ten years or so ago.

Now, thanks to his vision, determination and direction, Apple has been transformed from a has been to one of the world's biggest electronic giants, who's name and logo are instantly recognized throughout the world!

In fact, the very name of Apple and its logo has been turned into a symbol of 'Coolness' and that of 'Innovation,' that its competitors could only hope and dream of acheiving.

So, with all of this, it is not surprising that one of the world's leading and most prestigious business magazines, Fortune, would name Mr. Jobs as the world's most powerful, of the top 25 most powerful businessmen in the world! Clearly, it is an honor that Mr. Jobs well deserves. This is the man, who despite of all of the odds, at the beginning of Apple's creation, never lost faith in the idea that they could change the world.

Mr. Jobs and Apple did, of course, succeed in that goal by making the world's very first successful personal computer, the venerable Apple II, and later on, changing the world yet again with the introduction of the Macintosh. Virtually all computers today can trace what they are doing now back to what Apple was doing then. All computers now feature the GUI interface that the Mac pioneered and brought to the market.

Virtually too, all computers now use mice, though invented by Xerox, were made main stream by the Mac, and every and all computers still use some form of the 'trash can' on the desktop, hierarchal menu's, cut-and-paste, Cd's, floppy's, animated desktops (OS X), plug-and-play, etc. You name it and the list goes on and on.

Getting back to Fortune's '25 Most Powerful Businessmen,' Brent Schlender writes:

"During the first two decades of his remarkable 30-year career, the Apple Inc. founder twice altered the direction of the computer industry. In 1977 the Apple II kicked off the PC era, and the graphical user interface launched by Macintosh in 1984 has been aped by every other computer since. Along the way Jobs conceived of "desktop publishing," gave the world the laser printer, and pioneered personal computer networks. As a side gig he bankrolled Pixar, which fostered the development of the technology and a brand-new business model for creating computer-animated feature films.

Since returning to Apple in 1997, he has changed the dynamics of consumer electronics with the iPod, and persuaded the music industry, the television networks, and Hollywood to distribute their wares with the iTunes Music Store. With his hugely successful Apple Stores, he gave the big-box boys a lesson in high-margin, high-touch retailing. And this year, at the height of his creative and promotional powers, Jobs orchestrated Apple's entry into the cellular telephone business with the iPhone.

That's five industries that Jobs has upended - computers, Hollywood, music, retailing, and wireless phones. At this moment, no one has more influence over a broader swath of business than Jobs."

Wow, that is quite the career, and one that very few men, or women, including the other 24 men on this impressive list, a list that includes such notables as: Rupert Murdoch, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, among others, could ever hope to claim. All of these men are great businessmen, and all of whom have their own personal triumphs to triumph, but none, I believe, are as interesting to read about as Jobs, who is also famous for his, 'Reality Distortion Field,' and a man who is clearly unique in every sense of the word.

In a separate article, in the same edition, of Fortune, "The power of Steve Jobs," also by Brent Schlender, he goes on to point out,

"Management guru Jim Collins once called Steve Jobs the "Beethoven of business." He was marveling at the Apple founder's ability, time and again, to conjure digital objects of desire from esoteric blends of chips, disks, plastic, and software, and then promote them with his own alluring brand of performance art. But Jobs might also be called its Machiavelli, a man who can bend suppliers, partners, and even industries to his will."

But not only is Steve the father of just the Mac, iPod, and the iPhone, and the father of the personal computer industry, one of its legends, Jobs at 53, seems to be getting better and better at his game, the older he gets. He has made Apple Inc., a company he founded with Steve Wozniak in his adopted parents garage, into what is now the most valuable computer company on the face of the earth, and one that its competitors have been feverishly trying to beat, but, at least, thus far, have all failed miserably to do.

Its hard to believe, but with a market cap of about $152 billion dollars, Job's baby, Apple Inc. is now worth more than either IBM, Dell, HP, Sony, and many other giants of industry. Apple, once again, and all thanks to Mr. Jobs, is now a true giant and powerhouse in the world of electronics and business in general!

Under his visionary leadership, Steve Jobs has not only become one of the world's richest men, but now he sits on top of the most powerful businessman list in the world, a distinction that he truly deserves. Steve Job has touched just about every person in the western developed world, in one way or another, by the products or services that he helped create or change.

For that I can only say, "Thanks Steve for a job well done!"

And thats my 2 cents on the world's most powerful businessman, Steve Jobs, 4 this gloomy, wet and cold Tuesday, 27th. of November, 2007.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0711/gallery.power_25.fortune/index.html

http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/21/news/newsmakers/power_jobs.fortune/index.htm

Photo: www.dealbreaker.com/.../ steve_jobsoldschool.jpg

The REAL Vista "WOW!"

Microsoft introduced Vista with the catch phrase, "The WOW Starts Now!" The 'Wow' started about a year ago and I'm reporting that Vista is still 'Wowing' the tech world today, but for Microsoft, its mostly for all of the wrong reasons.

After close to a year in the marketplace, Microsoft's Vista can now rack up yet another "Wow" - it made it into the list of the, "Top ten terrible tech products," as reported by CNET! "Wow," indeed. Microsoft and its shills are probably not going to, I predict, be using this list, any time soon, in their Vista marketing or Vista articles. CNET reasons for Vista's inclusion in its top terrible list are as follows:

"Any operating system that provokes a campaign for its predecessor's reintroduction deserves to be classed as terrible technology. Any operating system that quietly has a downgrade-to- previous-edition option introduced for PC makers deserves to be classed as terrible technology. Any operating system that takes six years of development but is instantly hated by hordes of PC professionals and enthusiasts deserves to be classed as terrible technology.

Windows Vista conforms to all of the above. Its incompatibility with hardware, its obsessive requirement of human interaction to clear security dialogue box warnings and its abusive use of hated DRM, not to mention its general pointlessness as an upgrade, are just some examples of why this expensive operating system earns the final place in our terrible tech list."

Wow, just another article on how Vista's "Wow," fails to wow the tech world - and this after some six years and six billion dollars of development from Microsoft! It says a lot when Microsoft feels the need to trumpet its next OS, Windows 7, so early on in the game, in-order to help deflect all of the criticisms that Vista has been garnishing! Apple, on the other hand, has barely mentioned a word on Leopard's replacement, except to say that it will be here sometime in the next 18 months or so.

In the meantime, OS X's Leopard continues, in the press, to garnish headlines such as, "Mac OS X Leopard: A perfect 10," from major news sources such as InfoWorld. There has, in-fact, been so many positive reviews of Leopard, among the few negative ones, that it would be hard to mention them all here, be they from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Cnet, PcWorld, etc.

Sadly for the chaps in Redmond, for every positive article on Leopard, Vista seams to receive one or more negative articles and for good reason - Microsoft never should have released it in the first place - it simply wasn't ready.

