rlhamil
Apr 21, 06:44 PM
The existence of this data has been known for some time now.
Further, some googling suggests that Apple had already responded to some congressmen's inquiries on the subject, again, well before it got this level of publicity.
From what I've read, they apparently collect locations, WiFi MAC addresses, etc, _anonymously_ (not retaining information that would track any particular person or phone, unless you _choose_ to track a lost or stolen iPhone).
Now...why would they do that? I just thought of one reason.
Geolocation by WiFi MAC address (the only way iPod touch or non-3G iPad can geolocate, if they can't use cell towers and don't include GPS) depends on a database of locations and WiFi MAC addresses. Apple probably has previously used one licensed from Skyhook or Google. I imagine that was built with equipment carried in delivery vans, or in the same vehicles that take Google's "street view" panoramic photos. Licensing access to that database must cost Apple something.
Now...what happens? Somebody says "duh, an iPhone has WiFi and a GPS, that means we've got a fleet of surveying equipment already deployed." Doesn't matter that they can't schedule the coverage; sooner or later, someone is likely to drive near just about every fixed WiFi AP on the planet with an iPhone. Now...the data quality wouldn't be as good...but even whoever did the earlier database must've had that problem (people with mobile access points would confuse the heck out of things, for instance). So maybe it takes multiple hits to confirm something as fixed, or to improve the accuracy. But eventually you still get to the same end result - a WiFi MAC address vs location database that Apple owns free and clear.
They might even be able to do some work with cell tower location data, and perhaps produce data good enough to compete with the existing geolocation database providers. After all, Apple does have to maintain some infrastructure for various functions: their notification servers, software update servers, etc. Anything they can get as a side-effect of the normal operation of iDevices and their infrastructure, that helps pay for it, lets them make a bigger profit and/or be more competitive (remember, for all Apple's rep for high prices, the iPad 2 supposedly is as well or better priced compared to competing devices with similar specs).
The question here probably isn't whether the data is being abused; and raising that question is IMO _pandering_, not surprising for a liberal, who after all must have idiots for constituents, or they wouldn't have been elected. (I mean, really, Heinlein summarized economics concisely with TANSTAAFL, and there _is_ something usually ignored called the Tenth Amendment, which basically says the states can be socialist if they want, but the federal government can't.)
The _real_ question is what safeguards are in effect to minimize the potential for abuse. Ok, we theoretically need a warrant for this sort of thing (although I wouldn't put it past individual states to play fast and loose). But what about foreign governments, already inclined towards police state behavior? What about people _knowing_ what risk they're putting themselves at in case of some civil suit?
IMO, Apple needs to provide and prominently _document_ a way to clear the saved data, and/or document the degree to which disabling location services prevents its retention (let alone anonymous reporting) in the first place. (For jailbreakers, I gather there's already a Cydia app that once installed, will automatically delete data older than a few minutes.) People need to understand that encrypted backups would make the information sync'd back to their Mac or PC safer. And so on.
Generating hysteria is perhaps a useful political tool, for those inclined to address themselves to the least common denominator. But asking the more specific questions which would lead to real answers takes more than PR, it takes a functional brain, or at least the sense to hire a staffer who has one or can consult one.
Further, some googling suggests that Apple had already responded to some congressmen's inquiries on the subject, again, well before it got this level of publicity.
From what I've read, they apparently collect locations, WiFi MAC addresses, etc, _anonymously_ (not retaining information that would track any particular person or phone, unless you _choose_ to track a lost or stolen iPhone).
Now...why would they do that? I just thought of one reason.
Geolocation by WiFi MAC address (the only way iPod touch or non-3G iPad can geolocate, if they can't use cell towers and don't include GPS) depends on a database of locations and WiFi MAC addresses. Apple probably has previously used one licensed from Skyhook or Google. I imagine that was built with equipment carried in delivery vans, or in the same vehicles that take Google's "street view" panoramic photos. Licensing access to that database must cost Apple something.
