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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ OT: Way Cool New Apple Stuff
Posted by: McMark Jan 11 2005, 03:10 PM
I'm super excited about the new Apple products. 
The new Mac Mini is an awesomely compact, full featured computer. Very cool for people who are converting from windows. And only $500!
http://www.apple.com/macmini
The new iPod Shuffle is a tiny flash MP3 player. 1GB for only $99. Sounds like a winner.
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/
Pictures should be clickable.
Posted by: Part Pricer Jan 11 2005, 03:35 PM
** BREAKING NEWS **
Apple market share doubled, now up to 1%
Posted by: larryp Jan 11 2005, 03:53 PM
Paul, you are such a cynic.
Posted by: Mueller Jan 11 2005, 04:03 PM
couple of questions....can I use the iPod Shuffle with windoze and is there a way to port it into a car radio?
Posted by: Demick Jan 11 2005, 04:06 PM
| QUOTE (McMark @ Jan 11 2005, 01:10 PM) |
| The new iPod Shuffle is a tiny flash MP3 player. 1GB for only $99. Sounds like a winner. |
Not quite. 512MB is $99. 1GB is $149.
Very good prices - especially coming from Apple.
Posted by: bondo Jan 11 2005, 04:07 PM
One question.. can I eat the ipod shuffle? 
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 04:09 PM
| QUOTE (McMark @ Jan 11 2005, 01:10 PM) |
| I'm super excited about the new Apple products. The new Mac Mini is an awesomely compact, full featured computer. Very cool for people who are converting from windows. And only $500! <CENTER> http://www.apple.com/macmini </CENTER> The new iPod Shuffle is a tiny flash MP3 player. 1GB for only $99. Sounds like a winner. <CENTER> http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/ </CENTER> Pictures should be clickable. |
I am sure there are millions out there converting from Windows. I think I am going to sell my MAC since i never use it anymore. Too hard to get the programs I need to run on it without spending thousands in software.
So what sizes do the shuffles come in, I notice it says FROM $99.
Posted by: seanery Jan 11 2005, 04:16 PM
$499 - NO Keyboard, NO Mouse, NO Monitor... 
Posted by: Bleyseng Jan 11 2005, 04:20 PM
Mueller, my Passat has a port so you can plug in the ipod to it.
The idea Sean is that you can use your old keyboard, mouse etc saving money. Cool little setup really. I'll get one for my dad.
Geoff 
Posted by: Carlitos Way Jan 11 2005, 04:40 PM
What kinda mac you got? I'm in the market!
Posted by: DougC Jan 11 2005, 04:47 PM
I just got an iPod the other day on my birthday for $200. My spoiled nephew (but I love him) decided he wants a ipod 'mini' so he made me a good deal on his barely used 10Gb original one. I haven't had time to mess with it but it's already got a bunch on tunes on it that he paid for . I mainly wanted it to run through my HK TrafficPro car stereo (in the 914).
Doug C
Posted by: SirAndy Jan 11 2005, 04:56 PM
| QUOTE (McMark @ Jan 11 2005, 01:10 PM) |
| new Apple products |
mhmmmm, Apples ....
Posted by: Qarl Jan 11 2005, 05:50 PM
Macs still suck... Don't run 95% of what's available out there... unless you wanna run software to make it emulate Windows (which defeats the purpose)
Sure they're less prone to viruses....
If you like to graphics or play with your Ipod, that's about all they're good fore.
Posted by: Hi_Fi_Guy Jan 11 2005, 06:06 PM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 11 2005, 03:50 PM) |
| Macs still suck... Don't run 95% of what's available out there... unless you wanna run software to make it emulate Windows (which defeats the purpose) Sure they're less prone to viruses.... If you like to graphics or play with your Ipod, that's about all they're good fore. |
Wow, you really don't know anything do you?
Posted by: bondo Jan 11 2005, 06:09 PM
Uh oh.. Does Apple/PC count as "religous discussion"? 
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 06:31 PM
Not really political, more of a Chevy vs Ford debate.
As for the MAC I have, I am not that up on Apple computers, its a G4 900MHz with either 512 or 768 meg of ram, either a CD-RW or DVD drive, I think a 15 gig hard drive but its IDE so you could put anything in there, keyboard, mouse and a 21" Sony flat screen monitor. I do mean monitor, not flat panel display. It also comes with OSX 10.2 and 10.3 software on CD.