But, on the other hand, I can understand that Microsoft had little choice - with over a half-a-decade of delays, and a zillion dropped features, they had to do something desperate and something fast to help dispel all of the techs world growing acknowledgment of OS X's superiority over Windows! It was an act of desperation on Microsoft's part and one that, despite their spin on things, makes Microsoft look more and more like an empire in decline.

Despite Microsoft's claims that Vista is doing really fantastic, its really not, as can be seen in other articles such as Microsoft Watch's recent posting, which just pointed out:

"The KACE commissioned study, like the Forrester report before it, showed an unusually high percentage of IT organizations with no plans to deploy Windows Vista.

The adoption numbers, which are low, remind of Windows 2000. The operating system also got off to a slow start its first year of release.

Consistently, analysts, IT managers and solution providers cite application compatibility as the main reason delaying Vista deployments."

Wow again! Its business's, not the consumer market that Microsoft makes most of its OS sales from, so its not looking to rosy for the members of the Vista's team, but for Linux and Apple fans, its another story.

Continuing, ZDNet also further recently reported that,

"Almost a year on from the release of Microsoft's Windows Vista, only 13 percent of companies say they expect to move all desktops to the operating system, according to a survey released this week. Furthermore, adoption of Linux continues to gather pace, with a particular emphasis on the desktop emerging."

They also added,

"A survey of 961 independently selected IT professionals found that 90 percent still have concerns about the migration to Vista, and 48 percent have not yet deployed Vista in any way. Forty-four percent said they are "considering" alternative operating systems — mostly Mac OS X, Ubuntu, Red Hat Linux, Suse Linux and Ubuntu."

By far, some surveys have shown that the growing interest by IT departments, that are considering alternative OS's, is that OS X is the main beneficiary for any possible shift from Windows. This is something that could be very exciting for Apple, even if only a fraction of them actually take action on their growing doubts over Vista.

I remember, for years and years, being taunted by Window fan-boys, that Microsoft was unbeatable, that they were just too far ahead of anybody else for anybody to catch up with them. Now it seems that the real 'Wow' is that Microsoft is starting to look like its not only beatable, but, in fact, may be on a downward spiral that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Wow indeed!

And thats my 2 cents on Vista's 'Wow' factor 4 this Monday, November 26, 2007.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/0,39029552,49293700-1,00.htm

http://news.yahoo.com/s/infoworld/20071126/tc_infoworld/93614

http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/vista/microsofts_reponse_to_vista_adoption_surveys.html?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39291043,00.htm?r=3

List of Leopard Reviews:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/buzz/OS_X_Leopard_Reviews

Its OFFICIAL - I'm A Mac Junkie !

72%How Addicted to Apple Are You?

As you can see from the above widget - I am a Mac Junkie! People have been telling me that for years, but now its officially - official! 

As far as 'Junkies' go, its a good type of addiction, at least,  compared to others types of addictions  that I know of, so I'm not complaining. I guess, you should know that  your  an Apple 'junkie' when you sell Macs at a store that you don't even work for! I've done that six or seven times this year alone! So really, I didn't need a widget to tell me I was a Mac 'Junkie', but now, at least, I know to what degree I am.

Special thanks to the Melivision blog for pointing the widget out to me. 

So,  if you are wondering just how much of an Apple 'Junkie' you may be, then by all means go to the link listed below and find out. 

And thats my 2 cents 4 Sunday, November 25, 2007.

http://www.justsayhi.com/bb/apple_addiction

http://melevision.net/

Coming - iPhone Movie Rentals?

According to the popular web site, T3, more evidence is becoming available that Apple will soon offer iTunes movie rentals on both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Listing a report from Appleinsider, one of my favorite Mac sites, they have been unearthing all kinds of info from deep within the recesses of the iPhone that clearly suggests real plans are afoot for such a service.

'Rental requests' code, they have discovered, are already lurking in the iPhone and its obviously not there for nothing. This means that you will be able, in the future, to borrow or rent films and view them directly on either your iPhone or iPod Touch. This also means that Apple would be competing directly with the big cable companies and it will be interesting to see what, if any reaction, that they may take. I have a feeling that it will be a lot more interesting than many of the current cable shows now available, no doubt about it.

So, could it be true, as suggested, that Apple is really planning on offering movie rentals on its popular devices? As usual, we will all have to wait and see.

I am hoping that it is true, however, as it would be a nice feature to have, and a feature that would help differentiate the products from Apple's competitors. The fireworks that it would produce by making, no doubt, the cable companies angry, would be very fun to watch. I love how Apple products are so disruptive in the marketplace, how they bring out the doom-sayers, nit pickers and Apple bashers, such as Paul Thurrot and others.

And thats my 2 cents on yet another Apple rumor 4 Friday, my last post of the week, November 23, 2007.


http://www.t3.co.uk/news/247/general/itunes_movie_rentals_the_evidence_mounts

Burst Wins Case Against Apple

Burst and Apple have settled their long standing legal battle for a final sum of $14.6 million in Burt's favor. Apple has agreed to to pay Burst the $4.6 million in court and legal fees and a one-time $10 million dollar licensing agreement. This ends two years of heated legal action between Burst Inc. and Apple Inc. and will allow the later to continue using Burst's technology patents.

We all know who Apple is, but who is Burst Inc.? According to a press release by Burst, they state:

"Founded in 1988, Burst.com has pioneered the development of Faster-Than-Real-Time™ video and audio delivery. burst.com has built an international patent portfolio covering burst-mode video delivery, scheduling, rapid casting and network optimization, as well as DVR-related technology."

I am happy to see that the case is now behind Apple and that they can now get back to doing what they are famous for: Designing and creating the best and most innovative products of their kind, and particularly in this case, iPods.

However, I'm both rather surprised and relieved that the settlement was so favorable to Apple's, as there was speculation that the final outcome could have cost Apple hundreds of millions of dollars or even more had they lost, which of course, they did! Last year Burst Inc. went after Microsoft and won a much larger settlement, some $60 million. With no debts of any kind, and a whopping 12 to 14 billion dollars just setting in the bank, the mere total of $14.6 million dollars is nothing more than pocket change for the Cupertino giant.

Man, would I ever like to have that kind of pocket change!

And thats my 2 cents on this, now history, legal case 4 Thursday 22nd., November, 2007.

http://www.burst.com/new/home.htm

iPhone In Canada on December 7?

Is the iPhone finally coming to Canada this December 7 ? Well, according to a leaked Rogers Communications ad, seen above, it is. Several websites have been reporting the leaked ads, but, as they say, we'll just have to wait and see?

Hopefully, the iPhone indeed will be comming here soon, as I have been dying to try it out. I will, however, wait for the iPhone 2 before personally getting one.

Rogers Communications is the only carrier in Canada capable of delivering the phone here, something that a lot of people are disappointed in.

