'Bravo One, I've Got a GD on My Tail! Can't Shake him!' - General Discussion 8/29/07

[paper]

Your digital dump site for social commentary and random musings.

Just play nice so we don't have to eject.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/polcapn/Snoopy.gif

[six-gun]

were taking a highway to the danger zone

[paper]

I've always wanted to do voice acting, ever since I fell into doing some local radio commercials when I was a freshman. The problem is while I have a nice voice, I'm not so much on the... acting part. At least imo. But it's always that pipe dream in the back of my head.

Just ordered some books on voice acting and setting up a home recording studio. My current rig is seriously just a macbook, Garageband, and a $40 headset mic designed for VOIP use. I'm itching to play with some serious audio equipment.

[mikegraham6]

Question: does anyone feel overwhelmed by the amount of recommendations on this board? Don't get me wrong, it's not an insult to any of you, if anything it's the opposite. I love all the suggestions you guys have and more often than not, i really like them. But damn is it ever a lot!

I just picked up Deadwood and have yet to watch it. I watched the first episode of John from Cincinati and have yet to get to the second episode. i have a stack of trades taller than me to go through. Tons of video game recomendations to sift through. Then the discussion of Mad Men and Friday Night Lights has me interested.

Basically what im trying to say is there really isn't a lack of quality out there as long as you put in the effort to find it. What's lacking is the time to consume all this media.

Thanks for all the great recommendations iFanboy nation, now if only i could take a year off to go through all this stuff:rolleyes:

[kwok_talk]

Thanks for all the great recommendations iFanboy nation, now if only i could take a year off to go through all this stuff:rolleyes:

Agreed. My empty wallet salutes you.

[kahunablair]

Agreed. My empty wallet salutes you.

Both my wallet, and the bags under my eyes, salute as well!

[esophagus]

Question: does anyone feel overwhelmed by the amount of recommendations on this board? Don't get me wrong, it's not an insult to any of you, if anything it's the opposite. I love all the suggestions you guys have and more often than not, i really like them. But damn is it ever a lot!

I just picked up Deadwood and have yet to watch it. I watched the first episode of John from Cincinati and have yet to get to the second episode. i have a stack of trades taller than me to go through. Tons of video game recomendations to sift through. Then the discussion of Mad Men and Friday Night Lights has me interested.

Basically what im trying to say is there really isn't a lack of quality out there as long as you put in the effort to find it. What's lacking is the time to consume all this media.

Thanks for all the great recommendations iFanboy nation, now if only i could take a year off to go through all this stuff:rolleyes:Agreed. Between trying to save money, and reading even half of the reviews/recommendations on this board, I'm on the verge of going crazy.

[labor_days]

The dirty secret of recommendations is that you don't have to buy everything. ;-)

[esophagus]

The dirty secret of recommendations is that you don't have to buy everything. ;-)But they just look so good. It's madness. If I ever win the lottey, then I'll try and catch up. But it would be nice to keep some prize money.

[horatio616]

Question: does anyone feel overwhelmed by the amount of recommendations on this board? Don't get me wrong, it's not an insult to any of you, if anything it's the opposite. I love all the suggestions you guys have and more often than not, i really like them. But damn is it ever a lot!

I just picked up Deadwood and have yet to watch it. I watched the first episode of John from Cincinati and have yet to get to the second episode. i have a stack of trades taller than me to go through. Tons of video game recomendations to sift through. Then the discussion of Mad Men and Friday Night Lights has me interested.

Basically what im trying to say is there really isn't a lack of quality out there as long as you put in the effort to find it. What's lacking is the time to consume all this media.

Thanks for all the great recommendations iFanboy nation, now if only i could take a year off to go through all this stuff:rolleyes:

Go buy the new Angels and Airwaves single "Everything's Magic" on iTunes. It's less than four minutes and only 99 cents. (I'm the dollar store of recommendations.)

[six-gun]

I just got my bank statement and found out that someone in Valencia Spain took $68 out of my account. Unless Amazon* or DCBS is to blame, it appears that my bank has been struck by teh haxxores!

* My dad thinks that is what happened and is pretty pissed at me for using my check card on amazon, apparently he doesn't realize that he's at more risk reading his credit card number to some underpaid sales associate from the Cabella's catalog over the phone than I am by using the #1 online shopping center.

On a side note, I think I may have jammed three of my fingers when I punched the floor in rage at this discovery.

[esophagus]

I thought this had happened to me last week. Apparently what had happened is that my parent's account is in someway linked to mine since I opened my bank account when I was like 9. So, when my mother hit savings, instead of coming out of her account, she drained my checking account.

[six-gun]

No such thing with this Eso, this is pure identity theft (uless my dad's some sort of world roaming secret agent who went to Valencia and had to use my check card to buy bullets :))

[-mk-]

I concur with all of the great recommendations around here. Only problem is, at this point I feel like the media is consuming me instead of me consuming the media. Perhaps I need a break.

It's bad when your queued up titles are seasons of TV shows and Absolute Editions still in shrinkwrap.

[kahunablair]

I concur with all of the great recommendations around here. Only problem is, at this point I feel like the media is consuming me instead of me consuming the media. Perhaps I need a break.

It's bad when your queued up titles are seasons of TV shows and Absolute Editions still in shrinkwrap.

I'm in the same boat. I have so many things I want to read and watch, that it's a wee bit daunting.
But that being said keep the recommendations coming guys!!

[kahunablair]

Man is the board dead today...

So what does everyone think of NBC/Universal breaking away from iTunes? Is it stupid on there part? Will it lead to more piracy of their shows/songs?

http://techdirt.com/articles/20070831/030551.shtml

[mikegraham6]

i think it would be nice if iTunes Canada would let us buy TV shows. You guys seem to really like that service and it would help me try out shows i wouldn't ordinarily check out. On average how much do they cost, is there a standard price?

[kahunablair]

i think it would be nice if iTunes Canada would let us buy TV shows. You guys seem to really like that service and it would help me try out shows i wouldn't ordinarily check out. On average how much do they cost, is there a standard price?

They don't have a TV show service up there? Wow.
The average show is $1.99. There is occasionally the 2 hour finales, or specials that are sometimes $3.99.
You can buy the shows by the season as well, so that everytime a new episode is put up, it will automatically download. The Season passes can cost anywhere from $9.99 to $34.99.
I personally am a big fan of buying a pass for the Daily Show. For $9.99 you can a few weeks worth of shows.

[mikegraham6]

see that sounds like a really good deal, i'd pay 1.99 for an episode.
I'm guessing that they don't offer them up because the property rights are pretty sticky.
ex: NBC owns heroes, but Global owns the rights to air it in Canada. I don't know how the licensing rights work up here for dvds or any other licensing beyond broadcast, but i know that the Heroes DVD has a sticker ont he front letting the audience know that they can watch season 2 on Global September 25th, so im guessing they probably get a piece of that pie as well.
International media licensing is a huge headache. i took a course on it in university and the "new media" landscape makes it even more complicated

[kahunablair]

Since we are already in an Apple discussion here, whats eveyone think of the iCar possibility?
http://img31.picoodle.com/img/img31/9/8/31/f_untitledm_b351c39.png (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/9/8/31/f_untitledm_b351c39.png&srv=img31)

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/apple-volkswagen-creating-the-icar

I'd seriously consider buying it, if it was being built by VW.

[mikegraham6]

unless i missed something the article doesn't tell us what it's all about. You'd buy it merely for the apple name? i wouldn't, what experience do they have making cars?!?!?!

[kahunablair]

The article doesn't say anything about it. Steve Jobs is meeting with VW execs about building the car.
So it would be a VW with input from Apple. There input wouldn't be involved in say, engine construction. It would be more in line with design and intergration.

[paper]

There's been talking about further integration of iTunes and your car. Consoles and such.

In much more important news...no more NBC shows on iTunes. This sucks in a major way. I have no DVR and a class on Thursday nights. How am I supposed to see the Office. As about 78% of my posts on this forum will inform you...I live and breath this show.

[kahunablair]

There's been talking about further integration of iTunes and your car. Consoles and such.
Seeing how my job is in the auto industry (doesn't that sound professional?), this really interests me. Whenever a car becomes intergrated with the iPods, it gets top billing on all the Auto news site.
Take Jaguar for instance, they worked with Apple on streamlining the design and it's front page news (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/jaguar-design-chief-says-xf-is-apple-flavored/).
Apple seems to be the current king of seamless design, so this announcement is a doosy.

In much more important news...no more NBC shows on iTunes. This sucks in a major way. I have no DVR and a class on Thursday nights. How am I supposed to see the Office. As about 78% of my posts on this forum will inform you...I live and breath this show.
I hear you, I'm pretty upset myself. The stories been updated by the way...

