Saturday, May 21, 2011

French Twist Hair

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  • whoooaaahhhh
    Jul 14, 09:54 AM
    Good post, sums up the current situation very nicely.

    Given that dual layer 50GB blu-ray discs cant even be produced yet, i think the 200GB claim is complete vaporware.

    I hope HD-DVD wins this war soon, as it is out of the gates first, and thus far a far superior format. If Blu-Ray were to give up now, i dont think many people would be sad. One format is better for everyone.



    NO.



    First of all, Blu-Ray discs are a completely new material and fabrication process, so highlighting the fact that they've only made 25GB discs (which were stable-ly created long before almost ANY HD-DVD's) and can't produce a disk which is far above the specs of the competition, is like saying screw the russians cuz they're space program hasn't sent a man to mars (nobody's done it yet, anyway). You can't blame Blu-Ray for not being able to deliver 50 GB yet, the meat of the war is just beginning anyway.

    Secondly, what was said about the VC-1 codec is very wrong. Microsoft's VC-1 codec is far worse and more difficult to work with than MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 that sony will probably offer in later versions of Blu-Ray. All this malarky about artifacts doesn't really make sense when you consider that we've been USING MPEG2 IN DVD'S FOR YEARS NOW! There's no way that the algorithim could be to blame for the artifacts! Sure it's fatter, but it's a lighter compression, and as Sony has shown with their PCM Audio on Blu-Ray, sometimes light compression on a bigger disk is better than heavy compression on smaller disks. It will be a lot easier to change to a more efficient codec down the line (which is what we've done with computers time and time again, as well as professional video) so we can get Ultra HD on Blu Ray when it comes out as well.

    I'm sorry, I understand people really want HD-DVD to win because it's easier and cheaper right now, but since when has the easiest option been the best? If Blu-Ray doesn't win this war we'll have another short life-span format, this version of HD will not be enough for the professional industry much longer, take it from a video guy. I've written a frickin' paper on this very subject.

    IMHO I'd like to see a Blu-Ray with the Mac Pro's to help solidify the consumer base into purchasing a better product, because that's how you standardize something in the market...sales...But I don't know that it will happen. Although remember DVD-RAM? Apple seemed to like that for awhile...that died...



    I also don't want microsoft handling my video codec, anybody remember the wonderous creation of WMV/WMA? The one that like none of us can use on macs? HD-DVD's codec is a derivation of the WMV-HD codec. Welcome to the Microsoft reality. They really like controlling proprietary codecs. Also...MPEG was created by a group of companies and people working together, Microsoft created WMV, so they've got almost complete say in how that plays out.





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  • OrganMusic
    Apr 11, 10:10 PM
    I've driven a friends Passat with DSG and it's better than a conventional automatic, but still meh as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps it's faster to 60 and more efficient but I don't care.

    My reasons for preferring manual are:

    1. Engine always feels connected to the wheels. Yes the DSG helps with this.

    2. I'm always conscious of what gear I'm in without having to look down at the indicator.

    3. In an AT car when driving around town (~35-40 mph) in full auto mode, it's going to be in top gear so any time you want to speed up even a little you have to give it more gas, then wait for it to decide to downshift before you get any response. And if you've given it enough gas to do that it usually slams into the new gear and you get a jerk instead of a nice smooth pull.

    4. Manual shift paddles can help with this, but now you've got to drive in manual mode all the time which I find a PITA (see #2). No easy access to N for coasting etc.

    5. Just feel more connected to the machine.

    I even got my wife to like manual when she was driving my old Mazda3 while her car was in the shop. We now own two MINIs both in 6-speed manual.

    I drive in Chicago traffic all the time and in fact hate having to stand on the brake in an AT all the time. The clutches in most smaller cars (e.g. our MINIs) are light enough it's really not that much work.





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  • j800r
    Mar 23, 04:57 PM
    I have a huge music collection consisting of 15,648 tracks (and trust me, it's gonna grow). I bought my iPod Classic at the end of 2008. It's a 160GB model and I must say, it's the best portable mp3 player I've ever owned or used in my entire life! As for the person who said the sound quality sucks, I don't know what the hell they're smoking. Maybe they should stop using the default earphones and buy some decent ones, cause the sound quality is perfect!

