Technology catch-all thread

[chw42]

I've stated multiple times I hate Apple. I didn't even realize that was up for discussion. I have not, and will not ever purchase an Apple product in my life. And my life will be none the different without them.

 

We all know Y2HH is really an Apple fanboy, he just acts like he's unbiased.

[iamshack]

I've stated multiple times I hate Apple. I didn't even realize that was up for discussion. I have not, and will not ever purchase an Apple product in my life. And my life will be none the different without them.

I guess you'll never know...you'll be too busy listening to your Zune...

[chw42]

I guess you'll never know...you'll be too busy listening to your Zune...

 

I'm pretty sure Joe has used an iDevice before.

 

If he doesn't want any part of Apple, whatevs. It's not like there aren't any alternatives out there.

 

It's not like his life will change for the better when he starts using an iPhone, iPad or iPod.

Edited August 3, 2012 by chw42

[Y2HH]

We all know Y2HH is really an Apple fanboy, he just acts like he's unbiased.

 

That's simply not true, though.

 

Since I own 2 iMacs, 1 Lenovo Laptop, 1 Dell XPS Laptop, I use a Lenovo Desktop at work running XP, and a BlackBerry Bold, too. My iMac is set up to dual boot, one partition is OSX 10.8, the other is Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

 

The fact is we are in the TCP era of computing, so it really doesn't matter what your OS is, it communicates just the same, so long as it can do what you want/need it to do. At the moment, I feel Apple stuff is the easiest, so it's what I use for primary function...but I'm indifferent for the most part. Not many Apple fanboys use Chrome and Gmail, but I do because I don't think Safari or Apple email alternatives come close.

[chw42]

That's simply not true, though.

 

Since I own 2 iMacs, 1 Lenovo Laptop, 1 Dell XPS Laptop, I use a Lenovo Desktop at work running XP, and a BlackBerry Bold, too. My iMac is set up to dual boot, one partition is OSX 10.8, the other is Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

 

The fact is we are in the TCP era of computing, so it really doesn't matter what your OS is, it communicates just the same, so long as it can do what you want/need it to do. At the moment, I feel Apple stuff is the easiest, so it's what I use for primary function...but I'm indifferent for the most part. Not many Apple fanboys use Chrome and Gmail, but I do because I don't think Safari or Apple email alternatives come close.

 

 

Let's see...2 iMacs, an iPad 3, and an iPhone 4S.

 

Fanboy.

[iamshack]

That's simply not true, though.

 

Since I own 2 iMacs, 1 Lenovo Laptop, 1 Dell XPS Laptop, I use a Lenovo Desktop at work running XP, and a BlackBerry Bold, too. My iMac is set up to dual boot, one partition is OSX 10.8, the other is Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

 

The fact is we are in the TCP era of computing, so it really doesn't matter what your OS is, it communicates just the same, so long as it can do what you want/need it to do. At the moment, I feel Apple stuff is the easiest, so it's what I use for primary function...but I'm indifferent for the most part. Not many Apple fanboys use Chrome and Gmail, but I do because I don't think Safari or Apple email alternatives come close.

I don't mind Safari, but I do enjoy Chrome as well at work. I have Gmail as well. I've always hated Apple's mail program.

 

Honestly, Windows 7 isn't so bad. I like being able to see all the 5 million tabs I have up at work without actually clicking on them, and I still prefer Word and Excel to Pages and Numbers.

 

But as far as multimedia devices go, I just don't think there is any contest. I have an iPhone/iMac/iPad/iPod.

 

Have a Dell laptop for work and it's a ginormous piece of s***.

[iamshack]

Let's see...2 iMacs, an iPad 3, and an iPhone 4S.

 

Fanboy.

It's not being a fanboy if it's simply the better device.

 

It's called being an intelligent shopper.

[chw42]

It's not being a fanboy if it's simply the better device.

 

It's called being an intelligent shopper.

 

An intelligent shopper doesn't just buy the most expensive things on the market.

[iamshack]

An intelligent shopper doesn't just buy the most expensive things on the market.

Absolutely not.

 

The most expensive things on the market are not always the best, but often the best are the most expensive things on the market.

 

Honestly, I don't get all the complaining about price. For as much as we use these items, or at least as much as I use them, the additional cost is well-justified.

 

I know I do, and my guess is many others do as well, waste money on FAR DUMBER things than our phones and computers.

 

For something I use every single day, often times all day long, an extra $100 or couple hundred bucks is really not a huge deal.

[chw42]

Absolutely not.

 

The most expensive things on the market are not always the best, but often the best are the most expensive things on the market.

 

Honestly, I don't get all the complaining about price. For as much as we use these items, or at least as much as I use them, the additional cost is well-justified.