Update: Apple seems to believe that NBC Universal needs Apple more than the other way around. Rather than waiting for NBC to pull its shows, Apple has apparently kicked them off.

[esophagus]

There's been talking about further integration of iTunes and your car. Consoles and such.

In much more important news...no more NBC shows on iTunes. This sucks in a major way. I have no DVR and a class on Thursday nights. How am I supposed to see the Office. As about 78% of my posts on this forum will inform you...I live and breath this show.
My boat too. I usually only catch every other episode, and even then the last half, then I catch up on seasons. When I start my new job, I'm not available Thursday nights. Oops.

[paper]

Alright. I'm off on another writing hiatus. Back with a new FT podcast tomorrow night (Sunday) and then it's back into the ether. See you guys in about 90 pages.

[kahunablair]

Alright. I'm off on another writing hiatus. Back with a new FT podcast tomorrow night (Sunday) and then it's back into the ether. See you guys in about 90 pages.

Damn you Paper. Leaving us again!

Best of luck man.

[esophagus]

Alright. I'm off on another writing hiatus. Back with a new FT podcast tomorrow night (Sunday) and then it's back into the ether. See you guys in about 90 pages.Enjoy. Write quick.

[kahunablair]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about Project Rooftop's new topic.
I've talked about the group before on here, but just to refresh, they are an art group that does redesign of current heroes.
In honor of Mike Weiringo they have had an Impulse/Bart Allen week.
Some of my favorites...
Darren Calvert's
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/kid-flash-by-darren-calvert.jpg

Mike Norton's
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/Kid-Flash-by-Mike-Norton.jpg

Eric Newsom's
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/The-Flash-by-Eric-Newsom.jpg

[labor_days]

That Eric Newsom one is really nice.


p.s. I miss young Bart. /sadness

[esophagus]

My favorites were:

Joel Carroll
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/Impulse-and-Kid-Flash-by-Joel-Carro.jpg

Daniel Heard
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/Impulse-by-Daniel-Heard.jpg

And that Newsom one.

[kahunablair]

I would have posted the Joel Carrol one, but the other 3 barely beat it out.

[esophagus]

I think I'll have to add this one to my list. Other than this one todays entries were bland.

Olly Woodman
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f86/projectrooftop/Wieringo%20Week/Impulse-by-Olly-Woodman.jpg

[conorkilpatrick]

Division over next-generation DVDs deepening (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070903/tc_nm/highdefinition_war_dc)

By Gina Keating Mon Sep 3, 9:59 AM ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood studios are becoming deeply divided over which high-definition technology will replace the DVD, increasing prospects that it will be years before next-generation players become standard equipment in U.S. households.

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc signed exclusivity deals to distribute their next-generation discs on Toshiba Corp's HD DVD format for the next 18 months, a move that evened a contest where Sony Corp's Blu-Ray Disc appeared to be pulling ahead.

Paramount expected the lower-priced HD DVD players, which start at $299 compared with $499 for Blu-Ray, to tempt consumers more this holiday season when summer box office blockbusters are released on high-definition DVD.

"We are in a very nascent stage in the world of high definition packaged media," said Kelley Avery, president of Paramount Home Entertainment. "Our approach is taking a look at what will motivate the consumer."

But the Walt Disney Co, a Blu-Ray supporter, has sent a traveling road show to the top eight U.S. shopping malls to promote Blu-Ray players to those looking to upgrade.

"Our goal with the Disney Magical Blu-Ray Tour is to reach as many people as possible and help educate consumers across all demographics," said Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Pali Research analyst Rich Greenfield said Paramount's defection from Blu-Ray "alter(s) the landscape meaningfully, as Paramount is the leading theatrical distributor year-to-date."

Eight of the 15 top-grossing films of the year, including "Shrek the Third," "Transformers" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" were released by studios that distribute exclusively on HD DVD or on both formats.

More in link.

[esophagus]

Wal-Mart used to sell Blu-Ray players for $1000, but none of them sold. Eventually they cut their losses, realized they wouldn't sell, and dropped the price to $499. They still never sold. The only people really going for Blu-Ray are people buying the PS3. I say HD will take this in the long run.

[kahunablair]

I can't see Blu-Ray winning out for the simple fact that it's Sony.
Sony just can't seem to license their formats the right way.
Beta and Minidiscs both were crimpled because Sony acted greedily. Even though they were superior formats, Sony still screwed it up.

[esophagus]

I can't see Blu-Ray winning out for the simple fact that it's Sony.
Sony just can't seem to license their formats the right way.
Beta and Minidiscs both were crimpled because Sony acted greedily. Even though they were superior formats, Sony still screwed it up.Minidiscs actually did fairly well in Japan. I'm sure someone will show me some stats to say I'm wrong, but some friends of mine went a year or so back, and apparently everyone had minidisc players. But yeah, Sony isn't so great at marketing their products very well. Not a lot of people really knew about Blu-Ray until it started being marketed as a great feature of hte PS3.

[kahunablair]

They did do very well in Japan. Sadly that isn't everything in the world market.
I personally LOVED my minidisc players, and I'm still really upset they didn't take off over here.

[esophagus]

They did do very well in Japan. Sadly that isn't everything in the world market.
I personally LOVED my minidisc players, and I'm still really upset they didn't take off over here.Yeah, I really wanted one. But while I was at the store getting ready to buy one I decided it just wasn't worth it. It had taken me so long to find a player I was sure it would be impossible to find the discs, and would only get harder as they faded away. Keep in mind, I still listen to my walkman. Tapes are superior.

[labor_days]

The one Blu-Ray movie I've seen, Superman Returns looked spectacular. Gotta think the exorbitant price of Blu-Ray turns many people away.

[mikegraham6]

my blu-ray copy of Planet Earth looks unbelievable

[esophagus]

my blu-ray copy of Planet Earth looks unbelievable
That looked interesting, but not enough for me to shell out the $90 it cost.

[mikegraham6]

That looked interesting, but not enough for me to shell out the $90 it cost.
everyone who owns either an HDDVD or Blu-Ray players is doing themselves a disservice by not picking up this series. THIS is why HD was made my friend, worth EVERY penny

[paper]

I know. I know. I'm supposed to be in writing seclusion. But concern weighs heavy on my mind.

I need a new phone plan. I've been forced to use Nextel because it's the plan my family's business uses. It's cheaper to be on my family's plan, but I need to cut the umbilical cord. I also want decent coverage.

For a while I've been considering Verizon because I don't hear many complaints about it. But I'm also a tech snob, and the reviews of their phones do not look promising. My research kept steering me towards getting an unlocked phone, specifically some swanky models from Sony Ericson. For unlocked phone users T-Mobile seems to be the service company of choice. For the record, I have no interest in using my phone as an mp3 player. But if I could use it as a camera and an internet device, that'd be pretty cool. Texting isn't all that important.

Anybody have any advice? Does anybody use an unlocked phone? T-Mobile fans?

[acomicbookgirl]

I know. I know. I'm supposed to be in writing seclusion. But concern weighs heavy on my mind.

I need a new phone plan. I've been forced to use Nextel because it's the plan my family's business uses. It's cheaper to be on my family's plan, but I need to cut the umbilical cord. I also want decent coverage.

For a while I've been considering Verizon because I don't hear many complaints about it. But I'm also a tech snob, and the reviews of their phones do not look promising. My research kept steering me towards getting an unlocked phone, specifically some swanky models from Sony Ericson. For unlocked phone users T-Mobile seems to be the service company of choice. For the record, I have no interest in using my phone as an mp3 player. But if I could use it as a camera and an internet device, that'd be pretty cool. Texting isn't all that important.

Anybody have any advice? Does anybody use an unlocked phone? T-Mobile fans?

Didn't Nextel merge with Sprint? I thought they would have kick ass coverage? Free incoming calls right? Anywho, I don't know in your area, but T-Mobile has shitty coverage in southern California. They have the cool phones along with AT&T but they coverage they have is crappy. Haven't ment met a happy Verizon customer yet. T-Mobile and Verizon have good texting plans from what I understand. I've been with AT&T ever since I got a cell phone here and wouldn't trade it for anything else. Unless it Sprint magically got kick ass phones. Hope that helps.

I need a new phone and while the iPhone is a little too pricey for now I was contemplating either a Blackberry or a Treo.. I don't know which one I want though.. :confused:

[conorkilpatrick]

Haven't ment met a happy Verizon customer yet. T-Mobile and Verizon have good texting plans from what I understand.

I'm pretty happy with Verizon. The coverage in NYC is second to none. T-Mobile and AT&T suck here. I had T-Mobile for many years and I couldn't even get a signal in my own apartment. I've never had a problem getting a Verizon signal; sometimes I even get a signal in the subway.

Of course, none of that helps paper.

[labor_days]

I used to have T-mobile but then they screwed me when I wanted to change my plan. After many frustrating hours on the phone with the rep, I decided it wasn't worth it anymore.

