iPhone/Android/iPad oh my!

[chadizzy1]

I guess I don't worry about that kinda stuff. Anything I need, I can get. Any program, any app, anything I need I can do.

I don't sit down and think, "Man, I need to write a program for my iPhone that calculates how fast my blender goes." I just find an Apple one, or do without, because odds are if they don't have it I don't need it. (ULTIMATE FANBOY QUOTE!!!)

[RedMacGregor]

as a long-time software developer, and an owner of a boutique software development consultancy, I worry about those things.

everytime a client comes to me and says "we want an app for the iPhone, but we dont' want to put it on the app store and we don't want to jailbreak our companies phones" I laugh

[lxskllr]

I guess I don't worry about that kinda stuff. Anything I need, I can get. Any program, any app, anything I need I can do.

I don't sit down and think, "Man, I need to write a program for my iPhone that calculates how fast my blender goes." I just find an Apple one, or do without, because odds are if they don't have it I don't need it. (ULTIMATE FANBOY QUOTE!!!)

You get 1 way, Apple's way of doing things. If Windows was the same way, I'd have said F' gaming, I'm going to Linux years ago. As it is, I run Linux on my secondary computers, and Windows on my desktop. I can pick from a ton of software, crappy to excellent because MS doesn't lock that ability out. I'd rather rip all my CDs to bargain priced cassettes than use itunes as a media player. Luckily I can pick whatever media player I like, or if I had the ability, I could code my own.

[RRK]

umm... the difference is, i can sit down and write code for OS X that will run on any OS X computer, and give you a copy of it without Apple being involved, or getting Apple's blessing.

Apple specifically prohibits this on iPhones and iPads..

You can get most apps through, there are 140,000 already so there are just a few no-no's to avoid. The Android system has already had problems with malware.

Also you can make ad-hoc software for the iPhone but I think at this point they are limited to 100 licenses.

[RRK]

You get 1 way, Apple's way of doing things. If Windows was the same way, I'd have said F' gaming, I'm going to Linux years ago. As it is, I run Linux on my secondary computers, and Windows on my desktop. I can pick from a ton of software, crappy to excellent because MS doesn't lock that ability out. I'd rather rip all my CDs to bargain priced cassettes than use itunes as a media player. Luckily I can pick whatever media player I like, or if I had the ability, I could code my own.

Wait, you are talking desktops. Writing software for OS X is not locked down. The closed App store system only applies to iPhone, iPod, iPad.

Also, iTunes is no more locked down then any other media player. It accepts most audio formats and a least a few that have no DRM. Maybe you just don't like the interface but the functionality is pretty similar to other media players. The iTunes store however is another story. They see the only competitor as piracy. The philosophy is not to eliminate piracy but to offer an attractive, legal, sustainable alternative.

Apple wants to make and sell what they consider the best hardware available. Everything else is geared to support that goal. Apple does not want to be WalMart (Microsoft, Dell). They don't want to control data (Google). They want to lead the way toward really cool stuff.

Now, I have been a dedicated Apple fan since the Apple IIgs so I am long past bickering between which company is better or whatever is going on. I prefer the way Apple does things but I certainly recommend Dells to friends that I think would prefer that type of system. I like most all technology but in my opinion Apple is at the top of the list for shaping our technology into what we have today.

[lxskllr]

Wait, you are talking desktops. Writing software for OS X is not locked down. The closed App store system only applies to iPhone, iPod, iPad.

I'm talking desktops because that's what I use, and am familiar with. The same applies to any other device though. I don't like artificial restrictions on computing devices, and will avoid them at all costs. I certainly wouldn't pay a premium to be locked into a corner, and be subject to the whims of hardware/content suppliers.

[RRK]

I'm talking desktops because that's what I use, and am familiar with. The same applies to any other device though. I don't like artificial restrictions on computing devices, and will avoid them at all costs. I certainly wouldn't pay a premium to be locked into a corner, and be subject to the whims of hardware/content suppliers.