 

I know I do, and my guess is many others do as well, waste money on FAR DUMBER things than our phones and computers.

 

For something I use every single day, often times all day long, an extra $100 or couple hundred bucks is really not a huge deal.

 

For laptops and tablets, you have a point. And that's if the extra $500 you pay for a Macbook actually benefits you.

 

But for something like a cell phone, we're talking about possibly $1000 over the lifetime of your contract.

 

I imagine you guys pay upwards of $100 monthly for your iPhone plan on whatever service you have. I pay half of that for a fully unlimited plan and I didn't have to spend $700 on an unlocked iPhone to do it.

 

And money is an issue. There's a high school kid in my neighborhood that's asked me about laptop advice numerous times. He wants a Macbook. His reason? Cause it looks cool and sexy and it just "feels good". I keep telling him that unless you have $1200 to cough up, good luck convincing your parents.

Edited August 3, 2012 by chw42

[iamshack]

For laptops and tablets, you have a point. And that's if the extra $500 you pay for a Macbook actually benefits you.

 

But for something like a cell phone, we're talking about possibly $1000 over the lifetime of your contract.

 

I imagine you guys pay upwards of $100 monthly for your iPhone plan on whatever service you have. I pay half of that for a fully unlimited plan and I didn't have to spend $700 on an unlocked iPhone to do it.

 

And money is an issue. There's a high school kid in my neighborhood that's asked me about laptop advice numerous times. He wants a Macbook. His reason? Cause it looks cool and sexy and it just "feels good". I keep telling him that unless you have $1200 to cough up, good luck convincing your parents.

Well I understand with the laptops...I don't need one for hardcore computing or anything, so I buy the iPad instead. I do agree the Macbooks seem very expensive, but again, I have never been a hardcore laptop user. I have a 27-inch iMac which I absolutely adore. I think I paid $1800 or 2k for it almost 2 years ago, and it still works as good as the day I took it out of the box. The display is absolutely gorgeous, and large enough for me to display two browser windows simultaneously (maximized) and still have other smaller windows open such as IM programs or whatever. Despite the huge display it takes up very little room, and is powerful enough to store everything I need on it and to serve as a base station for all my various gadgets. And it is incredible for viewing and editing photos on.

 

The phones, I guess you might have a point. I wasn't aware that you could get comparable devices without having to pay for a required data package. My stepdad has a Blackberry and he pays the $30 or whatever just the same as I do. But I use my phone for 2-3 years, and I use it for much of the day every day. That is basically 700-1000 days of constant use. I guess I am willing to pay a couple extra bucks a day (if the cost is really that much higher) for something I understand how to use, feel comfortable using, and fulfills all my needs.

 

And to touch on a point I made earlier, if you're a college student, then yes, I can understand you not wanting to buy Apple products. That is beer-drinking money you need to decide whether to part with, and I don't blame you. But then again, when I was in college, all I cared about my phone doing was making calls and texting. But I guess you guys are in a different world now.

 

[chw42]

Well I understand with the laptops...I don't need one for hardcore computing or anything, so I buy the iPad instead. I do agree the Macbooks seem very expensive, but again, I have never been a hardcore laptop user. I have a 27-inch iMac which I absolutely adore. I think I paid $1800 or 2k for it almost 2 years ago, and it still works as good as the day I took it out of the box. The display is absolutely gorgeous, and large enough for me to display two browser windows simultaneously (maximized) and still have other smaller windows open such as IM programs or whatever. Despite the huge display it takes up very little room, and is powerful enough to store everything I need on it and to serve as a base station for all my various gadgets. And it is incredible for viewing and editing photos on.

 

The phones, I guess you might have a point. I wasn't aware that you could get comparable devices without having to pay for a required data package. My stepdad has a Blackberry and he pays the $30 or whatever just the same as I do. But I use my phone for 2-3 years, and I use it for much of the day every day. That is basically 700-1000 days of constant use. I guess I am willing to pay a couple extra bucks a day (if the cost is really that much higher) for something I understand how to use, feel comfortable using, and fulfills all my needs.

 

And to touch on a point I made earlier, if you're a college student, then yes, I can understand you not wanting to buy Apple products. That is beer-drinking money you need to decide whether to part with, and I don't blame you. But then again, when I was in college, all I cared about my phone doing was making calls and texting. But I guess you guys are in a different world now.

 

Prepaid plans are the way to go now if you're not a super heavy data user. I got my Galaxy Nexus for $350 and I pay $45 a month for unlimited calls and texting and basically unlimited (5 GB max) data.

 

You can say that the iPhone is this much better than any Android or Windows phone, but that's saving a lot of money over 2 years. I'd have to pay at least $80 + the ridiculous 20% taxes on phone bills if I were to go get an iPhone from AT&T. The same applies for every other postpaid carrier.