Now...what happens? Somebody says "duh, an iPhone has WiFi and a GPS, that means we've got a fleet of surveying equipment already deployed." Doesn't matter that they can't schedule the coverage; sooner or later, someone is likely to drive near just about every fixed WiFi AP on the planet with an iPhone. Now...the data quality wouldn't be as good...but even whoever did the earlier database must've had that problem (people with mobile access points would confuse the heck out of things, for instance). So maybe it takes multiple hits to confirm something as fixed, or to improve the accuracy. But eventually you still get to the same end result - a WiFi MAC address vs location database that Apple owns free and clear.
They might even be able to do some work with cell tower location data, and perhaps produce data good enough to compete with the existing geolocation database providers. After all, Apple does have to maintain some infrastructure for various functions: their notification servers, software update servers, etc. Anything they can get as a side-effect of the normal operation of iDevices and their infrastructure, that helps pay for it, lets them make a bigger profit and/or be more competitive (remember, for all Apple's rep for high prices, the iPad 2 supposedly is as well or better priced compared to competing devices with similar specs).
The question here probably isn't whether the data is being abused; and raising that question is IMO _pandering_, not surprising for a liberal, who after all must have idiots for constituents, or they wouldn't have been elected. (I mean, really, Heinlein summarized economics concisely with TANSTAAFL, and there _is_ something usually ignored called the Tenth Amendment, which basically says the states can be socialist if they want, but the federal government can't.)
The _real_ question is what safeguards are in effect to minimize the potential for abuse. Ok, we theoretically need a warrant for this sort of thing (although I wouldn't put it past individual states to play fast and loose). But what about foreign governments, already inclined towards police state behavior? What about people _knowing_ what risk they're putting themselves at in case of some civil suit?
IMO, Apple needs to provide and prominently _document_ a way to clear the saved data, and/or document the degree to which disabling location services prevents its retention (let alone anonymous reporting) in the first place. (For jailbreakers, I gather there's already a Cydia app that once installed, will automatically delete data older than a few minutes.) People need to understand that encrypted backups would make the information sync'd back to their Mac or PC safer. And so on.
Generating hysteria is perhaps a useful political tool, for those inclined to address themselves to the least common denominator. But asking the more specific questions which would lead to real answers takes more than PR, it takes a functional brain, or at least the sense to hire a staffer who has one or can consult one.
Ktulu
Aug 7, 07:52 AM
Here we go again...
Timeline of my usual events for an Apple conference, all times are in AEST:
10pm: Some sort of massive leak comes out and we all post madly about it.
11pm: Someone figures out the leak must be fake and we all post madly about it.
12am: The hour of silence as all the Americans try to grab a few hours sleep.
1am: The east-coast of the US starts to wake up and post madly about the leak - the Europeans post endless "It's a fake, here's the link." posts, the Aussies who are awake begin to get incoherent in their posts (who me?).
2am: The forums are brought to a halt by an influx of newbies asking what the chinese writing on this picture of a "Video I-Pod" means.
3am: Kick-off, macrumourslive starts running their text updates, I fall asleep at least three times during the conference and wake up each time hoping I haven't missed anything cool.
4am: Conference is either still going or winding down, if it's still going, I fall asleep yet again, if it's winding down I get a tab going and reloading apple.com/au till all the information comes online.
5am: Conference is definitely over, forum may be flakey but online - hundreds are disappointed and vow to "wait for rev B" whilst hundreds more are refuting their claims of disappointment with long posts about money. I don't care because I'm asleep.
11am: Wha? Who? Where? Oh yeah? Time to get up. Pack up laptop and hop down to the net caf� to watch the Quicktime movies that have appeared on the Apple site at proper speed (not dial-up).
1pm: Lunch somewhere.
2pm: Net caf� again for uninterrupted stream of keynote.
3pm - 4pm: Reading forums for interesting tid-bits I'd missed, start thinking about a beer.