Oh, and it also comes with an I-Sight camera too. I will say the camera is very nice, way better than any of the ones I have seen for the PC.
Posted by: Series9 Jan 11 2005, 06:42 PM
| QUOTE (Hi_Fi_Guy @ Jan 11 2005, 05:06 PM) | ||
Wow, you really don't know anything do you? |
WTF Qarl? Do you have any idea what you're talking about? I think you don't.
Posted by: nebreitling Jan 11 2005, 06:50 PM
| QUOTE |
| macs still suck |
lmfao. it think it's funny that people have such allegiance/allergy to certain products...
case vs john deere -- now there's a good debate.
nathan
(OSX.3/linux user. think that windows sucks, but ultimately just don't give a shit)
Posted by: Pnambic Jan 11 2005, 07:01 PM
If your car stereo doesn't have a hookup for you to connect the iPod (or any MP3 player for that matter), you can get an FM modulator for about $15 - $20 from places like Circuit City that will transmit the music through your car stereo via its FM tuner. I use one on long trips. Its nice not having to search for a decent local radio station constantly (and in places in KY, there's nothing but country country music ) and you can store your entire CD collection on some of these tiny new MP3 players nowadays.
http://www.arkon.com/fmtransmitter.html
Posted by: McMark Jan 11 2005, 08:37 PM
Mike, before the WCC, I will be removing the stereo from my car, getting an iPod and hooking it directly to the amp.
Posted by: McMark Jan 11 2005, 08:47 PM
I made a scale model of the Mac Mini. TINY! Might have to buy one for the shop.
Apparently I'm the only person who already has a monitor, keyboard and mouse and am PLEASED to be able to save some money there! 
Attached image(s)
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 08:53 PM
| QUOTE (Pnambic @ Jan 11 2005, 05:01 PM) |
| If your car stereo doesn't have a hookup for you to connect the iPod (or any MP3 player for that matter), you can get an FM modulator for about $15 - $20 from places like Circuit City that will transmit the music through your car stereo via its FM tuner. I use one on long trips. Its nice not having to search for a decent local radio station constantly (and in places in KY, there's nothing but country country music ) and you can store your entire CD collection on some of these tiny new MP3 players nowadays. http://www.arkon.com/fmtransmitter.html |
Although they do work, FM modulation loses some of the quality despite what the manufacturers claim. They have been using them for years to hook up CD changers in cars. They work ok but are not near the quality of a direct link.
Posted by: Bleyseng Jan 11 2005, 08:55 PM
I have both Mac and PC and prefer to play on the Mac as everything is easier to do. I have even converted some of my Microsoftie friends as they are buying Powerbooks. Gosh Qarl, have you even tried the new Macs?? I think you be working too much or the paint job went south again.....
I still use the Dell laptop at work.
Geoff
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 09:02 PM
The one main reason I wouldnt buy one of those little macs is the fact that it is not upgradeable at all. Kind of like the IPod, when the batteries die on it, your only option is to throw it away and buy another one. With the batteries being the same type as in a cell phone, if not properly discharged and recharged, they will only last a year to a year and a half. To me, it just seems like a waste of 300 to 500 bucks for that length of time. If Apple were smart, they would have made them replaceable like the Creative Zen. It's called "Planned obsolesence" In my opinion, that is just wrong. The new mini mac is pretty much the same, the CD will wear out after a year or so or the hard drive will fill up and get slow and its probably a sealed unit. Again, planned obsolesence.
Posted by: ws91420 Jan 11 2005, 09:02 PM
There is something going on with I-tunes and a possible antitrust suit. It seems that they encode the downloads so you can only use an I-Pod and no other personal MP3 player.
Posted by: McMark Jan 11 2005, 09:28 PM
Upgradability is overrated in my opinion. I've almost never upgraded my system. But I buy big from the beginning so I have room to grow. Also, everything is upgradable. I just bought a new HD for my iBook (first time I've done this). I've gotta take the whole damn thing apart, but it'll be no problem. I'm sure both replacing the iPod battery and upgrading the MacMini would both be similar. Take it to your local Apple retail outlet if you're not comfortable taking things apart. The point of the MacMini is to be small. Small does not equal easy to upgrade. If you want upgradability it's not the one for you. Of course there are external drives as well. Seems to me there are a lot of options in that regard. 
