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Leica Sofort 2June 13, 2024
Grand Seiko SBGX261February 23, 2023
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  • Mac Pro Fast

    Robert X. Cringely responding to reports of “new Macs” and “radical” changes, theorizes on Apple killing the Mac Pro and instead [doing this](http://www.cringely.com/2011/08/is-the-mac-pro-dead/): >I expect Apple to move to a modular architecture where the building blocks for high performance computers are generally Mac Minis. Start with a new Mini or with a Thunderbolt iMac and…

    Robert X. Cringely responding to reports of “new Macs” and “radical” changes, theorizes on Apple killing the Mac Pro and instead [doing this](http://www.cringely.com/2011/08/is-the-mac-pro-dead/):

    >I expect Apple to move to a modular architecture where the building blocks for high performance computers are generally Mac Minis. Start with a new Mini or with a Thunderbolt iMac and expand both storage and processing by adding a stack of up to five more Thunderbolt-connected Minis. A maxed-out system would have six I7 processors with 24 cores, 24 gigabytes of DDR RAM (expandable to 96 GB!) and at least six terabytes of storage. And at $6000, it would be half the price of an equivalently tricked-out Mac Pro.

    The geek in me is all sorts of excited about such a prospect. Nothing says cool like daisy chaining a bunch of Macs to make a fully supported (by Apple) home grown super computer — people have been doing [this for years with Mac Pros](http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/07/24/virginia_techs_mac_pro_supercomputer_to_crack_29_teraflops.html).

    *Sorry, had to wipe drool off my chin.*

    While the geek in me would love to see such a scenario — as Cringely lays out — would such a play be in Apple’s best interest, or even “fit” with Apple’s philosophy on computing?

    ### Philosophy

    I think it is safe to say that Apple has an outward goal of making their lineup of products as simple as possible. So the argument, as Cringely states it, for such a move would be that eliminating the Mac Pro makes things all the more ‘simple’ for buyers. But does it?

    I think not.

    As it is the Mac Pro is the least confusing product — the most straight forward — that Apple sells. It is the high-end-price-is-no-object-geek-badge-of-bad-ass-ness-computer.

    That is: no consumer is ever torn between buying a Mac Pro and any other computer Apple sells. High-end buyers buy them and they already know that’s what they need/want. Even I know that a Mac Pro is vast overkill for everything that I do — even if I could do it all at once. The average consumer knows by price alone that such a computer is not for them.

    So by eliminating the Mac Pro and adding in the ability to chain Mac minis into mini-super computers — you would now be adding a layer of complexity to a process Apple has spent the better part of 10 years honing: the setup.

    Whether you buy a $699 Mac mini or a $10,000+ Mac Pro, the setup will always be the same: plug in the monitor/mouse/keyboard and plug everything into the wall, press the power button. For there you get one of the most highly polished and thought through setup procedures in computing.

    *Done*.

    Could you imagine how messed up the streamlined Apple setup process would be if you wanted to setup two, three, ten Mac minis — so that they were working together — as one? I think no matter how hard Apple would try such a process would be a nightmare for both the user *and* Apple.

    Not to mention: what does one do when the system isn’t working? Take the entire setup to the Apple store? Sure taking in a Mac Pro is a chore, but taking in a series of interconnected computers and their related power adapters?

    That’s down right “un-Apple”.

    ### Sensibility

    Then you have to take into account whether such a move would even make sense for Apple as a company. I am not certain, but I would guess the margin on the Mac Pro is much higher than on the Mac mini, especially when you start talking RAM upgrades.

    Even if that isn’t true, even if the Mac mini is a higher margin machine, is it worth not having a computer that you can dangle in front of every geeks face as the Mac Pro?

    If Apple ditched the Mac Pro, what then would Pixar use? What would they say is *the* machine that you should use if you are:

    1. A pro-photographer?
    2. Pro-videographer?
    3. Graphic design studio?
    4. Gamer?

    The same iMac you bought your Mom?

    There would no longer be a *the* machine, now it would be *the* machine*s* — and how many of you think that such an array would be feasible for the normal pro in the above list to setup stress free?

    As much as we want such a neat setup, how many actually believe that Apple could carry over the “Mac experience” to such a setup?

    I don’t.

    ### But Macs Are Fast

    Yes, the iMac is lightening fast. Yes, so is every other Mac. But they aren’t *Mac Pro* fast and that’s the problem.

    Even *if* Apple had such an idea in their head — why not keep the Mac Pro and allow users to chain them together, natively, out of the box, right now? If you think chaining Mac minis together would be sweet, imagine even the idea of doing the same with Mac Pros?

