Mr. Apotheker, please don’t be offended, this is merely my opinion.  Seriously, how could you take the 2nd best mobile OS [this is true and just for you Ryan] and put it on ice after weakly pitching it?  How could you?  do you not understand what is happening in the world with mobile computing?

I loved my Palm IIIc and m515.  They were great devices … they had problems, but they were the only real handheld for years!  They are still being used by some people because they work well and had a simple and easy to use interface.  They did lack a decent ecosystem and that was changed with webOS.  Palm made beautiful changes to the operating system and several of my friends got Pre’s and Pixi’s.  I was waiting on my contract to end so that I could move to an iPhone, by this point in time we had moved to Mac’s.  Yet, I was interested, and I grabbed my father-in-laws or friends phone when I had the chance to site down and play with it [that means I was interested in learning about the device because of the OS].  I was not impressed with the hardware.  I to be honest still am not.  The innovation of the pages concept and then the rumored and proven abilities of “tap to transfer”!  Wow!  I thought, how awesome that would be if it could be worked across different systems and then HP bought them and then they finished what Palm had started.

But they only finished what was started.

At this point I need to change directions.  What I was expecting when HP bought Palm was a rebirth of computing at HP and a move to actually compete with Apple.  I saw a future with webOS running on laptops and desktops and mobiles similar to the way OS X has moved into the mobile space [now let's not argue the semantics].  I envisioned HP being able to dual boot Windows and webOS; and I was not the only person envisioning that happening.  I believe, HP brought it up in the first place.  I was starting to see a lightweight fast operating system that would be faster than Windows and as secure as the rest of them.  I saw tablets, smartphones, touch handhelds [yes very similar to the iPod Touch]; and I saw an ecosystem being built or integrated, that would bring it to parity with Apple.  I mean, the computers looked good and were well made [from my personal experience with them].  HP could have spent more time on design even though this doesn’t seem to be a strong point.

Many people know and understand that Apple claims to be a hardware company and they maintain a 30% margin on their hardware and give away the OS [remember that this is a company statement made by Apple].  So, why couldn’t HP start to move in that direction … is it because Mr. Apotheker has no vision?  Yeah, and neither do those that work for him.   I am so disappointed because Android as much as it is touted an competition to iOS; many technologists that I follow and read feel the same way that I do.  Android was just a cheap, bad alternative.  webOS was the real threat to iOS.  It not only did things differently, but it also did them in a visually appealing way, similar to iOS.

So, my request, Mr. Apotheker, is to bring me on board and give me 3 years before you actually shutter this HALF A BILLION business.  Let me have a chance to bring back a group that is failing.  I know I have vision and I have a desire to see some really good competition.

iron wil

I was listening to a recent netcast, probably MacBreak Weekly #214 or Windows Weekly #176, and they were discussing the USB port on the back of the Apple TV.  I really started to think about that port and and the iTunes software.  I also felt that my iTunes Server could be met with Apple activating that port for external hard drives.  This could make the Apple TV an iTunes Server IF they add the ability to manage Accounts, Purchase Content, and allow iTunes to act as the intermediary.  Personal Profiles would allow one iTunes Account to manage multiple users (or device profiles) with Bonjour running Apple could enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Syncing.  This would solve the iTunes Server issue mentioned below.

I have noticed that a few videos and articles have surfaced over the last [thinking] 3 years and they are all pointing to the future of where Apple said it was going in the 80′s.  The Newton was their first attempt at a mobile product that would fill the space of the ‘hand-held communicator’ or Dynabook that was talked about by Alan Kay.  In my recent post, the video shared by TUAW, talks about being able to stream media on the fly.  To have total access to your books, music, movies, and documents no matter where an individual is located … they only need access to the internet.

Today we have 2 ubiquitous internet devices from Apple, the iPad and iPhone.  These two devices deliver the majority of the internet to you on the go.  We know that we can buy, rent, listen, and watch content as long as we are connected to the internet.  Yeah for 3G and GSM!!!  We now know that Apple is working on “The Orchard” a large data center in North Carolina.  Apple has now released the updated Apple TV that delivers all of your iTunes content to your TV plus NetFlix and hopefully much more as they continue to work on this platform.  I have heard some discussion for the Apple TV where we can push Hulu, MLB, or even games to our living room or bedroom TVs via AirPlay (or Apps).