 

I have a little more cash to blow than the average college student since I do have a job year-round as a co-op, but that $1000 is a lot in my eyes and the eyes of most people in their early 20s.

 

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

I guess you'll never know...you'll be too busy listening to your Zune...

 

Not sure why you are pretending a Zune HD ISN'T a fantastic device. It's awesome. I also don't understand why you act as if I am a Zune fanboy or something. I never owned any previous models. In fact, I was actually a huge fan of Creative until they started making more tablet-like Mp3 players. I had a Creative Zen Touch, and then a Creative Vision: M. Both great devices, both still work. I even installed some user-created GUI on the Vision, and gave it a Super Mario theme, it was really dope.

 

So yeah, you can pretty much ditch that narrative....

[iamshack]

Not sure why you are pretending a Zune HD ISN'T a fantastic device. It's awesome. I also don't understand why you act as if I am a Zune fanboy or something. I never owned any previous models. In fact, I was actually a huge fan of Creative until they started making more tablet-like Mp3 players. I had a Creative Zen Touch, and then a Creative Vision: M. Both great devices, both still work. I even installed some user-created GUI on the Vision, and gave it a Super Mario theme, it was really dope.

 

So yeah, you can pretty much ditch that narrative....

Really, I am just busting your nuts.

 

That and the fact that you're like the only person on the face of the earth that owns it.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Really, I am just busting your nuts.

 

That and the fact that you're like the only person on the face of the earth that owns it.

 

But see, that thinking is kind of what I am talking about. I don't buy things based on how many people also own it. Whether everyone has one, or no one does, that doesn't affect my decision.

 

And just based on the fact that since the Zune HD have stopped being made, the prices of them have SKYROCKETED. They used to be $200 brand new, now they are over $400. I have seen listings online for over $600 for a Zune HD. That's insane. Instead of replacing my stolen Zune HD a few weeks ago, I was looking at what the other brands were offering until I came across a used 32GB version for $150 with a bundle that sells for $100 alone. So I decided upon that.

 

 

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Also, while we are obviously in a Technology thread, what are the opinions here on GPS devices? Among the items stolen from my car, my GPS was one of them. I'd really like to get a new one before I head down to school in 2 weeks.

 

I'm thinking Garmin because I've used them before (my aunt always looks to be to show her how to use electronics she buys) and because they have the Lifetime Map Updates thing, which is pretty awesome. I'm obviously going to look in to Tom-Tom, and probably even Mio, which is the brand of the GPS that I owned. Any other brands I should check up on? I'm going to do some research for a few hours. Maybe order one tomorrow or Saturday. Not looking for anything real high end at all. Thinking $150 or less.

Edited August 3, 2012 by JoeCoolMan24

[iamshack]

But see, that thinking is kind of what I am talking about. I don't buy things based on how many people also own it. Whether everyone has one, or no one does, that doesn't affect my decision.

 

And just based on the fact that since the Zune HD have stopped being made, the prices of them have SKYROCKETED. They used to be $200 brand new, now they are over $400. I have seen listings online for over $600 for a Zune HD. That's insane. Instead of replacing my stolen Zune HD a few weeks ago, I was looking at what the other brands were offering until I came across a used 32GB version for $150 with a bundle that sells for $100 alone. So I decided upon that.

Yeah, but oftentimes the fact that no one owns something is because it is a piece of s***.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Yeah, but oftentimes the fact that no one owns something is because it is a piece of s***.

 

Which is why I heavily rely on reviews when I research a product to buy. The reviews on the Zune HD were GLOWING. And they were right.

[iamshack]

Which is why I heavily rely on reviews when I research a product to buy. The reviews on the Zune HD were GLOWING. And they were right.

Alright, so I should concede that it was a nice device, however, I wouldn't say the reviews were glowing:

 

You still can't use the Zune with a Mac, Marketplace purchases require "Microsoft Points," video format support is limited, audio quality lacks advanced controls, you'll need to purchase a dock accessory for HD video output, application and game selection stinks, and the recommended music subscription plan puts the real-world cost higher than the iPod.

 

CNET

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Alright, so I should concede that it was a nice device, however, I wouldn't say the reviews were glowing:

 

 

 

CNET

 

I don't have a Mac, and I don't purchase music. I have no use for the Zune Pass thing. I haven't run in to a video format problem, with the exception of .flv files, which seems like it's hard for a lot of programs to recognize for whatever reason. More applications would have been cool, but I don't even use the good ones it does have, so that doesn't really bother me much. How many devices can connect directly to a HDTV without any sort of special connector or dock? Unless it has an HDMI port in the side, which I'm not sure any do, then I don't see why it's a problem. Plus, at least for me, I got the HD dock included in that bundle that I bought from a guy of Craigslist. I'm pumped to use it at school because it also acts as a charger, so I will have a permanent charging station.