    *Crap, drool, again.*

    I just don’t see Apple doing this. The complexity of such a system is something that Apple is quickly moving away from. I have no doubt that they are not happy with the Mac Pro as it currently stands, but the answer isn’t killing it — the answer is just making a touch smaller *and* faster.

    Apple isn’t about to try and teach/support users on chaining Macs together, no matter how much they want to drop the Mac Pro from the line up.

  • Convenience Is Security

    Jeff on the Agile Blog (makers of 1Password): >If people are forced to use a difficult and confusing system, they are likely to make serious mistakes. At best, a security product should make it easier to get your work done. At worst, it shouldn’t make things prohibitively difficult to complete your tasks. One of the…

    Jeff on the Agile Blog (makers of 1Password):

    >If people are forced to use a difficult and confusing system, they are likely to make serious mistakes. At best, a security product should make it easier to get your work done. At worst, it shouldn’t make things prohibitively difficult to complete your tasks.

    One of the reasons that I used and love 1Password isn’t because it makes me more secure, but because it makes using website *easier* not harder. Not only for storing passwords, but for storing credit cards and more. In his article, Jeff, talks a great deal about how this idea is central to making users (sometimes as a fringe benefit to the user) far more secure.

  • Quote of the Day: Bernadette Jiwa

    “Your best idea might be the one people laugh at.” — Bernadette Jiwa

    “Your best idea might be the one people laugh at.”

  • Almost Certainly Eh?

    Robin Wauters for Aol/TechCrunch: >The upcoming iPhone 5 will almost certainly be a single phone that supports multiple networks, namely CDMA (such as the one used by Verizon or Sprint in the United States) as well as GSM (which is used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S.). What does “almost certainly” really mean? Nothing.…

    Robin Wauters for Aol/TechCrunch:

    >The upcoming iPhone 5 will almost certainly be a single phone that supports multiple networks, namely CDMA (such as the one used by Verizon or Sprint in the United States) as well as GSM (which is used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S.).

    What does “almost certainly” really mean? Nothing.

    Also, on a related note, “proof” that a prototype exists does not mean it will be real.

  • Beware of -webkit-text-size-adjust:none

    Roger Johansson points to some concerns about using the [aforementioned](https://brooksreview.net/2011/08/webkit-adjust/) `-webkit-text-size-adjust:none` attribute that I posted about. Instead I flipped my code to 100%, should keep the layout tidy and respect resizing if needed.

    Roger Johansson points to some concerns about using the [aforementioned](https://brooksreview.net/2011/08/webkit-adjust/) `-webkit-text-size-adjust:none` attribute that I posted about. Instead I flipped my code to 100%, should keep the layout tidy and respect resizing if needed.

  • Something Special Indeed

    Ricardo Bilton: >I don’t know what goes on psychologically, but when the average person sees a $99 price tag, something in their brain clicks. Eyes light up with dollar signs and hearts beat with a certain kind of deal-hungry fervor. The same thing happened to me, which is why I found myself biking all around…

    Ricardo Bilton:
    >I don’t know what goes on psychologically, but when the average person sees a $99 price tag, something in their brain clicks. Eyes light up with dollar signs and hearts beat with a certain kind of deal-hungry fervor. The same thing happened to me, which is why I found myself biking all around town in search for a device that I didn’t actually want. There was a thrill, and a mostly irrational lust to save money on something I had no intention of buying hours prior.

    I had a twinge to get one then I asked my wife: “TouchPads are only $99 now, should I get one?” To which she responded: “Why? It is still a waste of $99.” Always good to have a rational person near you.

  • Quote of the Day: Kevin C. Tofel

    “Consumers want a complete tablet experience, not one that’s ‘coming soon.’” — Kevin C. Tofel

    “Consumers want a complete tablet experience, not one that’s ‘coming soon.’”

  • Why Do People Buy iPads?

    That’s the question asked by Christopher Phin at Tap! Magazine. Phin’s basic answer boils down to this: People buy iPads both specifically because they can see where it’s going to fit into their home or office lives, and because they’re understandably drawn to a shiny slab of Apple gorgeousness – from where the useful, practical,…

    That’s the question asked by Christopher Phin at Tap! Magazine. Phin’s basic answer boils down to this:

    People buy iPads both specifically because they can see where it’s going to fit into their home or office lives, and because they’re understandably drawn to a shiny slab of Apple gorgeousness – from where the useful, practical, productive bit often follows.

    I can certainly see that logic. He is not saying that iPads are useless, but that often people just don’t know what the hell they are going to use them for when the get them — but they just want one because they look so damned neat.

    When the iPad came out my wife asked if I was getting one, my answer that the time was ‘no’. I was set in two thoughts:

    1. It’s not as good as a laptop.
    2. It’s just a big iPhone and I have an iPhone.

    It took just two weeks for the then still unreleased iPad to change my mind. I bought an iPad with the following thought: at the very least it will be a better screen to watch movies on while flying.

