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208 Replies Last post: Aug 21, 2007 1:42 AM by esteban   Go to original post 1 ... 10 11 12 13 14 Previous Next
Click to view Dan Frakes's profile Macworld Editorial
Dan Frakes
3,256 posts since
Apr 14, 2003
195. Aug 11, 2007 8:44 PM in response to: iPapa
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
Quote:<hr />
The other keyboard issue is something I still haven't seen being mentioned - what does Apple's new way of hijacking the function keys (F1 onwards), mean for a user who might want to play, say World of Warcraft (F1, F2 keys etc have got certain uses there). Or what does the lack of normal function keys mean to those who feel the urge to boot into Windows? Won't the Apple made funcion keys mess things up there, since they are meant to control OS X centric functions? Using the notebook method of pressing the fn key to access normal function keys is silly on a desktop machine. But then again, the iMac is just a notebook with a mediocre graphic card. Hidden behind a mirror.

<hr />


As with every Apple laptop, a simple checkbox in System Preferences will invert the functionality: F-keys will work as F-keys, and you then press fn to access the special functions.

In other words, when it comes to F-keys, you actually get more functionality now.

Dan Frakes | Senior Editor, Macworld
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Click to view Edgejr's profile New Member
Edgejr
32 posts since
Mar 11, 2004
196. Aug 11, 2007 11:12 PM in response to: iPapa
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't understand about Apple's moves
Quote:<hr />
I couldn't agree more. Rob has hit the spot. I hope Apple is taking note of this. Steve Jobs said Apple customers want glossy screens. I'm an Apple customer, and I do not want glossy. I have not even been asked by Apple.


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There's certainly been a lot of people here complaining about the glossy screen. It's portrayed as if no one wants it. I know, however, that that's not true. First, Apple is going to make what they think will sell. And although they occasionally get it wrong (G4 Cube) they often get it right. Second, I just spent several hours at an Apple store talking about Apple laptops to a friend and his girlfriend. She chose the MacBook in part because it HAD the glossy screen. I suspect for every Apple customer who hates it like iPapa, there are two Apple customers who like it.
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Click to view Terrin's profile Member
Terrin
302 posts since
May 4, 2006
197. Aug 13, 2007 9:06 AM in response to: griffman
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
It is not obvious to me. Often only people with a problem publicly comment on a issue. People who are OK with it do not.

Personally, after using one, I see no use for a full sized wireless keyboard. They are not comfortable to use because of there bulk. The people complaining I suspect hardly ever use the numeric keypad.


Quote:<hr />
The cost to provide an already-existing keyboard (the full-size wired version) in a wireless version, when there's an existing wireless model of similar design (the small keyboard) would be quite small. Yes, it would cost more to inventory multiple items, so make the "odd" ones (the small wired and the full-size wireless) BTO only, so they don't need to be stocked.

Clearly a company with the resources of Apple could handle having a total of four keyboard SKUs instead of two without unduly impacting shareholders. After all, with their current plan, it's obvious that many of us will be buying non-Apple keyboards in the future, and that's got to be more painful than building a couple extra SKUs

-rob.

<hr />
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Click to view Terrin's profile Member
Terrin
302 posts since
May 4, 2006
198. Aug 13, 2007 9:12 AM in response to: Bruce8
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
I bet most customers do not even know there is a difference between Matte and Gloss screens. One more thing to confuse them. I suspect when Apple offered the choice, 95 percent of the people buying choose Glossy. Since Apple gets a discount when it buys in bulk, if everybody is buying Glossy, Apple is probably not getting much of a discount on the Matte. From a business perspective, it made sense to go all Glossy.

Quote:<hr />
I agree completely that the Full-Glare screen - I mean, Glossy only - is a major mistake. It says: We know what you need best, and we know you all love glossy reflections, watch movies only on your Mac in a darkened room, and really don't want you to have a choice anymore.


