CNET News Article: All Eyes On Apple

[Agathon]

Originally posted by laurentius
You know that mini ipod is a lot smaller than dells

OK - would you rather have Dell's 15 GB player for 225 or spend 75 bucks more for the 15 GB ipod which can do more, has better software, a better interface, access to a bigger online store and just looks a whole lot cooler?

The mini ipod is for posers. It's the size of a business card. When the 4 gig one comes down to 200 bucks and the 2 gig is released at about 150-175 I think they'll get more takers.

But what kind of ****er would prance around with a pink ipod on his armband?

[Asher]

iPod Mini:      3.6" tall
		2.0" wide
		0.5" deep
		4GB
		8 hrs battery life
		$249


Dell DJ:	4.1" tall
		2.7" wide
		0.86" deep
		15GB+
		16 hrs battery life
		$224

iPod:    	4.1" tall
		2.4" wide
		0.62" deep
		15GB+
		8 hrs battery life
		$299

I wouldn't call that alot smaller...

[Asher]

Originally posted by Agathon
OK - would you rather have Dell's 15 GB player for 225 or spend 75 bucks more for the 15 GB ipod which can do more, has better software, a better interface, access to a bigger online store and just looks a whole lot cooler?

How can it do more if it lasts half as long and doesn't support WMA (which is more popular than AAC)?

How can you justify spending 75 bucks more so you can play monochrome solitaire on a 2" screen? The DJ also has a built in microphone, which is considerably more useful than Solitaire.

As for the interface being better, that's purely preference -- and it's ENTIRELY overrated. Only with the recent generation did they allow you to create playlists on your iPod, a feature blatantly stolen from the Zen line... Not to mention the weak DSP and equalizer effects on the iPod line, and a sound quality half as good (roughly) as the Zen and Dell DJs (98 dB SNR versus 92 on the iPods).

[Agathon]

Actually what was funny about the whole ipod mini thing was that Jobs showed a Rio flash player which he then proceeded to trash in every way a player can be trashed.

Then the company altered its website to announce that the player was the "very one shown by Steve Jobs at Macworld 2004".

They must have a sense of humour.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Agathon
Actually what was funny about the whole ipod mini thing was that Jobs showed a Rio flash player which he then proceeded to trash in every way a player can be trashed.

Then the company altered its website to announce that the player was the "very one shown by Steve Jobs at Macworld 2004".

They must have a sense of humour.

www.rioaudio.com ?

There's nothing like anything you mentioned there that I can see.

[Drake Tungsten]

I'm just trying to help you guys see just how much money Apple takes from you. Apparently being ripped off isn't a concern for Mac users?

I can't believe no one brought up the insane price gouging MS partakes in with Office in response to this lame troll. You Mac zealots are slipping...

[Asher]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I can't believe no one brought up the insane price gouging MS partakes in with Office in response to this lame troll. You Mac zealots are slipping...

I've no idea what you're talking about, I get Office for dirt cheap through my school.

It sets me back $10 (literally)... No complaints here.

Even without the school discounts, you can get the latest standard fully functional Office suite for the same price as OS X... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01083

[Drake Tungsten]

So did I, but now that I'm out in the real world (sort of) I actually have to deal with the exorbitant prices MS charges for Office. I'd like to upgrade to Office 2004 when it comes out, seeing as Office X is crap, but I don't know if I want to pay out the ass for it. Apple's software prices are nothing in comparison...

[Asher]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
So did I, but now that I'm out in the real world (sort of) I actually have to deal with the exorbitant prices MS charges for Office. I'd like to upgrade to Office 2004 when it comes out, seeing as Office X is crap, but I don't know if I want to pay out the ass for it. Apple's software prices are nothing in comparison...

But seeing as it's the same price as OS X (on the PC)...and seeing as most of OS X code is open source and free that Apple doesn't have to invest in...I'm going to have to laugh at your argument.

On the Mac it's slightly more expensive, at $149: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01083

Most people also get away with upgrading Office every 5 years or so, something you don't really have the luxury of doing with OS X for $129/year...

[Drake Tungsten]

But seeing as it's the same price as OS X (on the PC)...and seeing as most of OS X code is open source and free that Apple doesn't have to invest in...I'm going to have to laugh at your argument.

Since when is OS X $360?

Nice try, Glonkie, but no dice. Those of us in the real world have to pay full price for our software...

[Asher]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
Since when is OS X $360?

Nice try, Glonkie, but no dice. Those of us in the real world have to pay full price for our software...

Are you capable of clicking the links?

You get full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel for the same price as OS X ($129).

That's all 99% of people need. People who need more usually do it because of work. In this case, it is free if their company has it (workers can use the same software from work, at home, for free).

Nice try, but no dice.

Here's the link again for the apparently mentally & visually impaired: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01083

[laurentius]

I'd buy Ipod over Dell anyday, even if it would cost little more.

okay maybe not mini ipod but the full version

[Drake Tungsten]

Here's the link again for the apparently mentally & visually impaired: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...goryId=cat01083

That's the discounted student and teacher version of Office, which I can't buy, you jackass. Good god, we're all used to your dishonesty, but you at least used to put some effort into your deceptions...

[Asher]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

Here's the link again for the apparently mentally & visually impaired: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...goryId=cat01083

That's the discounted student and teacher version of Office, which I can't buy, you jackass. Good god, we're all used to your dishonesty, but you at least used to put some effort into your deceptions...

I'm sorry, aren't you teaching English overseas?

Besides, no stores actually check for proof when you buy those -- it's the same thing as Office Standard but much cheaper. For instance, just how do you propose BestBuy and Amazon check for proof that you're a student when you order it online? Think about it.

Their goal is to con morons like you into paying the standard fare for not knowing that anyone can buy the discounted version. More seriously, "Student and Teacher Edition" is simply the Office for non-Commercial (ie: home, school) use. Office Standard is licensed for Commercial (read: business, corporate) use as well.

Why would non-Commercial people buy the Commercial version of Office? Hell if I know.

[Drake Tungsten]

I'm sorry, aren't you teaching English overseas?

I'm almost certain that I wouldn't qualify, being outside the U.S. or Canada. Feel free to prove me wrong, though, as I wouldn't mind a cheaper version Office.

Not that they make that version for Mac or anything...

Their goal is to con morons like you into paying the standard fare for not knowing that anyone can buy the discounted version.

Ah, so this is how MS treats its customers, yet you're *****ing when Apple charges for its OS and some quality multimedia apps? Wallowing in hypocrisy; how typical...