So of course you use an open GPS. You run an open cable box. You wouldn't use an xbox/playstation/wii/psp... Of course you have an open cell phone. :wink:

Basically a user interface is artificial restrictions.

But seriously I understand your point. You prefer that hardware companies and software companies should independently offer components so that the consumer will have the most choices possible in order to make whatever type of technology suits them. Which is totally valid. Apple has decided that by making sure that every component is made to work with the other it can develop something where the value of the product is greater then the value of its parts (hardware and software).

[lxskllr]

So of course you use an open GPS. You run an open cable box. You wouldn't use an xbox/playstation/wii/psp... Of course you have an open cell phone. :wink:

Basically a user interface is artificial restrictions.

That's a big reason why I won't get a gaming console. I don't like being at the mercy of the manufacturer. Granted, some things can't be helped, but I'll always take the open choice where practical. I can flash my mp3 player with 3rd party firmware, my router's already flashed, and my computer is overclocked, and has many 3rd party, and open sourced apps on it.

There'll be better solutions later in the year from other makers, and one doesn't have to buy into the equivalent of a $500 toaster that only does 1 thing, 1 way.

Btw, I disagree with the contention that Apple uses the best hardware. Their hardware is the the same as everyone else's, but it generally lags behind the latest, and you pay a premium for it. If you made the argument over their industrial design, I might agree. The polish of their products from packaging to product is very nice, and isn't equaled by many manufacturers(you do pay dearly for that polish though).

[RRK]

Btw, I disagree with the contention that Apple uses the best hardware. Their hardware is the the same as everyone else's, but it generally lags behind the latest, and you pay a premium for it. If you made the argument over their industrial design, I might agree. The polish of their products from packaging to product is very nice, and isn't equaled by many manufacturers(you do pay dearly for that polish though).

Yeh I wasn't trying to say that they use the best hardware components available. I was referring to the products that they produce. This would include design, use, cost, brand... etc. Best is a very loose term. I was referring to what they think is best.

one doesn't have to buy into the equivalent of a $500 toaster that only does 1 thing, 1 way.

Is this really what you think? I mean, come on.

[lxskllr]

one doesn't have to buy into the equivalent of a $500 toaster that only does 1 thing, 1 way.

Is this really what you think? I mean, come on.

That's a bit of hyperbole, but not far from my opinion. At that price point, it doesn't offer enough compelling features. It's bulkier than a smart phone, bulkier than an Ebook reader, not as powerful, or extensible as a netbook, and limited connectivity. I'm sure there's a niche for it, but is that niche really big enough for a dedicated product?

[RRK]

I'm sure there's a niche for it, but is that niche really big enough for a dedicated product?

Well we will have to see if you or Apple is better at predicting the future.

[chadizzy1]

one doesn't have to buy into the equivalent of a $500 toaster that only does 1 thing, 1 way.

Is this really what you think? I mean, come on.

That's a bit of hyperbole, but not far from my opinion. At that price point, it doesn't offer enough compelling features. It's bulkier than a smart phone, bulkier than an Ebook reader, not as powerful, or extensible as a netbook, and limited connectivity. I'm sure there's a niche for it, but is that niche really big enough for a dedicated product?

Oh you were speaking in regards to iPad, I thought it was about like....Apple in general. :lol:

[RedMacGregor]

i have a 15" and a 17" macbook pro... i like 'em..

they run windows in VM Ware Fusion when i need to do that type of work.

the rest of the time, i run OS X and use all the nice stuff there..

i'm not an apple hater by any stretch, they have some good products.. but not all of their products are good.

[lxskllr]

Oh you were speaking in regards to iPad, I thought it was about like....Apple in general. :lol:

I was specifically talking about the iPad, but also Apple in general. I don't care for their corporate philosophy. They make well built products, but not at the premium they charge imo. They try to keep things too close to home, and personally I can't deal with those restrictions.

[adm]

I'd rather rip all my CDs to bargain priced cassettes than use itunes as a media player.

Why?

You do know that you can rip your CDs to many formats via iTunes, that are fully portable to all other media players, right?