Regardless, it impresses me. 
Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Jan 11 2005, 10:41 PM
I love my Mac!
So glad I switched back to apple products after being forced to use windows in the business world. Everything I need to do on a computer I can do on my Mac and it's a hell of a lot easier and more fun.
If you do go with the fm modulator get the itrip by Griffin, much better than the Belkin or others that will fit the ipod. Scott is right though you lose a little quality, direct hook up is best.
Apple does encode their music in their own format to prevent pirating not so it can't be played on other players. Other players just don't support the format.
BTW - I got a 40GB ipod for christmas and I love it. My whole music collection, over 4000 songs, in one little package. I can take it anywhere and listen to it in any car, home stereo, skiing, biking, wherever. It's awsome.
Posted by: Series9 Jan 11 2005, 10:44 PM
| QUOTE (Rhodes71/914 @ Jan 11 2005, 09:41 PM) |
| I love my Mac! So glad I switched back to apple products after being forced to use windows in the business world. Everything I need to do on a computer I can do on my Mac and it's a hell of a lot easier and more fun. |
F'in A Bubba!
Posted by: MattR Jan 11 2005, 11:02 PM
I tried to use a mac at school once but I couldnt right click... i damn near shot the bloody thing.
Ive been on a windows (or dos) based system since I was about 5 and I dont plan on changing now. Hell, all I use my computer for now days is this board and a clock, anyway.
I agree with the software thing and money though. Piracy is illegal, but very convenient 
Posted by: 96conv Jan 11 2005, 11:36 PM
| QUOTE (skline @ Jan 11 2005, 07:02 PM) |
| The one main reason I wouldnt buy one of those little macs is the fact that it is not upgradeable at all. Kind of like the IPod, when the batteries die on it, your only option is to throw it away and buy another one. With the batteries being the same type as in a cell phone, if not properly discharged and recharged, they will only last a year to a year and a half. To me, it just seems like a waste of 300 to 500 bucks for that length of time. If Apple were smart, they would have made them replaceable like the Creative Zen. It's called "Planned obsolesence" In my opinion, that is just wrong. The new mini mac is pretty much the same, the CD will wear out after a year or so or the hard drive will fill up and get slow and its probably a sealed unit. Again, planned obsolesence. |
Apple can replace iPod batteries for you for $99.
Posted by: skline Jan 11 2005, 11:43 PM
$99 for two lithium batteries? Seems a bit out of line to me. I will stick with the Creative Zen.
Posted by: double-a Jan 11 2005, 11:57 PM
corporate personalities are interesting. some companies are leaders, some followers. some are pioneers, some are settlers. the personality of apple is that of a pioneer, and has been from day one. and that just bugs some people i guess.
and what about that software? adobe: check. macromedia: check. m$ office? check (and btw, it works better in os x). high-end graphics and video software: check. best-in-the-industry customer satisfaction and support: check. award-winning, modern operating system: check. in fact i daresay the fantastic software bundled for free into every version of os x looks and functions better than the "95%" of the bloated, hastily-written and poorly-supported software for windows.
find another company equally pioneering in the areas of software development, hardware development, user interface/user experience, digital music, digital video production, etc etc.
but alas, i am a cross-platform user, having had both a dell and a powerbook on my desk for many moons now. i use the dell, but i enjoy using the mac.
~a
Posted by: sj914 Jan 12 2005, 03:58 AM
Jut got back from Mac World and the mini lives up to its name "mini". The biggest thing featured there was the ipod. They had some ipod ready cars out there on display, a couple Mercedes and a couple mini coopers.
Posted by: Otmar Jan 12 2005, 04:04 AM
Ah yes, this is almost a political debate. I think I'll put on my fire suit!
I have a nice 1 ghz Mac Powerbook on a 23" screen that does 99% of what I want.
Then I have a 2.4 ghz Windblows machine that I bought for running 2 programs that I can't run on my Mac. What a piece of shit! It took me three video cards, 2 days and many restarts just to get it to run the 23" DVI monitor. And that was just the beginning! I believe Bill Gates deserves to die for his crimes to humanity, his idiotic short sighted greed has wasted millions of man hours.
In the end it comes down to one thing for me. When I use my Mac I mostly feel happy with how it works. (sure, they have problems too, but nothing like when I work on the alternative) When I use a Windblows machine I get angry a lot. Mac `aint perfect but it sure works for me.
