Find the perfect gift for everyone
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 12:11 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Tom Krazit
All things Apple Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: That's it
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:10 PMWow, maybe I can convince my bosses to take the rest of the afternoon off, I think I wrote more words in the last hour than I have all week.
Thanks very much for your questions. If I didn't get to your question, or you want to discuss something further, drop me a line at tom.krazit@cnet.com.
Come back next week for News.com's Maggie Reardon, who will be talking about cell phone rate plans.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=265780
Also, if you're in San Francisco today, come down to CNET HQ at 235 2nd St. (between Howard and Folsom) for a special CNET live event hosted by Tom Merritt and Brian Cooley.
During the event you can:
-- Check out the all-new Infiniti G Coupe
-- Ask the experts your tech questions
-- Experience live Halo 3 demo
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-- Get free Infiniti giveaways
Here are the details:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10106_7-6769203-1.html
Hope to see you there!
Q: 802.11n
by applelover2007 - 9/27/07 12:02 PMApple has most of it's products using 802.11n, except for the iPhone! Do you think the iPhone will get a 802.11n update?
A: Yes
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:07 PMWhen is the question. Maybe for Gen 2, maybe they baked that chip into the first-gen iPhone like they did with the Macbooks. But we'll all be using 802.11n before too long, it's just too fast and the range is way better, to resist it.
Q: Apple keyboards
by Stabbing_The_Drama - 9/27/07 12:00 PMWhat do you make of the various keyboards apple offer?
There's the flat bluetooth model for the imac which looks as though it could be quite difficult to type at any pace on, the slightly altered macbook keyboard and the concave keys of the macbook pro - do you see this changing in line with the others?
One of Apple's focuses seems to be combining all products into a recognisable (brushed aluminium & glossy) look.
A: I like the notebook ones
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:06 PMI haven't used the new iMac ones yet, but I like the Macbook Pro one I have. I think there will always be a few differences between the products, though. The look might be similar, but the feel of a keyboard is a very individual thing, IMHO.
Q: Newton vs. Tablet
by Kinowolf - 9/27/07 11:59 AMYou've already discussed the rumors about the possible next-gen Newton, but what do you think about the market for PDAs as a whole? Considering the versatility of cell phones these days, would Apple be better served by avoiding that segment and using their touch OS for, say, a 13" tablet laptop?
A: PDAs are dead
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:04 PMI think that Newton thing is more of a UMPC/MID type device that Intel has talked about, assuming it's true.
The touchscreen stuff could make for a more compelling Mac-style Tablet PC, but I'm not convinced that people want that kind of interface (a lot of people, at least) in a PC that big.
Q: mac on WinDoze
by srplus - 9/27/07 11:58 AMInstead of the other way around using parallels or boot camp... how soon is there going to be a reliable way to use windows hardware (not Apple branded) to run Apple OS Leopard.
A: Legally?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:03 PMNot for a long time, unless things really change at Apple.
There's hacks out there to let you do it, now that Mac OS runs on Intel, but the legality of them is very questionable.
Q: What would entice you to buy an ultraportable from apple?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:57 AMWhat would be your ideal specifications and design for an ultra portable?
Are you for or against optical drives in them?
A: I don't like ultraportables, personally
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:02 PMI don't like the keyboards, and I have bad eyes, so I like the largest screen I feel like lugging around (15.4 on my Mac, 15 on my ThinkPad).
I'd say no optical, though. If you really need it, you can use a USB one. Otherwise, save the space.
Q: iPod Purchase Timing
by Jackson.Jarvis - 9/27/07 11:54 AMOne editor said that now is not the time to purchase a new iPod, especially the iPod Touch. They thought that the Touch might get a memory upgrade for the holiday season, or perhaps a price reduction for the larger-capacity model. Do you see this happening? Do you think there will be model or pricing activity for the holiday season? What kind?
A: I think the new iPods were for the holidays
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 12:00 PMI'm not sure of it, but I'd have to think that Apple's going to ride the new iPods into the holiday season. There could be pricing moves, but I don't think there will be new units.
Q: Come on lucky number 11!
by naterandrews - 9/27/07 11:53 AMDo you think Apple will add another 10.x pack or just skip to 11? I mean, people complain about how long XP was the Windows "standard" (5 years) but OS X has been around for quite a while also.
A: This one goes to 11
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:59 AMThere's been talk of 10.6 already, but Apple's probably well underway with plans for Mac OS 11. After all, they had the x86 Mac OS in development for 5 years, and Mac OS 11 would be a similar type of project.
Q: How long till Steve is done?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:52 AMWhen do you think he'll call it quits, and what will life be like then? A lot of assumptions, but give it a whirl.
A: Huge question
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:58 AMI don't think Steve is going anywhere until we figure out what happens with the iPhone. I think that's his baby right now, and he's not going to leave Apple until it's clear one way or another how that project has turned out.
Assuming he stays healthy, and the feds don't come after him on the options stuff, that's my guess.
Apple without Steve is almost impossible to imagine. but they won't go out of business.
Q: Regarding EFI, TPM...
