AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the Cloud

Well, not so much a debate but more about what to get.  Macbook with its integrated GPU but still much more powerful than anything we've seen for the Macbook line or go with the Pro version and the 9600 dedicated GPU. I spent some time over the weekend with both units as I haven't decided which works best for me. And the GPU played a big part as I also considered future-proofing my mobile investment.  Here is a post from Linden LAN from October (not long ago) that discussed the 9600M, 8600M, and the 9400M.  As you may already know, the 9600M is the flagship GPU in the MBP, the 8600M was the GPU in previous iterations of MBP, and the 9400M replaced the underpowered Intel IGP x3100 (Apple has passed on the current generation, x4500). There's a lot of debate over the Macbook with the 9400M, in good ways, not bad.  People generally love it and, yet, people also like numbers.  This GPU versus that GPU versus something else. Based on LL's way of looking at it, t...

I'm sure Apple is always looking ahead but may be concerned whenever someone tugs at you trying to pass you.  But for CNet to say that Apple is scared, it's going a bit far. There is definitely a lot to like about the Storm.  Here's a few that CNet listed that I agree: cut-and-paste - but by all accounts, it's not implemented with much grace.  But Storm has it and the iPhone don't. removable battery - I have an issue with this one. tethering - ATT said it's coming.   memory - I like the expansion slot.   Now, I have some issues with how CNet spun it.  First, the battery.  I totally agree.  110% that the iPhone needs an user-replaceable battery.  One of two things has to happen.  Either the battery becomes user-replaceable or that Apple or the chip makers find a way to extend battery power by a lot.  Personally, I don't see that happen.   Now, memory.  Please.  Totally ignore the fact that Apple has onboard st...

Ads for mobile devices in general are booming.  But ads specifically targeting iPhone and iPod Touch users are growing even more. According to Silicon, iPhone specific ads more than doubled in October from the previous month.  236 Million in October from 103 million in September.  That is like due to the massive increase in iPhone user-base now numbering over 10 million, and will likely increase to 16 million by the end of the year (not to mention the millions more in iPod Touch owners). Here are some quick facts: The iPhone ads account for 4.1% of AdMob Network's ads requested.  37% Of requests came from the US, 17% Europe, 8% Asia.  Asian requests will likely increase as Taiwan start to get their iPhones at the end of the year.  China will likely follow in 2009. AdMob accounted for 5.8 billion ads, growth of nearly 14% - we think that will increase as more smartphones like Storm, Windows Mobile devices, and iPhones get into user hands.  ...

The current generation of the iPod Touch has been greatly improved.  Lower prices.  Updated OS.  It even has a stealthy way that will eventually allow users to use the Touches with VOIP via the mic headset (please, let no one buy the "voice recorder" feature.  And eventually, the iPod Touch will gain a mic as well.  Why do I think that?  Well, it doesn't make sense that you are forced to use a headset every time you want to make "a recording" (or a call).  And it would make sense to be able to use apps that require a mic but won't work well with a headset. What game or app needs a mic?  I'm glad you ask.  The app is Ocarina.  It turns the iPhone into a something like a flute.  I nearly missed work this morning after spending hours last night blowing into my iPhone (that didn't come out well, did it?).  Anyway, I'm pretty good with Amazing Grace now.  The millions of iPod Touch users would be m...

You can do it on Windows Mobile, Palm, and Blackberries.  What is it? Edit Office docs.  I'm a bit torn on this issue.  There are certainly limitations to working with documents on a small mobile device.  I've tried it before, and perhaps I should have given it more of an effort, it was not really my cup of tea. However, of all the Office applications I want the most has to be Word or Page.  I've sent megabtyes upon megabtyes of text already.  I can see myself sending more be it attachment or something else. Editing spreadsheets?  Not so much.  I've used DocumentsToGo to create workout schedules and expense trackers but nothing really elaborate.  And in the end, I hardly used either.  But that has nothing to do with the spreadsheet app but more with my routine. I don't even want to get into a Powerpoint-like app.  I find the need for a presentation app rather than one that allows editing. Like to hear what y...

How do you like them iPhones?  Pretty good?  With each OS update, we get more features.  And for free.  Gotta love that. What happens after the second year of ownership?  What about it, you ask? If you're an iPod Touch owner, you know that each time Apple comes out with a major upgrade, you're forced to pony up $10 a pop.  For iPhone owners, there is no cost associated with upgrades.  This is because of the difference in how Apple chose to account for sales of the iPod Touch differently from the iPhone. For the iPod Touch, sales are recorded in the financial quarter sold.  However, the iPhone sales is spread over two years.  I appreciate anyone to correct me if I'm wrong on this.  Anyway, this is why there is no associated upgrade cost for the iPhone OS. But what happens after two years of ownership?  Suppose Apple releases iPhone 3.0 after two years of ownership or for reasons related to accounting, will I, as a first generation ...

Back in late October, while the whole of Internet was abuzz with Steve Jobs' cryptic words about netbooks and that the iPhone is the perfect netbook. The dude was not kidding.  Jobs was telling us what Apple is working on.  It was right there in front of us.  Onxo believed and continues to believe that Apple's new netbook won't be a netbook.  So, I'm going to repost it here. Why?  Because it came to my attention that Barclays Capital believes just such a device is possible.  They think it'll come in around $600-700.  I think $700-800.  Dude,  this is Apple after all.   I don't think we have long to wait.  Macworld 2009 is just around the corner and that is likely when we'll see the "not-a-netbook" netbook from Apple.  So, while we have no idea what it will look like or what it will be capable of, we took the liberty of speculating just for the fun of it and then we try to back it up based on Apple's past behavior and wher...