In the meantime, I will keep my fingers crossed, and for good measure, I will also keep my eyes, arms and legs crossed, just in case. Its about time we Canadians get our hands on the iPhone as we have waited bloody long enough.

And thats my 2 cents on the matter 4 Thursday morning, November 22, 2007.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/28/rumor-iphone-coming-to-canada-on-december-7th/

Which Is Better: Vista, OS X Leopard or Linux?

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

The age old debate of which OS is better, be it Vista, XP, OS X or one of the zillion and one Linux distros, still rages on, and, most likely, will continue to rage on for some time to come. 

Windows expert, Chris Pirillo, is a very popular fellow these days as the host of Chrispirillo.com., and as such, he is continually asked, on a daily basis, what he thinks is the best OS out there. Chris tells his many, many thousands of readers and listener's of his forums, that no one OS is perfect, it all depends on what an individual is needs and wants. I, for one, couldn't agree more. Chris wisely advices: "Don't Outsource Your Thinking!" Good point.

The question of which OS you should consider is one that really only you can decide and not one for any OS vendor to simply cram down your throat. Vista marketing will try to lure you with their "Wow" campaign; Apple will try to convince you to switch with their popular "Switch" and "I'm a PC; I'm a Mac" campaigns and Linux will try and convert you with their promises that Linux is arriving any day now!

However, regardless of what they say, it is you, the end user, who's final word is what really counts. It is, therefore, your duty to really look into the claims of each OS, and look closer at their various strengths and weaknesses and then decide, based on your needs, wants and desires, which OS will ultimately come closest to fulfilling what you want and need.

If you want tons of software, both freeware and commercial, well, the truth is Microsoft OS's, XP and Vista will give you the greatest choice. Windows dominates the vast majority of desktops and it is a well known commodity for most people. Games are especially a strong point in-considering a Windows based system. Sadly, however, Windows also has a legacy of insecurity and other issues. The last time I read there were well over 114,000 virus's alone, with some 400 or more created each and every day of the week!

If you prefer and want, however, to have more control over your OS, then, most likely, you will want to take a close look at the many, many Linux distros out there. Last time I checked there were some 386 of them, with Ubuntu being one of the most popular. Be forewarned, however, that this is not a process that is easy, or for anyone other than a true geek or the technically educated and minded person, with lots of time on their hands, to achieve. If you fall in the later category, well, you will be hard pressed to find an OS that will top it for experimentation, control and for the pure pleasure of being able to twink the system to your hearts content.

OS X, like both Windows and Linux, can give you a large source of both commercial and open source based software, and like Linux, a very high degree of OS control if you so desire. In many ways Linux and OS X are alike, and have open source roots. OS X based Macintosh Intel computers will offer you several distinct advantages -  such as it being the only platform that will enable you to run virtually all software - be it Windows, Linux or OS X programs!

Being a recently certified Unix 3 system, OS X's security is as good if not better than anything out there. The OS X interface is legendary -Vista and Linux, through Beryl, Complz and XGL, etc., have all tried to emulate it as best they could, but, in my opinion, none have equalled, let alone, bested OS X's interface. When your competitors start copying you, you know that it is more than the sincerest form of flattery.

OS X is also legendary because of its fantastic level of security - no virius have ever been released in the wild, only trojan and other concept exploits have been reported and this after a full 6 years of service and tens of millions of users! Furthermore, only Apple OS X based computers have the luxury of being truly optimized for each other, and just one of the many reasons why they work so seamlessly.

In-conclusion, only you, after educating yourself to the advantages and disadvantages of each OS, coupled with your needs and wants, can determine what is the best OS for you! Personally, I love all of them for various reasons, but in the end, its really no contest - OS X is the best! Well, at least, for me.

Finally, if your interested in knowing what long-time Windows expert, Chris Pirillo's best OS is, well, just click on the above video or visit his link below. Hint, Chris agrees, like veteran Windows expert, Scott Finnie, that the best OS of all time is........

And thats my 2 cents on the debate of which OS is the best 4 Wednesday, November 21, 2007.

http://chris.pirillo.com/2007/11/20/mac-vs-windows-vs-linux-every-os-sucks/

Pic-4-the-Day: Children

Yet another busy day, yet another 'Pic-4-the-Day,' this time featuring the beautiful faces of children. As a trained children's writer, I can think of no better subject, or a subject so precious and adorable.

The first photo, above, is one from Angb125's, PhotoBucket, collection and is of one of the most adorable little girls you could hope to see. Just look at that face - absolutely priceless! Her long blond hair and that little button nose is just too cute for words.

I'm not sure what she is looking at, or thinking, but most likely she is wondering, "Hmmm, I did how I ever end up in this little blog?" The answer, of course, is simply that she is just so cute and adorable!

Our second pic is of a child wearing a boutique of flowers and from the expression on its face he, or she, seems to be thinking, "What on earth are these guys doing to me?" Well, that poor baby should realize that it is just part of the price that one has to pay for being so cute and adorable! Those big beautiful eyes and that little button nose really cracks me up.... so adorable and so cuddly.



Our third pic is one featuring a sea of beautiful little faces. To me, they all look like they all could use a big hug and one that I would be more than happy to give each and everyone of them. Bethdarby, from Photobucket, shot this pic last year and I wonder how each of these precious little children are doing now? Hopefully, they are all safe and as happy as they all deserve to be?


Finally, a pic of my own ten-year old, but obviously, when he was much younger. I have always cherished this pic, one of my favorites. Here baby Matthew sits for a pose, proudly wearing his sharp checkered outfit.

As much as I cherish the little monster now, I must say - I miss those early years. No, I don't miss the messes like throwing up all over you after a good burbing, changing diapers, or crying through the night, or what have you? But, for one thing, I do miss, among other things, feeding him his bubba (bottle) as he held it steady with one hand, and explored my face with the other, often jamming his chubby little fingers up my nose, or in my eyes, ears and what have you?

In conclusion, all I will say is that: May God bless all of the little children everywhere, where ever they may be! They truly are the most important treasure and resource that we could ever hope to have! May we always cherish and protect them.

And thats my 2 cents 4 Tuesday, November 20, 2007.

http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi168.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu193%2Fangb125%2F15.jpg&searchTerm=children&pageOffset=1

http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi157.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft58%2Fcrin_album%2Fbabhy.gif&searchTerm=children&pageOffset=15

http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi242.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff144%2Fbethdarby%2F2608.jpg&searchTerm=children&pageOffset=11

Matthew's photo: Private collection.

Dell's New iMac Clone: The XPS ONE

One thing that you can always count on with success, the kind of success that Apple has demonstrated, time and time again, with the iMac, is that competitors will try and cash in on that success by trying to imitate it.