    I don't care about cover flow being a little laggy. With a music collection as large as mine it would be extremely counter-productive to browse through every single album, so I browse through my extensive list of artists instead, THEN chose the artist's album. Or I just stick it on shuffle and let the iPod surprise me.

    They shouldn't update it either. Nowadays people are spoiled by every little gadget being packed with so many ridiculous features it's unbelievable. The classic is perfect for what it is, and you shouldn't mess with perfection otherwise you'd screw it up. If they discontinued the Classic they'd be discontinuing a legacy and I for one will not be happy.





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  • epitaphic
    Aug 25, 07:33 AM
    A mini for the well educated, performance orientated computer user




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  • EGT
    Oct 23, 07:42 AM
    Please let this bring something. I'm getting sick of the constantly repetitive threads.

    They're never going away. After this release, there'll be posts about the next processor/upgrade. "Should I buy or should I wait!!?" :p

    Anyway, Macbook Pro updates tomorrow, woohoo. :cool:





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  • yg17
    Mar 22, 11:49 AM
    Which anti-war groups picket veteran's funerals? The only group that I'm aware of is the Westboro Christian anti-gay Church.

    And their reasoning for picketing has nothing to do with opposition to the war.

    I don't think you'll find any anti-war groups protesting at funerals.





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  • prodigee
    Feb 27, 09:25 PM
    What did you unplug before taking the picture? :o
    My SD card for my camera. :P
    Looks like you do a fair bit of typing on that thing!
    My old one started looking like that but then Apple replaced it with a new one. I bought a keyboard cover. Not because I hate shiny keys, but because hair and stuff was falling in the keys.

    Here at school it is my only computer, and I used it almost exclusively last year because I was on the move so much. So yeah I guess you could say I do a lot of typing on here haha. :)





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  • SubaruNation555
    Nov 24, 06:08 PM
    HP ZR24w to replace my 23" Cinema Display. It seems there aren't many 24" IPS 16:10 monitors around for under $500.

    http://p.gzhls.at/519550.jpg





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  • miloblithe
    Sep 6, 09:30 AM
    Comparing the prices of the new iMacs and the Mac mini is absurd. The killer
    feature of the mini is its form factor. Wake me up when you can use an iMac
    as a file/download server placed in your desk drawer.

    Fair enough, but what about those of us who want to buy a general purpose computer? (Probably most people)





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  • BRLawyer
    Apr 19, 02:23 PM
    I said nothing about wanting to use a slower interface. That would be silly.
    Do you think all future USB 3 peripherals will be compatible with TB via an adapter?
    That would be great, but why come out with USB 3 on a Mac at all?
    Or do you think Apple will skip a USB 3 port altogether?

    They will either skip it altogether or perhaps replace all USB 2 ports with USB 3 ones (thus keeping TB as the "advanced" FW equivalent)...





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  • bri1212
    Sep 18, 02:49 PM
    Anyway, when a reviewing organization "doesn't recommend" what I consider the best phone I've ever owned, it sounds more like I shouldn't bother paying attention to that reviewing organization. Their taste just isn't relevant to mine.[/QUOTE]

    Well said!





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  • vga4life
    Apr 3, 01:08 PM
    Cranking up the hype machine when the product is out of stock every where is classic Apple.

    Annoying.





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  • milo
    Sep 6, 08:48 AM
    Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

    We'll see it soon in the macbook pro, I'd guess the MB will be later on.

    So are all the yonah naysayers ready for a big plate of crow?





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  • ABernardoJr
    Apr 2, 08:41 PM
    I believe! But I'm still not buying one.


    "This is what we believe. Technology alone is not enough. Faster, thinner, lighter...those are all good things. But when technology gets out of the way, everything becomes more delightful...even magical very nice. That's when you leap forward. That's when you end up with something like this."

    Now THAT'S what I call marketing... :D





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  • ckelley
    Apr 12, 10:11 PM
    Available on the App Store?!?