With Apple rolling Apple TV and AirPlay out to their 160 million registered iTunes customers they have an instant [upon purchase] test bed.  To play with and work through all the bugs and legal issues.  They have a willing audience of “Fan Boys” that have already ordered their new Apple TV‘s.  They have users like me that will be purchasing one after they start shipping.

Now, what is missing?  One huge thing I think is missing is an iTunes server.  Yeah, I know that HP’s MediaSmart running Windows Home Server with the plug-in will act in this fashion.  What I am looking for is … think a Mac Mini Server form factor that we can add external hard drives to for increased capacity!  [The one extra cool feature would be that we could add more iTunes Servers and they would span the network.  I am thinking of a Drobo + AirPort Wireless Network Extender + SAN.]  We could stream right from that instead of from the family iMac.  It would function as the iTunes back-up for the whole family, accounts for each user.  This would then be coupled with “The Orchard” so that we have 3 copies of our media and we can then stream anything we own to anywhere! Now hold on and don’t forget that Apple purchased Lala.com and they had a really good balance of being able to push music that you already own for 10¢ each track and the ability to buy new music.

So,  if I have a DVD or digital copy of a movie, then I have to pay the 30¢ licensing fee and Apple drops a copy in my Orchard account.  Then if something happens to our Mac we have a copy of everything in the “Cloud”.  The way I see this service really being delivered is via MobileMe.  I am not sure if it would be 99$ still or if it would be free.  I think that free would ‘force’ people to move their content there because there is no barrier to entry.  I know that I would start right away.  I know that it would cost me; but if I could have the guarantee … I would be compelled to do it right away.  We have 2 Macs and 2 iPhones and it would be a no brainer for my wife and I to jump on that right away.

It is very clear to my mind what this will look like and how it will work.  Unfortunately, I don’t actually know and if I did, I wouldn’t be able to write this.

iron wil

I love this device.  I really like the 802.11n and I really like the Price Point!  I can afford the 99$ and that makes this an easy buy.  Having access to NetFlix and my iTunes Library in the same place really makes me love this.  I see 3 things that will happen to the device over the next year or two:

1. The Orchard will hold and deliver personal content to any iPhone, iTouch, iPad, and Apple TV.
2. Apple will develop a home iTunes server that will allow for several accounts and multiple account access.  Think HP’s Windows Home Server with the iTunes plug-in.
3. Apple will allow for App development which will bring in more content and some games.  This may require a new Apple TV to handle multiple iPhones, iTouchs, and iPads … to act as game controllers.

Once, Apple puts these pieces into place, it defines the paradigm and concept of what that device in the living room is that handles TV Shows, Movies, Music, and Gaming!

I need to pre-order mine.

iron wil

P.S.

Others Thoughts

1. Wired’s Epicenter, How Apple Just Disrupted the Cable Guys.
2. Ars Technica, No longer a hobby? $99 Apple TV drops storage, integrates Netflix.
3. Fortune Tech, Apple TV swings hard but misses.

I  have to disagree with Fortune, I think that they are wanting a solution to a problem that everyone is searching for.  Wired & Ars, I think are on the same train of thought as I am and Apple.  It isn’t the answer yet … another step or iteration on the path to getting it right.  I look forward to seeing what comes next.  I hope they see and realize that this can’t be a stand alone box; it has to have a robust back-end of content.

So, last time I wrote about Air Mouse Pro I was really negative about it.

Since then, I stopped trying to use it as a regular mouse and started using it as a remote for my iMac to surf and watch movies and TV shows.  My wife and I both love the app and use it daily.  I was very wrong in my first impression and attempted use of this application.

If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch and you need across the room access to a windows or mac computer.  This is the way to go.

