Michaelsoft Binbows [Humor]

As much as I’ve ragged on Windows in the past, if you cut through a lot of the crap, false accusations, and “problems” that ended up being more user error, you have to admit Windows 7 is actually a pretty decent OS. In lands other than ours where gadgets are much more prevalent (Japan), sometimes smaller “mom and pop” or novelty shops spring up. One such shop can be seen above.

The characters “?? (binbo)” are literally translated into meaning “poor”. Making sense of all the symbols above comes out to roughly, “cheap computers”. Windows always does like to push their value/lower price argument. Looks like it’s working somewhere. Funny?

Consumerist

The ultimate “why didn’t we have this when I was a kid”: School buses gaining WiFi access, becoming mobile classrooms.

*Picture property of Joshua Lott/NYTimes*

At the first mention of a school bus full of hormone fueled teens sounds like a recipe for disaster. But if you stop yourself from jumping on the bandwagon and actually think it through, putting WiFi on a school bus like Empire High School (outside of Tucson, Arizona) is doing, is actually one of the most ingenious, intelligent and technologically forward thinking things I’ve seen yet from a school board. Not only do kids get the option to get extra work done, keeping them busy on school or even Facebook while riding to school means a lot less issues with discipline.

To get it out of the way at the beginning, yes, some kids will play games, use social networks, and attempt to do other x-rated things. However, protections and filtering are obviously in use — being that this is a highly controversial move. And contrary to popular belief, when given the tools to actually get work done in a more relaxed environment, kids actually do something.

The implementation of laptops on buses isn’t Empire High School’s first boundary busting move technologically speaking. Back in ’05, the school was one of the first to start handing out laptops to students — yes, high school students — instead of textbooks. Backing the laptops is a school-wide, Wifi in every room (and even the football field) wireless network that is easily one of the best school WiFi networks in the country I’m sure.

As is similar to the consumer world, mobile WiFi isn’t exactly the cheapest of conveniences. However, Empire lucked out and doesn’t have to pay a dime. Thanks to Autonet Mobile, the $200 router cost and $60/month fee are covered so little Johnny and Julie can surf away in the early mornings and afternoons on their communal bus trip to and from the higher learning education center.

Again, a good chunk of the bus riders won’t ever use the WiFi service for school related tasks. But seeing as how they’re not “on school time” per say, that’s ok. At least they have the option. Those who do choose to make up school work on the the bus no doubt appreciate the convenience monumental privilege they have.

And yes, I’m going to end with: “Why didn’t we have this when we were kids?”

Pop-Sci > NYT

Retailer internal computer systems never lie — New Macbook Pro’s all but certain.

Are new Macbook Pros right around the corner? You could say the leaked images a couple of days back showing a Core i7 Macbook Pro being put through the paces as nothing more than some clever Photoshop mastery. I’m more of an optimist however. I’m choosing to take the higher road. A road which eventually leads to new, more powerful Macbook Pros. You could say my head is stuck up in the clouds and that I’m a too much of a dreamer. That may be true, but the images above combined with new evidence of disappearing SKU’s in store inventory points to the inevitable — that’s right, new Macbook Pros.

What of these disappearing SKU’s? The image above comes courtesy of some random Best Buy employee. What you’re looking at is the internal system page for the Macbook Pro 13″ — no longer available for order. I haven’t heard of any bizarre display, aluminum, silicon, ram, etc. shortages within the last month so why would they disappear if something newer and better wasn’t about to replace it?

If Apple were still attending Macworld, I’m sure we’d hear of the new hardware then. But, seeing as how they up and left that party, it appears we’ll have to wait until Apple announces their own little shindig or simply uploads the new goods to the store on a Tuesday some not too distant Tuesday morning.

I really don’t care how they do it. I just want my Core i7 17″ Macbook Pro. Anyone else getting antsy?