Verizon has been pretty okay for me for the past few months. So, guess that gets my vote by default.

[darron]

I've had Verizon for a year or so, now. No complaints thus far. I had Nextel for a while, for the same reaosn as you. Break the shackles, man.


Not to change the subject, but are Youtube videos no lonegr working on this site? I've tried to post a couple videos the past week, but they never seem to work in the preview. I'm sure I'm just retarded.

[labor_days]

Nextel had great service, but they were just so damn expensive. I just couldn't swing it anymore.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Bf6YGbc1c

Seems to work.

[paper]

I've been looking at coverage reviews in my zipcode and the surrounding area. It's all over the board. The best providers seem to be Verizon and AT&T. As much as I want an unlocked phone, maybe Verizon is the way to go.

This is harrowing.

[six-gun]

I have Verizon and a Chocolate and I've yet to be disappointed, the service has been unbelievable even out in the boonies where I live while the Chocolate (just $50 with the rebate) is a really functional, suer cool looking device with a great camera and web compatibility. Plus, it's a pretty darn good little MP3 player and with V-Cast you can download music strait to the phone anywhere (it has a good selection as well, both The Crane Wife and Picaresque were downloadable the last time I checked)

[acomicbookgirl]

I've been looking at coverage reviews in my zipcode and the surrounding area. It's all over the board. The best providers seem to be Verizon and AT&T. As much as I want an unlocked phone, maybe Verizon is the way to go.

This is harrowing.

Its your phone. My suggestion would be go with the company with the phone that you want as well as the ones your friends have so your mobile-to-mobile minutes and messages won't be used up. Although AT&T has roll over so what you don't use can be used the following month or so. There's a lot of factors to look into. Least for me there was.

[paper]

I can't get past it. Verizon's phones just don't appeal to me. The reviews are terrible.

[acomicbookgirl]

I can't get past it. Verizon's phones just don't appeal to me. The reviews are terrible.

Its one of the reasons why I didn't consider them when searching for a phone. AT&T and T-Mobile have the cool phones IMO. AT&T does have the iPhone after all.. ;) I wonder if Blair still loves his..

[paper]

That's another thing. If I decide to upgrade to the iPhone (2.0) I'd already be on the right provider.

[acomicbookgirl]

Exactly. Still your call. You have to find the phone that you love.

[esophagus]

Today I nought myself a Captain America t-shirt, and almost made a stencil that said "RIP Steve Rogers" just for the hell of it, to put it on the back. Now I figure I should probably give it a bit of time, and make sure he doesn't come back. As far as the phone goes, just don't go Telus. Even though that never seemed to be one of the options. Perhaps its just Canadian?

[kahunablair]

Anybody have any advice? Does anybody use an unlocked phone? T-Mobile fans?

I was a T-Mobile guy for 7 years Paper. I never really had any problems with them. Their customer service is pretty damn good. The unlocked phones were a major plus for me as well, and I took advantage of that quite a few times.

I've recently did the switch to AT&T/Cingular because of the iPhone, and I'm shocked how satisfied I am. I haven't had any problems with coverage or customer service. As far as the iPhone goes, this is the greatest phone I've ever had. I've counted and in those 7 years I've had 8 phones, and this is the best one yet.

For our area, I haven't heard anything spectacular about Verizon. Their coverage/phones are just ok.

[paper]

Thanks, guys. I'm leaning towards AT&T right now.

And I think this (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&zone=pp&pid=10411) is the phone (http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/sony-ericsson-k790a-cingular/4505-6454_7-31762056.html).

[acomicbookgirl]

You can not go wrong with Sony Ericsson. I can vouch for that. Not being a world support phone though is a con for me. That phone is so you. :)

[kahunablair]

Nice choice Paper.
3.2 camera, full web browsing, and push email? A nice choice indeed.

[luthor]

I can honestly say, I've never been as happy about it being back to school as I am today. I've been painting my best friend's house/finishing his basement for about three weeks but today he had to return to school(he's a teacher)...so everything is done(pretty much)...and I don't have to touch a paint brush, hammer or any other tool for a very long time...and this makes for a happy Luthor.

[paper]

Nice choice Paper.
3.2 camera, full web browsing, and push email? A nice choice indeed.

Yeah, I'd read a review of it a while back (it's over a year old) and it stuck with me.

How's the iPhone working out? Is it a life changer? My cousin has one but I haven't been able to talk to him about it since he first got it.

[mikegraham6]

Today I nought myself a Captain America t-shirt, and almost made a stencil that said "RIP Steve Rogers" just for the hell of it, to put it on the back. Now I figure I should probably give it a bit of time, and make sure he doesn't come back. As far as the phone goes, just don't go Telus. Even though that never seemed to be one of the options. Perhaps its just Canadian?

we've got completely different providers dude, we can't take part in this conversation:(

[mikegraham6]

Thanks, guys. I'm leaning towards AT&T right now.

And I think this (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&zone=pp&pid=10411) is the phone (http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/sony-ericsson-k790a-cingular/4505-6454_7-31762056.html).

THAT'S MY PHONE!!!! yay i can partake!
Paper, i love that phone dude! i don't have a digicam and the pics this phone takes, while definitely not perfect, are far superior to any other picture phone i've seen. I love the fact that if your out and your forgot your digicam you can take decent pics on the go. I use it all the time, all i recommend it that you need to pic up at least a GIG memory card for it, it has absolutely no built in memory. if you want to see an example of the picture quality take a look at the pic of my stack in the NEXT thread, it was taken with my phone. It's not the most crisp pic but its still pretty good

also, it's not supported around the world? that's news to me and now im very upset.... looks like i'll be leaving it at home on my next trip....:(

[paper]

Do you have the k790a or the k790i? The i would have world support. I think.

[mikegraham6]

Do you have the k790a or the k790i? The i would have world support. I think.

it doesn't say on the phone itself, i'd have to check the box, but the k709i sounds familiar..... i hope it's the i because i really really want world support (im a traveller)

EDIT: just checked the phone settings... it's the k790a :(

[kahunablair]

How's the iPhone working out? Is it a life changer? My cousin has one but I haven't been able to talk to him about it since he first got it.

I might sound like a Zombie, but it really is my favorite gadget of all time. It's actually lived up to the hype.
As far as your cousin goes, I'm the same way. I haven't really "bragged" or talked about it much after I bought it, but I don't know why.

it doesn't say on the phone itself, i'd have to check the box, but the k709i sounds familiar..... i hope it's the i because i really really want world support (im a traveller)
EDIT: just checked the phone settings... it's the k790a :(

Sony Ericcson seems to be really good with "flashing" their firmware. With a small purchase of a cable off of eBay and a free program which you can find on Google, you'll be world friendly. I've had 2 Sony Ericcson's and I did it myself on both.

[kahunablair]

Well I was just over on the TRS board, and someone posted a thread about Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and I posted my top 3. One of which is Wawa Iced Tea. I realized that most people in the country haven't experienced the Convenience Valhalla known as Wawa.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/31/WAWAnewlogo.gif
So who here has been to a Wawa?
If you don't have a Wawa, is there anything region specific to your 'hood, you'd wish you could share with the rest of the world?

[mikegraham6]

it's not specific to my 'hood, but im partial to the good ol' Arizona Green Tea
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t268/mikegraham6/20oz-grt2.jpg


oh ya! i'd like to share the glory that is poutine and shawarma (although im sure you guys must have this) with the rest of the world! delicious!

[kahunablair]

I've never had the "pleasure" of trying Poutine.
Shawarma on the other hand I tried in Spain. I had a chicken one, it was really quite good.

[conorkilpatrick]

So who here has been to a Wawa?

I have. I've got a bunch of friends in the Philadelphia (and surrounding) area and I've been to Wawa a few times. People around there talk about them like they are Shangri-La.

[kahunablair]

I have. I've got a bunch of friends in the Philadelphia (and surrounding) area and I've been to Wawa a few times. People around there talk about them like they are Shangri-La.

Comparing them to Shangri La is like saying a fine wine is just grape juice.
I haven't even gone into the transformation the Wawa's go into at night. Club Wawas are some of the best after-club/bar spots in the area.

Johnny Knoxville actually has a tattoo of the Wawa logo on his shoulder blade.

[luthor]

So who here has been to a Wawa?


I've been to a Wawa (http://www.wawa.cc/) but I don't think we're talking about the same place.

I'm not sure how local it is...but Faygo (http://www.faygo.com/) and Vernor's Ginger Ale (http://www.vernors.com/) rank for me. There's nothing quite like a Vernor's float.

[jgg0610]

I know this is a little late but the issue of blu-ray vs. hd-dvd will be settled just like beta vs. vhs. The one that wins will be the one that the porn industry jumps onto. I believe an annoucement was made the other day that they had gone to hd-dvd.