    Seriously, this better come in a box.

    I can't get this approved for use without probably buying it myself first, let alone using my own iTunes account, which brings up a whole lot of licensing issues at work. And before you say "create a iTunes account for work."... Tying the corporate credit card to a shared iTunes account? I'd have a better chance of having our CEO give me one of his Jaguars than that. Not to mention, IT would slaughter me for the amount of bandwidth I'd use in downloading it.





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  • charlituna
    Apr 2, 09:36 PM
    I would tell you to review the iPad forum but I have a feeling that message would be lost on somebody so insistent on keeping their head in the sand.

    Seriously? You do understand that that is a small sample of folks. Most of whom choose to gripe and moan and not to do things like return it.




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  • danielwsmithee
    Nov 27, 02:49 PM
    I just hope they adjust their prices while they are at it. I love the Apple monitors but they are overpriced. Go to CompUSA and you can find at least 4-5 20" wide-screen monitors from $250-$399. At $699 they are way out or touch with the rest of the market. I could see paying a $100 premium at $499 but not $300.

    A 17" monitor would be nice to pair with a mini or even with 17" iMac to use as a dual monitor workstation.





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  • firestarter
    Mar 19, 10:36 AM
    I sort of support this, but as has been said before I think its time that America puts a heavier burden on allied nations to provide military assistance for UN resolutions.

    America is constantly being blamed for policing the world and I think it is a criticism we often deserve.

    But if the UN / international community is willing to allow/support the enforcement of a no fly zone. Than they should bear equal responsibility for the execution of the movement, the US shouldn't be providing 90% of the military support and funds.

    This is being led by the UK and France... Obama has been dragging his feet.

    http://www.france24.com/en/20110318-cameron-sarkozy-lead-no-fly-zone-effort-libya-benghazi

    Doesn't seem to stop Obama from going on TV to claim credit though.





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  • ChrisA
    Mar 24, 04:11 PM
    Just maybe, we can hope Apple will finally release a "normal" desktop computer. My older iMac is failing and I so much hate to have to toss out a nice, working 24" LCD display because of a problem with a graphics memory chip.

    I'll likely build a Hackintosh so as to prevent this problem in the future. That is unless Apple finally sells computers that can be repaired for less then the price of a new computer.





    milo
    Aug 29, 10:19 AM
    If the MacBook and Mini stay with core 1 CPUs, sales will grind to a halt.

    Only if they don't drop prices. Just depends what they charge, if they had core solo for $399 sales would go through the roof.





    jakemikey
    Aug 25, 11:59 AM
    Sadly, I've tried to make cheaper VIA based mini-ITX systems. I usually end up getting a better buy from a Mac Mini.

    Not if you're going for an embedded system that doesn't need a heavy duty CPU and graphics. I built a fanless home server/internet filter/firewall box for less than $200 (and this is in the mini form factor - mini-ITX). A mini would be overkill for that and almost all of the other above listed embedded applications. Get the right tool for the right job is all I'm saying. I would never use a VIA system for a desktop, but for almost every embedded application they're fantastic.





    Evangelion
    Jul 20, 11:36 AM
    I have used Linux before, admit that I gave up with linux with Suse 9. The point I was trying to make with the package manager is that its not easy to go out and find something, every time you either have to find a package for your specific distribution or have it "built" for your distro. If you look at the way the mac works now I can drag the aduim icon to a remote drive, and from almost any machine that meets the basic specs I can then double click that app, even if its on a network drive, it will run, can you say the same for Linux?

    Yes I can. Like I said, I just fire up the package-manager, find the app in question and click "Install". That really is all there is to it. No need to browse the web, looking for installers to download.

    By unification I meant giving a constant user experience with singal points of administration, management ect. Some of my previous sessions with linux the applications did not always fully adhere to guidelines that were set out by KDE, whatever theme i choose, it didnt adapt to it for example.

    Things are different these days. You are basing your judgement on SUSE9, which was released three years ago. During that three years, Linux has made HUGE progress. Things are chaning for the better, and they are changing FAST. I would say that Linux has changed more during the last three years than it did during the five years before 2003.