This is the case with Gateway's recent introduction of its new all-in-one PC, the Gateway One and now its the case with Dell's answer to the iMac, the Dell's - XPS ONE. Many experts lauded the Gateway One, but said that it fell far short of the iMac in performance and value. The question is: can Dell's XPS One best the Gateway One and the iMac?

That question has yet to be answered, but we do know that the XPS One will be available in four essential configurations: Essential," "Music," "Performance" and "Entertainment," with the later featuring a high-end 256-Mbyte ATI Radeon HD 2400 and a Blu-ray writer drive, something of which the iMac has yet to feature. All configurations will feature the same 20 inch monitor.

Pricing is as follows: $1,499 for the Essential One; $1,748 for the Music One; $1,999 for the Performance One and $2,399 for the Entertainment One.

All-in-all, the new Dell One's are nice looking machines that are about the same in function as the iMac, but the iMac 24 inch has a much larger screen and, unlike the One's offered by both Gateway and Dell, it has one major advantage - the iMac can run OS X Leopard and, in addition, it also can easily run all of the software that the former two can!

One nice thing about the new Dell's is that all models come with a minimum of two gigabyte of ram, something that the iMac only offers in the later higher end model, but of course, you can easily and cheaply these days add up to four gigabytes. Another feature lacking in the iMac is the addition of a multi-card reader, which again, can easily be added as an external device to the iMac, though being built in is very convenient.

My thoughts on both the Gateway and Dell "Ones" are that they are essentially clones of the iMac. Both are elegant, powerful and featured filled machines, but both are less elegant and capable then the iMac. Most important of all, however, is that despite their goal of trying to convince people that they are equal or better than the iMac, they fail miserably because of the one factor mention above - they simply can't run OS X Leopard, or for that matter, any other past or future version of OS X, and it is this and other compelling Apple software such as iLife, iWork and others, that make the Mac a Mac! Its the whole experience of software, design and hardware. They can create great hardware (the iMac is still better and sexier too!) but unless they can offer OS X they will fall short, far short of fully equalizing, let alone, besting the iMac.

Both machines are great machines and will offer, no doubt, Window users some of the conveniences of an iMac, but, of the two, the newer XPS One is far more original than the Gateway machine, as its design is clearly copied straight from the iMac. Give Dell, at least, a point for differentiating the look of their machine.

For those seeking to run Vista or a Linux distro, in a convenient all-in-one computer, well, both are great machines, but both sadly are neither as sexy, compelling or as fun to use as the iMac. If you want it all, theres only one machine out there that fits the bill - the iMac!

Getting back to the software, iTwire puts it this way:

"There's no question that the era of the all-in-one PC is upon us now that Dell has announced its answer to the Apple iMac. While reviewers wax lyrical about the fantastic sleek design of Dell's XPS One and compare the hardware to that of the iMac, the most important question has been largely ignored. What happens when you turn it on?"

As I said this is what makes a Mac a Mac, the software and to a lesser extent the hardware. Even if they made a machine (they didn't!) as beautiful or even better than the current iMac hardware, the software factor would it less than the iMac overall.

ITwire also got the answer right when they said:

"However, when it's all said and done, it's still just a Windows Vista PC with some Adobe software thrown in to compete with the functionality provided by Apple's iLife multimedia suite. For some users mired in the Windows world, this may not matter. For others it will."

However, its their last quote that sums it up best:

"So all things being relatively equal, the question for many users when choosing between the XPS One and the iMac will be which provides the better user experience. And in this case that will be defined by the software."

When it comes to that software, I'm sorry, but neither Vista or Linux can match Apple's, a fact many PC centric publications have noted and reported on!

As iTwire and many others, these days, are concluding, when it comes to Macs, Linux or Vista machines, its the software stupid! Not that you or I are in that "stupid" category mind you. Software is what makes a Mac or another machine what it is - what it can do, and the experiences that you will get out of it, so without the OS X factor, for me and many others, both the Dell and Gateway Ones fall flat on their faces - or make that their monitors!

And thats my 2 cents on the newest iMac clone, the Dell XPS One's 4 Monday, I can't believe its November 19th. already, 2007


Photo: http://pcjoint.com/dell-xps-one-a2010-all-in-one-desktop-pc-outed-by-fcc/

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/15384/1023/

Pic-4-the-Day: Rainbow11's Beautiful Photography!

Today, again I'm short on time, so I shall feature yet another, 'Pic-4-the-Day,' this time from Rainbow11's Flickr page. Since she just left me a comment on the first piece that I did on her work, and since I love both her work and Germany, well, it was an easy choice to for me to make.

Seen above is a most beautiful picture, one that she simply titles, "In the Morning Light," but I call a "Sheer Delight," as it seems that just about everything in this picture is delightful - the color, lighting, composition, you name it... "Es ist sehr wunderbar!" Absolutely perfect!

I love the way 'the morning light' pierces the misty-like fog, highlighting the buildings, set as they are, in such idyllic splendor, in a dreamlike boarder setting! Ah, such splendor sends one's spirit soaring as high as the bird in the gorgeous picture seen below titled, "Nightshade."


This photo is a masterful piece of composition and balance. This photo has nothing to dislike and everything to like - the color, the bird framed by the trees and the moon crowning it all off like a jewel in the night!

The third and last photo could have easily been the first. This bright and cheerful photo, "Autumn Morning," with its magnificent backdrop of the mighty German Alps and its lush surroundings, tinted with the misty and dreamlike fog, makes for a photo that just makes me want to be there, to bask in all the glory of the countryside! Who too wouldn't want to enjoy such peaceful, idyllic settings as seen below?


I really love doing these 'Pics-4-the-Day,' features, not just because they help me keep my promise to post, at least, one post, per weekday, but because the beauty presented by great photographers such as Rainbow11, Eric Karr and all of the other fine photographers, is that each and everyone of them inspires me in one way or the other.

They also help me to realize just how wonderful, how precious and unique is this blue planet - the Earth, our home and sanctuary, and it makes me want to treasure and preserve it all the more!

Thanks Rainbow11 for the honor of highlighting just some of your amazing work! Vielen Dank, meine schon Deutscherin!

And thats my 2 cents on this great German photographer 4 Friday, November 16, 2007.

http://flickr.com/photos/wauwau/

http://my2cents4theday.blogspot.com/2007/11/pic-4-day-spring-day.html

Leopard Sales Surpass Vista in Japan!

In what would have seemed totally impossible not long ago has now become a fact: Apple's OS X has surpassed sales of Microsoft's Windows in the world's second largest market, Japan! This does not reflect OEM copies of Vista, but rather only the direct retail sales of OS's.

Just yesterday, InfoWorld reported that: "Apple's new Leopard operating system took a sizable bite of the Japanese retail operating system market during October and accounted for over half of all sales of packaged operating system software despite being on sale for only the last six days of the month."