 

And also, you chose to copy and paste a blurb from a section called "The Bad", where they tell you what's wrong with it. Of course that's not going to be a good review when you only pull the negative part.

 

On the other hand, from the SAME article, here is their "FINAL THOUGHTS" section, which is their overall review, not just the good/bad section....

 

Final thoughts

The Microsoft Zune HD is a beautiful device--inside and out--that presents one of the first appealing and affordable alternatives to the Apple iPod Touch. Microsoft deserves praise for taking the Zune's music and video experience beyond the standard set by Apple. What remains to be seen is whether people will value Microsoft's premium media experience enough to resist the increasingly multipurpose appeal of the iPod.

 

Sounds like a damn positive review to me.

[Y2HH]

Not sure why you are pretending a Zune HD ISN'T a fantastic device. It's awesome. I also don't understand why you act as if I am a Zune fanboy or something. I never owned any previous models. In fact, I was actually a huge fan of Creative until they started making more tablet-like Mp3 players. I had a Creative Zen Touch, and then a Creative Vision: M. Both great devices, both still work. I even installed some user-created GUI on the Vision, and gave it a Super Mario theme, it was really dope.

 

So yeah, you can pretty much ditch that narrative....

 

The ZundHD was a fantastic device. It was also just a music player like an iPod. While fantastic, they don't really do much other than play music. Also, the key word is WAS. The Commodore 64 WAS a fantastic device, too. Compared to what exists today, it's not anymore.

[Y2HH]

Which is why I heavily rely on reviews when I research a product to buy. The reviews on the Zune HD were GLOWING. And they were right.

 

When the ZuneHD made it's debut, it was arguably the best music player on the market.

[Y2HH]

For laptops and tablets, you have a point. And that's if the extra $500 you pay for a Macbook actually benefits you.

 

But for something like a cell phone, we're talking about possibly $1000 over the lifetime of your contract.

 

I imagine you guys pay upwards of $100 monthly for your iPhone plan on whatever service you have. I pay half of that for a fully unlimited plan and I didn't have to spend $700 on an unlocked iPhone to do it.

 

And money is an issue. There's a high school kid in my neighborhood that's asked me about laptop advice numerous times. He wants a Macbook. His reason? Cause it looks cool and sexy and it just "feels good". I keep telling him that unless you have $1200 to cough up, good luck convincing your parents.

 

I don't have a Macbook, because they are too expensive for what you get in return. While the new retina macbook may have a slightly better argument since it's now sporting a best in class screen, I still wouldn't buy one. The same applies to Mac Pro's. While they're beautifully designed powerhouse towers, they are also 2-3x the cost of what they should be based on the hardware within, and a tower is much easier to design than an all-in-one alternative.

 

Top end iMac's, however, are surprisingly hard to price compete against for a similarly specced/built system of similar quality. Speccing out a monster truck sized Dell doesn't cut it for comparison, either. Try speccing out a similar all-in-one Dell or similar alternative while keeping in mind that the iMac's screen is 27" and runs at a native resolution of 2560x1440, and it's a very high quality LCD to boot. For some reason, Apple decided that their higher end iMac's would be more price competitive while their system aren't...and there is no denying that. You can still save a bit of money going elsewhere, as with most things Apple related, but the amount you save dwindles quickly when you compare actual build quality. IMO, iMacs are awesome all-in-one desktops, and no other all-in-one comes close to them in terms of build quality.

 

And for the record, Windows 7 is the best OS Microsoft ever released, surpassing Windows XPsp2.

 

Oh, the biggest rip off at Apple is buying ram from them. So long as you can add your own ram, never *ever* buy memory from Apple.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Y2HH

[Balta1701]

Also, while we are obviously in a Technology thread, what are the opinions here on GPS devices? Among the items stolen from my car, my GPS was one of them. I'd really like to get a new one before I head down to school in 2 weeks.

 

I'm thinking Garmin because I've used them before (my aunt always looks to be to show her how to use electronics she buys) and because they have the Lifetime Map Updates thing, which is pretty awesome. I'm obviously going to look in to Tom-Tom, and probably even Mio, which is the brand of the GPS that I owned. Any other brands I should check up on? I'm going to do some research for a few hours. Maybe order one tomorrow or Saturday. Not looking for anything real high end at all. Thinking $150 or less.

I don't know that I find a significant difference in quality or performance between any of them. If you're not in a hurry, those devices are always on great black friday sales.

[Y2HH]

I don't know that I find a significant difference in quality or performance between any of them. If you're not in a hurry, those devices are always on great black friday sales.

 

This is pretty much the same I've found...there isn't much different in these devices other than the name stamped on them.