Air Mouse Pro connects over your network via Wi-Fi.  There is a small piece of software that you install on you computer that allows the App to interact with the OS.  Here is a list of  Features:

• Accelerometer based mouse
• Trackpad with vertical and horizontal orientation
• Media keys with volume and eject controls
• Web keys
• Application switcher/launcher
• Application notifications
• Unlimited custom media and web remotes with scripting capabilities
• Remote keyboard with modifier keys
• Function keyboard with arrow keys
• Oversized numeric keypad
• Programable hotkeys (can be set to run a program or keyboard combination)
• Scroll pad
• Multitouch gestures (supports scrolling & right click)
• Remotely wake up and put your computer to sleep
• Password protection
• Custom sensitivity settings
• Foreign language keyboards
• Supports Bonjour or static IP
• Works over Bluetooth PAN (requires carrier support, currently not available on AT&T)
• No screen size limitation. Works with multiple monitors
• Works over WIFI, no line of sight limitations
• Built from the ground up for Mac and Windows

iron wil

iron wil

The following is a conversation that I had with some friends, I changed some things to protect the original speakers.

SC: Finally got my own laptop…and no it is NOT a Mac.

DCB: did you invent Windows 7 too?

EvC: Good. 90% of the people who own macs don’t need them.

LVT: Shame really.

BD: Macs are too expensive….

Wil: Macs are not to expensive & yes every Mac owner needs it. It isn’t the perfect computer yet; however, all the computer security guys I know prefer them over Windows hands down. Yet, cost for many is a driving factor & when I consult the first question I always ask is what is your budget & then what do you want it with do?

ErC: You will be eating those words in a year…

Wil: me? Nope, we have 2 & I am looking @ more.

LVT: I agree haven’t any problems with a mac in 20 years!!! They are fast and awesome!! I’m glad not to have to deal with regular computers anymore!! Yay me! LOL.

EvC: The only reason Macs have less “issues” is because they aren’t as mainstream. PCs are far more popular, thus hackers, viruses, etc. are geared towards them. There are two solutions to this if you want to save money AND learn a couple of useful things about computers (which can be useful in your life):

1. Learn how to properly secure your PC and how to properly clean it out when necessary.
2. Install Linux on it. It’s free, not mainstream, and destroys PC and Macs as far as customizing goes.

The only people who should be buying Macs are the graphic/music/video editing artists. The software that runs applications for them are specially designed for macs, and are thus better on macs. Everyone else who buys Macs are either way too misinformed, have a “liberal” way of thinking, are gay, or are just too intimidated by PCs for some reason.

GKC: Quit hating on Apple – Steve Jobs rocks my face!! You’re just jealous because you’re not as cool as us Mac folks ; )

ErC: When you say “gay” do you mean “homosexual” or “stupid”…

EvC: Macs are aesthetically pleasing I’ll admit… so yes, I meant gay, because most gay people like aesthetically pleasing things.

GKC: Oh and no Wil, he wasn’t talking about you – he was talking to SC …. ErC is a Mac lover like myself. And Macs are not too expensive…they are worth every penny. ErC and I had a Dell that crashed and burned within 8 months of buying it….I’ve had my Mac for over a year and not one issue and it still runs like the day we bought it. I can see why some people would prefer a PC….they are better for gamers.

LVT: LOL macs are Topline and for people with brains.

LVT: LOL I’ve never been intimidated by PC’s LOL that’s ignorance talking mister!! when I use a PC elsewhere they are exhaustively stupid!! It’s like running on asphalt without shoes when you have a wonderful perfect pair that would save your feet and joints from unnecessary pain and damage!!

EvC: I assure you, your 20 year old mac is not as fast as today’s current PCs. That’s just impossible from a technological standpoint. I’ll go to the Mac = overpriced tricycle example: http://208.116.9.205/10/content/10348/1.jpg

They are safe… you won’t fall, and if you don’t care to ever learn how to ride a “real bike,” they are just fine. … I don’t get how you can argue that they are not overpriced… b/c they most definitely are. Go to any site, store, and see for yourself. You can get the same thing on a PC WAY cheaper… and like I said Mac is ripping you one, because the only reason you don’t have problems is due to the fact that they aren’t mainstream. They are pretty much charging you up the rear for a “pretty looking” computer.

