I'll Say It - I Don't Like Apple

So we recently lost an employee who was using a pretty spanking new MacBook Pro as her daily work machine. For some reason, completely unfounded, I've wanted to try switching to a Mac for awhile so I took this opportunity to give it a go. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a techie, but whatever the case, I was back to a PC in less than a week.

Let me say something upfront - aesthetically speaking, nothing beats Apple. They are stunningly gorgeous. But, for me, they severely lack in functionality. Let me count the ways...

1. The MacBook Pro has a touch pad, but you can't use it to click on/select items. You have to use the giant click bar beneath the pad. Furthermore, there is only one(1) giant click button even though OS X supports right-click context menus. So to right click on something you need to move with the touchpad, hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard, then hit the giant click bar. It couldn't be more awkward. It was only recently that Apple even introduced a mouse with more than one button. How can a company that prides itself on usability have such ridiculously poor human interface devices?
2. No standard delete key. This is a bit petty because it's only on the MacBooks, but there is no delete key - just a backspace. So to delete a word you need to go to the end of it then backspace. After awhile I discovered you could mimic delete key functionality by holding the FN key whilst using the backspace, but that's stupid. Why change common functionality?
3. Installing applications sucks. Maybe this is because I'm a techie and I want to know exactly what's going on with my machine. To install apps on a Mac you simply drop the program into the Applications folder. To remove it, you drag it out. However, to remove it completely you need to read the application specific docs to find out all the system-level files that also need to be deleted. Why can't I just have an installer and uninstaller?
4. This one is work specific, but integration with Exchange is worthless - making it impossible to use a Mac as your day-to-day work machine in an Exchange environment (unless you're really to put up with all the retarded work-arounds available on the internet). I have to assume Apple has something up their sleeve here because the new iPhone is rumored to have full Exchange sync capabilities next month. That would seem pretty outrageous if you could fully sync your $300 Apple phone with Exchange, but not your $2000 laptop Apple computer.
5. Here's a nitpick - expanding a folder in the computer view resets the view back to the top. So I scroll down, expand the folder, then get reset and have to scroll down again. What is this? 1989?

I tried for two days, gave up, tried again for another two days, gave up. Finally, after having my hands on this machine for almost a week I put it down for good. As much as I wanted to love the Mac, I just couldn't. I've worked with every OS under the sun. The Mac OS X is nice, it's stable, but it's certainly no easier to use than Windows or even a good Linux distro.

Switching to the iPhone, I'm really tempted to get one next month - provided they fully support Exchange synchronization. However, I have to say this - am I the only person in the world who wants buttons!? I currently have a Windows Mobile device with a touchscreen and I loathe it. I absolutely hate having to use two hands to do everything (one to hold the device, one to select items on the screen). I want to be able to pickup my phone with one hand, slide it/flip it/whatever, dial with my thumb, and hit go - all while keeping my other hand free to drink a beer. I hate having to put stuff down just to make or answer a phone call. Because remember, at the end of the day, this is a phone. Sure it's also an iPod and can take pictures and videos and connect to the internet via WiFi, but how's the call quality? How's the reception on this baby? Deep down, I know I'll end up drooling over the iPhone and then getting a BlackBerry Bold instead - at least that's what I hope I do.

So he's the summary... Apple - pretty and nice, but for me, ineffective. Oh, and did I mention they cost about 2x as much as comparable hardware that lacks a picture of fruit on it?

Building a Computer

So Teresa gave me the green-light a week or so ago to go ahead and build out a computer. Our computers stink, and my desktop is from about freshman year of college and really won’t do what I need it to do anymore. I had in mind that I wanted a desktop, because between Teresa and I we already have 3 laptops (2 from work and Teresa’s from college). With that in mind, I compared similar computers from both Dell and HP, trying to get those items that I really wanted – fast processor (~2.8 to 3.0 GHz), 4GB of RAM, Windows XP, DVD Burner, 500GB HD, etc. I didn’t need a monitor, as I still had a functional monitor and really couldn’t justify getting a new one. After looking at the prices Dell and HP came back with, the computer I was looking at would cost me roughly $1250.

I didn’t want to spend that, and I knew Teresa wouldn’t allow it, so I dabbled with the idea of building the computer myself. I went to Tigerdirect.com and Newegg.com and priced out an AMD Phenom processor build at around $750. However, I talked it over with an electrical/computer engineering friend who’s job is designing and building circuit boards and he assured me that it would be better to get an Intel Core 2 Duo than anything else out there. He stated that while the Quad Cores were technically faster, most software systems (including WinXP) didn’t efficiently use the four cores and it was better to stick with Core 2 Duo, because it was a lot better than the AMD Athlon.