Now that they have a $500 one out, all the cheapskates who would spend hundreds of hours making the POS work rather than spend the extra bills for something good have no excuse anymore. (unless of course you are addicted to games, then I guess you're stuck) Myself, I like being productive. It seems that most of the highly intelligent people I know use Mac and Linux. I wonder if that's a coincidence. 
Oh right, and then there is the other time I recommend PCs. When you don't know anything about computers and all the people around you use PC's. Then it's certainly better to use a PC and have people around to help out.
Myself, I'll stick to my virus free, easy to use Mac. Windblows "plug and play" never even got close to this quality of life.
Posted by: Pnambic Jan 12 2005, 07:37 AM
| QUOTE (double-a @ Jan 12 2005, 12:57 AM) |
| corporate personalities are interesting. some companies are leaders, some followers. some are pioneers, some are settlers. the personality of apple is that of a pioneer, and has been from day one. and that just bugs some people i guess. and what about that software? adobe: check. macromedia: check. m$ office? check (and btw, it works better in os x). high-end graphics and video software: check. best-in-the-industry customer satisfaction and support: check. award-winning, modern operating system: check. in fact i daresay the fantastic software bundled for free into every version of os x looks and functions better than the "95%" of the bloated, hastily-written and poorly-supported software for windows. find another company equally pioneering in the areas of software development, hardware development, user interface/user experience, digital music, digital video production, etc etc. but alas, i am a cross-platform user, having had both a dell and a powerbook on my desk for many moons now. i use the dell, but i enjoy using the mac. ~a |
There's an interesting point....Mac's OS sounds to have a lot more built in than Windows, but no one has filed suit against Apple.
I've never owned an Apple, (though my wife's maiden name is Wozniak, yes, THAT Wozniak family) so this is just hearsay, but I would be surprised is Apple has made their music format public, or if they have, it's probably got a licensing fee to make it impossible to make a competing application. They are notorious for maintaining scrupulous control over EVERYTHING concerning their Mac empire. The iPod seems to have become the de-facto MP3 player of choice so I imagine that if it were possible to utilize their music format, a lot of apps would be out there doing that already. Just a guess on my part here.
BTW, my wife's limited interaction with Steve Wozniak has been less than impressive. She says he's about as much of a prick as you'll ever find. I bet Mr. Gates would be more fun. Hell, he's got a 959, right? He can't be all that bad....
Posted by: Pnambic Jan 12 2005, 07:43 AM
And true, radio does lose some of the sound quality, but its just as good as listening to the radio and you get to listen to your music. Besides, if you're really an audiophile, you wouldn't convert to MP3 in the first place as it loses quality in comparison to the CD.
Take it with you and it works in your car, a friend's car, the rental car, whatever. All cars have FM radios anymore.
A lot easier than toting a head unit around with you everywhere...
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 12 2005, 07:50 AM
I'll bet I'm a bigger 'mac guy' than anyonew else on the board. I'm the CTO of a company that has 60-70 macs....and 3 WinTel machines. I won't spark the debate here, but taking a look at the link below will give you an idea of where I stand.
http://www.hardman.org/detail.tpl
I've got one of every iPod ever produced. I think its one of the better devices made in the last 10 years. I have it integrated into my Saab 9-3ss, and plan on buying the Alpine gear to integrate it into a 914. (When I get one.)
I'll have 2 of the minis next week. I'll post pics for anyone that is interested. (Ordered an iPod Shuffle too)
Posted by: Qarl Jan 12 2005, 07:54 AM
I don't know nothing about no apples....
I am entitled to my opinion... I think they are good for a limited number of things. You gotta look at my environment... Medically billing.... there are ONE or TWO applications for it... and they suck.
Just look at the corporate world... what percent of the marketshare in business to macs prevail? Very few.
Posted by: mongrel-gs Jan 12 2005, 08:19 AM
in case they head south, replacement ipod batteries for much less than $99
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ipod/batteries/
Posted by: double-a Jan 12 2005, 09:27 AM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 12 2005, 05:54 AM) |
| I don't know nothing about no apples.... I am entitled to my opinion... I think they are good for a limited number of things. |
i'm sorry to fan the flames here, but i've got to point out something. if you"don't know nothing", then it's fairly difficult to arrive at an educated opinion, isn't it? i use both platforms, every day, and the better machine and operating system is pretty obvious to me.the top selling car for years used to be the ford taurus. does that automatically make it a better car than, say, a porsche? my dell is that taurus. i'd rather be driving the sportscar.
