Funny. Looks like Apple’s telling others that they paid for “portable” computures, not laptops
I see that Engadget has posted a second story on the heat generated by the MacBook Pro. I’d love to think my thread sparked something there. But it’s probably more likely that they’ve heard it from many of us.
MacBook Pro update redefines need for a heat shield
I’m very, very frustrated at the latest update for the MacBook Pro. After running the install, I’ve noticed hanging applications — will not close out and require a force quit. It’s also back to heat capable of melting heat shields on the space shuttle. It’s too uncomfortable on my hands as I type. Turn the machine over, and it’s capable of frying eggs in whatever fashion you desire — scrambled, over easy, hard, etc.
Two months ago after first buying my Mac, I was so insulted by AppleCare trying to tell me on my first call that the MacBook is a “portable” computer, not a laptop. As the manager said, “it’s the most powerful computer you can buy, so it’s gonna be hotter than other machines you’ve used.” I was advised to use it at a desk with good circulation under the machine. I ran a previous update and things were better for heat management.
Now that I’ve installed the Update,
Guess I’ll have to deal with a support rep and ridiculous excuses. I even added to an Engadget post with my comments.
WSJ covers Apple’s retail store strategy
I was hooked the first time I stopped into an Apple store. And it appears the rest of the tech shopper market that prefers to have a human interaction with sales associates that speak the “human” languages do too. Unlike CompUSA or other retail technology stores, where the sales people are gear heads who like to use gibberish and feeds and speeds to show off their tech knowledge, Apple’s sales people are passionate about how they can use a computer to create something that makes life more enjoyable and educational.
I loved this quote from the article:
William Mon, a student at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., who will graduate later this week, says he tries to visit his local Apple store whenever the company introduces new iPods and other products. Mr. Mon, 21 years old, says that by using large open tables to display its products, rather than cluttering them on store shelves, Apple makes it easier for visitors to play with them.
“It’s not like a regular store,” he says.
The full article is available here.
Big brother’s watching Microsoft ’til 2009…prepared to make it 2012
Associated press is reporting tonight that Microsoft has come under pressure again from the Justice Department for lapses under a landmark antitrust settlement. The Justice Department said Friday it wants to extend by two years its oversight of some of the company’s business practices until at least November 2009.
This quote that the Justice Deptment referenced from Machiavelli is very telling:
The Justice Department quoted Renaissance philosopher Machiavelli to describe Microsoft’s lapses: “He who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building.”
Dallen’s mug on KUTV at Thanksgiving Point Golf Demo Day
Dallen takes a club from TaylorMade Rep at
Demo Day hosted at Thanksgiving Point
Golf Club in Lehi, Utah.
This past Saturday, all the major golf club manufacturers showed up at Thanksgiving Point for a demo day sponsored by Uinta Golf. Dallen and I wanted to go try out all the new drivers. Dallen wanted to swing the Ping G5 irons.
We both enjoyed hitting various clubs from Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cobra, Bridgestone, Nike, and others.
My personal favorites included:
- Titleist 905R, 10.5 degree with Grafalloy Blue ProLaunch [1st choice — tie]
- R7 425 TP, 10.5 degree with Fujikura Tour Platform Shaft [1st choice — tie]
- Nike Sasquatch, 10.5 w/ Grafalloy Blue ProLaunch [3rd choice]
Dallen’s favorites were:
- Titleist 905R, 10.5 degree with Aldila NV Light flex
- Ping G5, high lofted driver — don’t remember the shaft
- Ping G5 irons (1/2 inch short and 2 degrees flat)
- Nike SasQuatch, 10.5 w/ stock shaft, light/women’s flex
Check out the video posting on KUTV’s web site where Dallen takes a club from the Taylormade sales rep.
Regardless, I expect the KZG Gemini 10.5 head I ordered to arrive tomorrow. I already received the Fujikura Tour Platform 27.3 that was SST PURED from Golfsmith. I expect to be hitting it by the weekend.
Drivers I was under impressed with:
- Callaway FT3
- Callaway X-Tour
- Ping
Quoted in Blackboard’s Blog
Melissa Chotiner, Public Relations Manager, at Blackboard has posted an article on Tablet PCs to the Blackboard Educate Innovate Blog (www.educateinnovate.com). I offered a few comments on Tablets. Tracy Hooten, one of three students who created the site StudentTabletPC (www.studenttabletpc.com), was also quoted.
Top 10 lies of engineers from Guy Kawasaki
The blogosphere is buzzing today with hundreds of reactions to Guy Kawasaki’s post on the top lies of engineers. It’s funny that there is such a gulf between the business and engineering side of software development — and this gulf tends to get larger after each unsuccessful product release.
I respect developers and their patience. I’ve tried to code. I just get too frustrated and want to get back to creating stories, pictures, and selling. I still find it amazing that strings of text with all types of variables compiled into a software program can look so cool and do anything.
Lies, and damn lies, certainly exists on both sides of the business. In my experience, it’s mostly partial truths and cloaked information that cause the most pain and frustration. Telling only part of the story to developers about a customer or market can really be damaging to trust and relationships. Hearing only part of the reality of the development status can drive a wedge between marketing and engineering.
Parallels issues Beta 5 for their OS X VM software
Parallels issued their 5th beta for their VM software. In addition to a number of enhancements and bug fixes, I updated to take advantage of two killer additions.
- Shared folders — this will allow me to create folder on my Mac that can be accessed by Windows XP running on the Parallels VM.
- USB support — this will allow me to add external devices…should I really need them.
In addition, I noticed that whenever I switch to full-screen mode, the product now “rotates” the desktop. Very cool effect. I was showing this to Kevin Seppi, a professor at BYU in the computer science department last night. It brought a smile to his face.
NOTE: I have set Windows to use 1440 x 900 resolution and then launch Parallels in full-screen mode. Windows looks like an exact match to my video resolution — like it was made to be run on my Mac. But unlike Boot Camp, I can quickly Apple Key+Tab over to the OS X … running two OSs side by side.
Facebook generating $1M per week
TechCruch reported on Facebook’s addition of “work” networks to join high school and college social networking. A rumored $1M per week in revenue has to come from their ad support.
“Facebook, which is rumored to be generating about $1m per week in revenue, is now allowing new users from corporate networks to join their social network (based on email address) in addition to high school and college students.”
Image from TechCrunch
Cool accessory connects iPod to your TV
I was checking out the new Time magazine and saw a blurb on the Home Dock Delux from Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. This little gadget docks and charges your iPod and connects to your TV. Nothing super revolutionary about that. But the cool part is the Home Dock Delux also provides iPod navigation on your TV screen.
Features:
- Easily connect your iPod to your Home Stereo & TV
- View and navigate iPods music directly on your TV screen
- Works with dockable, click wheel iPods – including iPod nano, Video iPod, 4G iPod and iPod mini
- Plays iPod videos on large screen TV via AV connection or S-Video
- View picture slideshows with music on your big screen TV
- Control everything from the sofa with the included 18 Button Remote Control
- Fully Powers and Charges iPod while in use
- Includes all necessary cables incl. AC Power Adopter and AV Cable