GKC: PC ripped off Mac’s OS with Windows…Bill Gates is a stinkin’ thief….and their current version looks a whole lot like the Leopard OS Mac has had for a while now. PCs are constantly changing to just keep up with Mac’s innovations….but we don’t have to buy all the software or upgrade to a new unit – we simply just install the updates. I understand EvC, you like to tear your computer apart and build your own unit…but I don’t. If I’m going to spend money on a computer, it better do what I want with minimal effort on my part – and that’s exactly what Mac provides…and yes, in a pretty package too.

Wil: wow EvC, you opened up one big can o’Mac-ness. I will agree that you can get “comparable” hardware. However, I agree with GKC that when you want a computer to just work … get a Mac. I have & do PC repair for others often, I recommend 4 applications to help protect their computer from infection.

But the real seller for me besides ease of use is sex appeal, they are very good looking computers, and cost. I would spend about the same or more on my PC over it’s life on components plus I then lost the time it took to put them in & upgrade all the software. OS costs are lower & so are many of the other basic software packages.

Do an actual price comparison for the hardware & software … there is a difference … oh yeah & they have the BEST customer service!!!

LVT: I have traded up every few years….I just meant that over the past 20 years I’ve never had problems…only traded up to the newer faster models.

LVT: I’ve had this argument with friends all the time!! It stops once they get one themselves and then apologize for their stupidity!! Hee hee this is fun!!

LVT: What’s even funnier is this whole conversation has yet to be seen by SC!

GKC: Lol!!! That’s what happened with ErC, he made fun of me for my love of Mac….and then he experienced the awesomeness of Mac for himself – now it is all things Apple in our house.

LVT: EXACTLY!!! =D

LVT: *high five* GKC.

EvC: I took a digital design class with macs. I’m not claiming they are bad computers… I just have no real reason to buy one, nor do I think a majority of owners have any real reason to own one. But I do recall that the mac lab at school (name removed) had terrible issues with connecting to the school network that they were never able to fix. About a fifth of the computers were unable to ever connect to the network that whole semester. Macs have their issues, too.

I can understand, though, wanting “minimal effort” when it comes to handling computers (hence the tricycle comparison). I’ll admit I’m the same way with some of the necessary things in life… for example, I suck at buying cars and getting car repairs. I know next to nothing about cars. In the end, don’t dis the PC/Linux folks. Macs aren’t any better in anyway when it comes to speed and even reliability (depending on how you define it). They are just a “safer” option for people who just want “minimal effort.”

EvC: And GKC, that happens EVERYWHERE in corporate America.

KB: Shoulda gone with a MAC

LVT: Sigh… I’ve been there done that!! Can’t ever prove anything until ya take the plunge!! You’ll never know until then….sorry….

SC: Wow! I am good at starting these long drawn out conversations.

First off. I don’t have any problem with Macs. In fact, I was the one who convinced AC to get one. I just can’t justify the extreme cost.
Second, EvC is absolutely correct about the security issues and the reason why there aren’t more viruses on Macs. They just aren’t as … popular especially in the business world.
Third, I have used the Mac OS and the Windows 7 OS and I have to say just after one day of using it…the Windows 7 OS is better. Plain and simple. Also there are some really silly things about Macs. An example would be that there is no way to easily force out a stuck DVD like you can with a PC. That is a simple design flaw.

As far as Microsoft ripping off the Mac OS, who cares! Bottom line is that I got a PC laptop for a THIRD of the cost of a Mac and it actually has a bigger screen and more hard drive space. I didn’t get a Dell I got an ASUS (the guys that started the netbook craze). I hope my friends will forgive my but this conversation was just to hilarious to not share.

The real bottom line is people use what they need.  They may use Linux/Mac/Windows it doesn’t really matter except to them.  I actually have all 3 boxes working in my house.  I use 3 operating systems and they all have a specific use; however, I use my Mac for 95% of what I do.

ironwil

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iron wil

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iron wil

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iron wil

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iron wil