Industrial Hemp

New Microsoft Ad Targets High Cost of Macs

I have both: a WindowsXP PC that is 5 years old and a 3 year old iMac G5.

I do all web design on a Mac and use PC for business since FedEx Shipping Manager does not work on Mac.

In short, both are fine. However, the PC requires security software. I've had AVG and Kaspersky. Those cost around $70-100/yr for the full suite. I downloaded software and ended up with a rootkit virus that replicated itself each time the lower-end software would get rid of it, so I had to get the full-fledged anti-this, anti-that to get rid of it. This also took my time to set-up, and run. The iMac does not need this.

I also defrag my hard drive once each week, run a full virus check each week and use Little Registry Cleaner to keep the Windows XP computer in top-condition.

The PC and iMac both boot-up in decent times, the iMac is faster. However, since I login to each computer, the PC takes a LONG time before its really usable, before you can launch and use an application. The iMac is ready much sooner.

The only downside to my iMac is that its a G5 processor. I wish I had purchased it a few months later when the Intel move was announced -- and implemented. The #1 downside to Mac's are that Apple makes software run on the newest hardware and does not care much about hardware they made a few years prior. Once more, my PC is over 5 years old.

The PC is annoying to use a lot of times. When you launch an application and move to another, you will be switched to the recently launched app. It you are working in an app and another app needs your attention, you will be switched over. If Windows has downloaded and update and asks to reboot, you will be asked every 10 minutes. If you walk away or leave for lunch, the PC will decide it knows best and will reboot for you. This is not user friendly.

As for the Mac, the biggest issue I have is that PC's have "adult sized" keyboards and mice that have "real" scroll wheels. Apple has junky keyboard and mouse. Most "power users" of Macs will agree as they usually purchase a Logitech set. If you perform any sort of data input, the PC is better. Filling out web forms are better on a PC than Mac. You can tab to all fields. The Mac still can not figure out how to tab to a drop-down menu (e.g., choose your state from a list). The Mac also does not allow for hitting the "end" key to go to end of sentence, etc. So, PC is better for people who like to use keyboard and avoid using mouse -- to be faster and more productive.

So, I use both Mac and PC. I like the PC more for the most part. It certainly is cooler, easier to use, etc. However, the PC is reliable -- if you maintain it. Most PC's are maintained by an IT department. Home users of PCs do NOT have this "luxury." Most people who use and promote PCs do NOT take this into consideration. That is where the TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP comes to mind. Yes, the Mac is less expensive when you consider anti-this and anti-that software that is NECESSARY due to PC's lackluster security and need for maintenance (e.g., a good 5-10 registry errors per day on my well maintained PC).
The downside to Mac is the iMac is the best price-point for most people, but the monitor is tied-into the computer. So, if you go with a mini, you have less powerful hardware and are better off with the iMac. Otherwise, if you go with tower (Pro) you pay a lot for computer and monitor.

PCs are "less expensive" but that means you get a Pentium processor and no graphics card. So beware of $500 computer. Its not the same. Its not a Core 2 Duo at that price! If so, there is no graphics card, rather "integrated graphics" which are performed on processor. Really, it comes down to daily / weekly maintenance of PCs. That's what makes them more expensive in the long run ... unless you have an IT department.

Apple Analysts Reality Check: Bear Rally Is Over

Apple took a hit and dropped below $100 (again) due to Sony's announcement to layoff 16,000 employees worldwide. Sony and Apple are both consumer brands.

However, once more, this certainly is not to say that Apple is not identical to Sony, but you can not tell that to most on Wall Street who are cold blooded number crunchers on one hand, and go with the flow Joe on the other.

In the past, when several tech companies were laying off employees, making cuts, etc ... Apple was busy coming up with the next great thing. Jobs mentioned this point on at least two occasions. So, one can only imagine that Apple is currently working on reformulation the business model for Apple TV. So far, the Apple TV has not taken the world by storm. A lot of the issues that complicate the matter are not hardware / software, but the business model.

Several people mention the obvious: include DVR features to Apple TV. Yes, technically that certainly is possible. However, Apple's business model has held back. Should Apple only sell content for TV, or allow people a options such as iTunes allows you to "Rip, Mix, Burn" from your physical CD collection, as well as purchase music from Apple.

Currently, Apple TV is more revenue driven. DVR not included. Then again, what a lot of people do not realize is that since Apple is a large company, they are an easy target for lawsuits. So, there may be legal issues for recording content from cable and satellite providers, etc.

To make Apple TV a success, Apple will have to include a whole lot more and in true High Def -- 1080p. Include RSS feeds for your widgets to be on your bedroom television so you can see your stocks, weather, etc before your get out of bed, etc.

An iPhone With Satellite Radio - Gasp! Really?

Actually, Apple will most likely bypass satellite radio and embrace HD Radio, which is slowly being implemented, ... ironically (radio following tv) after HD TV.

HD Radio requires an HD receiver, however, unlike satellite radio, HD Radio is free over-the-air broadcasting.

Personally, I would place more success on "free" vs paid business model if you look at the financial mess we are in and will continue to struggle with for quite some time to come.

Locate your local HD Radio Stations at the following URL:

www.hdradio.com/find_a...