5pm: Pub, pretending not to be a Mac nerd who has just stayed up most the night looking at websites.
8pm: Home, dinner, hopefully not making the long distance call to Bourke on the porcelain telephone.
Thus endeth Apple Conference Day. For MWSF add 2 hours to the time.
Absolutely hysterical....but most likley very much on the mark. :cool:
Timeline of my usual events for an Apple conference, all times are in AEST:
10pm: Some sort of massive leak comes out and we all post madly about it.
11pm: Someone figures out the leak must be fake and we all post madly about it.
12am: The hour of silence as all the Americans try to grab a few hours sleep.
1am: The east-coast of the US starts to wake up and post madly about the leak - the Europeans post endless "It's a fake, here's the link." posts, the Aussies who are awake begin to get incoherent in their posts (who me?).
2am: The forums are brought to a halt by an influx of newbies asking what the chinese writing on this picture of a "Video I-Pod" means.
3am: Kick-off, macrumourslive starts running their text updates, I fall asleep at least three times during the conference and wake up each time hoping I haven't missed anything cool.
4am: Conference is either still going or winding down, if it's still going, I fall asleep yet again, if it's winding down I get a tab going and reloading apple.com/au till all the information comes online.
5am: Conference is definitely over, forum may be flakey but online - hundreds are disappointed and vow to "wait for rev B" whilst hundreds more are refuting their claims of disappointment with long posts about money. I don't care because I'm asleep.
11am: Wha? Who? Where? Oh yeah? Time to get up. Pack up laptop and hop down to the net caf� to watch the Quicktime movies that have appeared on the Apple site at proper speed (not dial-up).
1pm: Lunch somewhere.
2pm: Net caf� again for uninterrupted stream of keynote.
3pm - 4pm: Reading forums for interesting tid-bits I'd missed, start thinking about a beer.
5pm: Pub, pretending not to be a Mac nerd who has just stayed up most the night looking at websites.
8pm: Home, dinner, hopefully not making the long distance call to Bourke on the porcelain telephone.
Thus endeth Apple Conference Day. For MWSF add 2 hours to the time.
Absolutely hysterical....but most likley very much on the mark. :cool:
DrFrankTM
Sep 1, 01:21 PM
I think you're absolutely right!! They need to stick in a couple of digial tuners in it too tho.....
The problem with adding tuners from what I understand is that there are many different standards throughout the world. Anyone knows if there are there tuners that do it all at the moment? Even without a tuner though, it'd be a pretty slick machine.
Also, if Apple markets those as HDTVs-that-are-also-computers instead of computers-with-big-screens, I think they could go after a part of the HDTV market that would more than compensate the "downgrades" from the Mac Pro. But a 23-inch model would not only cause downgrades from the Mac Pro. People like me would upgrade from the Mini too! I wanted more than the 20-inch iMac's 1680x1050 for my main screen. Since I bought a Dell screen to go with my Mini, Apple lost a sale there.
A 23-inch iMac would also crank up Apple's coolness factor a couple of notches. I mean... the Mac Pro is cool and all, but few people - the regular folks, not us gadgets freaks - want to have such a huge box in their living room, and Apple could give better specs to a 23-inch iMac than those of a Mini+screen. Anyways, I think it'd be an awesome product. I hope we'll see something like that in the near future.
The problem with adding tuners from what I understand is that there are many different standards throughout the world. Anyone knows if there are there tuners that do it all at the moment? Even without a tuner though, it'd be a pretty slick machine.
Also, if Apple markets those as HDTVs-that-are-also-computers instead of computers-with-big-screens, I think they could go after a part of the HDTV market that would more than compensate the "downgrades" from the Mac Pro. But a 23-inch model would not only cause downgrades from the Mac Pro. People like me would upgrade from the Mini too! I wanted more than the 20-inch iMac's 1680x1050 for my main screen. Since I bought a Dell screen to go with my Mini, Apple lost a sale there.