[labor_days]

Hmm, I wonder what Betamax tapes looked like. Was there a huge difference in quality over VHS?

Don't know if the average consumer sees a huge difference between Blu-Ray & HD-DVD. They both look spectacular but you need the right television, the right setup, player, etc.

I know people who still say they don't see the difference between HD and analog cabe. So, I gotta think a lot folks are going to get what is cheapest and has the largest selection between the two formats in the end.

[esophagus]

If you don't have a Wawa, is there anything region specific to your 'hood, you'd wish you could share with the rest of the world?Can't vouch for the Wawa but my top three favorite drinks:

http://www.jonessoda.com/gifs7/product-photos/single_fufu_berry.jpg
Jones, Pure Cane, Fufu-Berry Soda

http://www.bevnet.com/images/reviews/boylans_natural/boylans-black_cherry.jpg
Boylans All-Natural Black Cherry Soda

http://drinkbluesky.com/images/large_cans/cat6_lime.gif
Blue Sky Organic Lemon-Lime Soda


They're all delicious. Just like the, already mentioned, poutine.

Edit: Oops. Didn't realize that Jones was so huge. Lifesize.

[fred]

Hmm, I wonder what Betamax tapes looked like.

http://nelswadycki.files.wordpress.com/2006/03/betamax.jpg ;)

[labor_days]

@ Fred

Smartass. :-D



Re: Regional Delights

Not sure how widely these are sold but I do love me a Jarrito on occasion.

http://cazuelasgrillrestaurant.com/fotos/jarritos.jpg

[kahunablair]

Hmm, I wonder what Betamax tapes looked like. Was there a huge difference in quality over VHS?

Don't know if the average consumer sees a huge difference between Blu-Ray & HD-DVD. They both look spectacular but you need the right television, the right setup, player, etc.

I know people who still say they don't see the difference between HD and analog cabe. So, I gotta think a lot folks are going to get what is cheapest and has the largest selection between the two formats in the end.


There was a difference in both Audio and Video between VHS and Beta, with Beta winning out.
The differences between Blu-Ray and HD DVD aren't as noticeable, but apparently "people in the industry", perfer Blu-Ray for it's potential.


Not sure how widely these are sold but I do love me a Jarrito on occasion.


The Jarrito's brand is quite delicious.

[mikegraham6]

my roommate told me that Blu-Ray movies don't typically have the special features we're used to finding on regular DVDs while HDDVDs do. anyone else heard this? Because if it's true, this makes me angry....

[kahunablair]

my roommate told me that Blu-Ray movies don't typically have the special features we're used to finding on regular DVDs while HDDVDs do. anyone else heard this? Because if it's true, this makes me angry....

First I've ever heard that. He's probably making that judgement based on what Sony puts out as extras on with their movies.
Say they don't want to add extras to some movies, low and behold it seems like it's the format that doesn't have them, not the film.

[mikegraham6]

good to hear

[kahunablair]

Apple event tomorrow at 10:00AM PDT / 1:00PM EDT, set your alarms
Remember how we told you not to buy a new iPod? Well, tomorrow's the day when we find out exactly what you've been waiting for as Apple shows off its fall / winter gadget lineup. Will it be the touchscreen iPod? The nano fatty? Some other wackjob rumor mysteriously come true? Whatever Steve pulls out of his hat, you know where to go for the most complete and up to the second event coverage.


So who actually cares about this?
Who is excited for it?

I personally am waiting with bated breath.

[esophagus]

So who actually cares about this?
Who is excited for it?

I personally am waiting with bated breath.I really don't care much. I've grown sick of new generation iPods, and not a whole lot else. I'm sure I'll watch if I catch it, to see if anything new comes from this.

[mikegraham6]

jeez, people who use apple sure do love it don't they???? me? i love my iPod but besides im not a big fan of brand loyalty

[kahunablair]

jeez, people who use apple sure do love it don't they???? me? i love my iPod but besides im not a big fan of brand loyalty

I'm not so sure it's brand loyalty though. I mean some people are just rabid Apple fans. I personally have found that every Apple product I've ever used has been of high quality and lived up to the hype.

[mikegraham6]

some stuff they do really ticks me off, iTunes can slow my computer down to a crawl sometimes (i didn't have this problem until the newer versions started coming out) and i hear that when the iPod battery dies it costs 100$ to replace it (something that is unacceptable when you've already spent 500$ for an iPod).
i also don't like that you can't transfer from your iPod back onto your computer. I had to send in my iPod (3 months after i bought it no less) and i lost everything i had loaded onto it (they sent me a new one). this really pissed me off.

Besides that i haven't really dealt with apple, but they definitely haven't made me a happy customer (that being said, im absolutely lost with my iPod, so go figure)

[conorkilpatrick]

i also don't like that you can't transfer from your iPod back onto your computer.

You absolutely can do that. There are plenty of programs out there on the web that transfers your music back. When my hard drive got fried two years ago that's how I got all of my music back.

[esophagus]

You absolutely can do that. There are plenty of programs out there on the web that transfers your music back. When my hard drive got fried two years ago that's how I got all of my music back.I'm waiting to see if my local computer repair shop can do a transfer from my old hard drive to my new one, but if that fails, those programs are the plan. I'm not so sure about the repair shop though. I'm worried I might end up losing everything I have on this computer.

But I think what he meant, is that Apple doesn't sllow you to do that. They're all third party programs that do it.

[mikegraham6]

i went out and bought a program to do that after i had my problem with my iPod, but i didn't know those existed at the time. I think that apple should allow you to do this in the first place. Sure had i known that a program like this existed it would have saved my stuff, but when the problem lies with the Apple product itself it should be their responsibility to fix it, not mine to go out and spend 204 to get a program that solves a problem with their product. I was pretty frustrated at the time (this was hours and hours of my time that was lost because of this)

[esophagus]

i went out and bought a program to do that after i had my problem with my iPod, but i didn't know those existed at the time. I think that apple should allow you to do this in the first place. Sure had i known that a program like this existed it would have saved my stuff, but when the problem lies with the Apple product itself it should be their responsibility to fix it, not mine to go out and spend 204 to get a program that solves a problem with their product. I was pretty frustrated at the time (this was hours and hours of my time that was lost because of this)
$500 for an iPod. $204 for the transfer. You need to start price shopping.

http://www.ipod2computer.com/index.php?SRC=6

[conorkilpatrick]

But I think what he meant, is that Apple doesn't sllow you to do that. They're all third party programs that do it.

Sure, but that doesn't mean one can't do it when clearly it is possible.

The law says I can't drive over 65 miles an hour but I do it anyway. I don't lament that society says I can't drive fast, I just do it.

[luthor]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Getting+music+off+the+Ipod&btnG=Search

There's literally hundreds of ways to do it...some of which have no need for programs. Last weekend I took the music off (http://playlistmag.com/help/2005/01/2waystreet/) my girlfriend's Ipod Nano and didn't have any programs at all.

[kahunablair]

On top of all the options that you can download, if your drive gets fried, you can call Apple. They'll allow you to redownload everything you've purchased off of them. That way you haven't thrown out your money just because your computer crashed.

[kwok_talk]

Besides that i haven't really dealt with apple, but they definitely haven't made me a happy customer (that being said, im absolutely lost with my iPod, so go figure)

My relationship with Apple has been very much love/hate. Love my ipod and use it everywhere, but I had one of those accursed 4th generation models that seemed to have a lot of problems. Within a two month span, I went through 5 of them (fortunately all under warranty). After that, they just gave me a video ipod, which seemed to make all things ok.

My G4 powerbook just died this past weekend. And I didn’t back up my files. And it was sent off to the warehouse for attempted fixing. Thankfully I picked up the extended warranty. I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t be fixable and then I’ll get to maybe get an intel version as a replacement. I've very lost right now without internet at home.

The genius bar at the Apple store ALWAYS frustrates me. Not because of the people, but because of the outrageous wait times. Today I clocked in at getting service an hour after my scheduled time.

[esophagus]

On top of all the options that you can download, if your drive gets fried, you can call Apple. They'll allow you to redownload everything you've purchased off of them. That way you haven't thrown out your money just because your computer crashed.Really? I didn't know that. That's really good. Just not for me. Can't say I had the money to buy all 10,000 songs from iTunes, and they don't have the selection.

[mikegraham6]

$500 for an iPod. $204 for the transfer. You need to start price shopping.

http://www.ipod2computer.com/index.php?SRC=6

my bad, that was suppose to read 20$

[mikegraham6]

Sure, but that doesn't mean one can't do it when clearly it is possible.

