Glitch September 5, 2008
Working in the field I see a LOT of people abuse and lash out at computer hardware and software. More often than not, it’s PEBKAC (Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair) in action.
I often feel defensive on behalf of the computer, but this video gives me hope that the machines can fend for themselves.
Don’t Abuse your Computer ever!:
(Via Dvorak Uncensored.)
Glitch August 19, 2008
Occasionally I still get the question, ‘Why do you get so excited about Apple products?’ Let me explain it here.
I work in the tech field, and I have gone thru the ringer of purchasing tech products from many companies. I’ve helped individuals pick hardware ‘just to talk to the grandkids’. And I’ve helped select high-end servers for database implementations. Never once did any of the companies that I purchased from show any interest in me once my check cleared.
I purchased an Intel Mac when they first came out fully expecting to hate myself in the morning. I’d played with the software and interface, was overjoyed to learn Darwin was FreeBSD Based (UNIX FTW!), and liked that VMWare was en route. Within a few weeks of tinkering with the internals I expected to have to do a complete reinstall. Since then I’ve done HORRIBLE, EVIL things to this poor mac and it’s still kicking.
The technology is (very) sound, but here is how they endeared themselves to me…. They called me! Working in my office I received a call from an enthusiastic call center rep. My immediate thought was “oh great! It’s already being recalled”. Turns out they wanted to know if everything was installed and working correctly. No sales pitch, and no pressure. The company wanted to make sure their product WORKED. They cared for something beyond JUST getting paid for dealing silicon.
Since then I’ve continued to be impressed by the stability of the product and openness of the company when I have issues. This was continued today when I received the following email about the MobileMe web service. It’s worth noting that I haven’t had any problem with the service yet.
We have already made many improvements to MobileMe, but we still have many more to make. To recognize our users’ patience, we are giving every MobileMe subscriber as of today a free 60 day extension. This is in addition to the one month extension most subscribers have already received. We are working very hard to make MobileMe a great service we can all be proud of. We know that MobileMe’s launch has not been our finest hour, and we truly appreciate your patience as we turn this around.
Now THAT’S an impressive move!
There are downsides of being a Mac user. I’ve never met him, and Steve Jobs frightens me. Also, like listening to rival politicians argue, the PC vs Mac thing is just annoying. Get The Shadow a sandwich, problem one solved. Get people to do some work instead of posturing in IRC, problem two solved.
That aside, the TECHNOLOGY and the SERVICE deliver.
I don’t buy every device the company releases, but I am in the market for a new laptop. Guess who’s on the short list.
Glitch August 18, 2008
Blog Action Day 08: seems to me like a pretty decent cause.
My only question is this: Is it possible for anyone to do ANYTHING philanthropic without U2-like music in the advertising background?
Glitch August 15, 2008
For some reason, I think this isn’t so much about homeland security as it is about getting people to spend money on new luggage.
No More Laptop Fooling For Traveling Monkeys:
(Via WebMonkey.Com.)