    Note: that is NOT a bad thing for Apple. I bet that Apple would much rather co-exists with Linux than with Windows. There could never be a monopoly Linux could exploit to harm competitors, Microsoft could do that, and they have done it. Linux is open and follows established standards, Microsoft does not, if they can get away with it. Linux has no interest in destroying competitors, Microsoft does.

    I fully admit im not a linux guru, and that things very likely have changed, but my perception is that every distro comes with a boat load of software on the DVD or via download, if you want to get something thats not listed it becomes a bit more difficult.

    Well, SUSE does ship with tons of apps on the DVD (mainly so that it could be used wby people without broadband). But if you look at Ubuntu for example, it ships with relatively few apps. In a way, they have selected "best of breed"-apps for their distro. But if the user wants to have some additional piece of software, he can just fire up the package-manager, where he can choose from 16.000 pieces of software. The app the user is looking for is most likely listed there. If he's installing a piece of commercial software, they usually ship with nice installers that are not one bit harder to use than the ones in OS X or Windows.

    There is the issue of building your own kernel

    You have no need to do that. Seriously. I haven't built my own kernels in years. And when I did, it was because I wanted to do it, not because I had to do it.

    Just because you CAN compile your own kernel does not mean that you are required to do so. The possibility is there for power-users.

    The mac advantage is that its a bit easier to get, install and run applications than windows, and IMO linux as well.

    I disagree. In Linux all the apps I could even want were just few mouse-clicks away. On OS X (and on Windows) I have to hunt for those apps in internet, only to find out that I'm expected to pay for them. I had none of those problems in Linux.

    why is there a few big distros out there after years of linux development, why are there so many niche ones, and why do linux users argue with others over their favorite distro?

    There are several distros, because one distro can't do it all. Want an OS that can be tweaked and customized to your exact needs and for your specific hardware? Obviously Ubuntu is not ideal then, but Gentoo is. Want a distro that "just works"? Ubuntu would be a good choice then. Want a distro with rock-solid reliablity? Try Debian. Want to run Red Hat servers, but don't want to pay for support? Use CentOS.

    All those distros exist because there are users who find them to be better for their needs than the other distros are. And there's nothing wrong with that, since one size does not fit all. No-one could tell the users that "from now on, there will be just one distro". And even if someone could say that, the users who were unhappy with the "one true distro" could start their own distro if they wanted to.

    Why do users argue which distro is best? For the same reason why Mac-users tell Linux and Windows-users that OS X is the best? For the same reason why BMW-drivers tell others that BMW is better than Merc is? People like to rationalise their choice of OS.

    Diversity and flexability is one of the strenghts of Linux, its users know that, and having a single distro that does everything will counter that strength, they also know that.

    They know that there can't be one distro that "does everything". Ubuntu wants to be easy to use OS that just works. Gentoo wnts to be as customizable, flexible and powerful as possible. It would be very, very hard for single OS to offer both of those ideoogies in one package. It would en up being "jack of all trades, master of none".

    Take Mandrake (Mandiva these days) and Red Hat for example. Years ago Red Hat decided to use GNOME as their default desktop. There were bunch of Red Hat users who liked the distro, but liked KDE more than GNOME. So they took Red Hat, replaced GNOME with KDE and voila: Mandrake was born. From that point te two started to diverge. as independted OS'es.





    Goldfinger
    Aug 31, 02:56 PM
    Let's hope that those specs aren't the final ones. That they're just to clear inventory.

    I'm hoping for Merom based mac minis.. Merom costs the same so why not ?





    OliverOSX93
    Apr 19, 04:29 PM
    As much as I want an Air, every time I'm in an Apple Store I drool over the 27" iMac. There's just something about that beautiful aluminum behemoth sitting on a desk that says I'm in the right camp.

    Dare we dream of a 30" model?

    it wasn't too long ago that apple discontinued the 30 inch ACD in favour of the 27 inch one. so I'm doubtful on that. sorry mate :(



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