A 23-inch iMac would also crank up Apple's coolness factor a couple of notches. I mean... the Mac Pro is cool and all, but few people - the regular folks, not us gadgets freaks - want to have such a huge box in their living room, and Apple could give better specs to a 23-inch iMac than those of a Mini+screen. Anyways, I think it'd be an awesome product. I hope we'll see something like that in the near future.
AFPoster
Mar 22, 01:05 PM
You opinion may be true of some people- not all. I did not choose to be attracted to guys. I also could never have sex with a woman. It's not physically possible for me, if you get my meaning. Stop telling other people that you know everything about them. You don't. Not everyone is the same.
In any of my comments I never said I new anything about them. I am speculating from pure observation. I am basing everything I know off of my friends experiences and what I've heard from them and what they saw to communities and towns during there speeches. No, I don't get your meaning either. So many ways to guess that meaning that I wouldn't be right if I guessed.
In any of my comments I never said I new anything about them. I am speculating from pure observation. I am basing everything I know off of my friends experiences and what I've heard from them and what they saw to communities and towns during there speeches. No, I don't get your meaning either. So many ways to guess that meaning that I wouldn't be right if I guessed.
leekohler
Mar 22, 01:00 PM
I don't believe any was born gay, that's my opinion. I believe you make the choice in your life, just like you make the choice on what career you want and college you desire to go to. I have friends that were once married (guy/girl) and then divorced because they liked their sex better. So now they are openly gay and happy.
You opinion may be true of some people- not all. I did not choose to be attracted to guys. I also could never have sex with a woman. It's not physically possible for me, if you get my meaning. Stop telling other people that you know everything about them. You don't. Not everyone is the same.
You opinion may be true of some people- not all. I did not choose to be attracted to guys. I also could never have sex with a woman. It's not physically possible for me, if you get my meaning. Stop telling other people that you know everything about them. You don't. Not everyone is the same.
gugy
Nov 29, 09:20 PM
I'll speak loud and clear:
DVR
iTunes Store can't now nor will it likely ever replace Dish Network for me. Just let me record my shows either directly with iTV or via something connected to it. I hope when this is released, HD DVD and Blu-ray make there way into Macs.
I am with you but I believe Apple will offer that trough Elgato with Front Row and some sort of DVR functionality via EyeTV. That way Apple's offers DVR without compromising themselves with the whole DRM thing and pissing off the networks.
Mark my words. Plus, I think the Elgato's founder is on Apple's board of directors.
DVR
iTunes Store can't now nor will it likely ever replace Dish Network for me. Just let me record my shows either directly with iTV or via something connected to it. I hope when this is released, HD DVD and Blu-ray make there way into Macs.
I am with you but I believe Apple will offer that trough Elgato with Front Row and some sort of DVR functionality via EyeTV. That way Apple's offers DVR without compromising themselves with the whole DRM thing and pissing off the networks.
Mark my words. Plus, I think the Elgato's founder is on Apple's board of directors.
AppleIntelRock
Dec 30, 12:05 AM
It's possible to both be quite right here. HD is underestimated, but having greater demand than expected is a separate issue to overall market size.
Anyway, as you say... there are 2 separate markets - the 2 evolutions of PayTV are "on demand", and HD (or both together). People who have invested in a top notch TV will easily pay for HD players (like an iTV-HD). Others may just want to watch what they want, when they want it.
If Apple only releases a HD system, and it costs a premium, I won't end up buying it. I'd be paying for a premium that I couldn't take advantage of. And besides, at the moment the iTS sells 640x480 anyway.
Really, is that what you're doing in the US?
We've got Digital 576i in Australia as our standard definition, but it's in the 16:9 aspect ratio. Apple can choose whatever combination they want, I'm sure.
At least our TV's aren't upside down :D :cool: ;)
Anyway, as you say... there are 2 separate markets - the 2 evolutions of PayTV are "on demand", and HD (or both together). People who have invested in a top notch TV will easily pay for HD players (like an iTV-HD). Others may just want to watch what they want, when they want it.