The law says I can't drive over 65 miles an hour but I do it anyway. I don't lament that society says I can't drive fast, I just do it.

can you really slight me for assuming that it would be simple to transfer my songs back from my iPod onto my computer, is that really asking too much from apple? not all their customers would think to pop on the net and that it would be as easy as downloading a program.
When i heard that they were going to issue me a new iPod instead of fixing my old one, i demanded that they fix it instead, i mean why would i want to lose all my data? but they refused, they said they only issue replacement iPods. So basically im suffering and losing precious time because of Apple's manufacturing error, it shouldn't be my responsibility to hunt down the aforementioned program.

[kahunablair]

I kind of just realized something, the arguement you are making against Apple is over something from the Music industry.
The reason you can't transfer back and forth is because the Labels thought it would allow people to pirate. So when contract time came around for selling music on iTunes, that was one of their stipulations. Apple has stood their ground on a lot of issues, but I guess this was just one of the ones they couldn't fight.

[esophagus]

I kind of just realized something, the arguement you are making against Apple is over something from the Music industry.
The reason you can't transfer back and forth is because the Labels thought it would allow people to pirate. So when contract time came around for selling music on iTunes, that was one of their stipulations. Apple has stood their ground on a lot of issues, but I guess this was just one of the ones they couldn't fight.I think I read that somewhere. They said that if they could give music free, and let it work on any device, they would, but the labels just weren't a fan of that. Probably the same for transferring. Apple says theyve made it so you are able to run an iPod off of two computers at once, so you can run it at home and work, but I can't seem to figure out how that works.

[conorkilpatrick]

can you really slight me for assuming that it would be simple to transfer my songs back from my iPod onto my computer, is that really asking too much from apple? not all their customers would think to pop on the net and that it would be as easy as downloading a program.

Well, why not?

I'm not slighting you. I'm just saying... there are (almost) always solutions to any problem. Should it be a feature that Apple builds into the iPod? Sure. Probably. I don't know their reasoning, but they probably have some as to why it's not. In this day and age if you are going to spring for a gadget like an iPod... it seems like a no-brainer to me to go look on the internet for more information before making decisions. And I'm among the least technically savvy of all the people I know.

[mikegraham6]

I kind of just realized something, the arguement you are making against Apple is over something from the Music industry.
The reason you can't transfer back and forth is because the Labels thought it would allow people to pirate. So when contract time came around for selling music on iTunes, that was one of their stipulations. Apple has stood their ground on a lot of issues, but I guess this was just one of the ones they couldn't fight.

fair enough, still pisses me off though

[six-gun]

The law says I can't drive over 65 miles an hour but I do it anyway. I don't lament that society says I can't drive fast, I just do it.

Dang New Yorkers ;)

[labor_days]

In this day and age if you are going to spring for a gadget like an iPod... it seems like a no-brainer to me to go look on the internet for more information before making decisions.

Don't know about that. My mom bought an iPod to take with her on walks. I'm pretty sure that she didn't think about DRM or any of that stuff. She reasoned it was a music player and would work in a logical fashion.

In fact, I reckon a good deal of savy and otherwise bright folks assume one is able to move their music on/off their iPod. Why wouldn't folks think the music they bought isn't their own to do as they please?

[mikegraham6]

Well, why not?

I'm not slighting you. I'm just saying... there are (almost) always solutions to any problem. Should it be a feature that Apple builds into the iPod? Sure. Probably. I don't know their reasoning, but they probably have some as to why it's not. In this day and age if you are going to spring for a gadget like an iPod... it seems like a no-brainer to me to go look on the internet for more information before making decisions. And I'm among the least technically savvy of all the people I know.

maybe i thought it was a hardware issue and not a software issue, either way, the service guy on the phone knew i was upset,i told him, i filed a complaint, apple would have made me a happy customer by merely pointing me in the direction of this program.
The bottom line is, i put faith in their product by putting all my data on the iPod, expecting that if there was a problem, it could be fixed, but apple wasn't willing to fix the problem only replace it.
Should i have looked on the net? maybe. Should i HAVE to look on the net? Definitely not. whatever happened to customer service??? is this a bad word now?

[conorkilpatrick]

Why wouldn't folks think the music they bought isn't their own to do as they please?

Because they're not paying attention?

[kahunablair]

maybe i thought it was a hardware issue and not a software issue, either way, the service guy on the phone knew i was upset,i told him, i filed a complaint, apple would have made me a happy customer by merely pointing me in the direction of this program.
The bottom line is, i put faith in their product by putting all my data on the iPod, expecting that if there was a problem, it could be fixed, but apple wasn't willing to fix the problem only replace it.
Should i have looked on the net? maybe. Should i HAVE to look on the net? Definitely not. whatever happened to customer service??? is this a bad word now?
Well they are a business, and if their contracts/business partnerships won't allow them to do something, what should they do?
Customer Service is one thing, ruining your business is something else.
Not to sound like a jackass, but should everything that be sold come with a phone book of disclaimers? Should I call Apple and complain that my iPod doesn't let me play internet radio?

[labor_days]

Should i have looked on the net? maybe. Should i HAVE to look on the net? Definitely not.You shouldn't have to look on the internet because it simply doesn't occur to many folks that would be a problem.

One might look up tech specs (which are incompressible to many people anyway) or ensure the software runs on their machine or what have you. But what average consumer thinks, "Hmm. I wonder if I will have to backup my purchased music library in the event of a disk read error.". Come now, be reasonable.

[esophagus]

Well, why not?

I'm not slighting you. I'm just saying... there are (almost) always solutions to any problem. Should it be a feature that Apple builds into the iPod? Sure. Probably. I don't know their reasoning, but they probably have some as to why it's not. In this day and age if you are going to spring for a gadget like an iPod... it seems like a no-brainer to me to go look on the internet for more information before making decisions. And I'm among the least technically savvy of all the people I know.I have sold hundreds of ipods in the last couple of years, and I can guarantee you that 3/4 of the people buying them no absolutely nothing about them. Plenty of parents don't even realize a computer is going to need to be involved in the preocess. They should know better, yes, but they don't. And because they don't know better apple should be willing to help them. Obviously there is nothing they can do about the person who comes into it with no computer, but they should be willing to walk a paying customer through the product they paid good money for, and do anything they can to help. I'm sure they don't recommend those products for getting music off of your iPod to avoid people paying for a product that they won't make money off of, but that could be avoided by Apple making a product to do it, and setting their own rules on how often/when a person can use it.

[mikegraham6]

Because they're not paying attention?

definitely not true. the fact that you can't transfer your stuff back and forth is a CON of the iPod. They should tell you this prior to purchase, had i known this perhaps i would have rethought buying an iPod. How many people buy this product thinking they can move their stuff back and forth? i bet a lot. and the fact that they give you the option to permanantly move your stuff onto an iPod reinforces the fact that you should be able to do this. I have an 80GB iPod and an 80GB laptop. I bought that specific iPod solely to free up a lot of space on my laptop and what do i get for putting my faith in apple's product? GBs and GBs of lost data!

[esophagus]

Should I call Apple and complain that my iPod doesn't let me play internet radio?
No. But if you did, they should be willing to explain to you that it can't.

[mikegraham6]

Not to sound like a jackass, but should everything that be sold come with a phone book of disclaimers? Should I call Apple and complain that my iPod doesn't let me play internet radio?

no, they shouldn't have a phone book of disclaimers, but i think that this is a major issue that they should tell their consumers, most mp3 players don't have this problem

[kahunablair]

I have sold hundreds of ipods in the last couple of years, and I can guarantee you that 3/4 of the people buying them no absolutely nothing about them.....

So what you're saying is since people aren't informed and impulse buy, the company's should idiot proof everything?

You shouldn't have to look on the internet because it simply doesn't occur to many folks that would be a problem.
One might look up tech specs (which are incompressible to many people anyway) or ensure the software runs on their machine or what have you. But what average consumer thinks, "Hmm. I wonder if I will have to backup my purchased music library in the event of a disk read error.". Come now, be reasonable.

So you don't think you should look up a product's information even though you're spending hundreds of dollars on it?

[labor_days]

Because they're not paying attention?

Only true to a degree. My mom doesn't know what DRM is and nobody she knows is telling her what the limitations are. Simply that the device plays music which she can download for a nominal fee and take with her to the beach.

Her questions to me are logical in their origin; "Can I move my music over to the new laptop?", "Ok, I have music not in iTunes I want to synch up", "How do you replace the battery?". That sort of thing.

I'm not saying the information isn't out there. But there is a reasonable expectation level people have for "friendly" consumer products.

[kahunablair]

no, they shouldn't have a phone book of disclaimers, but i think that this is a major issue that they should tell their consumers, most mp3 players don't have this problem

This is a major issue to you guys. Honestly it isn't a normal issue to someone that just buys it to go jogging. How many computers is that person going to have? Is she a computer nut?

[kahunablair]

Only true to a degree. My mom doesn't know what DRM is and nobody she knows is telling her what the limitations are. Simply that the device plays music which she can download for a nominal fee and take with her to the beach.