<hr />
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Click to view griffman's profile Macworld Editorial
griffman
8,045 posts since
Jan 9, 2001
199. Aug 13, 2007 10:44 AM in response to: Terrin
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
"The people complaining I suspect hardly ever use the numeric keypad. "

Say what? The entire reason I'm complaining is because I use the numeric keypad extensively. That's why I currently have a full-size Bluetooth keyboard on my desk. I like the feel of the MacBook keyboard, though, and was hoping to upgrade. But without a numeric keypad, I'll just keep using my old one until (and the spares I bought) dies.

-rob.
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Click to view Peter Cohen's profile Macworld Editorial
Peter Cohen
4,148 posts since
Feb 5, 2003
200. Aug 13, 2007 10:48 AM in response to: griffman
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
Actually, this brings up a really interesting point I hadn't thought of, Rob.

Probably about 90 percent of my daily work occurs on my MacBook Pro, where I long ago adopted to not using the numeric keypad, since it was a PITA to use (could never get the hang of using the JKL keys alternately for numbers). Though I still use the cursor keys constantly.

But when I go to my office, where I attach an external keyboard, I'll switch to the numeric keypad instantly.

It's one of those adaptive things -- I've gotten accustomed to it not being there, but I'd infinitely prefer it to be there.

Maybe I'll get my chance when Apple finally rolls out the 24-inch MacBook Pro I've long dreamed of.
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Click to view d00d's profile Macworld Editorial
d00d
12,136 posts since
Apr 24, 2001
201. Aug 13, 2007 2:08 PM in response to: Terrin
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
Quote:<hr />
The people complaining I suspect hardly ever use the numeric keypad.

<hr />
That's a curious argument. Contend that what people don't actually want what they're asking for.

Here's the counter. The people complaining about having a numberpad I suspect actually use it quite a bit.
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Click to view R2C's profile New Member
R2C
11 posts since
Feb 19, 2004
202. Aug 13, 2007 8:38 PM in response to: Terrin
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog:

Five hours into my new 2 gig 2.4 Ghz. 20 incher, I have to admit that the glossy screen is going to be a problem for some users. The placement in your room or office will make it more or less noticeable. I have mine in my living room about 14 feet from a window behind me and the same distance from a door which, this time of year, is often open for the light and breeze it provides. Maybe not any more though. Apple is going to have to address this one I think. There is a definite reflection and it's annoying. My only other comment at the moment is why Apple removed the sleep indicator. I'm curious what the reasoning was.

On the plus side... it was so easy to transfer data from my 2 1/2 yr. old PPC G5. My biggest concern was some of my essential third party apps.... no problem. Everything is there and with only a few correctable bumps and updates, everything is working exactly as it should. The wired keyboard is attractive and comfortable to use. The two tone color of the computer and the white mouse are a matter of taste, but not a deal breaker. I bought the computer for what I do with it, it's color appearance is secondary to me. Otherwise, I am jazzed and pleased with how flawlessly everything went.

As a question, since i've never used an MS PC except as a terminal front for an IBM main frame, do consumer PC's make it as easy as Apple does to transfer data and apps. from an older computer to a new one?
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Click to view folklore's profile Member
folklore
381 posts since
Aug 9, 2005
203. Aug 14, 2007 9:56 AM in response to: R2C
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog:
Quote:<hr />
As a question, since i've never used an MS PC except as a terminal front for an IBM main frame, do consumer PC's make it as easy as Apple does to transfer data and apps. from an older computer to a new one?

<hr />


Absolutely not. The Migration Assistant is one of the best features of OSX, in my opinion.

On a PC, it is generally very easy to transfer documents, photos, etc, and very difficult to transfer settings and applications. This has a lot to do with the technical details of how applications/settings are installed in Windows vs. the Mac. It's just easier to transfer things on OSX because of how everything is set up, even if Apple didn't give us the Migration Assistant.
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Click to view Terrin's profile Member
Terrin
302 posts since
May 4, 2006
204. Aug 14, 2007 11:03 PM in response to: d00d
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
Maybe. However, from experience I know for other things this is not the case. For instance, many people, including myself, are upset the iMac is not more upgradable. Yet, on my G4 Tower, other then RAM, I have never upgraded it. Having worked around Macs most of my life, the experience is similar. People complain about how you cannot do something, but then they never really use the computer for the thing they want done in the first place. It is more times then not just the idea that it cannot do something.

