Comments on: Gadget Envy

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:26:06 +0000

Ah, but in this case, the iPhone would be big news. Remember its not the computers we’re discussing. I suspect a load of malicious apps attacking iPhones (and iPod Touches) would actually be a big hit for Apple in terms of publicity.

And after last year’s dodgy publicity (iPhone contracts, bricking unlocked iPhones, problems in Leopard etc), Apple are being more careful PR-wise this year I think.

By: Pie Man 70

Pie Man 70 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:10:14 +0000

Not hard, no-one really cares about infecting the minority apples.

And ist not just that apple are anti-customisation, they like you to be able to make the apple your own, within Apple’s constraints of course, so you can be individual in a strictly apple approved manner, but attempt to deviate and they will destroy your hardware. Twice.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:30:32 +0000

Oh yes. The fact they’re dragging their heels releasing it does suggest they’re trying to lock it down as much as possible.

I think its pretty reasonable to extent though that they would want to limit people’s ability to release malicious applications. Especially given that they rely on having a reputation of not being as virus-ridden as Microsoft.

By: David

David — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:27:52 +0000

Well, Apples never really been that much into customisation…
Another reason I find them more tyrannical than Microsoft.
I half expect the SDK to have safe guards working with an in-built anti-customization safe guard protecting certain system files, etc.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:56:09 +0000

I think part of the problem of being into Linux so much, is you get used to the fact that everything’s theme-able

But I do mean what I said. While the iPod Touch is no doubt popular and trendy at the moment, I really think if they made it theme-able, and got that SDK released, then it would *really* take off.

By: David

David — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:39:49 +0000

Oh definately. The iPod needs an LCARS interface.

As does the Microsoft Surface if and when it comes into common use.

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:59:23 +0000

Depends. Does prison come with wifi?

Actually, I’m now imagining some Spaced-style breaking into the dog pound style rescue mission.

While I’m definitely now a convert to iTunes/iPods, I’m certainly not falling for the reality distortion field.

The Air (for example) looks pretty, but I figure either I’d be looking for a proper fully featured laptop, in which case I’d get something with an optical drive and a couple of USB ports, or I’d be looking for something mobile, in which case the Asus EeePC’s more something that interests me.

By: Pie Man 70

Pie Man 70 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:55:03 +0000

c) stop giving Steve Jobs money, it encourages him.

Come on man, seriously, I’ll help you steal one provided we can break into a warehouse at the dead of night.

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:09:59 +0000

I must admit, I’ve fallen out of keeping an eye on some of the current mobile phones. That does look really cool though.

My current phone’s a Samsung U600. Not a smartphone, but its a really nice handset. I had looked at getting a smartphone this year, but being on a budget, the only ones I could get looked quite restricted in their keypads.

Since I’m locked into my current handset for the next year though, I’m hoping the iPod Touch (when I eventually get it) will smooth over the rest of the smartphone functionality I’m missing out on. Although I do wish Apple would:

a) Quit trying to rip people off and just release an SDK - once they do that, and user-made apps start coming out, the popularity of these devices will skyrocket.

b) Make the interface themeable. The Trek-geek in me really thinks it needs an LCARS theme

By: David

David — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:44:03 +0000

Seeing as you’re in a gadget frenzy, have you picked up an N810?

I’m curious about a few of the bundled programs.