So I did it, and here are the specs on my new computer:

• Intel Core 2 Duo @ 3.0 GHz
• ASUS motherboard
• 2 x 2048 GB (4GB total) of Dual Channel DDR2 667 MHz memory
• 500 GB SATA HD
• Phillips DVD-R burner
• GeForce 512MB Video card
• CoolerMaster Chassis with 550w PSU and 3x120mm fans

The first time I put it all together, I did not seat the processor heatsink/fan assembly properly, and I kept needing to shut it down due to heat issues. After buying new thermal compound and re-seating the heatsink and fan last night, it all worked like a charm. The CPU was idling at 17 degrees Celsius, I’d installed WinXP and all the necessary drivers. The last thing I was doing was updating the BIOS. After I’d updated and restarted…
…NOTHING!

After restarting the computer would even boot to the BIOS screen, and no signal was being displayed to the monitor. I figured the only thing that hadn’t been restarted and tested was the motherboard after the BIOS update. So I called ASUS and they told me today that the BIOS chip is bad and I have to either send the BIOS chip or the whole motherboard back, depending on if the BIOS chip is removable or not. I’m still happy with the computer I built, but I’m not so happy with the BIOS chip. I guess that’s something I’ll have to deal with after Hawaii!

Google = Skynet

It's just a matter of time.

Terminator 3 was not a very good movie, but it had one really cool concept. The movie revised the original concept of Skynet being some massive mainframe computer. Instead, it revealed that Skynet was in fact an artificial intelligence that infiltrated the world's computers through the internet. As technology moves forward, I think this may end up being the case after all!

My theory starts with the rise of handheld computing. There have been tons of attempts to have a computer in the palm of your hand, but for various reasons, all have been relative failures. The Newton and Palm are 2 that jump to mind right away. However, in a very sneaky fashion, mobile phones have stepped into the handheld computing void in the form of smart phones. These phones are here and they are taking over in a big way. Apple releases its updated iPhone in June with a lot of rumors about what it will offer. Probably more memory, a smaller size, faster processor, camera, GPS and 3G wireless data capability.

More importantly, the phone will release simultaneously with iTunes new applications store. What does this mean? Users will be able to download thousands of programs to run on their iPhone. Games, organizers, office suites, everything. The iPhone will be able to do everything that a computer can do with the exception of having 250GB of storage and the ability to play or burn discs. How will many of these apps work? They will be widgets that run off the net but display on your phone.

This is where Google comes in. They have already cornered the market on internet search and advertising, becoming a multi-billion dollar empire. Gmail is just about the greatest program I have ever used. Ali and I couldn't have rented a house in Nashville without Google Maps and Streetview. I am totally dependent on Google calender, and the Google docs are pretty slick too (if they could just figure out how to allow cut and paste from other apps). What is the common thread to these and many other Google apps? They are run from the internet. No software is installed on your computer. This is also why Google is sitting in prime position to exploit iPhone and other smart phones. Their apps run off the net without draining memory and power from the handheld device.

I don't think it will be too much longer until the PC as we know it no longer exists. It will be replaced by a handheld unit that links wirelessly to the internet to run applications and access all your data stored online. Sure, you'll be able to dock it to a monitor or keyboard at home, but the actual computer will not be there. Think I'm wrong? Just consider all the Google apps I mentioned above. How many do you use? What about your pictures - all online yet? Movies and music? If studios have their way, no more CDs or DVDs. It will all be on-demand service that requires a download fee or a monthly subscription.

When you look at all these things, it's not hard to see how Google will be running the world before long. Supposedly, they are even working on their own OS, which would be the final dagger in the heart of Apple and Microsoft. I think it's safe to say that James Cameron was right about Skynet but wrong about the name!

It's people. Soylent Green is made out of people!

Evil Hackers

I hate to cover Ian's posts, but this one was too good to pass up. Apparently some hackers were really pissed off at the Epilepsy Foundation and decided to post some inappropriate content. The hackers had some issue with the Epilepsy Foundation, and the "inappropriate" content they posted was pictures, web links, and other visible content that caused seizures in the users viewing the site. Here's the story.

Amazon MP3

Wow, it's postapalooza for me today...

I recently stumbled across something fantastic - Amazon MP3. It's a service offered by Amazon to purchase DRM-free MP3s. I repeat, DRM-free! None of that crap iTunes forces on you about only being allowed to burn the songs n-times or only being allowed to play on n-computers. These songs are 100% yours to do with as you please. On top of all that, they're encoded at a higher bitrate than the songs available through iTunes and they cost less! I can't stop ending my sentences with exclamation points! Several other nice features:

• The tool integrates with your Amazon account for one-click song purchases
• The download utility will automatically import your purchases into your iTunes library so your songs are easily accessible to your iPod, if you're in to that

The store is being backed by the RIAA so the catalog is quickly growing. I, for one, have completely abandoned the iTunes store. I mean, why wouldn't you? Higher bitrates, DRM-free, less cost - this puppy sells itself. Check it out, you'll never buy from another online music store again.

Did You Know?