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:50 AMCurrent Macs do not have the TPM chip so the assertion about the trusted computing is based on old and outdated information.
Long explanation over at http://www.osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter10/tpm/ for those that need to get updated.
A: More info here on RS232, btw
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:56 AMColin just sent this in:
http://serialio.com/products/adaptors/usb_serial.php
Q: What's missing?
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:48 AMWhat do you see as the missing piece in Apple's hardware and software arsenal?
Hardware:
Software:
A: Missing pieces
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:55 AMHardware: Ultraportable notebook, as we discussed below.
Software: A real office productivity suite, although the new iWork stuff is much better. Also, why not bring iLife to Windows?
A: Good question
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:54 AMDid you ask the people at Parallels? They might be able to help you.
Q: Surround
by elderforester - 9/27/07 11:45 AMDo you think Apple will upgrade the audio capabilities in iTunes? Surround Airport Express? It already has the optical out, so why not a baby step to surround? Software update?
What about an upgrade to the less than wonderful audio in iChat?
A: Why not?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:53 AMI'm not as familiar with the capabilities of iTunes as I am with Mac/iPod/iPhone stuff, but I imagine it might be in the works.
Somebody pointed out earlier the relative size of Apple compared to other companies in this industry. They pick and choose their battles, and the features they're going to support, very carefully as a result. They might have a wish list of things to add to iTunes and iChat, but getting Leopard and the iPhone out on time was much more important this year.
Q: Crippled iPod touch?
by the_narc_2000 - 9/27/07 11:43 AMWhy did Apple disable adding calendar events on the iPod touch but left the feature for adding contacts?
A: iPhone?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:51 AMIt doesn't make a whole lot of sense, since there's no e-mail client or phone technology that would let you really take advantage of contacts. But I think either it was an oversight (you can add them when its docked) or they wanted to make sure there were differences between the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
Q: G3 iphone
by ToWn3r - 9/27/07 11:43 AMwhen do you think the iphone will get G3 technology, and do you think it's already in the phone but it just needs to be activated with a update?
A: Good question
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:50 AMI don't think it's already in the iPhone, like the 802.11n update that was activated by software, because I think it's a more complicate process to support 3G in a phone. If it's not there, I think next year will bring 3G iPhones.
A: Next year?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:49 AMYou can get third-party Blu-Ray drives for Macs, but I'm not sure when they'll have it integrated. Fairly soon, I'd bet, HD is getting really close to mainstream.
Q: Do you see apple waiting?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:41 AMDo you see them waiting till the 'war' is over until they pick what hd format to go with? Don't you think they'd go bluray exclusive with Microsoft using HDDVD for their xbox 360?
A: They're already Blu-Ray guys
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:47 AMhttp://www.blu-raydisc.com/
Personally, I think somebody's going to figure out an easy way to make drives that support both, and that will make the whole debate moot.
A: No idea
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:46 AMBut I'm going to have to soak my hands in ice after this one.
Q: About EFI, glossy screens etc.
by SecurityExpertMan - 9/27/07 11:39 AMYou said "anything to do with Apple" so here it goes.
Are you aware that Intel based Mac's have a powerful EFI firmware level that sits behind the operating system, controls access to the hardware, runs it own code and can contact the internet secretly? That Apple isn't even in charge of this environment, but the UEFI and Trusted Computing Group is? And if you do, how do you feel about computer users with this sort of firmware don ' t no longer have any sort of privacy or control with their own machines?
Second
Are you aware that Apple and some PC makers are currently switching most of their computer based hardware over to reflective glossy screens which have proven to cause the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome? That Apple, with a limited choices of hardware that run Mac OS X and integrated screens, is currently ignoring the overwhelming amount of polls that show people prefer matte screens over glossy? Do you feel Apple should provide it's users a choice of either matte or glossy screens across their entire computer line?
Third
With hardware sales being the lifeblood of Apple, software sales being next, do you think it's sort of criminal of them to restrict the safety, security and ease of use of Mac OS X to only their hardware? If the profit was good enough and certain companies and the government would pay the higher price for lower TCO, should Apple lease Mac OS X to run on any x86 hardware?
A: Wow, that's a lot
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:46 AMFirst:
I know that some people are very passionate about protected areas within their computers. I don't have the time right now to verify that's how it works, but we can talk about that after the chat's over if you like, my e-mail is tom.krazit@cnet.com To be honest, I think most people have no idea what goes on at that level of their machines, and don't really care.
Second: I like the glossy screens, myself. A lot of that stuff is dictated by the display makers themselves, though, it's not always Apple's choice. The whole PC industry switched to widescreen because that's what display companies were making.
Third: "Criminal" is a pretty strong word. It's their product, they are under no obligation to license it, and one of the reasons it offers lower TCO and better security is because they so tightly control the connections between hardware and software.
I would love to see them license Mac OS to other PC companies, but I don't think they will, and I'm pretty sure they'd be under no obligation to do so unless they were to become a monopoly some day. That's not on the horizon.
Q: Do you own an apple product?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:34 AMWhat is your honest opinion about apple? Honest honest honest.