If Apple only releases a HD system, and it costs a premium, I won't end up buying it. I'd be paying for a premium that I couldn't take advantage of. And besides, at the moment the iTS sells 640x480 anyway.
Really, is that what you're doing in the US?
We've got Digital 576i in Australia as our standard definition, but it's in the 16:9 aspect ratio. Apple can choose whatever combination they want, I'm sure.
At least our TV's aren't upside down :D :cool: ;)
thejedipunk
Jan 7, 01:36 AM
Not that any more predictions from anyone from this point on matter any longer, but what the hell? ;)
LEOPARD LEOPARD LEOPARD
IPOD IPOD IPOD
MACS MACS MACS
iTV will be named with release/ship date
My thoughts on the phone:
I've read much stuff on here about this much epically fabled device. Several good and bad points. First, if the rumor gods are saying that they will release a basic/media phone as well as a smart phone, then, as some have already pointed out, what can Apple bring that is new to the table of basic/media phones? I think Apple should just make a smart phone, considering that more and more people are looking towards smart phone market, which I think has some room for innovation. Plus, at the same time, they can capture that oh-so-crucial enterprise market. SWITCHERS GALORE!!! Even with that, I don't see them being stupid enough to cannibalize iPod/nano/shuffle sales. At most, 2 gigs of space on the phone, which will have to be shared with the phone and any media files.
Take this also into consideration. Why would children even need Apple branded cell phones? Most children today are obviously on a family plan. Which means they get the free phones. The Apple phone would not be priced reasonably enough for me to buy all my kids (if I had kids) such a phone. What if Apple just decides to make the iPod into a super device that can even cook breakfast for you. That kills off all iPod music player sales. Not everyone would buy the phone because what they really wanted was just a music player and not a Digital Age Swiss Army Knife.
But I still want an Apple smart phone. :)
LEOPARD LEOPARD LEOPARD
IPOD IPOD IPOD
MACS MACS MACS
iTV will be named with release/ship date
My thoughts on the phone:
I've read much stuff on here about this much epically fabled device. Several good and bad points. First, if the rumor gods are saying that they will release a basic/media phone as well as a smart phone, then, as some have already pointed out, what can Apple bring that is new to the table of basic/media phones? I think Apple should just make a smart phone, considering that more and more people are looking towards smart phone market, which I think has some room for innovation. Plus, at the same time, they can capture that oh-so-crucial enterprise market. SWITCHERS GALORE!!! Even with that, I don't see them being stupid enough to cannibalize iPod/nano/shuffle sales. At most, 2 gigs of space on the phone, which will have to be shared with the phone and any media files.
Take this also into consideration. Why would children even need Apple branded cell phones? Most children today are obviously on a family plan. Which means they get the free phones. The Apple phone would not be priced reasonably enough for me to buy all my kids (if I had kids) such a phone. What if Apple just decides to make the iPod into a super device that can even cook breakfast for you. That kills off all iPod music player sales. Not everyone would buy the phone because what they really wanted was just a music player and not a Digital Age Swiss Army Knife.
But I still want an Apple smart phone. :)
projectle
Aug 6, 09:00 PM
Or Leopard as Vista SP1; that should be a good two years off...
cleanup
Nov 27, 03:11 PM
My god, the dog with the goggles is right! I think I like him just as much as the donkey astronaut.
Oh, another set of these:
http://i.imgur.com/1IdVf.jpg
Stop buying things for yourself! 'Tis the season of giving, you know.
Oh, another set of these:
http://i.imgur.com/1IdVf.jpg
Stop buying things for yourself! 'Tis the season of giving, you know.
Ozu
Sep 6, 11:04 PM
It seems to me that the distribution of 480i content is pretty much settled. Netflix and Blockbuster do this well and at very competitive prices. I can't see that Apple would benefit much from trying to compete there.