This is quite impressive when you consider, as they pointed out, that Apple's Leopard version of OS X took a whopping 53.9% of the country's retail market! I know of people who would have laughed you to scorn for even suggesting such a thing, but according to Japan's BCN, who tracks such data, this was indeed the case.

However, as impressive as Leopard's showing is, it is even more impressive when you combine it with Tiger sales. With both Tiger and Leopard, the percentage of retail OS sales in Japan then rises to an even more impressive 60.7 %!

Truly, if this trend continues Apple will be laughing all the way to the banks as Microsoft cries rivers of tears!

Infoworld concludes by stating: "While some of the kick from the launch has started to wear off, Apple remains in top place in the Japanese operating system market in November. For the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12 the single-user license of Leopard had a 40.4 percent share. The nearest competitor was Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition SP2, which had a 10.5 percent share."

I, for one, hope that the trend continues as OS X far exceeds anything that Vista can deliver. The Japanese are gadget crazy, they are the first, in many cases, to embrace new technologies and what the Japanese do today, well, that is usually what the rest of the world will be doing tomorrow.

Hopefully, more and more people, around the world, will, like the Japanese, discover the many advantages of OS X and ditch what the are now using and will soon be enjoying the stability, convenience and ease of use that OS X brings to the table.

Lets hope so anyway?

And thats my 2 cents on the continuing growth of OS X in Japan and the world at large 4 Thursday, November 15, 2007.


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/infoworld/20071114/tc_infoworld/93400

Rogers Slips Up on iPhone Availability in Canada?

This is just in: Rogers Communications has let it slip, in an eNewsletter of theirs recently, that the iPhone will indeed be coming to Canada and most likely very soon. Boygeniusreport.com has posted a copy of the newsletter above.

Will the iPhone be coming to Canada? From the what I can tell -yes! So, if your Canadian and you've been lusting over getting your hands on one of the "Jesus Phones," then, by all means, check out the link below and keep your fingers crossed .

How soon will this all happen, we don't know yet, but from the looks of it anytime now? The big question is how much will the iPhone cost and how long and how much will the Rogers contract cost? We have yet to wait on that,  but apparently, only a little longer?

And thats my 2 cents on the iPhone coming to Canada 4 Wednesday, November 14, 2007

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/11/14/more-rogers-iphone-slip-ups/

Pics-4-the-Day: "Oh Deer!"

Today, lacking much time, I again hereby post yet another one of my 'Pic-4-the-Day' features, or, in this case, should I say pictures? Today, after flickering through Flickr, I decided to feature some fabulous deer pics, from several great Flickr photographers that, hopefully, you will enjoy as much as I did.

My first featured pic is from my favorite photographer, Eric Karr, shown above. I have featured several pics from this master photographer before as they are great works of art, as you can easily see from the enduring shot above.

Just look at that adorable face. The lush colors, so warm, so soft, surrounding this creature, just makes you want to reach out and hug and pet it. Look again into those big black eyes and tell me what you see? I see a magnificent shot of a tiny, fragile and magnificent creature, a creature to be appreciated and cherished as this photo itself.



Shown above, our second Flickr pic comes to us from 'Nil!'s' photo-stream and again, what can I say but, "Wonderful - absolutely wonderful!" This great shot of two deer peacefully grazing in a most spectacular setting, is so charming and so delightful.

The deer in the pic may be at a distance, but the colors and the setting are truly what makes this the great photo what it is - great! Again, look closely at the colors as the blend into each other. Soft, warm and inviting, a true millennial and Utopian like atmosphere, I could look at this pic for hours and never tire of it.


From Flickr's, 'Randome Images from The Hearland,' photo stream, we next have a truly magnificent shot of a most magnificent animal in all its magnificence! This is a proud animal, powerful in physical strength and spirit, which can easily be seen in its pose and the determined look in its eyes.

This animal, I'm sure, is not one that you or I would want mess with, especially considering its proud spirit and, not to forget - those ever so big antlers! This is an animal that stands tall and proud among its surroundings, and one which could easily give a Grizzly bear a hard time, if it was inclined to do so.


A silhouette of color is the best description one could give to this wonderful photo from, 'Today is a good day,' Flickr's photo stream. Here, seven great deer majestically pose against a setting sun - the fire red sky bathing these great creatures as they await the night and whatever it might bring?

What are these animals thinking, I wonder as they cast their gaze towards the photographer who was so privileged as to make their acquaintance? The owner may have titled this picture, "Guardians of the horizon - one more time," but one could easily have titled it, "Guardians of Wonder," for that is what comes to my mind whenever I view this wonderful photo!


"Simultaneousness," is what Imapix's calls this great pic from his Flickr's photo stream. Just look at those faces, will you? They are so adorable, so cute.... ooohhh, I just want to hug and pet them so much... don't you? Of course you do.

I've always wondered how these creatures and others survived the cold winter months? Happily, in this case, these beautiful creatures seem to be doing fine, just fine, thank you very much. Too bad the third deer was camera shy though, as I'm sure it is as equally beautiful as the others.

Again, I'm forced to wonder what they too were thinking as they stared back with those huge and beautiful black eyes? Also, where are they going and what are their hopes and dreams? Do deers even dream? I can't answer that, but I can say, most assuredly, that this is indeed a very dreamy photo as the composition, colors and background are really wonderful.


Ah, one more pic from master photographer, Eric Karr, titled, "Three Deer." This is the photo that made me want to feature deers in the first place. Just look at it - its wonderful, absolutely delightful and inspiring! The lush, soft green color of the background and the innocent look in those inquisitive eyes makes this yet another favorite of mine.

I love Eric's work so much, and this photo is just one more reason for me to do so. Like you, no doubt, that little baby doe really makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Its looks like spring and the deer will soon be gifted with new grass and leaves to munch on, allowing them to forget the rigors of the winter past.

My last pic is titled, " Deer in the Headlights," and is from Debbieskids Flickr's photo stream, and it is by far the 'dearest' pic of them all ! Ok, this 'dear' is no 'deer,' but she is absolutely the dearest little creature featured here today and by a good country mile.


Even though these little creatures can sometimes act like little animals, they are, in reality, the most precious of any creature, anywhere. Just look at that adorable face with those absolutely gorgeous and big, big, Baby Blues!  Charming, absolutely charming!

This great pic is totally delightful and heart warming in everyway, and, if this pic can't melt your heart, then its about as cold as a 'dead-moose-in-heat,' as I like to say. The expression on this beautiful 'dear' is priceless and that hair.... what can I say?

To start: "Baby - your beautiful, just beautiful!"

And thats my 2 cents on deers 4 this Wednesday, November 14 (already!), 2007

Links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickarr/sets/72057594069534607/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bail56/324255434/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/entretantos/103966661/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesec/87634117/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbieskids/464299671/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/good_day/433384773/

Blast From the Past: The Commodore Pet

The Commodore Pet was one of the first personal computers out of the gate and the very first computer that I ever own, and as such, it has a very special place both in my heart and memory.