~a
Posted by: Qarl Jan 12 2005, 10:12 AM
Boy... everybody is sure sensitive and touchy here.
So for those of you that are pissed at me or think I'm an a-hole. I am sorry. It's really fun getting you Mac lovers all worked up!
Perhaps I should suggest to the Moderators that we ban the discussion of PCs vs. Macs, because everybody gets so pissy!!!!!
Consider this...
I believe OSX is a Linux variant. Linux, which was originally written 80386-processor base computers (ahem, PCs). Don't Macs and PCs use the same memory boards now?
So if you think about it, Macs, are really just glorifed PCs running Linux.
And to those that responded...
| QUOTE |
| Wow, you really don't know anything do you? |
Yes... I do know a lot about a lot of things... Some things I know more about than many of you.
I never professed to be a Mac expert...
I am supposed to love Macs because you do?
Okay, I'll stop posting on your thread so you guys can have so more fun.
I'm outta here!
Posted by: Gint Jan 12 2005, 10:13 AM
Skline spewed:
| QUOTE |
| Kind of like the IPod, when the batteries die on it, your only option is to throw it away and buy another one. |
That's twice you've said that on this board Scott. It's not true. You can buy a battery yourself and replace it for under $40. Or Apple will replace your battery for $99. I bought a Gen II IPOD second hand for $125. It's still on it's original battery. I love this thing.
Posted by: Series9 Jan 12 2005, 10:40 AM
In my experience, 99% of Mac users have used PCs and are, therefore, qualified to comment in this debate.
Conversely, 95% of PC users have never used a Mac and are ,therefore, unqualified to comment, but nevertheless tend to be the loudest spewers of crap every time this topic comes up.
Let them keep their POS PCs.
Mac users unite!
Posted by: ws91420 Jan 12 2005, 10:59 AM
Mac's have their own niche. When I was working on office building phone systems some of my clients used Macs for desktop publishing on the early appletalk network. My sister who is a professor at Tulane uses Macs from way back because of the langauge fonts not available at the time on PC. Macs are great for graphic design. It's just that not enough people spend time developing software that runs on them. Look on the internet there are sites that require you download a program to use it and if you have a Mac you are screwed. I have a G3 I book but I use my HP more because that is what I grew up with.
On the antiturst suit you can play other mp3s on ipod but if you want to buy from itunes and want to put it on portable you have to use ipod. They are not making the format available to other manufacters.
Posted by: 914forme Jan 12 2005, 11:22 AM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 12 2005, 12:12 PM) |
| I am supposed to love Macs because you do? |
Nope keep right on buying them Windozs and PC machines - you pay my bills.
You want to know the stinger here - I am a Windows and Cisco admin - I use a Mac for all my tasks. They work for me - you use what you want matter of fact keep right on using that PC, more $$$$$ in my pocket.
BTW, the house is 100% Apple - why because I don't have to go home and support a windows network - I can go home and do what ever I want.
Each to there own PC people love their stuff and so do Apple - I am a convert from 6 years ago - kind of like an AA meeting here.
Hi my name is Stephen
I used to be a PC Intel based user
I have been off that platform for 6 years now
Yes I still go to the PC bars but I fix the beer taps and don't drink, I just poor the mugs so the rest of you guys can get blindly drunk.
Onto the Car hookup Apple is working hard with manufactures to get interfaces for their products, BMW, Mini, Mercedes is a new one to me, Hopefully VW, Audi, and Porsche will follow suit. I would like that, not a big BMW fan except the M cars, don't need a stereo in them.
The FM transmitters suck even the Griffen digital versions. I went with a hard wired model that are used to install DVD players they still FM modulate - but they block all the FM form the outside so you get a nice clear signal. Alpine is your only third party vendor with the an control interface.
Allot of the third party decks have aux inputs built in or available for a nominal fee. But no actual interface controls. Thing that kills me about apple is they always sell iPods like mad - I have 2 of the minis on order right now. I allready have 3 in the house 2 are my wifes, I have the others, the Minis are for the kids. Apple is the only place that I know of that can get me to buy 1000s of $$$ right after the holidays.