How high-def content is distributed, on the other hand, is far from settled. In fact, the world of high-def video in 2006 looks a lot like the world of digital music in 1999; a technology consumers clearly want, but an emerging technology mired in competing standards and confusing technical details. Apple must have noticed that similarity.
I've had a beautiful 720p TV for eight months, and have yet to actually see anything in 720p on it. The closest I've come is hooking my MacBook up to it and watching quicktime trailers. I'm not going to buy a Blu-Ray or HDDVD player until the standards war is over and the players cost less than $300, and that's not going to happen until late 2007 at the earliest.
If I could buy a movie in 720p from the iTunes Music Store and watch it on my TV next Tuesday night I'd do it. Sure it'd take a few hours to download. But the alternative is to wait at least a year.
How high-def content is distributed, on the other hand, is far from settled. In fact, the world of high-def video in 2006 looks a lot like the world of digital music in 1999; a technology consumers clearly want, but an emerging technology mired in competing standards and confusing technical details. Apple must have noticed that similarity.
I've had a beautiful 720p TV for eight months, and have yet to actually see anything in 720p on it. The closest I've come is hooking my MacBook up to it and watching quicktime trailers. I'm not going to buy a Blu-Ray or HDDVD player until the standards war is over and the players cost less than $300, and that's not going to happen until late 2007 at the earliest.
If I could buy a movie in 720p from the iTunes Music Store and watch it on my TV next Tuesday night I'd do it. Sure it'd take a few hours to download. But the alternative is to wait at least a year.
OllyW
Mar 22, 01:02 PM
I don't believe any was born gay, that's my opinion. I believe you make the choice in your life, just like you make the choice on what career you want and college you desire to go to. I have friends that were once married (guy/girl) and then divorced because they liked their sex better. So now they are openly gay and happy. I have back and forth e-mails with them stating they consider it a choice. One of my friends is a writer for Lesbians and spoke in front of congress on this issue 2 years ago. I was with her and she even stated that it was a choice to become a lesbian and it's now America's choice to accept it for all for choose this path.
I don't believe you, that's my opinion.
I don't believe you, that's my opinion.
odo
Aug 7, 05:23 AM
Anyone dares to read "Vista 2" as "Vista too"?
Virtualisation built-in so Leopard does Vista too?
Would surprise me, but still...
Virtualisation built-in so Leopard does Vista too?
Would surprise me, but still...
yac_moda
Jul 19, 07:15 PM
Apple is up 8.6 % after hours :eek: :eek: :eek:
Does anybody think the stock pricing in the last 3 days was insider trading that indicated the coming good results.
I can't tell but looking at the 5 days chart -- maybe :confused:
Does anybody think the stock pricing in the last 3 days was insider trading that indicated the coming good results.
I can't tell but looking at the 5 days chart -- maybe :confused:
VanNess
Jul 20, 02:27 AM
Most likely it would work exactly like how a normal streamed QuickTime movie downloads. It buffers for a few minutes, and then you can start watching it, and it downloads in the background, and saves it to file letting you watch it again for X times/days. This is exactly how Movielink works.
Ah, ok, thanks for the info. I never used Movielink and I'm not familiar with it. I've never steamed any content that would even approximate the length of a hollywood movie, with the possible exception of S. Jobs keynotes. So far, H264 seems to serve those very well. (Except for the first week or so, when it seems the server is bombarded.) In any event, I don't think that content is actually downloaded to disk as its streamed.
On the other hand, movie trailers (like Apple Quicktime trailers) are downloaded in the background to some secret location on the disk as they are watched, and, although they usually perform well, occasionally they hiccup (stall momentarily) for whatever reason (traffic, general internet latency), sometimes even the regular non-HD ones. So if Movielink has figured out a way to provide a bulletproof buffer for streaming high-quality (DVD) content over regular US DSL, great. Maybe Apple can one-up them with even higher, H264 quality.