Fact is engineering is about making compromises. If you are setting out to create a consumer based keyboard that sits comfortably in your lap that allows you to type without the keyboard wobbling, Apple in my view achieved that with its wireless keyboard.

Quote:<hr />
Quote:<hr />
The people complaining I suspect hardly ever use the numeric keypad.

<hr />
That's a curious argument. Contend that what people don't actually want what they're asking for.

Here's the counter. The people complaining about having a numberpad I suspect actually use it quite a bit.

<hr />
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Click to view Terrin's profile Member
Terrin
302 posts since
May 4, 2006
205. Aug 14, 2007 11:10 PM in response to: R2C
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog:
Anybody who has used most Apple CRTs (or any CRTs for that matter) has used Glossy screens. Nobody complained then. I am sitting in front of a 17" Apple Glossy CRT. Sure there is a glare. Guess what? I only notice it because I am looking for it. Same goes for my television.

Apple released some of its notebooks with an option for Glossy or Matte. I suspect the market choice one over the other. Giving a Matte or Glossy option only raises the cost of the machine for everyone.

Quote:<hr />

Five hours into my new 2 gig 2.4 Ghz. 20 incher, I have to admit that the glossy screen is going to be a problem for some users. The placement in your room or office will make it more or less noticeable. I have mine in my living room about 14 feet from a window behind me and the same distance from a door which, this time of year, is often open for the light and breeze it provides. Maybe not any more though. Apple is going to have to address this one I think. There is a definite reflection and it's annoying. My only other comment at the moment is why Apple removed the sleep indicator. I'm curious what the reasoning was.

On the plus side... it was so easy to transfer data from my 2 1/2 yr. old PPC G5. My biggest concern was some of my essential third party apps.... no problem. Everything is there and with only a few correctable bumps and updates, everything is working exactly as it should. The wired keyboard is attractive and comfortable to use. The two tone color of the computer and the white mouse are a matter of taste, but not a deal breaker. I bought the computer for what I do with it, it's color appearance is secondary to me. Otherwise, I am jazzed and pleased with how flawlessly everything went.

As a question, since i've never used an MS PC except as a terminal front for an IBM main frame, do consumer PC's make it as easy as Apple does to transfer data and apps. from an older computer to a new one?

<hr />
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Click to view griffman's profile Macworld Editorial
griffman
8,045 posts since
Jan 9, 2001
206. Aug 14, 2007 11:16 PM in response to: Terrin
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog:
I used 'glossy' CRTs for years, but they all had one thing the iMac (and MacBook) seem to lack: a non-glare coating. My 21" CRT was one of my all-time favorite monitors (except when I had to move that seemingly-500-pound beast around). Yes, it was glass, but it wasn't like a sheet of window glass, which is what the iMac basically seems to be.

-rob.
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Click to view d00d's profile Macworld Editorial
d00d
12,136 posts since
Apr 24, 2001
207. Aug 15, 2007 12:35 AM in response to: Terrin
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog: Three things I don't un
Quote:<hr />
If you are setting out to create a consumer based keyboard that sits comfortably in your lap that allows you to type without the keyboard wobbling, Apple in my view achieved that with its wireless keyboard.

<hr />
Sure, that explanation works for me, but I wouldn't argue against what people say they want.
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Click to view esteban's profile New Member
esteban
38 posts since
Jun 4, 2007
208. Aug 21, 2007 1:42 AM in response to: folklore
Re: Editors' Notes Weblog:
PCs are not only Windows. Linux and BSD use a UNIX filesystem, which means that all personal information and settings are in /home/user. It's a matter of copy-paste this folder (apps are updated with each new OS anyway, because they're free).
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