Take care, Stephen - CNE, MCSE, CCNA etc.....
Posted by: CptTripps Jan 12 2005, 11:36 AM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 12 2005, 11:12 AM) |
| Consider this... I believe OSX is a Linux variant. Linux, which was originally written 80386-processor base computers (ahem, PCs). Don't Macs and PCs use the same memory boards now? So if you think about it, Macs, are really just glorifed PCs running Linux. |
100% wrong...well, 95% anyway.
OS-X is based off of BSD unix, and the NeXT OS (NeXT-Step and then Open-Step) which was around almost a decade before Linux, or even the GNU projects. There is an open-source version of the Kernel, called Darwin, which some HAVE ported to x86 platforms, but not a useable OS by any streatch. The fact that they use similar RAM is like saying that my Saab, and your 914 use the same 92 octane gas, so they must have the same engine.
I have 6 companys that run nothing but OS-X Macs. We haven't had a virus, piece of SpyWare, or the need for a pop-up blocker...ever. Our uptime was close to 100% last year, and I have one of the most secure networks you'll ever see.
I could care less if anyone wants to use one, and you MAY know more than me on a lot of other topics, but not this one.
Now, back to cars guys...nothing good can come from this discussion!
Posted by: airsix Jan 12 2005, 11:46 AM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 12 2005, 08:12 AM) |
| I believe OSX is a Linux variant. Linux, which was originally written 80386-processor base computers (ahem, PCs). Don't Macs and PCs use the same memory boards now? So if you think about it, Macs, are really just glorifed PCs running Linux. |
Um Qarl,
Your comments about MAC's sucking because no 3rd party has provided a good medical billing application for that platform is like saying that your new Elise is a piece of shi+ because the local FLAPS doesn't carry a car cover that fits it properly. In other words, the statement doesn't hold water.
No, I don't own a MAC, but I know enough about them to know they are a very good platform.
OSX is built on BSD Unix, not Linux. One of the most stable and secure operating systems known to man. And yes, while Linux and Linux-like OS's such as Unix were written originally for various older architectures, they have been ported to DOZENS of newer architectures. They were written to be easily ported to new hardware. And when they have been ported to the new architecture they don't drag along a bunch of bagage as you might assume. They are trim and efficient. In fact, Linux is so easily ported that there was a functioning 64-bit version ported to the first Intel 64-bit chip before the first of those chips even came off the assembly line (months adhead of Microsofts beta that would run on it)!
-Ben M.
Posted by: BMartin914 Jan 12 2005, 11:50 AM
I switched to apple after being a thourougly dissatisfied PC user for years.
I have had 2 Compaq machines die and my Dell at work continues to run slower and slower all the time even with anti-virus software. The pop-up blocker also seems to degrade in its effectiveness over time.
My OSX 12" iBook has seved me well through 2 years of college and continues to work perfectly today. No viruses, no pop-ups, no more blue screen of death and random crashes. I am a thoroughly satisfied apple user.
Posted by: Lawrence Jan 12 2005, 12:25 PM
We need a yawning smiley. 
Posted by: Eric Taylor Jan 12 2005, 12:38 PM
Arn't we all just a bunch of nerds today! YA, I was hoping their were a bunch of mac users on this board .
For me, i've been using mac's since they basically came out, my family had an original macintosh LC and ever since I have been hooked. I'm currently typing this on my original powerbook G4, it's 3 years old and is still the best maching i've ever owned. The hard drive is getting way to full, so i'll have to replace it, but it should last the next 3 years of school, and at that time, i'll probably replace it. That's 7 years of faithful service doing everything and anything I ever expected out of it. Say that about your PC:). I would agree on one topic about pc's, in the business world, I would say that mac's have no place,really, most busines tasks are tedious and boring and require almost no computing power, and I feel that a mac has no place their, a pc fill's this niche much better. In almost every other application, education, home use, graphics, and everything else besides games, the mac wins in my opinion. It's a much better designed and polished product. You can see the craftmanship in the cases, and the hardware as well as the software. I had an original iBook before this powerbook, and It was basically thrown agaisnt a wall and it just turned right on, like nothing had happened. Try that with a dell laptop. It would probably crack in half. Anyway, it's just my 2 cents, apples are quality and you might have to pay a little more for it, which I find a worthwhile expense.