Her questions to me are logical in their origin; "Can I move my music over to the new laptop?", "Ok, I have music not in iTunes I want to synch up", "How do you replace the battery?". That sort of thing.

I'm not saying the information isn't out there. But there is a reasonable expectation level people have for "friendly" consumer products.

So she is putting 200 to 500 dollars down for a product she doesn't understand?

[esophagus]

So what you're saying is since people aren't informed and impulse buy, the company's should idiot proof everything?I'm not saying it should come with a "phone book of disclaimers", but when I buy a first class plane ticket, I expect first class service, and they give it to me because they know that's what I asked for. I spent my money on an iPod, I expect my moneys worth. I'm sure they are overwhelmed with calls, but some perople are stubborn, don't look into it on their own. Apple should try doing something to answer those questions rather than saying "You bought this, why don't you know how it works?"

[esophagus]

This is a major issue to you guys. Honestly it isn't a normal issue to someone that just buys it to go jogging. How many computers is that person going to have? Is she a computer nut?A person doesn't need multiple computers for this to be a problem. In fact, every one of us who has said we had this problem, had it because the one computer it worked on wasn't working.

[mikegraham6]

This is a major issue to you guys. Honestly it isn't a normal issue to someone that just buys it to go jogging. How many computers is that person going to have? Is she a computer nut?

it would be a major issue to anyone who has a large collection of music that want to move onto their iPod permenantly to free the large amount of space it takes up on their home pc. I hardly think im alone in thinking this is a major issue

[labor_days]

So she is putting 200 to 500 dollars down for a product she doesn't understand?
Yes, she understands it is a user friendly digital music player which she can purchase music cheaply for and take to the park.

So you don't think you should look up a product's information even though you're spending hundreds of dollars on it?

Absolutely not. Everyone should know what they are getting into before they lay their money down. But if wishes were horses, the iPod would have a lot less complaints leveled at it.

Again, where does my mom who just wants a digital music player but is frustrated by the wonky logic behind DRM fit in? Not that she is even aware of what DRM is, mind you.

[mikegraham6]

So she is putting 200 to 500 dollars down for a product she doesn't understand?

par for the course for almost EVERY major electronics device out. also cars. also most financial matters. i could go on and on.

this is a matter of putting your trust in a company, not only apple but say Honda or HSBC bank, to explain their product and take care of thier customers

[kahunablair]

I'm not saying it should come with a "phone book of disclaimers", but when I buy a first class plane ticket, I expect first class service, and they give it to me because they know that's what I asked for. I spent my money on an iPod, I expect my moneys worth. I'm sure they are overwhelmed with calls, but some perople are stubborn, don't look into it on their own. Apple should try doing something to answer those questions rather than saying "You bought this, why don't you know how it works?"

So you just book a flight without reading about the service? Knowing anything about the airline? Nope.
I really doubt you're going to buy a First Class Ticket on a no name airline that you haven't heard anything about.
As far as things like battery this is on the webpage of every iPod Apple is selling
1) Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. (2) Song capacity based on 4 minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual capacity varies by content.

it would be a major issue to anyone who has a large collection of music that want to move onto their iPod permenantly to free the large amount of space it takes up on their home pc. I hardly think im alone in thinking this is a major issue

You are hardly alone, I had the same issue, but I knew it going in.
This example makes it even worse by the way. You're saying not only have you plucked down $400 for a product you don't know about, but now you're trusting that product with god knows how much money in your music collection?

[mikegraham6]

You are hardly alone, I had the same issue, but I knew it going in.
This example makes it even worse by the way. You're saying not only have you plucked down $400 for a product you don't know about, but now you're trusting that product with god knows how much money in your music collection?

i knew plenty about the product (i even bought an extended warranty because i heard about the battery issue) but there's only so much information i can digest. Should i have to read EVERYTHING about the iPod before buying it? All i was asking was that apple FIX my iPod rather than replace it, that would have solved the issue

[kahunablair]

par for the course for almost EVERY major electronics device out. also cars. also most financial matters. i could go on and on.

this is a matter of putting your trust in a company, not only apple but say Honda or HSBC bank, to explain their product and take care of thier customers

But where are you drawing the line between taking care of the customer and actually holding the customer accountable for not knowing what they are buying.
The Customer isn't always right. If I buy a product without knowing it's limitations, who is to blame? The company that isn't a mind reader, and doesn't know that I'm not informed? Or the customer that doesn't know what they are buying?

[labor_days]

I also like to read my automobile's user manual front to back. Least someone claim I am not paying enough attention to these matters. :rolleyes:

[kahunablair]

i knew plenty about the product (i even bought an extended warranty because i heard about the battery issue) but there's only so much information i can digest. Should i have to read EVERYTHING about the iPod before buying it? All i was asking was that apple FIX my iPod rather than replace it, that would have solved the issue

You're going to have to forgive me, but I went back and tried to find where you said what was actually the matter with the iPod. I can't find it.

I also like to read my automobile's user manual front to back. Least someone claim I am not paying enough attention to these matters. :rolleyes:

So instead you would like the sales man to sit there and tell you everything that might go wrong with the car?

[mikegraham6]

But where are you drawing the line between taking care of the customer and actually holding the customer accountable for not knowing what they are buying.
The Customer isn't always right. If I buy a product without knowing it's limitations, who is to blame? The company that isn't a mind reader, and doesn't know that I'm not informed? Or the customer that doesn't know what they are buying?

dude, the iPod is a mp3 player, most people's understanding of a mp3 player is that you can move you music back and forth from you player to your pc... i hardly think im reaching here

[labor_days]

So instead you would like the sales man to sit there and tell you everything that might go wrong with the car?It would have helped if the salesman explained the transmission in my car was going to fall out on the highway, yes.

Reasonable expectations.

[kahunablair]

dude, the iPod is a mp3 player, most people's understanding of a mp3 player is that you can move you music back and forth from you player to your pc... i hardly think im reaching here

I just want to make sure of something here.
Someone that doesn't know anything about computers or iPods, will know that a MP3 player lets you move music back and forth?

[esophagus]

So instead you would like the sales man to sit there and tell you everything that might go wrong with the car?
No one is suggesting they give all of the information up front. But they should have the information to give you when you ask. Lets say Mike asks his iPod be fixed rather than replaced. They say no. Mike is upset. Why can't they explain instead of just simply telling himn there is a problem? They don't need to give us everything up front, but it should be there when we want to know it.

[kahunablair]

It would have helped if the salesman explained the transmission in my car was going to fall out on the highway, yes.

Reasonable expectations.

Hahaha I love you sometimes Labor.

[kahunablair]

No one is suggesting they give all of the information up front. But they should have the information to give you when you ask. Lets say Mike asks his iPod be fixed rather than replaced. They say no. Mike is upset. Why can't they explain instead of just simply telling himn there is a problem? They don't need to give us everything up front, but it should be there when we want to know it.

What was Mike's problem with the iPod? I asked him, but I think it got lost in the mess on the last page.

[mikegraham6]

i also don't like that you can't transfer from your iPod back onto your computer. I had to send in my iPod (3 months after i bought it no less) and i lost everything i had loaded onto it (they sent me a new one). this really pissed me off.

i went out and bought a program to do that after i had my problem with my iPod, but i didn't know those existed at the time. I think that apple should allow you to do this in the first place. Sure had i known that a program like this existed it would have saved my stuff, but when the problem lies with the Apple product itself it should be their responsibility to fix it, not mine to go out and spend 204 to get a program that solves a problem with their product. I was pretty frustrated at the time (this was hours and hours of my time that was lost because of this)

here's my first 2 posts

[kahunablair]

here's my first 2 posts

I saw those posts, I was asking about why you actually had to send it back in the first place.

[labor_days]

We are all are being a little disingenuous here. Because we know the technology & know to ask these sort of questions, doesn't mean everyone who would like to use the product does.

Working in the IT industry for years has clued me in on the fact that many, intelligent people, simply do not think these sort of issues would even occur.

Nevermind, taking the time to research the potential arcane problems they will have with a device. They buy a warranty and expect that it will work within reason and the rest will be covered.

p.s. I have an iPod and Macbook. I sleep with them every night and sometimes, just sometimes..I sing to them...

[mikegraham6]

I saw those posts, I was asking about why you actually had to send it back in the first place.

sorry buddy, your right. the iPod's headphone's would only play on the right earbud. I tried a bunch of different headphones, it was the iPod itself that stopped playing on the right side, they could have replaced the jack itself.

[paper]

Should I call Apple and complain that my iPod doesn't let me play internet radio?

Stay tuned tomorrow.

I've heard things.

[kahunablair]

Nevermind, taking the time to research the potential arcane problems they will have with a device. They buy a warranty and expect that it will work within reason and the rest will be covered.


