It’s All New (To You…)

A new year is upon us and so is CES and Macworld.  The real news (for Macworld anyway) out of Macworld was that Steve Jobs wasn’t there this time and Apple won’t be there next time, or anytime after that.  This was apparently the death nell for Macworld Boston some years ago and some say that no Apple plus no Adobe equals no Macworld.  CES is just getting underway.  If you want to see some of the goodies from CES check out Engadget.  Windows 7 public beta will be coming out tomorrow however the MS execs are still being cagey about whether or not W7 will be released in 2009 at all.  From what I have heard it is already more stable than Vista was at release and is basically ready so I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be released as early as Q3 this year but then again I’m just some yoyo with a blog.

One of my projects is getting rid of our TV provider (Dish Network) and making use of the various audio and video capabilities of the Wii and xBox and the computers we own.  And now Dish Network comes out with a really cool device. The new high end DVR has some really nice capabilities including being able to access your programming from a computer or even a laptop while travelling.  I am waiting for more companies to start generating products that allow people to break away from the service based model of telephone and television and allow consumers to have more choices in these areas all by just having an internet connection.  Maybe that should be another post altogether.

Wally’s Got It.

So the iPhone is now available at Walmart.  Sure, that’s a good thing because there weren’t enough iPhones or places to buy them what with the internet and Apple Store being so difficult to use and all.  Not that I don’t like the iPhone, I think it is a very cool device and is definitely a step in the right direction for future hand held devices.  OK, my real issue here?  The new AC/DC album, uh….   CD is exclusively at Walmart.  Are you f’king kidding me?!?  This is some kind of sick joke right?  Yea, sure AC/DC wants to sell whole albums like in the old days and not allow iTunes to split it up and sell by the song.  First, get over it!  Music isn’t sold that way anymore and shouldn’t be.  I for one am tired of paying for all the songs on a CD when most artists can’t put together an entire CD of good music to begin with.  How is iTunes really any different than the 45’s that we used to buy.  I wouldn’t buy most albums back in the day, I just bought the 45 of the only song I actually liked off that album to begin with.  I love AC/DC but sorry boys, AC/DC + Walmart = LAME.

Psystar in da house

OK, lame subject but you try and be creative 3 times a month…    uhh, moving on.

Psystar has actually gotten equipment in the hands of buyers.  I’ve seen articles on Gizmodo and The Guardian and it all seems to come down to one fact. Don’t waste your money. Well, if you don’t mind a machine that you can’t update and that is crazy loud and that has apparently minimal tech support and you can’t reinstall the OS on if the hard drive goes, go ahead and buy one. Actually don’t, no one is recommending this machine in any way at this time. I think there is at least one really good reason that Apple doesn’t sell low end machines. In order to make an inexpensive computer the manufacturer needs to buy components as cheaply as possible and that practice would make it nearly impossible for Apple to guarantee the experience that is so important for their success.

The Apple and Psystar saga continues

The Psystar website is still up and is apparently capable of taking orders.  CNet has purchased as well as a few very adventurous writers and bloggers.  The first machines with Mac OSX preloaded are supposed to ship today.  We may have to wait another week to see whether or not a real computer will materialize.