Eric
Posted by: SirAndy Jan 12 2005, 01:01 PM
| QUOTE (Otmar @ Jan 12 2005, 02:04 AM) |
| When I use a Windblows machine I get angry a lot. |
well, but that's just because *you* don't understand computers ...
sorry, just had to say that ...
to me, they all work just fine. dunno where all this "X is so much better than Y" stuff comes from.
worked with MACs for years, had PCs since they came out, loved my SUN workstation ...
i'm a computer power-user, i spend 12+ in front of the computer every day.
my PCs (Win 2000 AS, XP HE) don't crash, in fact i don't think i had a single crash in all of 2004.
i like the PC for the same reasons you guys hate it so much.
because it has a gazillion of options for hardware/software/drivers/tweaking/finetuning/programming that i have always missed on the MAC.
i can make anything work with a PC, and i mean anything. i can write my own device-driver in 30 minutes if i need to add some obscure hardware. i can choose between 3000 different graphics cards, 10000 different harddrives. i upgrade my systems *a lot*.
i build my own cases (which i can upgrade because the motherboards have a standard size!).
a PC is like owning a 914, i can take it apart, replace half of the components with better ones, add some stuff it didn't have before, throw other things out, then put it all back together, and voila! it's running again ...
bottomline, if it takes you 2 days, several crashes and a lot of frustration to make your PC work with a certain monitor, you don't know what you're doing!
AndyPS: keep 'em coming, i got my flame-suit on!
Posted by: double-a Jan 12 2005, 01:08 PM
| QUOTE (SirAndy @ Jan 12 2005, 11:01 AM) |
| has a gazillion of options for hardware/software/drivers/tweaking/finetuning/programming |
i'll give you that. those are definitely things that are better done in a windows environment..
~a
Posted by: Series9 Jan 12 2005, 01:12 PM
So I guess you can either become a 12+ hour/day professional with thousands of hours of experience in order to have a crash-free year or to spend less than two days trying to get a monitor to work with your PC...
...or you can just get a Mac.
Andy, you kind of made the Mac point for us.
Posted by: McMark Jan 12 2005, 01:14 PM
Keep it cool guys, things are a little heated in here.
The Mac does has a shortness of specialized software. Mac's suck in those fields because if you wanna use a Mac.... you can't. VirtualPC is the same as buying a real PC so it's disqualified in my world. 
Everything works fine, everyone can like what they want.
Bottom line - regardless of platform, we can all get onto the 914Club site and that makes all computers equal.
Posted by: SirAndy Jan 12 2005, 01:17 PM
just in case that wasn't clear, i like the MAC too.
i worked with MACs for 4 years straight when i was working for a printing company.
used photoshop, quarkxpress, freehand, illustrator, streamline and more every day and i liked it very much.
of course, i had to redo the companys internal network and hook up all the MACs to the NT-Server they had (that was running the fiery color laser printer).
got all their PCs and MACs to share files, which wasn't easy in those days ...
Andy
Posted by: SirAndy Jan 12 2005, 01:19 PM
| QUOTE (914RS @ Jan 12 2005, 11:12 AM) |
| Andy, you kind of made the Mac point for us. |
yes, as i said, if you can't get it to work, you don't know what you're doing, in which case a MAC might be the right computer for you ...
btw. i can throw a 100 different monitors at you right now that would not be plug&play with your MAC.
i would love to see you try to make them work!
Andy
Posted by: Pnambic Jan 12 2005, 01:47 PM
Hmmm...how about a car analogy....
Mac is to Toyota Prius as PC is to Porsche 914
Mac has Toyota's reliability, ease of use, gets from point A to point B with minimal hassle, but you can't upgrade it. No aftermarket parts and stuff.
PC is highly upgradeable, as reliable as the person running it is competent, but may spend more time on jackstands....err...crashed.
They both work. Computers are tools. Use what gets the job done for you with the least amount of trouble. I wouldn't use a sawzall to change my oil....I think....but its still a good tool. 
I don't know why Mac people would want to convert anyone. Do you think your computers are immune to viruses/worms and such? NOPE! Its just that since you're such a small target, no virus writers waste their time bothering you. But if you continue to run your machines without anti-virus, you're just asking for trouble. Keep the Mac a secret and you're more safe. As the number of Mac users grow (and especially as the number of iPod users grow) I would expect the viruses to start showing up. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see a virus that specifically targets the iPod...