But if the stream ever stalls, even momentarily, count me out. My gauge for judging (and accepting) any online Movie service is that it must meet or exceed the present terrestrial-based DVD experience. There is a local DVD rental store within 2 blocks of where I live. That modest, unassuming little establishment happens to be Apple's and Movielink's greatest competition in my book. They have to give me a compelling reason not to go there.
Ah, ok, thanks for the info. I never used Movielink and I'm not familiar with it. I've never steamed any content that would even approximate the length of a hollywood movie, with the possible exception of S. Jobs keynotes. So far, H264 seems to serve those very well. (Except for the first week or so, when it seems the server is bombarded.) In any event, I don't think that content is actually downloaded to disk as its streamed.
On the other hand, movie trailers (like Apple Quicktime trailers) are downloaded in the background to some secret location on the disk as they are watched, and, although they usually perform well, occasionally they hiccup (stall momentarily) for whatever reason (traffic, general internet latency), sometimes even the regular non-HD ones. So if Movielink has figured out a way to provide a bulletproof buffer for streaming high-quality (DVD) content over regular US DSL, great. Maybe Apple can one-up them with even higher, H264 quality.
But if the stream ever stalls, even momentarily, count me out. My gauge for judging (and accepting) any online Movie service is that it must meet or exceed the present terrestrial-based DVD experience. There is a local DVD rental store within 2 blocks of where I live. That modest, unassuming little establishment happens to be Apple's and Movielink's greatest competition in my book. They have to give me a compelling reason not to go there.
SactoGuy18
Apr 20, 06:51 PM
Manuals are cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, more reliable, longer lasting, more powerful, more fuel efficient, and offer better driver control. Automatics are for the elderly and the handicapped.
That used to be the case, but in recent years even conventional automatics have actually gotten a lot simpler because a lot of the functionality involved in shifting gears using hydraulics have been taken over by computers. As such, you don't see as much highly-complex hydraulics as older automatics, and that's why Hyundai was able to reduce the size of their new six-speed automatic so you even find it in the Hyundai Accent model (Hyundai just showed the 2012 US model today at the New York Auto Show).
Manuals still have their place, but it's likely going to be increasingly found on low-end automobiles and high-end sports cars over the next few years.
That used to be the case, but in recent years even conventional automatics have actually gotten a lot simpler because a lot of the functionality involved in shifting gears using hydraulics have been taken over by computers. As such, you don't see as much highly-complex hydraulics as older automatics, and that's why Hyundai was able to reduce the size of their new six-speed automatic so you even find it in the Hyundai Accent model (Hyundai just showed the 2012 US model today at the New York Auto Show).
Manuals still have their place, but it's likely going to be increasingly found on low-end automobiles and high-end sports cars over the next few years.
Amnak
Apr 2, 10:19 PM
I think what you don't realize is that for people who love the iPad either:
a) They don't need something more powerful, or
b) They have other devices (laptops, pcs) that do what other things they want to do.
I fit in camp B. I use my iPad for web surfing, reading, sharing pictures, while listening to Pandora. Could I use my laptop for this? Sure I could - Yes. But I enjoy using my iPad for these types of tasks. It's more comfortable using for these tasks, and more enjoyable.
Think about this for a second. Why do you have a toaster? Can't you toast bread in your oven by putting it on broil? A toaster has so few features compared to an oven. What's the use of a toaster? This points out the reasons for an iPad. My 'toaster' isn't my only cooking device in my house, but it complements my stove, just like my iPad complements my laptop.
I love your analogy, I'm going to use it all the time now!
a) They don't need something more powerful, or
b) They have other devices (laptops, pcs) that do what other things they want to do.
I fit in camp B. I use my iPad for web surfing, reading, sharing pictures, while listening to Pandora. Could I use my laptop for this? Sure I could - Yes. But I enjoy using my iPad for these types of tasks. It's more comfortable using for these tasks, and more enjoyable.