TUAW

The “iMac” could have been the “MacMan”

Are you an Apple junkie? Hell, are you a Windows fan and still simply finding yourself awestruck over the new 27″ iMac and it’s large flat glassy areas, beckoning your name and asking your to stare until the sun goes down? For the majority of people who buy computers, they buy them because of the specs. I would say a pretty favorable portion of their user base buy their computers not necessarily because they are almost always near the top of the line, but also because they look good.

Getting into the whole argument of computer aesthetics and why it does/doesn’t matter is an entirely different subject. A subject of which I’ll pass on undertaking today. But along those same form over function beliefs, not only do Apple products have to look good, they have to “sound good” with a catchy name. We hear “iMac”, “iPod”, “iLife”, “iPoop” etc. It may not seem like a name is that important to a product. However, if Steve Jobs had his way, the iMac may have become a much dorkier machine.

For years, old Apple employee, Ken Segal (the person who coined “iMac”) stayed mum on the one solitary name Steve Jobs offered up as his choice for Apple’s now flagship and most popular desktop computer. He said that the name would “curdle your blood”, cause women to go into labor early, and sheer sheep — all at the mere mentioning of the name. So how bad is it?

MacMan

Personally, I don’t think it’s that bad. I mean, it sounds dorky and stupid but not blood curdling stupid. Understand? Still, I’m thankful (thank you lucky star 1, and 2, and…) that a cooler head prevailed and we can now come home to our large glass slabs dubbed iMacs. Aren’t you?

9to5 Mac

[Image Source]

[CES] MSI computers at CES Unveiled!

MSI was out in full force at CES Unveiled. Even though the whole shebang doesn’t officially start until January 7th, those in attendance at Unveiled certainly didn’t hold anything back. MSI had a slew of gear on hand to poke, prod, touch, and oogle — and oogle we did. Feast your eyes on the gallery below…

Microsoft just can’t get a break.

Look back in time through your typical magic ball and observe how Microsoft at one point had a commanding grasp of many aspects of the technology market. From smartphones to computers to software, Microsoft controlled it all. The last 5-6 years however have seen a massive influx of both hardware and software options from various start ups and seasoned veterans all looking to get in on a piece of the pie Microsoft ate by itself for so long. The days of the Microsoft rule are over. Don’t understand what I mean? Just look at the desktop/laptop computer industry. While true that Microsoft still commands a crushing majority, Apple has moved from lower single digit numbers to hovering around double digit numbers in recent years — especially these past 2 — for the first time in history. Even with the Mac/Apple market share slipping ever so slightly this past quarter, overall growth and momentum is strong and unlikely to shrink. The smartphone industry has also seen major concessions from Microsoft. Windows Mobile at one point was “the” mobile OS of choice for it’s sophistication, customization, and scalability. Now all it’s known for is old, archaic, slow, and outdated software that only old, uncool people lose. It’s this “uncool/old” image that is destroying Microsoft.

Hardware

Looking at the most popular and widely known computer scene, Microsoft for the longest time has joked and criticized the “Apple tax” — that is, the “tax” customers pay when purchasing Apple computers. Microsoft’s current CEO, Steve Ballmer, claims you pay for the logo. Anyone who has used computers extensively knows that it’s more than a logo. It’s the streamlined and tight knit integration between hardware, software, and peripherals. Whether or not OS X is your cup of tea is another story. Regardless, Microsoft has repeatedly said that Apple computers are too expensive and that their own computers are built to get the job done and capture the mid to lower end market. Microsoft’s low-end market is in greater danger than ever.

If we step away from traditional computers and look at the gaming and audio player markets, we see two distinct and different outcomes. The Xbox 360 is a raging success. People love these things. From the large library of games to the fantastic and hands down best online gaming network available, Microsoft really hit the ball out of the park with this one.

