diablojota's Profile

10 million iPhones should be very achievable. Look at the numbers. They sold almost 4 million iPhones worldwide using that archaic Edge technology. Apple is just sitting on a 3G version, and I think that was made pretty clear during the conference call on Apple's earnings. Once they release a 3G version, more Europeans will buy (as 3G is the standard) and Americans will buy more, and I'll buy one to replace my Edge one. 10 million will be low estimate come end of year.

AppleInsider posted a great comparison article. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/01/22/how_the_macbook_air_stacks_up_against_other_ultra_light_notebooks.html

This is supposed to be a subcompact laptop. As far as price is concerned, it is right in line with the offerings of Sony. It is currently $300 cheaper then that Sony offering. It offers a greater than 2 inch gain on the display, a full sized keyboard, a faster processor (1.6Ghz base vs. 1.06Ghz), super thin, and better wireless integration. The cons are that it lacks a built-in disc drive and ethernet. You are obviously not the target market for this computer. To be honest, this is right on the money for what it is. What you are describing is a different product that Apple can produce in the future. If you recall the old PowerBook 12" were not really anything better than the iBook. Just an aluminum case and a slightly snappier processor and not much else. The MacBook Air is a different machine, and not what you are describing. What you are describing is a super MacBook, or a MacBook Pro lite.

Also, keep in mind that the MacBook Air is less costly than a comparable Sony, even when you purchase the external Super Drive. It also provides you with more screen real estate, far more processing power (1.6Ghz dual core vs 1.06 Ghz single core). Plus the added bonus of having a nicely sized keyboard is a plus. My primary point that I was trying to make was that the author reviewed the MacBook Air without actually reviewing the MacBook Air. While many people buy based on specs, many also read reviews in which people actually physically put these machines to the test and see how they work in a day to day setting. This review was very narrowly focused by just analyzing the specs without even physically seeing the product. I've seen it, and trust me, you need to actually hold this thing to 'get it'. The price point is very much in line with the size, form factor, and the intensity of R&D;from both Apple and Intel.

While I agree that breaking compatibility with prior accessories is not great, the vendors who make those accessories are pleased that Apple does this. This way they can continue to garner a revenue stream from individuals who use the products and would like to continue to use the products. There are tradeoffs with upgrading. If you don't like it, keep what you've got and quit your bitchin'. The reason why Apple continues to make changes like this is to keep the competition at bay. They have more then ample competition. The difference is that Apple manages to stay ahead of them with their updates and changes and modifications. They still make great products. If you want to complain about something, how about how you have to buy a new computer to run MS Vista, and if you want to run the full Pro version, you need a pretty stout machine that'll cost you far more then buying some accessory for the iPod. The one thing I agree with you on is the quality problems coming out of the factory. Apple needs to clamp down on the quality control problems. That said, they are pushing the envelope with their touchscreen products. While touchscreen interfaces are by no means novel, Apple is using higher quality screens (in terms of sharpness and quality of picture) then what has been used in other touchscreen products. Without the economies of scale for such a product, it is hard to test everything to see what problems may arise. I think Apple does need to stay on top of their manufacturers for more visible quality problems.

Oh, and at the rate Linux is making progress for simplicity, I doubt the average user will switch. While I enjoy Linux, it does not have the ease of use that Apple (or Microcrap) has. It may become more polished by the time Jobs leaves Apple, but I'm not sold on this idea. It's a bunch of programmers and 'geeks' doing the development. There is no usability testing from a consumer point of view. It is all driven by people who know how to handle the nuts and bolts. If you're one of those people, then more power to you. I can do it, but it isn't worth my time and energy. Apple still has iTunes, iPhoto, and other applications that I am very attached to (I know alternatives exist, but the consists of me migrating everything, and to be honest, I'm not interested in doing that. Everything works just fine for me now, thank you very much).

You actually use the F keys on a Mac? I can't remember when I've actually used them except for Expose or Dashboard... Interesting.