And to the comment that nothing good would come of this post, I respectfully disagree. I didn't know you could buy replacment batteries for iPods for $30. That is welcome news to me.
Posted by: Qarl Jan 12 2005, 02:08 PM
Okay... so I was wrong about the Linux BSD Unix mixup... but I remember there being a reference to OSX being UNix or Linux or whatever.
And really, you can't take a little ribbing. I posted one comment and it started a flame war with you.
No matter what you say, I'm not gonna go to a Mac... Believe me, I've played with them for hours at a time... and I just don't click with them. But I was raised on PCs, I build PCs from scratch, I do some basic programming and I'm a devoted PC fan, as much as you are devoted Mac fans.
On another note, by the tones of some of your responses (addressed personally to ME), you guys are acting like a bunch of arrogant assholes.... seriously....
It's no longer fun to play with you guys any more.
I'm here if you need me. If not go play with your Macs and leave me alone!
Posted by: jfort Jan 12 2005, 02:20 PM
I am a long time Mac user. Had to make a choice when the only PC operating system was DOS (and I wasn't about to try to figure that shit out) and when Excel ran only on a Mac. I programmed in Basic in college, but now I need to get things done. Here in the office, I currently have a dual processor G4 and beside it a Compaq and an iMac at home. As someone else said above, I use the PC but I enjoy using the Mac. iTunes, iChat, iCal, Address Book, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iSync, MicroSoft Office and FileMaker do just about everything I need. Little applications like Grap, Retrospect and Stickies provide utility and ease of use not found on the Windows machine. The Cinema Display is gorgeous. I wish I have the 30" version. No service packs, no pop ups, no viruses, no spy ware. Let's keep it this way with the small market share. Apple will continue to set the standard for innovation and MicroSoft will play catch-up.
Check this out:
http://www.systemshootouts.org/
Posted by: airsix Jan 12 2005, 02:39 PM
| QUOTE (Qarl @ Jan 12 2005, 12:08 PM) |
| It's no longer fun to play with you guys any more. |
Oh Qarl, you have to have thicker skin than that! No harm intended. What I get a kick out of are the people on both sides of the fence who say "I've used a ____ since the great flood, and they are best." Well, if you've never used the alternative how do you know which is better? Or my second favorite "I tried a ____ 30 years ago and they were junk." Well a lot has changed since then - on both sides of the fence. I've used everything from QNX to Windows Server 200X. Everything has it's strengths and weaknesses. That goes for OSX and XP as well. I can tell you that anyone who says either of them is no good doesn't know squat.
Ok, how about a REAL question. Boxster coupe or Elise? 'Cuz I mean, you gotta plan for the future, right? So which one? Pour your heart into the debate, guys.
-Ben M.
Posted by: Queenie Jan 12 2005, 03:24 PM
I'm not even going to touch most of the stuff here, but this
| QUOTE |
| Mac has Toyota's reliability, ease of use, gets from point A to point B with minimal hassle, but you can't upgrade it. No aftermarket parts and stuff. |
is http://4daystar.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=2.
Posted by: Gint Jan 12 2005, 04:31 PM
| QUOTE (Pnambic Posted on Jan 12 2005 @ 12:47 PM) |
| And to the comment that nothing good would come of this post, I respectfully disagree. I didn't know you could buy replacment batteries for iPods for $30. That is welcome news to me. |
The last time that fallacy was propagated here, I posted this link:
http://www.ipodbatteryfaq.com/
There are a bunch of links near the bottom of the page.
Posted by: ein 6er Jan 12 2005, 06:25 PM
hello my mac brothers!! 
glad i'm not alone here!! i have a mini collections on old macs, a few macintosh/plus/se/lc, apple IIc/IIgs (not a "woz"), and a G3 B&W. currently useing a G5 1.8 DP.
i luuuuuuuuv my macs!!! 
Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Jan 12 2005, 09:39 PM
Cool old Mac stuff -
All this mac talk made me break out this Macintosh Portable circa 1989. Have not had it on in over a year but it always works. Check out the roller wheel, kind of a reverse mouse, works pretty good.
Posted by: 96conv Jan 12 2005, 10:46 PM
| QUOTE (mongrel-gs @ Jan 12 2005, 06:19 AM) |
| in case they head south, replacement ipod batteries for much less than $99 http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ipod/batteries/ |
Thanks for the link!
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