    That was the extent of my “reason” for buying an iPad. Since then I am a huge proponent of an iPad and if given the choice between a 13″ MacBook Air with no iPad, or a desktop computer + iPad — I would choose the latter.

    Hands down, without a shadow of a doubt, the iPad is the best “couch computer” I have ever owned. It is also the best: meeting tool, coffee shop companion, flying entertainment device I have ever had.

    But honestly so would be the 11″ MacBook Air.

    Oh I almost forgot the iPad is better than anything I have ever used at doing a few specific tasks, including:

    • Reading RSS (Reeder)
    • Reading articles (Instapaper)
    • Restarting my web server (Prompt + 3G)
    • Reading books (Kindle)

    I think Phin is spot on when he states:

    But there’s something I see time and again with the iPad: people often don’t have, as Darren implies, a clear practical use in mind when they’re buying one; but over weeks and months, they start using it more for all kinds of both predictable and unexpected tasks, and using traditional computers less.

    This is partly do to the excellent apps available, but I think a larger part of it all is because people simply want to use the device.

    Craig Grannell in response to Phin’s post stated:

    Only by embracing new technology and then seeing what we can do with it can we ensure we don’t remain stuck in the past. And for everyone moaning about the lack of obvious utility in tablets, people once said the same thing about computers—and look where that got us.

    I can completely relate to this because growing up I had no need for a computer, but I sure as hell wanted one. After getting a computer guess what? I found a lot of things I could use that computer for.

    Of course all of this discussion started because of Darren Murph’s post at Engadget where he questioned the utility of the iPad while still disclaiming that he does think they are useful, to someone, somewhere, probably.

    Murph:

    […]but this isn’t about proving that a tablet can do one or two things; it’s about the limitations and awkwardness of using one that no one seems to talk about.

    and:

    Tablets, for whatever reason, seem to defy logic when it comes to purchase rationalization in the consumer electronics realm.

    The brunt of Murph’s argument seems to be that he finds the very awkward to use, laptops to be more useful and buyers of tablets to be anomalies.

    In fact he believes his smartphone is a far better alternative and cheaper too.

    What Murph misses is that no consumer decisions are rational, that’s why we have a world with Ferraris. That’s why we have first class and coach. That’s why we have tailor made hand-stitched clothing and one size fits all shirts.

    Consumers sometimes, how ever un-rational, want something neat and shiny. What Murph seems to miss that Grannell and Phin both pointed out is that something can be both “neat and shiny” while still offering a lot of utility.

    We saw it first with computers, then the Internet, smart phones and now tablets.

    Murph ends with these two questions:

    But here’s a genuine question: how many of you actually use your tablet (of any brand) for productivity tasks as much as you thought you would when you lined up around the block to buy it? And after you invest a couple hundred in accessories to make it halfway useful, aren’t you better off (financially and otherwise) with a bona fide laptop?

    You already know from my statements above that I use the iPad for far more tasks then I ever thought I would — and it is indeed my preferred way to read email. I don’t for one second think it would have made more sense to buy a “bona fide laptop” because:

    1. I already had a “bona fide laptop”.
    2. And my laptop can’t do some of the things that my iPad can.

    If you (you as is anyone) continue to think about tablets in comparison to laptops then you will never understand the value that tablets hold. In the same way that someone that compares car travel to airplane travel will never understand the value of the road trip.

  • Note-Taking in OmniFocus

    J. Eddie Smith, IV on why he takes notes in OmniFocus: >The biggest advantage of putting note-ish things into a regularly-reviewed inbox of any kind is that the notes always get a second look. I process my inbox nearly every day. I never thought about doing this, but he makes a pretty compelling case for…

    J. Eddie Smith, IV on why he takes notes in OmniFocus:

    >The biggest advantage of putting note-ish things into a regularly-reviewed inbox of any kind is that the notes always get a second look. I process my inbox nearly every day.

    I never thought about doing this, but he makes a pretty compelling case for it.

  • [SPONSOR] Wx Weather

    Wx is an award winning US weather app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone with forecasts, alerts, radar, maps, and more. Read more about Wx and check out other iOS and Mac apps by Hunter Research and Technology.

    Wx is an award winning US weather app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone with forecasts, alerts, radar, maps, and more. Read more about Wx and check out other iOS and Mac apps by Hunter Research and Technology.

  • Android vs Windows Phone 7: At Least One Handset Maker Thinking About It

    Om Malik: >And when he says Windows Mobile, he does mean Windows Phone 7 operating system. Seriously? The “he” in the above is referring to Frank Meehan, chief executive officer (CEO) of INQ. If you haven’t heard of INQ it is likely because of the fact that they are a company that would actually consider…

    Om Malik:
    >And when he says Windows Mobile, he does mean Windows Phone 7 operating system.