Do you see them continuing their success for quite some time?
A: I have two
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:39 AMI use a MacBook Pro at home, and have an iPod Nano, my second iPod after my first was the Mini.
I don't see anyone stopping Apple in the iPod category right now. That allows them to use those profits to keep making Mac OS better and better, especially with the support they get from Intel. Their Mac shipments are growing extremely fast. It's way too early to know if the early iPhone success will hold up over time.
Q: .Mac changes
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:30 AMWhat do you think of the recent changes to the .Mac service? Will it be enough?
A: Long overdue
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:37 AMI'm not sure what you mean by "enough," but the recent .Mac changes seem to make it more competitive with what Google/Yahoo/MSN are offering people these days. I don't see Apple becoming a portal/e-mail company anytime soon, they've got their hands full.
Q: RS232 and NTFS (write support)
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:30 AMCall me old fashioned but some of my software talks to RS232 on industrial controllers.
I don't see an Apple USB to RS232 device. Do you know of such? And does it work in Parallels or Vmware's Fusion?
Also, did I hear correctly NTFS write support (USB hard disks) is coming soon?
Thanks!
A: I don't know of one
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:36 AMI'm sorry, but I don't know very much about RS232.
I'm pretty sure Mac OS already supports NTFS.
Q: Apple's strange bed partners..
by naterandrews - 9/27/07 11:29 AMDo you think that Schmidt's assignment to the board will ultimately lead to more Google partnerships? (Considering rumors of the GPhone/Google OS may lead to the contrary). Apple doesn't seem like that company that will assign board members just because. What do you think may happen?
A: Close relationships
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:34 AMI think Apple and Google are very close partners, and don't forget that Intel's Paul Otellini sits on the board at Google and is close to Jobs.
Google may have its own plans for a phone OS, but Apple's selling point has always been the integration between the hardware and the software. I don't think the gPhone (Gphone?) will change the relationship between the two companies.
Q: Network classic with MacBook?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:26 AMHow can we network our old, but strudy, Performa 6360 (no ethernet/FW/USB) ?
A: Tin cans and string?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:32 AM
Sorry, that's a little beyond my expertise. If anyone has some advice for Cnext, post it here or in the forums.
Q: Need more developers?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:26 AMHow many do you suspect apple has? For example, Leopard was mainly delayed because they shifted the developers to working on the iPhone to get that out. Do you think they're poorly stocked on these guys?
A: Don't know the exact number
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:31 AMBut at last year's shareholder meeting, somebody asked Jobs that question. He said it was a quality thing, not a quantity thing, when it comes to the developers they hire. I'm sure they could use a few more, but I wouldn't expect them to go on a hiring binge just yet, now that the heavy lifting for the iPhone and Leopard is out of the way.
Q: What's next?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:23 AMThey've invaded the phone market, after invading the mp3 player market. What market is next? It took them... what, 5 years for the iphone following the release of the ipod? Will they be trying to revolutionize anything else anytime soon?
What do you see as a possibility?
A: They're pretty busy
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:30 AMI think Apple's really focused on the mobile phone market right now. They'll continue to improve the iPods and Macs, but I think it might be a little too early for them to start thinking about taking on other markets in which they don't already participate.
Q: Mac in Europe?
by hannah_kali - 9/27/07 11:22 AMI'm moving to Europe next year and have read that some people have had compatability problems using their macs abroad. Is that a legitimate concern for me? I'll be traveling around a lot
A: I hadn't heard that
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:29 AMWi-Fi is Wi-Fi, everywhere you go, although it might be harder to find in some places as compared to others. I'm not sure what exactly you mean by compatibility problems.
Q: Cause for lack of 3G
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:21 AMWhy did they do this? Everyone knows 3G is far superior. What were they waiting for?
A: Battery life
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:28 AMThat's what Steve has said, anyway. He said something in London during the UK iPhone launch that by next year the battery life of 3G chipsets would be sufficient. They'll eventually do it.
Q: iphone V.2
by Scott-USA - 9/27/07 11:20 AMDo you think a next US version of the iphone will be released at the end of this year? Do you think the next gemeration iphone will have a built in GPS receiver?
A: No, and maybe
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:27 AMI think with the price cut Apple wants people focused on the current generation iPhone during the holiday season. They could conceivable come out with a 16GB version for the original $599 price, but that would probably be the same basic iPhone.
GPS is a good idea, especially with Google Maps and other mapping software. But maybe it's too much of a battery hog for Apple right now.
Q: Audio Streaming
by John Moon - 9/27/07 11:20 AMBoth "touch" products Phone & iPod do not stream audio when connected to the web.
Why?
Is there a technical issue? Both stream music from
iTunes.
Is there a plan to implement streaming in the future?
John
A: Wireless streaming is harder
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:26 AMBut I think there's also some issues with the copyrights and the carriers involved. I don't know if they have a wireless streaming plan in the works, but the Wi-Fi Music Store is a step in that direction.
Q: Will the AppleTV survive?
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:19 AMApple seems to be letting the AppleTV stagnate like they did with the Hifi. Do you see any hope for the device surviving, or even thriving?