At the time, some thirty years distance in the past (Wow! I'm really getting up there, aren't I?) this baby cost me a whopping $1,200 plus, and I thought it was worth every single penny at the time. I felt so superior because I knew of people who were using other computers such as the Radio Shack TRS80, which by comparison, was down and out ugly! Come to think of it, the Pet was not only one of the best, if not the best, looking computer out there, it still is! Especially sexy were the later CBM II models with that curvy sexy look - the Marilynn Monroe of computers!

So, besides my other pet, Mr. Fuzzy, a Belgian Police Doggy, my other pet was, as I stated, a Commodore Pet, model 2001 and, as I already mentioned was a real beauty. Mind you Mr. Fuzzy was better at playing fetch, but the Commodore Pet had him beat when it came to playing tic-tac-toe, Missile Command, checkers and backgammon!

The most amazing thing of all, of course, to me was that it could play anything at all with its meager 8k (8 thousand bytes, not 8 million or billion bytes). Oh, the many, many hours of my youth that my friends and I wasted away on that beloved machine that I named Beethoven, after of course, Ludwig van Beethoven, my favorite musician of all time.

In retrospect, one of the downsides of my Pet was that it was the first personal computer on the block and once the paper boy found out about it, well, it seemed that every day he came to the house there after, he seemed to have more and more paper boy assistants, all of whom were hoping to get their chance to try out Beethoven themselves.

If only I had a brain - I could have, and should have charged, them all a quarter apiece, making me, in the process, super rich! Oh well, that opportunity is now gone just like both of my pets, Mr. Fuzzy and Beethoven. I must admit that I miss them both to this day.

My ancient Pet featured, out of the box and ready to use, some amazing and great stats which are as follows:

• a numeric keyboard pad featuring both upper and lower case, something of which was mostly unheard of at the time, even as an option
• a 9" integrated Blue and White monitor (green and white appeared a little later making me, in the process, a little green with envy!)
• a motherboard featuring the new and powerful 1Mhz MOS 6502 processor
• lots of room for an additional RAM or Processor board
• 4K of memory (8K in my case)
• power supply
• real storage device (cassette tape)
• several expansion ports including an RS232 (serial) port
• ability to handle and create fantastic graphics
• an operating system burned onto ROM which automatically loaded on boot, of which the Basic language was written by Microsoft, I believe, but not totally sure of?

Compared to some of the earlier personal computers of the period, the graphic capabilities of the Pet where heads up over most of them, but it is exactly the graphics of this machine, more than any other factor, that led eventually to the demise of the Pet as it simply couldn't compete with the bit-mapped graphics that others computers had, especially the Apple II, which was introduced around the same time around 1976-77.

I remember it well, like it was yesterday, seeing the Commodore Pet featured on the cover of Popular Science and lusting over this baby even more than I did the Imsai 8080 of which I recently did a post .

The Commodore was not only the best and sexiest looking computer around, but it was also the very first all-in-one machine. This, mind you, was some eight years before the Mac hit the market in 1984 . Of course, that early Mac blew the Commodore Pet out of the waters in so many ways, especially on the graphic and OS side.


Jack Tramiel created The PET, (Personal Electronic Transactor) but his creation really only became a big hit after it dumped that silly 'chiclet style keyboard' and replaced it with a real one. This and other factors, such as its metal case, made it a great choice for schools where it sold extremely well! No doubt many old timers, like myself, remembers the Pet from their school days.

Eventually, as to be expected, Commodore Business Machines upgraded the original Pet 2001 series with newer models and newer series such as the: Pet 3001 Series; Pet 4000 Series; CBM 800 Series; the CBM 9000 Series, or the Commodore Super Pet; CBM-11 Series; Pet II Series; the Commodore 64 and 264 Series and several others.

One of these newer machines was the famous Amiga series of computers which recently has been resurrected. This computer still, as does the Mac, have a very loyal and dedicated fan base to this day.

The Commodore Pet is now just a relic of the early days of personal computer history, but it will always be fondly remembered by many, especially me, as one of the great triumphs of the industry because of its all-in-one design and, for the time, its many advance features, all of which, seem so laughable when compared to the latest Macs and PC's of the world!

And thats my 2 cents on this piece of personal and computer history 4 Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Pet photo: Old Computers (linked below)

Commodore Pet links:

http://oldcomputers.net/pet2001.html

http://www.commodore.ca/products/pet/commodore_pet.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_pet

Is OS X More Linux than Linux?

Not all, but a lot of Linux geeks love to look down on other operating systems be it Windows, OS X or even Ubuntu. They claim: "They want an OS that gives them total control and the freedom to do as they please." They look at other OS's as being too simple, and therefore, not worthy of their consideration.

Apparently, they love the feeling that since they, unlike the rest of us, can tweak kernels, and what not, it automatically proves, to them, that both they and Linux are superior. Well, if this is the case, they're not going to be too pleased with Alexander Wolfe's recent post in Information Week. In fact, the very title: "Apple's Leopard Is Better Linux than Linux," I'm sure, will have them foaming at the mouth and gritting their teeth as they shake their fits in defiance and they fill the air with obscenities.

But could it really be true that OS X is more Linux than Linux?

OSX is now a 100% certified Unix 3 OS, where, on the other hand Linux is simply a "Unix like" OS - not quite the same thing, but, none-the-less, Mr. Wolfe, I think, hits a bulls eye when he says, in his opening remarks:

"Who knew that Apple's latest version of Mac OS X was knitted together from enough open-source software to give Linux a run for its money?

That became apparent the other day when Apple released Darwin 9.0, which is the source code behind Leopard."

For one, certainly not the Linux fan boys, thats for sure! A great deal of OS X is built on open source just like Linux, but which Linux geeks will automatically refuse to acknowledge, and likewise, they are completely, for the most part, ignorant of the many things that make OS X so much superior to anything that the open source community has or can do, other than trying to best OS X by copying OS X's interface elements such as animation, Epose, transparency and the dock, etc. in rip off projects such as Beryl, XGL, Compliz and others.

As dedicated and talented as the open source community is, the fact remains that they, like the rest of us, have families to support and simply can't devote most of their time and talents the way Apple can with its 25,000 employees can focus on.

Also, whether they admit it or not, one of the important resources they lack is money - money, that a giant such as Apple, can easily throw at a project for its benefit and something Linux really can't do. Apple has money in spades and it helps show why OS X can offer its users all of the benefits of an open source OS and also, at the same time, that of a commercial OS like Windows. This, of course, is not a condemnation of open source developers or their community, but sadly, for the open source community, its a simple fact of life.