So you're saying that not transfering music back to your computer is hidden? That's one of the major complaints in every review I've ever read.
I guess I don't see the DRM issue as being an arcane problem. I think people are just assuming certain things, and that's always dangerous.

[esophagus]

So you're saying that not transfering music back to your computer is hidden? That's one of the major complaints in every review I've ever read.
I guess I don't see the DRM issue as being an arcane problem. I think people are just assuming certain things, and that's always dangerous.We understand that these things can b e found across the internet, and in reviews. I think the post is that not everyone is reading that.

[kahunablair]

sorry buddy, your right. the iPod's headphone's would only play on the right earbud. I tried a bunch of different headphones, it was the iPod itself that stopped playing on the right side, they could have replaced the jack itself.

Gotcha. I think we've gotten our signals crossed a bit. I'm not arguing against Apple telling you they couldn't transfer your songs. They should have told you outright they couldn't. (They probably couldn't because the new iPods were shipped out of somewhere completely different then their repair center)
So my arguements are not aimed at your exact situation.
But I still feel that you should have known about DRM and all the beautiful things that go along with it.

Stay tuned tomorrow.

I've heard things.

Me as well sir. The potential for having the itunes store on my iphone also has me giddy as a school girl!! And my wallet sad as a fat school girl that wasn't invited to prom.

[kahunablair]

We understand that these things can b e found across the internet, and in reviews. I think the post is that not everyone is reading that.

Which is my biggest problem. You are saying that people are laying down their hard earned money on something they don't understand?? That's idiotic.

[paper]

For those of us who aren't me and Kahuna, here's what MacRumors has gleaned from a whole internet's worth of speculation:

iPod Nano

Apple's legal team got involved in two specific instances in the past few months.

In July, we posted user interface videos for the upcoming iPod revision. The authenticity of the videos was the topic of much debate... until Apple asked several sites, including Youtube, to pull the videos. The video interface reflected a more animated interface, with the addition of several features such as Cover Flow and iPhoto Events.

In July, 9to5mac first posted a mockup of shorter/wider looking iPods. Though initially met with skepticism, ThinkSecret corroborated the design in late July. 9to5 later posted expected colors of the Nano as well as spy photos. The photos drew the attention of Apple Legal and resulted in a number of sites receiving cease and desist letters to remove the leaked photo. The photo essentially confirmed the shorter ratio of the upcoming Nano and led to a number of mockups.

While some will continue to argue that these interfaces and photos simply represent prototypes that Apple never intends to ship, we feel its far more likely that these do represent iterations of the new iPod Nano design which will be released tomorrow.

iPod Touch

If we assume that 9to5 had legitimate information about the iPod Nano, we should pay special attention to their claims of a full size iPod which they are calling the iPod Touch. This revision (mocked up here) claims to be a thicker, iPhone-like device with OS X with a 480x320 pixel screen.

Update: ThinkSecret claims that a 3.5inch display touch-screen iPod will take "center stage" at Apple's event tomorrow.

Wireless

Last week, we initially reported on the possibility of wireless connectivity in the iPod. This week additional reports have claimed that Wifi and possibly digital radio will be coming to the new iPods.

Based on the increasing number of reports as well as tidbits we've heard, it seems very likely that the iPods will finally gain some wireless connectivity.

Other

Other possibilities tossed around include Ringtones, Beatles, (RED) Shuffle, and Apple producing its own content.

[mikegraham6]

i could respond but i'd basically be repeating what i've already said.
Anyway i just think that most people, myself included, see the iPod as a big mp3 player when in fact it's not. It doesn't do the same things, the average person doesn't know about this drm thing. None of my friends are super computer savy that they would know about these issues, all i knew was my friends had iPods and liked them, i knew about iTunes and what comes along with it, this drm things isn't well known to me

[kahunablair]

For those of us who aren't me and Kahuna, here's what MacRumors has gleaned from a whole internet's worth of speculation:
Between you, me, and the wall I'm always hesitant to put to much faith in ThinkSecret or MacRumors. Both of their stories are using the other as references, it's a little to inbreedy for me.
They're both right about 50% of the time. The reasons I'm convinced the new iPod and nano are coming out tomorrow is because it's time for a refresh.
The Nano pictures referred to in the article were actually removed from their site by Apple, so take that for what it's worth. Why else would Apple care unless it's true?

[labor_days]

So you're saying that not transferring music back to your computer is hidden?
From the average person who simply wants a user friendly digital music player, yes.

That isn't an assumption on my part. These are the things my friends, family and co-workers ask me all the friggin' time.

Number one question they ask me about the iPod? "Can I move the music on my wife/husband's computer to my computer with the iPod". Apple should send me a check with all the free tech support I do on their behalf.

[kahunablair]

i could respond but i'd basically be repeating what i've already said.
Anyway i just think that most people, myself included, see the iPod as a big mp3 player when in fact it's not. It doesn't do the same things, the average person doesn't know about this drm thing. None of my friends are super computer savy that they would know about these issues, all i knew was my friends had iPods and liked them, i knew about iTunes and what comes along with it, this drm things isn't well known to me

I'm sorry if I'm coming off like I'm attacking you man. Cause I really don't want it to seem that way!
I just have to ask again. Is it Apple's fault that you didn't know about DRM?
To use the car analogy from before, let's say you buy a sports car because all your friends have one.
You don't test drive it or read up on it because you've sat in the back seat of your friends and you liked it.
Now you give the check to the dealership and walk out with your keys. You get in the car and find out it's manual. You can't drive stick.
Whose fault is that? The dealership because they assumed you'd know what you were buying or you for not looking into the car?

[kahunablair]

From the average person who simply wants a user friendly digital music player, yes.

That isn't an assumption on my part. These are the things my friends, family and co-workers ask me all the friggin' time.

Number one question they ask me about the iPod? "Can I move the music on my wife/husband's computer to my computer with the iPod". Apple should send me a check with all the free tech support I do on their behalf.

So people ask questions? What a novel idea.

[paper]

As has already been mentioned, DRM is all about the music industry. If Apple weren't shackled, your Ipod could do all these wonderous things.

All you need to move stuff from one computer to the next is a firewire cable anyway.

[labor_days]

So people ask questions? What a novel idea.Now you're just being cheeky. ;-)

[kahunablair]

As has already been mentioned, DRM is all about the music industry. If Apple weren't shackled, your Ipod could do all these wonderous things.

Apparently their should be a label on the box saying,
WARNING YOU ARE BUYING AN IPOD!!
There is a thing called DRM. Go Google it.

[kahunablair]

Now you're just being cheeky. ;-)

Haha of course I am. Just like how you were about the joke about the transmission falling out on the highway.
I think it's the only thing that's keeping this discussion from looking like an actual arguement.

[paper]

We'll laugh all the way to the Apple store in our black turtlenecks.

(I'm fine with last year's granny smith apple iPod nano for right now. My next upgrade will most likely be the next update of the iPhone.)

[mikegraham6]

i dont think it's an argument, sorry if i come off hostile...:(

[kahunablair]

(I'm fine with last year's granny smith apple iPod nano for right now. My next upgrade will most likely be the next update of the iPhone.)
Want to hear something interesting? I don't use my iPhone as an iPod at all. I'm not the only one either. The one other guy that I know that has one, still uses his Nano instead.

i dont think it's an argument, sorry if i come off hostile...:(

You aren't at all. It was more directed at myself. I'm trying to joke more because I'm starting to feel like I may be coming off like an ass.

[paper]

Because of the headphone jack or...?

[labor_days]

Kahuna, I really think you are overlooking the way most folks approach electronics.

You and Conor seem to be intimating that those who don't thoroughly research a product and all the potential hiccups are somehow not doing their part.

Granted, many people do blindly buy products knowing little or nothing of them and it's not the manufacturer's fault it doesn't work as assumed.

To imply everyone who doesn't fully understand the ramifications of DRM and what that means in terms of usage is somehow lazy is a bit much.


edit: are we arguing?

[mikegraham6]

Because of the headphone jack or...?

now that's uncalled for....:mad:



j/k:D i love smilies

[kahunablair]

Because of the headphone jack or...?

I don't know why. There is nothing wrong with the iPod aspect, as a matter of fact it is beautiful. Neither of us can understand why, but we both do it.

As far as the headphone jack goes, I'm happy with the set that came with the phone. They have a microphone built into the line, so it's a handsfree mic as well as headphones. Plus I have another pair, non-Apple pair that fits as well.

[paper]

You and Conor seem to be intimating

Let's not bring personal lives into this...

;)

I don't think Apple or the iPod are alone in this kind of thing. 9 times out of 10 hardware doesn't come with the right cables. Buyers need to be savvy. Hidden costs and fine print are all over the place. They're just hiding. And finely printed.