In regards to music players, Microsoft has always had a thing for making it big with their own iPod of sorts. Their first venture was the ill-fated Toshiba built player that no one remembers. It suffered from all around lack-luster averageness oozing from every imaginable opening. Their second attempt however — the Zune — is proving to be a much better though still not iPod like success. Better marketing, more third party support, and a tighter integration with other products such as the Xbox 360 and Live Marketplace have actually developed into worthy alternative to the whole iPod/iTunes ecosystem. Again, props where they’re due.

Software

With the extremely quickly growing popularity of Android and slapping it on anything with a circuit board and processor, Microsoft has a new sector of the market to watch. While Microsoft requires OEM’s to pay for Windows licenses that are proportional to the actual price of the hardware being installed on, it’s still often too much for the bottom basement products which don’t have much wiggle room in the area of price. This is where Android excels. It doesn’t cost money to buy licenses. Putting Android on cheap, underpowered units suddenly get a breath of fresh air as Android also benefits from just being all around a better mobile performer. Need I not remind you that it started as a phone OS with meager specs and is now being placed on netbooks and some laptops.

The current outlook for Microsoft is just so-so. Windows Mobile 6.5 regardless of how much “The Balms” claims to be a success is anything but. It’s a few .png’s and .jpg’s over the basic core of Windows Mobile 6.0. That basic core was outdated and crap several years ago. What makes them think some cheap lipstick is going to add value and make it better?

Heck, even on the dekstop software front, Microsoft isn’t the king they once were. Granted they’re still a major software company, with Office and Windows being their bread and butter, but with more Macs and OS X as well as smaller, cheaper software options getting tried due to a less than optimum economy means Microsoft is getting hit on all sides.

One of Microsoft’s biggest corporate offerings, Microsoft Office, is even beginning to get panned for being to bloated, increasingly difficult to learn and use, and becoming too hard for IT departments to support. Plus, you can’t mention software woes without mentioning Vista. While the few months leading up to Windows 7 were rather uneventful, the first year was a nightmare — aiken back to Windows ME days. It is Vista that directly caused many to defect to other platforms such as OS X and Linux with many vowing never to return. These kinds of things may seem small when looking at Microsoft’s still large 3/4+ market share of the OS market. Though getting comfortable and falling asleep behind the wheel can have dire consequences later on down the road. We can’t forget the other office suit offerings either. Apple’s iWork and the popular open source Open Office suite are two of the biggest secondary options to those tired of the traditional Microsoft suite. Will the onslaught ever stop?

In short: No. Now that other manufacturers and developers have gotten their feet in the door, it’s only going to get more crowded with even more competition. But better things are to come. Windows Mobile 7 is set to drop late next year. While the pictures of the OS and murmurings of features coming to the next generation of Microsoft’s mobile OS sound good now, the release date still isn’t slated for late in 2010. How far along will Android be? What about Apple? Hell, what about Symbian? The first two in particular have already made it very clear through continuous software updates and bug fixes that they are fast, lightweight, and able to push out updates precisely and on time — something Microsoft simply can’t do being the giant company that they are.

Future Outlook

I can’t predict the future, nor can anyone else. Microsoft has a few gems waiting in the quarry. Rough hands and tools for some and a gentle polish for others will turn those gems into some truly remarkable products. As much as I criticize them, I remain optimistic. Just think what a revolutionary Windows Mobile 7 would do for the industry. Can you imaging Android and Apple having to catch up to Microsoft? It’s funny to think about now seeing how far Microsoft is behind, but flip flops in this industry can happen in an instant. Just look at the whole gorey mess surrounding the CrunchPad.

Lest we not forget the Microsoft Surface. Many years of development have culminated in a device/software that is extremely capable and is being used in all kinds of unique ways. As time goes on and developers and consumers have more access to Surface, it’s portfolio of useful applications will only grow. I would venture out and say that the Surface is easily one of the best thing to come out of Microsoft within the last decade — besides the Xbox 360 of course.