    Seriously? The “he” in the above is referring to Frank Meehan, chief executive officer (CEO) of INQ. If you haven’t heard of INQ it is likely because of the fact that they are a company that would actually consider going back to a Windows Mobile platform.

  • HP’s Problems Summed Up in One Sentence

    Tess Stynes: >Hewlett-Packard Co. unveiled a new desktop computer Monday, just days after the technology company disclosed plans to sell or spin off its personal-computer business.

    Tess Stynes:
    >Hewlett-Packard Co. unveiled a new desktop computer Monday, just days after the technology company disclosed plans to sell or spin off its personal-computer business.

  • Where I thank Frank X Shaw for his gift.

    Excellent translation of Frank X Shaw’s recent blog post on the state of “post PC” by Brian S Hall: >Posted by **Frank X. Shaw** >Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications, Microsoft >*Translation: Remember. I’m paid to do this.* He did a really great job in the entire post, well worth the read. [via Jean-Louis Gassée]

    Excellent translation of Frank X Shaw’s recent blog post on the state of “post PC” by Brian S Hall:

    >Posted by **Frank X. Shaw**
    >Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications, Microsoft

    >*Translation: Remember. I’m paid to do this.*

    He did a really great job in the entire post, well worth the read.

  • The Macalope On HP and RIM Similarities

    The Macalope: >Because, when it comes to the mobile business, RIM is kinda like HP—just without any shred of self-awareness. While HP’s covering its face and crying “Uncle!”, RIM’s doubling down like a gambling addict. Now the company is apparently trying to build its own music service. RIM and HP were very much in the…

    The Macalope:

    >Because, when it comes to the mobile business, RIM is kinda like HP—just without any shred of self-awareness. While HP’s covering its face and crying “Uncle!”, RIM’s doubling down like a gambling addict. Now the company is apparently trying to build its own music service.

    RIM and HP were very much in the same position — and while I may make fun of RIM constantly — at least RIM didn’t quit when the going got tough (for better or worse).

  • -Webkit-Text-Size-Adjust

    If you are having layout issues on your site, but they only crop up on your iPhone? Yeah give this a look-see. This page specifies that the default is `none`, but I am here to tell you that this is not the case.

    If you are having layout issues on your site, but they only crop up on your iPhone? Yeah give this a look-see. This page specifies that the default is `none`, but I am here to tell you that this is not the case.

  • Groklaw – Google Reexam Requests Devastating to Lodsys

    Groklaw: >And for all of those naysayers who have shouted Google is not doing enough to protect Android app developers and that Android app developers should cave to the Lodsys demands, you need to reconsider your position. One of the few things Google has done recently that *actually* shows a commitment to “defending Android”. [via…

    Groklaw:
    >And for all of those naysayers who have shouted Google is not doing enough to protect Android app developers and that Android app developers should cave to the Lodsys demands, you need to reconsider your position.

    One of the few things Google has done recently that *actually* shows a commitment to “defending Android”.

    [via DF]

  • Footnotify

    A really neat way of displaying footnotes without causing the reader to lose place.

    A really neat way of displaying footnotes without causing the reader to lose place.

  • The B&B Podcast – Episode 23: Surprisingly Incredible

    This is an interesting one, Shawn lost power at his place halfway through the recording, and well it made the entire show better. Also we talk about wallets and weather again. Thanks to [Paste Interactive](http://pasteinteractive.com/) for sponsoring the show.

    This is an interesting one, Shawn lost power at his place halfway through the recording, and well it made the entire show better. Also we talk about wallets and weather again.

    Thanks to [Paste Interactive](http://pasteinteractive.com/) for sponsoring the show.

  • Scheduling App

    My thanks to Scheduling App for sponsoring the RSS feed this week to promote their excellent scheduling software for companies. I don’t have any employees, but I share an office with another company. I watch everyday as they are constantly having scheduling issues that an app like this would solve. This looks like a pretty…

    My thanks to Scheduling App for sponsoring the RSS feed this week to promote their excellent scheduling software for companies.

    I don’t have any employees, but I share an office with another company. I watch everyday as they are constantly having scheduling issues that an app like this would solve. This looks like a pretty clever way for managing employees and their time — this is an aspect of your business that you shouldn’t struggle with.

    There’s a 30 day free trial with no credit card required, and you can use the coupon code BROOKSREVIEW for 50% off your first paid month.

  • Hyphenation Arrives in Firefox and Safari

    Still torn on whether to implement this. Thoughts?

    Still torn on whether to implement this. Thoughts?