A: Surviving, yes
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:24 AMThriving, maybe not.
Apple has really downplayed Apple TV in recent months, I don't think people are ready for internet video downloading in the numbers that they might have thought. And since Apple TV only hooks you up to YouTube and iTunes, there's lots of other video sources out there that you're missing, especially now that the TV networks are moving to other places.
Q: UMPC
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:17 AMThinking back on UMPC's, there hasn't really been any successful ones. Not necessarily because of the target audience, but in my opinion, battery life, form factor, UI. They run full OS's, rather than mobile ones, and just don't have that much power. Would apple be able to change all that?
A: Perhaps
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:23 AMI agree with most of your points about why UMPCs aren't selling. Apple might be able to change that somewhat if they can crack the design barriers, but I think they are more focused on mobile phones right now.
Q: Leopard on iTouch?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:15 AMLeopard on iTouch? Will the new OS make a difference?
A: Slightly different
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:22 AMThe OS on the iPod Touch is OS X, a stripped down version of Mac OS that's not really Tiger or Leopard. Leopard enhancements could make their way into the iPod/iPhone, but I don't think for a while.
Q: What could be Microsofts downfall?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:13 AMEvery 'civilization' falls eventually. Do you think Microsoft will ever be overthrown? Ever? What in your opinion could turn the tides for apple?
A: Pride?
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:22 AMThat's the historical answer, at least.
In all seriousness, I think Microsoft needs to work on developing better software for mobile devices. Vista/Office are designed for computers that have unlimited power supplies and lots of memory, and that's not going to cut it in the mobile phone world. Apple, with OS X, might have an advantage there. But I don't think Microsoft is in any danger of losing its PC market lead.
Q: new iphone
by steveklein - 9/27/07 11:13 AMany idea when version 2 of the iphone is coming out, and any enhancements i.e. gps...that you may know about?
A: Not totally sure
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:20 AMEspecially now that Apple's going with an EDGE phone in Europe, I thought they'd launch a 3G model there.
Version 2 will probably be out next year, Steve Jobs said in Europe that the 3G chipsets will have better power characteristics at some point next year.
Q: Bluetooth in iPods
by mf89 - 9/27/07 11:12 AMWhy doesn't Apple put stereo bluetooth in their ipods?
A: Good question
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:19 AMBattery life? complexity? I'm not sure, but I know a lot of people would love that.
If i had to guess, I'd say battery life, but I don't know for sure.
Q: Are there an Phones where I can use two numbers
by crackphx - 9/27/07 11:09 AMI use Verizon in the US and Rogers wireless in Canada. Are there any phones that I can use both numbers on, through the use of a sim card, or am I stuck with two phones
A: Not sure
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:18 AMIf you download some of the unlocking software, you can get set up on Rogers, but Verizon uses a totally different network that doesn't use SIM cards. You'd need a different phone for Verizon/Sprint no matter what, and it can't be an iPhone.
Q: Leopard pre-install
by chmarch - 9/27/07 11:09 AMHow long will it take Apple to ship new computers with Leopard pre-installed?
A: Right away
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:17 AMI assume they'll have Leopard systems ready to go in both Apple stores and online when they're finally ready to ship, but we'll find out for sure when they announce the Leopard ship date.
Q: People ask me when Apple will update a product.
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:09 AMI'd like to hear what you say when asked:
"Is Apple updating the ____ soon?"
My answer is yes, they update products all the time. Some don't like this but I feel it's evolve or stagnate.
How do you respond to such queries?
A: Some updates closer than others
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:16 AMSometimes you can tell when Apple's about to update something, like we were all pretty sure there were new iPods on the way this summer.
But you're right, there's always something around the corner. If you need something now, buy it. If you can wait, there will always be something more advanced--that's for Apple or any tech company.
Q: Future
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:17 AMWith the patents they've made in the past, and the reports of something new on the horizon, (possibly January at the earliest) what do you think it will be? A reincarnation of the Newton? An ultra portable? Tablet? What are your thoughts? See article:
Up next for Apple the return of the Newton
No one is entirely sure, but you're a professional.
A: Mobility is the way
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:15 AMThere's so much speculation about Apple, it's hard to really know what is real and what isn't. But I do know the company is very focused on making mobile devices Apple-style, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them and Intel come together on a MID/UMPC type of device like the one described in that link.
A: Not sure
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:13 AMMight be integrated sound, there's no specific info here: http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html
Did you check CNET Reviews?
Q: When is a Good Time to Purchase a MacBook?
by matteroniandcheese - 9/27/07 11:07 AMDo you think that Apple will release new MacBooks any time soon? Is it a bad time to buy one?
A: Probably getting close
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:12 AMIt's hard to know for sure, but the Macbook hasn't been updated with a new design in a while. Intel is scheduled to release new notebook chips in the first half of next year, so Apple will probably have something new then, but they might also have new stuff before Christmas, I'm not sure.
if you need a new system, buy one. There's always something cool coming down the line if you can wait, but that's not always an option.