What’s your outlook? Does Microsoft have what it takes to reorganize their priorities and the company as whole, getting them back on track to pushing out phenomenal products? Or has their innovation and dominance run it’s course with the following decades highlighting a slowly shrinking computer company? It’s up to you to populate that box down below…

About that Microsoft Apple device ban…[Follow up]

The world was seemingly coming to an end as we know it. After a recent German Microsoft Press event and some random Microsoft PR dude telling people to pack up their Mac’s or go home. Naturually that didn’t sit well with pretty much the entire blogosphere. But according to a second Microsoft Rep, the statement made by the German employee was “misinformed” and overall talking about stuff he shouldn’t be or simply isn’t talented enough to do? Whew, I’m just glad we got that one covered. I’m just glad the comment was nothing more than a bad Google Translation *presumably* as Microsoft can’t afford now more than ever to start picking and choosing who comes to their conferences and what they bring. Such things don’t exactly bring in customers by the drove.

Now that I think about it even harder, actually enforcing polices would have been epicly hard to begin with. Not forgetting either that harming bloggers on a whole is bad all around. We’re a vocal bunch. Microsoft a bit late to the party at least understands when it’s not OK to laugh anymore. So get all of those Mac’s off of ebay and out of the trash. Microsoft still loves you even if you don’t love them…

Ars Technica

Microsoft cracking down on Apple device usage at press conferences/private events? [Update: False]

**Update: Looks like filing that rumor in the rumor cabinet was worthwhile after all — (Link)

File this in the “half rumor” file cabinet for now. I say “half rumor” because the comments on which this post is based are in German. A German dialect that is apparently too much for Google Translate to handle. The resulting english output is anything but readable. But we press on. Supposedly bloggers and journalists attending a Microsoft event in Germany were warned by a Microsoft employee/rep to “not mention or use any Apple devices during the press conference”. Hmmm, can anyone say communist policies? I’m all for being determined and loyal to your own brand, but telling individuals who voluntarily come to your press events what they can and cannot use is ridiculous. Even Apple with their totalitarian ways don’t exercise such restraints. Then again, this is all based off of Google Translate’s attempt and utter failure at trying to decipher the cryptic German message.

With the initial shock of a “no-Mac zone” put behind them, the journalists sat through another apology of sorts by Microsoft for the lackluster WinMo 6.5 and extreme delay in WinMo 7′s release. Pretty standard affair these days. Though denying entrance to your events to get people interested in your products simply because they choose a competitors product that they feel is better is a pretty poor way to gain any sympathy or mend a broken relationship with their potential customer base. Just sayin’…

So fellow bloggers, journalists, and mere citizens: What would you say to Microsoft if they tried to stop you from whipping out your Macbook at a Microsoft event?

9to5 Mac

Pystar and Apple to reach deal allowing the Mac cloner to continue selling.

While we can assume that money is all but absent, we can at least say that Pystar has some fight in them. An extremely quick recap for those out in the cold: Since 2008, Pystar has been selling Mac clones for far cheaper than Apple ever could and, with the recent release of Snow Leopard began installing OS X from their factory. Apple sued. A ruling was levied that at first looked to seal the deal and flood Pystars coffin full of nails. With that out of the way, we can continue.

I myself have come to the conclusion that the inevitable was going to happen — Pystar was going to be obliterated by Apple’s highly poised team of legal bengals, ready to shred any foe to pieces. And for the most part, Apple has succeeded. If the countless lawsuits and lack of cash don’t ruin Pystar, I’m sure the few investors will. You know, after finding out that goals of nearly 100,000 units were short by, oh, say 99,250. Those two revelations don’t exactly bode well for the Mac Cloner. Yet still they press on. The latest news surrounding the issue however is quite a surprise to say the least, with the possibility fact that the two dueling computer makers have reached a settlement netting Apple some cash, rendering OS X pre-installed on Pystar computers a thing of the past, and simultaneously allow the Mac clone maker to continue making computers. 180 degree turn? Sure seems like it. So what happened?