Mr. Wolfe continues, "If you like open source development, you'll love Mac OS X. This fully-conformant UNIX operating system—built on Mach 3.0 and FreeBSD 5—bundles over a hundred of the most popular Open Source products. You can shell out with bash, tcsh, ksh, and zsh; edit your code with emacs, vim, and nano; and build your projects using gcc, make, and autoconf." He also adds, "Still, it's astounding when you count up the number of open-source modules included in Leopard." 

I say nice, very nice indeed!

Sadly, I know, for the Linux community, this will basically go unnoticed, as the Linux geek will simply poo-poo any such statements simply because its not open source. Trust me, I tried several times to point out such facts to them and all I got for my trouble was ridicule and a feeling of total frustration! When it comes to their open system - their minds are closed and in their thinking Linux is just so noble and so superior to anything else that it is pointless to even consider OS X or that any other system can have any redeeming qualities, especially ones superior to their own.

Alexander Wolfe concludes in his summary, in his well thought out article, linked below, the following:

"Delving into Darwin a little deeper put me in mind of some other, less conciliatory thoughts. Apple has helpfully posted a collection of articles explaining some of the other open-source technologies which are either a part of Mac OS X or which work with it.

The list starts with Mach kernel, originally built at Carnegie-Mellon University and now the basis for OS X kernel and goes on from there.

Thus we have the evidence that Apple has obviously figured out how to successfully build on the work of others, how to market that stuff, how to avoid internecine warfare and fan boy pointlessness. It also has demonstrated how to build a business where you can make real money.

So here are my observations: Mac OS X, and Apple's development paradigm, is the anti-Linux. And it's Steve Jobs's big accomplishment that Apple has built a better (I should actually say "more successful") Linux than Linus Torvalds has ever been able to do."

Even though Mr. Wolfe will probably be bashed by the Linux fan boys, anyone with eyes to see can easily demonstrate what he reported is true. Linux's open source fan boys can think what they want, but the truth remains - OS X is not your grandmother's Linux, but rather Linux is nothing more than an OS X want-to-be! Linux is a solid system, but as lofty as its founding principles may be, it is still an inferior OS in many ways, and especially on the desktop level! They can look ridiculous by ridiculing Mr. Wolfe's article, but the facts he presents are just that - facts!

Linux lacks the money and most important, the single minded focus that Apple has been able to deliver with each incarnation of OS X, and, no doubt will continued to deliver every time it unleashes another big cat OS. As lofty and talented as the open source community is - a community that Apple is a big part of, Linux still falls short, way short on the desktop, because of its lack of unity and its ever growing list of distros all competing against each other, equals in the end, so much confusion!

Its funny that the one distro that Linux fan boys disdain is Ubuntu, the one that has done more to advance Linux than any other of the 386 distros could have ever hoped for! But then again, its too easy to operate. Linux users must be sadistic or something as they seem to equate easy as bad, and anything difficult, complicated and hard as good? It all boils down to vanity and pride on the part of these people.

So, in conclusion: Is OS X Really a Better Linux than Linux? The answer is a resounding yes, but don't tell the Linux fan boys because their minds are closed to anything other then their own opinions regarding their most noble open source movement! In the end Linux fan boys should acknowledge that people want an OS that enables them, not one that they have to enable to get it to work!

OS X does exactly that, Linux doesn't!

And thats my 2 cents 4 Monday, November 12, 2007.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/11/apples_leopard_1.html

The Next J.K Rowlings? Blog-4-the-Day Presents: Delve Into the Mind of A Budding Blogger

I'm not a prophet, a mind reader, or anything of the like, but I will, on the basis of certain facts, make the prediction that if a certain blogger out there keeps on doing what she is doing than the future of writing looks really bright for her.

Who knows if this could be the next J.K. Rowling in the making? I certainly wouldn't be surprise if my Bloger-4-the-Day is indeed the next J.K Rowling and for good reason as you will soon see. Remember: If she does, you heard it here first!

In fact, I'm looking forward to the day that I can brag, after she's rich and famous, that I knew her long before she became a literary star! The writer in question and the mind behind the wonderful blog, "Delve Into the Mind of A Budding Blogger," goes by the name of Meghna, and hails from India.

But what is really so interesting about Meghna isn't the fact that her blog is a professional looking, well written, charming and interesting blog - its because of who and what she is. So, without further ado, I will let her introduce herself by directly quoting from her blog:

"I am a 12 year old girl venturing into the huge world of blogging. I would like to make this blog into an interesting, creative and as full of fun as possible, of course, with your support and co-operation. "

There, isn't that amazing! I think so, and so shall you after reading her blog linked below. Its amazing that any child would create a blog, but a blog of the quality of Meghna's is simply amazing and I know of no other! She is as good, if not better, than many adult bloggers out there and I'm deeply impressed!

Even though my blog is only, for the moment, a practice blog, more of a therapeutic exercise, Meghna's blog has a much higher Technorati page rank than mine. My page rank is 962,510 out of the 70 to 80 million blogs that Technorati keeps track of, where as our little and adorable Meghna's blog is is ranked at 331,293! Wow, this old man was beaten by a 12 year old!

I some take comfort, at least, in knowing, that this is not just your average everyday blogger or, for that matter, your average 12 year old. I realize that Meghna is a very special child - a prodigy, and that rare type of spirit, that if allowed to flourish will accomplish great things in the future, so please: click on her blog's link and find out just how special, charming and intelligent this child blogger really is.

I think, after reading her blog, you will all agree that she could be headed for literary greatness and you will, as I do, wish her all the best in her future writing endeavors. I think she deserves to be successful and simply based on her current blogging output, I know that she will continue to wow us in the future as she matures and hones her craft and her wonderful gift for writing.

According to one of her blogs posts, "Seven Things About Me That You Might Not Know – A Meme," Meghna says the following about herself, with my comments in brackets:

1. I read too many books- I think you all know this, but what you must not know is how many hours I read a day! I must be reading for an approximately five to seven hours in holidays. This is too much according to my mom and dad as they ( unlike other parents) at times tell me to stop reading books! (This says a lot about her amazing literary skills, and where they, in part, come from!)

2. I’m good at Taekwondo- Oh yeah! I’m proud to say that I‘m a Black Belt in Taekwondo and mind you that’s not really minor. Taekwondo, is a marshal arts like judo which originated in Korea. (Hey, don't mess with this child, she can be just as dangerous as she is smart!)

3. I am addicted to the internet- It all started at the age of ten, when some of my friends told me about the internet. And since then, I’ve been chatting and blogging all the way round! (May her surfing always be safe, educational and productive!)

4. I love Chinese food- ummmm……. My mouth waters at the thought of it! It’s the best cuisine I’ve ever tasted, I suppose. (I love Chinese food too Meghna. After all - great minds think alike!)