Q: Windows on Mac 2
by laensel - 9/27/07 11:07 AMI read that there are some functions on Macbook Pro that don't work with Windows even using boot camp such as the innovative touchpad is it expected to work once boot camp moves out of beta with Leopard
A: Not sure
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:10 AMIf Windows wasn't designed to take input from the touchpad the same way Mac OS does, I can't imagine that you'd be able to use the touchpad the same way when running Windows. I am not sure if that changes with leopard, but I would think Microsoft would have to build that into Windows for it to work.
Q: 10-11" laptop
by shantipur - 9/27/07 11:07 AMI heard a rumor somewhere that Apple will be coming out with an ultra-light laptop with a screen that measures 10-11 inches or thereabout...something that could kick the pants off the Sony VAIO TZ series (Windows) and offer all the features of the Mac and the PC. Have you heard the same thing?
A: I have
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:09 AMUltraportable notebooks (12-inch screens or smaller) aren't huge sellers but people love them, and it's always been a little surprising to me that Apple doesn't have one.
Q: USB 3 on Mac?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:04 AMWhat are you hearing about the new USB 3 connection in relationship to Mac hardware?
When? Where? How much faster than Firewire 800?
A: Fast
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:08 AMIntel was just talking about USB 3.0 last week.
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9780794-1.html?tag=bl
It's designed to hit 4.8Gbps, way faster than firewire 800. It's not supposed to arrive until 2008, though.
Q: HD Formats
by laensel - 9/27/07 11:01 AMIS there any word on when Apple will adopt either Blu Ray or HD-DVD
A: Blu-Ray
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:06 AMApple is a member of the Blu-Ray Disc Association.
http://www.blu-raydisc.com/
Q: Apple hardware
by Dango517 - 9/27/07 11:01 AMThis is a general question about Mac hardware. I hear there doing some interesting things in this area. What are they? What makes them different then what might be found in PCs. I do have not used a Mac.
A: Mac OS is the biggest difference
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:04 AMThe one thing that PC companies won't be able to match is Mac OS. Apple does a lot of interesting things with hardware, but the main selling point for a Mac is the way the Mac OS and the hardware work together. If you're thinking about a Mac, see if you can try out Mac OS first, then start making comparisons in terms of what hardware features you want.
Q: Windows on Mac
by laensel - 9/27/07 10:59 AMHow well does Windows XP run on a mac using the boot camp.
A: Very well
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 11:02 AMBoot Camp is still a beta product, but most of the reports I've seen indicate that people are very satisfied with the performance of Windows XP on their Macs. Macs are basically the same as PCs these days, if you're just looking at the hardware.
A: Welcome!
by Tom Krazit - 9/27/07 10:55 AMHi everybody, welcome to Ask the Editors. I'm Tom Krazit, and I'll be taking your questions about Apple for the next hour or so. I'll try to get to as many questions as I can, but I might not be able to answer all of them.
Feel free to ask about anything related to Apple, from Macs to iPhones. I'm not a Mac technical support expert, so I might not be able to help right away, but I'll try to point you in the right direction.
Let's get started!
Incoming questions
Boo Halo 3! :(
If another delay...?
If (a big if) Apple delays Leopard, do you think they'll finally offer free upgrades for new computer purchases? (I think Dell did this with Vista?)
by chmarch - 9/27/07 12:09 PM
Logic 8
Apple just released Logic 8 (with a Final Cut-esque Studio version instead of Pro now) rather quietly a couple weeks ago. I only found out through visiting the Apple Cube in NYC on a whim yesterday that it was available. Is there a reason why they kept it quiet? It should be a big deal, considering this is the first complete version in universal binary, and the developments in Logic that have improved it to a near-Pro Tools level. Further, they could have really rallied support by announcing it at the AES National Convention in New York next weekend, which is similar to what they did with Final Cut. Why the lack of pomp?
by ehumokay - 9/27/07 12:09 PM
Is it safe to say?
Would you say it's safe to say that Apples are no longer 'overpriced' as is the argument from a lot of pc people.
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 12:08 PM
Snap. RS232 thank you. IPHONE PROGRAMMING?
It's sort of like finding a surprise that was there all along.
A project I have going here uses the http://serialio.com/products/adaptors/BlueSnapStd.php (a bluetooth to RS232 thingy.)
Which brings up something I am asking Apple about. Our application was deeply connected to just the PalmOne PDAs with RS232 connections. This device opened it up to those with Bluetooth as well.
With the Iphone we'd love to port our app but I don't see the BLUETOOTH API exposed so I'm sitting on the sidelines waiting for an opening.
Any rumors when we can start writing an application for the IPHONE?
(thanks for that link!)
A project I have going here uses the http://serialio.com/products/adaptors/BlueSnapStd.php (a bluetooth to RS232 thingy.)
Which brings up something I am asking Apple about. Our application was deeply connected to just the PalmOne PDAs with RS232 connections. This device opened it up to those with Bluetooth as well.
With the Iphone we'd love to port our app but I don't see the BLUETOOTH API exposed so I'm sitting on the sidelines waiting for an opening.
Any rumors when we can start writing an application for the IPHONE?