I don't know if people noticed this, what with all the breaking news about gas prices and the Indiana democratic primary, but apparently there was a cyclone over in Burma that has left 60,000 people dead or missing with that figure expected to grow to 100,000 in the coming weeks. Let me repeat that in case you missed it the first time - 100,000 people dead or missing. For comparison, that's the equivalent of the entire population of South Bend, IN dying or disappearing. I watch the news every morning as I'm getting ready for work, pretty much 30 minutes, and this has barely gotten a mention all week. Who the hell is producing these news programs? Gas going up another $0.50/barrel gets a 10 minute story and 100,000 people dead is a footnote? Hillary and Barack splitting another 2-state primary gets 15 minutes of coverage while 20 miles of coastline disappearing in Burma is glossed over?

My point here isn't to sound like a hippie, you all know how much I hate hippies, it's to point out the clear insanity of the media in the United States. It seems their only goal these days is to work Americans into a frenzied state of panic and then walk away. I get it, gas prices are high. It's no longer a lead story unless they suddenly jump to $10/gal or OPEC disbands. It's not news. Hillary and Barack. Yeah, I know, it's neck-and-neck. Just tell me when there's a winner. Until then - NOBODY CARES! The network channels devote hours of air time every day to mindless entertainment "news" shows that do nothing but make their viewers dumber. Meanwhile, they can't find 5 minutes to devote to a natural disaster that has left one hundred thousand people (I spelled it out for emphasis) dead? Again, I don't really care about all the people dying and what-not, I just find it frustrating that if aliens were to land in China and wipe out Beijing that story would take a backseat to some actor flipping the bird to paparazzi outside a Walgreens.

You Don't Live in Cleveland, You Live in Cincinnati!

If anyone is looking to kill some internet time, check out this collection of clips of the best sports meltdowns ever. There are some great ones, including some I have never seen before. A lot of notable omissions, but a good list nonetheless.

Flatliners 2

Remember that classic 1990 flick Flatliners? Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, William Baldwin... and Kevin Bacon! Of course you do. Well, they wanted to do a sequel, but couldn't get any of those actors, because they all went big time. Julia Roberts is now an Oscar winning $20 million per movie superstar. Kiefer has conquered TV by becoming America's greatest badass in 24. William Baldwin "stars" as Detective Hunter Rush (19th actor in the credits) in the new comedy out this week, Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Of course, Kevin Bacon has really hit the big time with his series of Hanes underwear commercials.

Well, the sequel that has been waiting for 18 years to be made is now out! I think the star did a great job. Probably not as good as Julia or Kiefer, but a slightly stronger performance than Baldwin or Bacon! I also think the soundtrack really works to tie the sequel in to the original.

The Future

WOW!

That is all I can say after the Reds afternoon game today at GABP. Many of you may remember my last post about the Reds from late last season when they called up Homer Bailey. I thought that it was a sign of the future, and made several predictions about 2008:

• Bailey will dominate in his 2nd year.
• Harang and Aroyo will eat up innings.
  
• Hamilton will come into his own.
  
• Our infield problems look to have been solved with Gonzalez.
• We trade/acquire a couple relievers and a closer. (The key to the team's success)

Looking at these predictions now, I feel almost prophetic. Bailey had a subpar spring, but will almost certainly be called up to enter the rotation at some point this summer. Hopefully, he can become the dominant starter we all think he can be. Harang and Arroyo looked great in spring, and are being counted on to lead a young rotation. They have each turned in a good start thus far. We traded for Cordero as a stud closer and for Affeldt as a reliever. This allowed Weathers to fall into a setup role, and our bullpen is actually a great strength now! Gonzalez is on the DL, but Keppinger is filling in admirably.

While many of my predictions hold true, one I couldn't have imagined has occurred. The Reds traded Hamilton for Edinson Volquez. This guy is just nasty, and he unexpectedly jumped into our starting rotation after making huge strides since a short stint in the majors with Texas last year. Also, the Reds have actually developed a starting pitcher - but his name is not Homer Bailey. It is Johnny Cueto. Get to know him. Today, Cueto made his major league debut and DAZZLED! Try this stat line on for size:

7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

This guy is unbelievable! He throws 4 good pitches for strikes. What the stats don't tell you is that he hit 96 mph on his fastball. His slider was up to 92. He mixed in an occasional 85 mph changeup. He did not go to a three-ball count. He threw 92 pitches, 68 for strikes. He was the first Reds starter since 1900 to have 10 K's in his major league debut. A brief check of ESPN experts show 80% of them picking Cueto for rookie of the year. Another few actually picked Jay Bruce, who should be called up to play CF as soon as Patterson hits his annual wall.

I am anxiously awaiting the debut of Volquez to see if he lives up to his amazing spring performance. I even have high hopes for Josh Fogg. I am really starting to look forward to this season.

April Fool's

In honor of April Fool's day, here are some fun pranks to play on your office mates...


http://view.break.com/480012 - Watch more free videos