Think about this for a second. Why do you have a toaster? Can't you toast bread in your oven by putting it on broil? A toaster has so few features compared to an oven. What's the use of a toaster? This points out the reasons for an iPad. My 'toaster' isn't my only cooking device in my house, but it complements my stove, just like my iPad complements my laptop.
I love your analogy, I'm going to use it all the time now!
mterlouw
Sep 6, 10:02 AM
i agree. i would never buy a computer that didn't have a dvd burner....and i'd never advise someone else to either
And neither would Steve Jobs, and so he wants you to spend $799 for the feature.
And neither would Steve Jobs, and so he wants you to spend $799 for the feature.
SPUY767
Sep 7, 06:46 AM
Judging by the ratings, I get the sensation that some of us here don't like disney movies. Anyhow, Apple's not really trying to break into any new markets with this, nor are they trying to be revolutionary. They already have an incredibly robust content distribution system, and it costs them next to nothing to host these movies on it. If people download them, great, if not, so what. But seriously, for the price, these mofos better be Hi-Def!
dguisinger
Aug 7, 08:09 AM
what about when steve says they have a new case and the 17" has an optional blu-ray drive. and they all have hdmi output. x1800 256/512
he will kill us all
Man, thats not enough.... we need dual Nvidia mobile GPUs with SLI...just like Alienware has! (Each with 512MB, for a total of 1GB video ram!)
he will kill us all
Man, thats not enough.... we need dual Nvidia mobile GPUs with SLI...just like Alienware has! (Each with 512MB, for a total of 1GB video ram!)
VPrime
Jan 5, 01:58 AM
To the BMW guys, how reliable is the E46 325i?
I have a chance to pick one up for a fairly low cost (Less than $6,000 canadian). It is pretty much mint and VERY well maintained.
Car has a bit higher miles (~125,000 miles/ 205,000km), but I am guessing well maintained they will last quite a while?
I really enjoyed my brothers E36, and I just got rid of my project cars so I figure this would be a nice change.
I have a chance to pick one up for a fairly low cost (Less than $6,000 canadian). It is pretty much mint and VERY well maintained.
Car has a bit higher miles (~125,000 miles/ 205,000km), but I am guessing well maintained they will last quite a while?
I really enjoyed my brothers E36, and I just got rid of my project cars so I figure this would be a nice change.
econgeek
Apr 12, 09:25 PM
Great to see all the core technologies they've been talking about at WWDCs and putting into OS X for the past 4 or so years being leveraged here.
GCD, GPU based color correction, resolution independence, etc. This is a genuinely modern app.
I know Adobe hasn't got one that's really modern/
GCD, GPU based color correction, resolution independence, etc. This is a genuinely modern app.
I know Adobe hasn't got one that's really modern/
quagmire
Jan 5, 08:01 AM
To the BMW guys, how reliable is the E46 325i?
I have a chance to pick one up for a fairly low cost (Less than $6,000 canadian). It is pretty much mint and VERY well maintained.
Car has a bit higher miles (~125,000 miles/ 205,000km), but I am guessing well maintained they will last quite a while?
I really enjoyed my brothers E36, and I just got rid of my project cars so I figure this would be a nice change.
My brothers/dads old E46 330xi has been giving him trouble with 150,000 miles on it. Things do wear out, but it seems like every time I hear about the car, it is broken.
I have a chance to pick one up for a fairly low cost (Less than $6,000 canadian). It is pretty much mint and VERY well maintained.
Car has a bit higher miles (~125,000 miles/ 205,000km), but I am guessing well maintained they will last quite a while?
I really enjoyed my brothers E36, and I just got rid of my project cars so I figure this would be a nice change.
My brothers/dads old E46 330xi has been giving him trouble with 150,000 miles on it. Things do wear out, but it seems like every time I hear about the car, it is broken.
RBD2
Sep 14, 10:44 AM
http://tinyurl.com/yed7h3p