(thanks for that link!)
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 12:02 PM
802.11n
Apple has most of it's products using 802.11n, except for the iPhone! Do you think the iPhone will get a 802.11n update?
by applelover2007 - 9/27/07 12:02 PM
Apple keyboards
What do you make of the various keyboards apple offer?
There's the flat bluetooth model for the imac which looks as though it could be quite difficult to type at any pace on, the slightly altered macbook keyboard and the concave keys of the macbook pro - do you see this changing in line with the others?
One of Apple's focuses seems to be combining all products into a recognisable (brushed aluminium & glossy) look.
There's the flat bluetooth model for the imac which looks as though it could be quite difficult to type at any pace on, the slightly altered macbook keyboard and the concave keys of the macbook pro - do you see this changing in line with the others?
One of Apple's focuses seems to be combining all products into a recognisable (brushed aluminium & glossy) look.
by Stabbing_The_Drama - 9/27/07 12:00 PM
Newton vs. Tablet
You've already discussed the rumors about the possible next-gen Newton, but what do you think about the market for PDAs as a whole? Considering the versatility of cell phones these days, would Apple be better served by avoiding that segment and using their touch OS for, say, a 13" tablet laptop?
by Kinowolf - 9/27/07 11:59 AM
Thnx Tom & Lee!
L8r
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:58 AM
mac on WinDoze
Instead of the other way around using parallels or boot camp... how soon is there going to be a reliable way to use windows hardware (not Apple branded) to run Apple OS Leopard.
by srplus - 9/27/07 11:58 AM
What would entice you to buy an ultraportable from apple?
What would be your ideal specifications and design for an ultra portable?
Are you for or against optical drives in them?
Are you for or against optical drives in them?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:57 AM
iPod Purchase Timing
One editor said that now is not the time to purchase a new iPod, especially the iPod Touch. They thought that the Touch might get a memory upgrade for the holiday season, or perhaps a price reduction for the larger-capacity model. Do you see this happening? Do you think there will be model or pricing activity for the holiday season? What kind?
by Jackson.Jarvis - 9/27/07 11:54 AM
Come on lucky number 11!
Do you think Apple will add another 10.x pack or just skip to 11? I mean, people complain about how long XP was the Windows "standard" (5 years) but OS X has been around for quite a while also.
by naterandrews - 9/27/07 11:53 AM
j_n_ksmom - regarding digital camera question
Hi c j_n_ksmom.
This live event topic is about Apple. If you have a digital camera question my recommendation would be to post it in the CNET digital camera forum here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7593_102-0.html?forumID=58
Cheers!
-Lee Koo
CNET Community
This live event topic is about Apple. If you have a digital camera question my recommendation would be to post it in the CNET digital camera forum here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7593_102-0.html?forumID=58
Cheers!
-Lee Koo
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 9/27/07 11:53 AM
How long till Steve is done?
When do you think he'll call it quits, and what will life be like then? A lot of assumptions, but give it a whirl.
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:52 AM
Canon S5IS vs Panasonic FZ18
How do they compare? Which is a better camera for the price?
by j_n_ksmom - 9/27/07 11:51 AM
Regarding EFI, TPM...
Current Macs do not have the TPM chip so the assertion about the trusted computing is based on old and outdated information.
Long explanation over at http://www.osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter10/tpm/ for those that need to get updated.
Long explanation over at http://www.osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter10/tpm/ for those that need to get updated.
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:50 AM
What's missing?
What do you see as the missing piece in Apple's hardware and software arsenal?
Hardware:
Software:
Hardware:
Software:
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:48 AM
RE: The magic # is..
Cnext I don't know... at least not now
Don't you know it's just me here, making up all these questions for Tom
j/k
-Lee
CNET Community
Don't you know it's just me here, making up all these questions for Tom
j/k-Lee
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 9/27/07 11:47 AM
Surround
Do you think Apple will upgrade the audio capabilities in iTunes? Surround Airport Express? It already has the optical out, so why not a baby step to surround? Software update?
What about an upgrade to the less than wonderful audio in iChat?
What about an upgrade to the less than wonderful audio in iChat?
by elderforester - 9/27/07 11:45 AM
Crippled iPod touch?
Why did Apple disable adding calendar events on the iPod touch but left the feature for adding contacts?
by the_narc_2000 - 9/27/07 11:43 AM
G3 iphone
when do you think the iphone will get G3 technology, and do you think it's already in the phone but it just needs to be activated with a update?
by ToWn3r - 9/27/07 11:43 AM
HD Formats
When do you think we will see a blu ray equipped mac
by laensel - 9/27/07 11:42 AM
Do you see apple waiting?
Do you see them waiting till the 'war' is over until they pick what hd format to go with? Don't you think they'd go bluray exclusive with Microsoft using HDDVD for their xbox 360?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:41 AM
About EFI, glossy screens etc.
You said "anything to do with Apple" so here it goes.