5. I hate dark chocolates- I suppose that all of you must have known my love for chocolates. Every time you see me I must be munching away a chocolate! But did I tell you that I simply abhor dark chocolates? I don’t like them but I like milk and nut chocolates. They are yummy! (I think differently on that one, as I love dark chocolates - hey, six out of seven ain't bad!)

6. I love the color blue- Yeah! That’s my favorite color. The blue sky, the Indian cricket team. It’s an all blue world in my case! (Right on Meghna, I do too. Did I ever tell you that great minds think alike?)

7. I love my school- I suppose that’s not common with kids of my age! Anyways, it isn’t with the children in my class! I’m an exception though. I believe my school is the best and I’m completely in awe of it. I’m a crazy lover of my school! (Hah, hah... that's ancient history for me, but I hated schooling back then. Make that five out of seven for me!)

Just some of Meghna's recent and wonderfully postings include the following:

Three Things to Die For & My Top Musical Picks! - Another Meme

A New Look For My Blog (Its looking good, by the way, Meghna)

The Stone I Threw!

Blogging Ideas - Where Do They Come From?

Katie's Fate (I really liked this one - so cute!)

I can't wait to see how Meghna's writing gift will develop over time, and to see this precocious child blossom into the literary star that she deserves to become. And, I will also add, that regardless if your 12, 21 or a 101 years old, like myself, you most definitely will enjoy this delightful blog that just happens to be penned by a very delightful child and future literary superstar!

And thats my 2 cents on the world's next literary superstar, Meghna, 4 This rainy & snowy Saturday, November 10, 2007.

Delve Into the Mind of A Budding Blogger lnk:

http://meghnaspages.blogspot.com/

A Blast From the Past: The Imsai 8080

Way back in the dinosaur era of personal computers, in this case 1975-76, the Imsai 8080 took the distinction of being the world's very first personal computer clone. It was itself, of course, a clone of the Altair 8800, the very first personal computer.

This, now ancient, personal computer was developed by IMS Associates and used the very same bus structure as the Altair 8800, but, was in fact, a much better built machine with a more powerful power supply and front panel. This model was the first of a complete line of micros built by IMS Associates.

The Imsai 8080 computer had interchangeable circuit boards and was featured in the very successful 1983 movie, "War Games" with Matthew Broderick. An interesting side fact, at the time, was that the Norad command mockup used in the movie, at a cost of one million dollars, was the most expensive ever built for a film for the period. The movie cost $12 million and grossed over $74 million which was huge at the time.

I remember how much I enjoyed watching this movie and how much I coveted that little machine and wished that I could have used it to gain mastery over the planet! Hah, too bad I never got the machine, and, likewise, total control and mastery of the planet, but I'm still working on that one!

Some of the features of this ancient, and ever so interesting bit of history, are as follows:

Manufacturer: IMS Associates (Information Management Services) which was created in 1973.

Model: 8080

Date Announced: 1976

Price: Beginning with a price $400 + for the kit, $600 for an assembled model, this relic can now easily fetch well over $500 or more as a collector item.

Processor: Intel 8080

Speed: 2 MHz (wow!)

RAM: A whopping 256 bytes and up, but normally this machine shipped with the ever so mind-boggling 8K of memory!

ROM: None was included, but one could, if desired, always add and use PROM.

Storage: Was either by a Paper Tape, cassette player or eight or 5.25 inch floppy drive.

Expansion: This is one of the highlights of the system as it could easily accommodate up to 22 slots!

Bus: S-100

Video: Terminal base or by the use of optional video cards.

I/O: Serial, Parallel, etc.

OS Options: CP/M, North Star DOS and many others.

According to the popular Wikipedia site's article on the Imsai 8080, some of the uses for this machine were:

• Small business data processing applications

• Data communications and data entry systems

• Scientific applications

• Computer sciences education and development

• Banking and insurance applications
• Military and general government applications

• Personal computer systems

Well, those were the specs - specs that seem so laughable when compared to what we currently enjoy. However, at the time, this machine was a screamer and the whole notion of a computer was something only for the realm of big government, big universities and big business, but certainly not for personal use. That idea was crazy and seemed so far fetched and laughable at the time - but not for me, I remember it like yesterday! I remember reading about the Imasai 8080 in Byte magazine and drooling over the pages as I did.

Maybe, just maybe, some day, if I'm lucky and I'm a good boy, I will still get my hands on a collectors machine and then, finally - world mastery will be mine, mine I tell you - hahahaahhahahhaahhah! Well, if not world mastery then, at least, it still would make a great conversational piece.

Today, many reading this bit of computer history would laugh, but trust me, as a child seeing this amazing computer it was, as a lover of gadgets, one of my favorite memories and fondest dreams. It was as if one were lusting after a new MacPro or top-of-the-line Dell XPS - it was bleeding and cutting edge at the time, let me tell you.

This computer still thrills me, even now, when I think about it and even more so than a lot of todays computers. Computers back then were rare, a complete oddity. Today they're just a commodity, along with your phone, TV, radio, etc. and what have you.

In conclusion: thanks IMS Associates for the memories and good ones at that!

And thats my 2 cents on this remarkable bit of computer history 4 Friday, November 9, 2007

Special thanks to the following:


http://www.imsai.net/history/imsai_history/imsai_pre_history.htm

http://www.vintage-computer.com/imsai8080.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMSAI_8080#History

Photo: http://www.vintage-computer.com

Pic-4-the-Day: A Spring Day

A well known singer may have left his heart in San Francisco, but this unknown blogger has left his heart in southern Germany, which just happens to be the subject for my 'Pic-4-the-Day' feature. Today's pic is: 'A Spring Day,' from the beautiful and glorious Bavarian countryside!

This pic comes to us from Rainbow11's wonderful Flickr page and, as you can plainly see, it is a beauty! This photo seems more like a painting than a photograph as its subject, color and composition are just about as good as it gets.

The fabulous German countryside is just bursting with seemingly every color of the rainbow and then some. The lush and bright fields makes me feel so relaxed and peaceful and they are just so beautiful and inviting - I feel like jumping into them! The dark forest surrounding those glorious fields couldn't have asked for a more beautiful backdrop - the German Alps, as they proudly pose so majestically as their dizzying heights reach for the heaven's.

With scenes like these, is it any wonder that my heart longs and aches to be in this great nation to indulge further in the natural beauty that God has so richly and abundantly blessed it with everywhere you turn?

Well, if like me, you can't return or visit this great and beautiful nation in person, you and I can, at least, visit it through the eyes of Ranibow11's wonderful photography and for that all I can say is thanks Rainbow11. 

So do yourself a favor check out her other great pics at the link below and enjoy! Sehr wunderbar bilden!

And thats my 2 cents on my pic-4-the-day, 4 this Thursday, November 8, 2007.


http://flickr.com/photos/wauwau/466129922/