Think the goal should be to make the experience of using a computer, at
least for the average or below average user, as much like the experience of
driving a new or late model, good-shape car as possible. My overall
impression is that those designing hardware and software, except maybe for
Apple, which I don't know much about, aren't really thinking in these terms.
There is way too much complexity, fragmentation, lack of integration, break
downs, glitches, things to be aware of, things to know, etc. While all of
this keeps business hopping for those in the field (anyone see the 60
minutes show on Geeks and high tech a few weeks ago?) it is not a way to
maximize the potential of computers, the internet and related technology,
for the maximum number of people.
Ultimately, this limits the overall creativity and productivity of the
country, just as not having a good high-speed infrastructure does. I'm
increasingly becoming convinced that the internet has amazing potential,
limited only by our imagination, and by the ease of use of all the involved
technology.
Randall
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Meyer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 3:05 PM
Subject: Re: [CGUYS] MacMini: [Was: XP Gets Life Extension]
Well, I understand that battery technology (in a UPS) is problematic on a
variety
of fronts (weight, reliability, etc) but apparently necessary (for some
people) until the circuitry,
power supplies and hard drives in PC's become more robust.
The internect connection configuration in OSX is absolutely cool compared
to Windows networking. Extremely intuitive and simple. Configuration is
only part of the internet functionality, obviously. Though the bluetooth
connection
to a cell phone so that it can be used as reasonably speedy modem is cool,
and could be part of utopian, tweak-free PC experience.
User file backups are obviously a nice thing, but I would be more impressed
if I didn't have to pay extra for them. Given that OSX updates can stop one
dead in the water, isn't a disk image backup still a good idea? Also, are
internet
backups reasonable in the age of Gigabytes of user data (photos, MP3).
On the same topic, is there an app that can log your software installations
(and their source, if downloads)
so that during recovery
you get back your configuration as closely as possible or is this built into
OSX?
PC be sold bundled in a home network with dedicated backup servers, routers,
ups
(dancing girls/boys and beer would be nice too).
----- Original Message ----
From: Randy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 2:43:45 PM
Subject: Re: [CGUYS] MacMini: [Was: XP Gets Life Extension]
Well, sounds like Macs would be perfectly suited to build in a back up
device (or provide an external one) to make backing up as easy and automatic
as possible, with options for manual control for those who want or need
that. Since Apple has control over the hardware and the software, why not
have this? Too much added cost, so may not see competitive? Those who can
think beyond their nose might appreciate not having to fool with buying
aftermarket devices for this. Maybe someday, when I could afford to, I'd
even buy one!
Randall
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Piwowar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 11:35 AM
Subject: [CGUYS] MacMini: [Was: XP Gets Life Extension]
>As much as I like my macmini, computers won't be completely tinker free
until they come with
1)UPS
2) Internet connection
3)Automated backup.
#1 is essential if you live with iffy power,
(which means me even though this is southern Montgomery Co)
#3 you need everywhere
I guess everyone does get #2 if you include crappy dialup.
1) A few months ago I removed a client's UPS and their frequent calls for
service dropped to zero. Since most people do not have "iffy" power
making a UPS a standard part of a computer would not be a good move. As
their UPS aged they would have more and more problems and no easy way to
fix them. An external UPS can be easily removed or replaced and the
majority of us who do not need a UPS won't have to fuss with one.
2) The computer automatically configures your Internet connection the
first time it is turned on. It covers many options and I have never seen
it do a bad job at this. If you get the dot-Mac service your get
configured for lots of other goodies. What more could you want?
3) If you got the dot-Mac service, this is one of the services that came
with it. Since the OS keeps your user files neatly organized in a user
domain, backing up user files is greatly simplified. What's not to like?
Are you perhaps running Vista on your Intel-based MacMini?
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9:46 PM
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