Are you aware that Intel based Mac's have a powerful EFI firmware level that sits behind the operating system, controls access to the hardware, runs it own code and can contact the internet secretly? That Apple isn't even in charge of this environment, but the UEFI and Trusted Computing Group is? And if you do, how do you feel about computer users with this sort of firmware don ' t no longer have any sort of privacy or control with their own machines?
Second
Are you aware that Apple and some PC makers are currently switching most of their computer based hardware over to reflective glossy screens which have proven to cause the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome? That Apple, with a limited choices of hardware that run Mac OS X and integrated screens, is currently ignoring the overwhelming amount of polls that show people prefer matte screens over glossy? Do you feel Apple should provide it's users a choice of either matte or glossy screens across their entire computer line?
Third
With hardware sales being the lifeblood of Apple, software sales being next, do you think it's sort of criminal of them to restrict the safety, security and ease of use of Mac OS X to only their hardware? If the profit was good enough and certain companies and the government would pay the higher price for lower TCO, should Apple lease Mac OS X to run on any x86 hardware?
Are you aware that Intel based Mac's have a powerful EFI firmware level that sits behind the operating system, controls access to the hardware, runs it own code and can contact the internet secretly? That Apple isn't even in charge of this environment, but the UEFI and Trusted Computing Group is? And if you do, how do you feel about computer users with this sort of firmware don ' t no longer have any sort of privacy or control with their own machines?
Second
Are you aware that Apple and some PC makers are currently switching most of their computer based hardware over to reflective glossy screens which have proven to cause the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome? That Apple, with a limited choices of hardware that run Mac OS X and integrated screens, is currently ignoring the overwhelming amount of polls that show people prefer matte screens over glossy? Do you feel Apple should provide it's users a choice of either matte or glossy screens across their entire computer line?
Third
With hardware sales being the lifeblood of Apple, software sales being next, do you think it's sort of criminal of them to restrict the safety, security and ease of use of Mac OS X to only their hardware? If the profit was good enough and certain companies and the government would pay the higher price for lower TCO, should Apple lease Mac OS X to run on any x86 hardware?
by SecurityExpertMan - 9/27/07 11:39 AM
Do you own an apple product?
What is your honest opinion about apple? Honest honest honest.
Do you see them continuing their success for quite some time?
Do you see them continuing their success for quite some time?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:34 AM
.Mac changes
What do you think of the recent changes to the .Mac service? Will it be enough?
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:30 AM
RS232 and NTFS (write support)
Call me old fashioned but some of my software talks to RS232 on industrial controllers.
I don't see an Apple USB to RS232 device. Do you know of such? And does it work in Parallels or Vmware's Fusion?
Also, did I hear correctly NTFS write support (USB hard disks) is coming soon?
Thanks!
I don't see an Apple USB to RS232 device. Do you know of such? And does it work in Parallels or Vmware's Fusion?
Also, did I hear correctly NTFS write support (USB hard disks) is coming soon?
Thanks!
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:30 AM
Apple's strange bed partners..
Do you think that Schmidt's assignment to the board will ultimately lead to more Google partnerships? (Considering rumors of the GPhone/Google OS may lead to the contrary). Apple doesn't seem like that company that will assign board members just because. What do you think may happen?
by naterandrews - 9/27/07 11:29 AM
Network classic with MacBook?
How can we network our old, but strudy, Performa 6360 (no ethernet/FW/USB) ?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:26 AM
Need more developers?
How many do you suspect apple has? For example, Leopard was mainly delayed because they shifted the developers to working on the iPhone to get that out. Do you think they're poorly stocked on these guys?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:26 AM
What's next?
They've invaded the phone market, after invading the mp3 player market. What market is next? It took them... what, 5 years for the iphone following the release of the ipod? Will they be trying to revolutionize anything else anytime soon?
What do you see as a possibility?
What do you see as a possibility?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:23 AM
Mac in Europe?
I'm moving to Europe next year and have read that some people have had compatability problems using their macs abroad. Is that a legitimate concern for me? I'll be traveling around a lot
by hannah_kali - 9/27/07 11:22 AM
Cause for lack of 3G
Why did they do this? Everyone knows 3G is far superior. What were they waiting for?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:21 AM
iphone V.2
Do you think a next US version of the iphone will be released at the end of this year? Do you think the next gemeration iphone will have a built in GPS receiver?
by Scott-USA - 9/27/07 11:20 AM
Audio Streaming
Both "touch" products Phone & iPod do not stream audio when connected to the web.
Why?
Is there a technical issue? Both stream music from
iTunes.
Is there a plan to implement streaming in the future?
John
Why?
Is there a technical issue? Both stream music from
iTunes.
Is there a plan to implement streaming in the future?
John
by John Moon - 9/27/07 11:20 AM
Will the AppleTV survive?
Apple seems to be letting the AppleTV stagnate like they did with the Hifi. Do you see any hope for the device surviving, or even thriving?
by mwsmith824 - 9/27/07 11:19 AM
UMPC
Thinking back on UMPC's, there hasn't really been any successful ones. Not necessarily because of the target audience, but in my opinion, battery life, form factor, UI. They run full OS's, rather than mobile ones, and just don't have that much power. Would apple be able to change all that?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:17 AM
Leopard on iTouch?