[six-gun]

You and Conor seem to be intimating that those who don't thoroughly research a product and all the potential hiccups are somehow not doing their part.


One of the most basic theories of economics is that yeah people are going to do research, but at some point the benefit they gain from doing so isn't worth the investment of time

[kahunablair]

Kahuna, I really think you are overlooking the way most folks approach electronics.
You and Conor seem to be intimating that those who don't thoroughly research a product and all the potential hiccups are somehow not doing their part.
Granted, many people do blindly buy products knowing little or nothing of them and it's not the manufacturer's fault it doesn't work as assumed.
To imply everyone who doesn't fully understand the ramifications of DRM and what that means in terms of usage is somehow lazy is a bit much.
There is no implying going on at all. I'm coming right out and saying it. If you are buying something and you ASSUME it will do something, without actually verify, then you are at fault. Listen if you don't understand something, you should ask questions. So why should you plop down that much money on something just becase you THINK you know how it works?

edit: are we arguing?
Yes we are... and you smell.:D

[kahunablair]

Let's not bring personal lives into this...

;)

I don't think Apple or the iPod are alone in this kind of thing. 9 times out of 10 hardware doesn't come with the right cables. Buyers need to be savvy. Hidden costs and fine print are all over the place. They're just hiding. And finely printed.

Exactly, you can't assume a company is going to tell you of the problems with their product. It's just bad business.

Oh and....Blair + Conor 4Ever....

[labor_days]

There is no implying going on at all. I'm coming right out and saying it. If you are buying something and you ASSUME it will do something, without actually verify, then you are at fault. Listen if you don't understand something, you should ask questions. So why should you plop down that much money on something just becase you THINK you know how it works?
I am less comfortable with that position based on experience. But you are welcome to it.

[kahunablair]

I am less comfortable with that position based on experience. But you are welcome to it.

I guess I just don't understand what you want.
You said so yourself, that you don't want a Phone book of disclaimers.
Do you want warning labels for everything negative about a product?
Do you want the company to be psychic and know your intentions so they can stop you?

[kahunablair]

Paper,
I think I found your new cell phone!!
http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/9/9/4/f_Rocketphonem_1d90d78.png
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/04/the-rocket-phone-goes-for-pizzaz-not-eloquence/

[labor_days]

I guess I just don't understand what you want.
You said so yourself, that you don't want a Phone book of disclaimers.
Do you want warning labels for everything negative about a product?
Do you want the company to be psychic and know your intentions so they can stop you?

I don't think it's Apple's fault at all what consumers wrongly assume of the product. The real problem stems from DRM and copy protection. Of course, I would like for more people to know the facts as it were w/r/t the products they purchase.

The other side of that argument, is that there is a reasonable limit one can expect the average person to investigate into a product and the potential hiccups they may have down the road.

[paper]

That looks like a rocket. I'm going to assume it can take me to the mooooooon.

:D

[kahunablair]

I don't think it's Apple's fault at all what consumers wrongly assume of the product. The real problem stems from DRM and copy protection. Of course, I would like for more people to know the facts as it were w/r/t the products they purchase.

The other side of that argument, is that there is a reasonable limit one can expect the average person to investigate into a product and the potential hiccups they may have down the road.

So seriously then, what do you propose.
Calling BS on something is ok, but can you think of a better way for Apple to handle it? Because I sure can't. That's one of the reason I'm defending them so much. As far as I can tell they aren't being decietful about this at all. Go to their site and it's an answered question in their FAQ section.

So what would you guys seriously want Apple to do?

[mikegraham6]

So seriously then, what do you propose.
Calling BS on something is ok, but can you think of a better way for Apple to handle it? Because I sure can't. That's one of the reason I'm defending them so much. As far as I can tell they aren't being decietful about this at all. Go to their site and it's an answered question in their FAQ section.

So what would you guys seriously want Apple to do?

i wanted them to fix my iPod instead of replacing it, or at least tell me that there are programs out there than can help me out. customer service my friend- fix the problem, if you can't, offer a solution, don't leave with an unhappy customer

[kahunablair]

i wanted them to fix my iPod instead of replacing it, or at least tell me that there are programs out there than can help me out. customer service my friend- fix the problem, if you can't, offer a solution, don't leave with an unhappy customer

Dude, I worked as a Customer Service Manager for 2 years, I turned a business that was ranked 3rd from the bottom in the entire nation for CSI and made it into the top 10.
There are sometimes you just can't physically fix the issue. I think this is one of those times. By acknowledging the other programs that hack into their product they are held liable. Why would they suggest that?

So they offered you a solution, a new iPod. They could have honestly told you to screw off. That would have been bad customer service.

[paper]

Customer service should tell you about another company's product? That's bad for business for two reasons. Besides the obvious, the music industry would flip out that music was being pirated that way. What's stopping you from copying that song to every computer in town? How will bling be purchased if the music industry is getting that kind of digital shaft? No way is Apple gonna promote that. It's on thin ice as it is.

[labor_days]

So seriously then, what do you propose.
Calling BS on something is ok, but can you think of a better way for Apple to handle it? Because I sure can't. That's one of the reason I'm defending them so much. As far as I can tell they aren't being decietful about this at all. Go to their site and it's an answered question in their FAQ section.

So what would you guys seriously want Apple to do?

You can't fault people for assuming the music they paid for can be moved around as they please. Given the fact they got an iPod for this purpose, the downloading and transferring of music.

That's really the way they see it too. That's the way Mike saw it. That's the way my mom sees it. She bought songs, she loaded them on the iPod, now she'd like to move the songs off as easily as she added them. Now she needs a third party program?

Again, don't think that is Apple's fault, necessarily. The problem is DRM and rights management.

Given the frequency of this complaint, Apple's documentation and wording could be a little more transparent. Disk mode? Mom wouldn't even know that's what she wanted all along.

[fred]

DRM, rights management, music piracy - the internet's longest running argument. I'll send in a monkey with a knife to argue my side.

http://www.alexswanson.com/images/linked/big_monkey.gif

[mikegraham6]

DRM, rights management, music piracy - the internet's longest running argument. I'll send in a monkey with a knife to argue my side.

http://www.alexswanson.com/images/linked/big_monkey.gif

im ALWAYS on the side with monkies;)

[acomicbookgirl]

I've been to a Wawa (http://www.wawa.cc/) but I don't think we're talking about the same place.

I'm not sure how local it is...but Faygo (http://www.faygo.com/) and Vernor's Ginger Ale (http://www.vernors.com/) rank for me. There's nothing quite like a Vernor's float.

I love Vernor's Ginger Ale! Its the only Ginger Ale to drink. :)

[paper]

I'm the only local I know who isn't obsessed with Wawa. It's better than Sev, but I'll take a Best Buy or an elephant on a skateboard, jetpack strapped to her back, any day.

[kahunablair]

I'm the only local I know who isn't obsessed with Wawa. It's better than Sev, but I'll take a Best Buy or an elephant on a skateboard, jetpack strapped to her back, any day.

Wow Paper. You sir, are an anomaly.

[esophagus]

I'm the only local I know who isn't obsessed with Wawa. It's better than Sev, but I'll take a Best Buy or an elephant on a skateboard, jetpack strapped to her back, any day.I can't think of anything that I wouldn't prefer an elephant and a jetpack over.

[acomicbookgirl]

So who actually cares about this?
Who is excited for it?

I personally am waiting with bated breath.

You got me intrigued..

[paper]

Wow Paper. You sir, are an anomaly.

That's what the doctors have all said.

[kahunablair]

That's what the doctors have all said.

Perhaps we'll be seeing your skeleton in the Mutter some day.

"Normal man, not a Wawa fan."

[racemccloud]

Speaking of Apple and iTunes, you should all go and download an album called "Title of Show". Now, hold onto your hats...

It's a musical.


AGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

It's an Off-Broadway musical about two guys writing an Off-Broadway musical about two guys writing an Off-Broadway musical. Anyone who has ever wanted to create art of any form will should really spend the ten bucks to buy it; it's terrifically inspiring. If you don't believe me, download these two tracks: "Original Musical" (freaking hysterical) and "Die Vampire Die" (freaking powerful). The language in it, by the way... not for the kiddies.

Oh, and I love my iPod. I bought a Mac based solely on how much I love my iPod. But that's just me.

[acomicbookgirl]

Oh, and I love my iPod. I bought a Mac based solely on how much I love my iPod. But that's just me.

As do I. I wrote off the PC the day I got my mac.

[acomicbookgirl]

My G4 powerbook just died this past weekend. And I didn’t back up my files. And it was sent off to the warehouse for attempted fixing. Thankfully I picked up the extended warranty. I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t be fixable and then I’ll get to maybe get an intel version as a replacement. I've very lost right now without internet at home.


I'm so sorry to hear that. :( You must be suffering now..