Leopard on iTouch? Will the new OS make a difference?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:15 AM
crackphx in regards to 2 numbers on a phone question
Hi crackphx.
This live event topic is about Apple. If you have a cell phone question my recommendation would be to post it in the CNET cell phone forum here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7817_102-0.html?forumID=74
or you can post it in the new Dialed In Lounge here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-10155_102-0.html?forumID=100
Maybe CNET editors Kent, Bonnie, or Nicole might be able to answer you.
Cheers!
-Lee Koo
CNET Community
This live event topic is about Apple. If you have a cell phone question my recommendation would be to post it in the CNET cell phone forum here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7817_102-0.html?forumID=74
or you can post it in the new Dialed In Lounge here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-10155_102-0.html?forumID=100
Maybe CNET editors Kent, Bonnie, or Nicole might be able to answer you.
Cheers!
-Lee Koo
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 9/27/07 11:14 AM
What could be Microsofts downfall?
Every 'civilization' falls eventually. Do you think Microsoft will ever be overthrown? Ever? What in your opinion could turn the tides for apple?
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:13 AM
new iphone
any idea when version 2 of the iphone is coming out, and any enhancements i.e. gps...that you may know about?
by steveklein - 9/27/07 11:13 AM
Bluetooth in iPods
Why doesn't Apple put stereo bluetooth in their ipods?
by mf89 - 9/27/07 11:12 AM
Are there an Phones where I can use two numbers
I use Verizon in the US and Rogers wireless in Canada. Are there any phones that I can use both numbers on, through the use of a sim card, or am I stuck with two phones
by crackphx - 9/27/07 11:09 AM
Leopard pre-install
How long will it take Apple to ship new computers with Leopard pre-installed?
by chmarch - 9/27/07 11:09 AM
People ask me when Apple will update a product.
I'd like to hear what you say when asked:
"Is Apple updating the ____ soon?"
My answer is yes, they update products all the time. Some don't like this but I feel it's evolve or stagnate.
How do you respond to such queries?
"Is Apple updating the ____ soon?"
My answer is yes, they update products all the time. Some don't like this but I feel it's evolve or stagnate.
How do you respond to such queries?
by R. Proffitt - 9/27/07 11:09 AM
Future
With the patents they've made in the past, and the reports of something new on the horizon, (possibly January at the earliest) what do you think it will be? A reincarnation of the Newton? An ultra portable? Tablet? What are your thoughts? See article:
Up next for Apple the return of the Newton
No one is entirely sure, but you're a professional.
Up next for Apple the return of the Newton
No one is entirely sure, but you're a professional.
by Fishyesque - 9/27/07 11:17 AM
iMac Sound Card
What is the sound card used in the new iMac?
by chmarch - 9/27/07 11:08 AM
When is a Good Time to Purchase a MacBook?
Do you think that Apple will release new MacBooks any time soon? Is it a bad time to buy one?
by matteroniandcheese - 9/27/07 11:07 AM
Windows on Mac 2
I read that there are some functions on Macbook Pro that don't work with Windows even using boot camp such as the innovative touchpad is it expected to work once boot camp moves out of beta with Leopard
by laensel - 9/27/07 11:07 AM
10-11" laptop
I heard a rumor somewhere that Apple will be coming out with an ultra-light laptop with a screen that measures 10-11 inches or thereabout...something that could kick the pants off the Sony VAIO TZ series (Windows) and offer all the features of the Mac and the PC. Have you heard the same thing?
by shantipur - 9/27/07 11:07 AM
USB 3 on Mac?
What are you hearing about the new USB 3 connection in relationship to Mac hardware?
When? Where? How much faster than Firewire 800?
When? Where? How much faster than Firewire 800?
by Cnext - 9/27/07 11:04 AM
HD Formats
IS there any word on when Apple will adopt either Blu Ray or HD-DVD
by laensel - 9/27/07 11:01 AM
Apple hardware
This is a general question about Mac hardware. I hear there doing some interesting things in this area. What are they? What makes them different then what might be found in PCs. I do have not used a Mac.
by Dango517 - 9/27/07 11:01 AM
Windows on Mac
How well does Windows XP run on a mac using the boot camp.
by laensel - 9/27/07 10:59 AM
Tom Krazit, CNET News.com staff writer Live!
Ask the Editors Live: All things Apple
Got questions about Apple? Well, you've come to the right place.
Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, September 27th. Our host will be CNET News.com staff writer, Tom Krazit, who will be here to answer your questions, debate, and discuss anything to do with Apple: Macs, iPods, iPhones, iTunes, the future direction of Apple, you name it, Tom is your man!
So get your Apple questions ready and don't miss out on this live chat event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
Got questions about Apple? Well, you've come to the right place.
Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, September 27th. Our host will be CNET News.com staff writer, Tom Krazit, who will be here to answer your questions, debate, and discuss anything to do with Apple: Macs, iPods, iPhones, iTunes, the future direction of Apple, you name it, Tom is your man!
So get your Apple questions ready and don't miss out on this live chat event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 9/19/07 11:30 PM
