http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/opinion/ en webmaster@macobserver.com Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:33:14 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_and_verizon_will_kiss_and_make_up/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_and_verizon_will_kiss_and_make_up/ I don't really believe that Apple and Verizon have severed ties for good.  There's too much money at stake on both sides.  The current activities are just a pillow fight.  Maybe plate throwing. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:45:48 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_tv_3_is_it_us_or_them/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_tv_3_is_it_us_or_them/ Apple continues to post updates to Apple TV that disappoint a segment of the customer base and TV industry experts.  This time around, the update 3.0 merely adds a new top level shell for navigating and some minor enhancements such as iTunes LP and Internet radio stations. The big question is: should we really feel disappointed? Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial, iObserver, Apple TV Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:44:12 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_itablet_will_erase_the_dedicated_book_readers/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_itablet_will_erase_the_dedicated_book_readers/ Several companies, recognizing the potential interest in electronic books, are attempting to get out ahead of the long-awaited Apple iTablet.  Examples are the Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader and the Barnes & Noble Nook. However, soon after Apple ships its own competing product, these early efforts will become just a memory. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:43:40 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_preparing_us_to_live_in_app_space/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_preparing_us_to_live_in_app_space/ When all we had were PCs and Macs, we thought of apps as programs that provided a function: word processing or web browsing.  Magically, however, the portability of the iPhone has encouraged developers to think on a grander scale about what an app is -- even to the extent that every popular TV show should have its own app. That progression will change everything. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:39:01 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/windows_7_launch_is_a_dangerous_time_for_mac_advocates/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/windows_7_launch_is_a_dangerous_time_for_mac_advocates/ Yesterday was full of news and commentary about Apple's reaction to Windows 7, including some nice quotes from Apple SVP Phil Schiller.  However, at your level, the project level, there are pitfalls for Mac enthusiasts who go about evangelizing the wrong way. Here's what to avoid, and here's what to do. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:09:32 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/can_microsoft_grab_the_brass_ring/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/can_microsoft_grab_the_brass_ring/ Microsoft has had plenty of opportunities in the post PC wars world to grab the brass ring. In 2002, Microsoft, with its business focus, passed on music. Then, in 2007, Steve Ballmer scoffed at the iPhone. Now, we're on the precipice of a third revolution, the next generation tablet.  Will Microsoft turn its back one more time? Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:15:08 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/jumping_ship_to_microsoft_stores_good_for_some_apple_employees/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/jumping_ship_to_microsoft_stores_good_for_some_apple_employees/ There have been some stories lately, based on anonymous sources, that Microsoft has contacted some Apple retail store managers about moving to Microsoft retail stores. That may actually be good for some Apple employees, whether or not Microsoft's retail store initiative succeeds. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:45:14 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/open_sourcing_grand_central_is_crazy_like_a_fox/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/open_sourcing_grand_central_is_crazy_like_a_fox/ Apple has taken it's Grand Central Dispatch technology open source.  That's the higher level API that assists developers with making their apps run faster by better exploiting CPU threads. Why would Apple make this technology available to the competition?  Here's why. Columns and Opinions, Opinion Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:07:14 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/restrained_evolution_of_ipod_touch_speaks_to_itablet/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/restrained_evolution_of_ipod_touch_speaks_to_itablet/ Apple added some considerable new features to the iPod nano today.  By comparison, the evolution of the iPod touch seems restrained. That may have implications for the forthcoming iTablet. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, iObserver, iPod Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:55:41 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/steve_jobs_rdf_creates_new_event_horizons/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/steve_jobs_rdf_creates_new_event_horizons/ Mr. Jobs is back as Master of Ceremonies. That fact alone, despite what some other observers have claimed, puts the excitement back into Apple and its events. Why? Because we know that the guiding hand of the CEO is percolating throughout Apple. Good things happen. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:13:08 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsofts_perilous_pit_and_snow_leopard_maneuvers/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsofts_perilous_pit_and_snow_leopard_maneuvers/ Microsoft is a company that cut its teeth on the Enterprise. Yet, somehow, the company is unable to ignore Apple's market share and attend to its own business. The release of Snow Leopard continues to mess with Microsoft's mind. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:09:33 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_view_the_fcc_questions_for_apple/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_view_the_fcc_questions_for_apple/ The issues surrounding the FCC questions about Apple's App Store and approval process are complex.  The Mac Observer spoke with an attorney familiar with the matter and obtained a better insight into what's going on. As usual, nothing is as simple as it appears. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:17:53 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_emotional_toll_of_twitter/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_emotional_toll_of_twitter/ Twitter allows one to tap into the stream of consciousness of a subset of the world. When that stream goes largely negative, it can adversely affect the life balance that most of us seek. Here's what I'm doing about it. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial, Blogs, John Martellaro's Blog Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:20 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_cash_on_hand_vs._microsoft/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_cash_on_hand_vs._microsoft/ I thought it would be interesting to compare Microsoft's cash on hand (and short term securities) to Apple's. Over the last few years, Microsoft hasn't fared well compared to Apple. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:08:44 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/overheard_at_the_q309_apple_earnings_report/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/overheard_at_the_q309_apple_earnings_report/ Apple never talks about unannounced products and keeps a lot of sales info closely held for competitive reasons. Even so, CFO Peter Oppenheimer and COO Tim Cook still made some interesting remarks during Tuesday's earnings report that provide some insight into the state of Apple. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:46:34 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_repudiates_netbook_concept_sets_mac_sales_record/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_repudiates_netbook_concept_sets_mac_sales_record/ Apple's Q309 Earnings Report revealed that Apple broke its record for June quarter Mac sales and came oh-so close to breaking its all time sales record for Macs. All that in, by all accounts, the worst recession ever and amidst cries for an Apple netbook. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:23:17 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_iphone_sales_gaining_momentum/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_iphone_sales_gaining_momentum/ Apple is very good at building on momentum, whether it's iTunes music, App Store downloads or iPhone sales. There was a time when people wondered if Apple could meet its goal for iPhone sales in 2008 -- now the question is, posed by this afternoon's Q309 Earnings Report, can Apple even make enough to meet demand? Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, Reports, iPhone Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:25:37 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/death_is_too_high_a_price_to_protect_apples_secrets/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/death_is_too_high_a_price_to_protect_apples_secrets/ Ever since Apple's own near death experience in the 1990s, the company has had a single minded focus on, first, resurrection, then vindication, and finally huge financial excess. Now, someone has died in connection with Apple's influence over Chinese suppliers.  It's time for Apple to reconsider. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:42:26 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/aapl_dropping_as_early_profit_takers_cash_in/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/aapl_dropping_as_early_profit_takers_cash_in/ Apple's Stock price has been on a steady rise for the past few weeks as analysts have predicted strong revenues and earnings for Apple tomorrow.  However, profit taking seems to be getting an early start this time around. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial, Reports, Apple Stock Watch Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:28:36 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/batter_up_safari_--_omniweb_on_deck/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/batter_up_safari_--_omniweb_on_deck/ On Monday, our distinguished Managing Editor, Jeff Gamet, explained why he uses OmniWeb as his browser instead of Safari. Having used OmniWeb myself for most of Safari 3's lifetime, I can empathize.  However, I found that OmniWeb, while great, isn't for me anymore, and I'm now back in the Safari 4 camp. Columns and Opinions, Opinion Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:25:40 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/verizons_mifi_the_best_iphone_and_mobile_mac_accessory/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/verizons_mifi_the_best_iphone_and_mobile_mac_accessory/ Dave Hamilton spent some time with Verizon's new MiFi, the pocket-sized wireless router which gets its bandwidth from Verizon's EVDO network. He found it to be indispensable almost immediately, and he tells you why -- and more -- after the jump. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:16:10 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_closer_look_at_apple_antitrust/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_closer_look_at_apple_antitrust/ On Monday, I covered a report that the Obama Administration's DoJ is looking askance at the telecom industry, including the exclusive relationships that carriers and handset manufacturers have developed. I'm not a big fan of most monopolies, and this news prompted me into taking a closer look into whether or not this situation is deserving of the DoJ's attention.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, The Back Page, Reports, Apple Stock Watch, iPhone Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:30:26 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/welcome_back_mister_jobs/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/welcome_back_mister_jobs/ Apple is a company that has a distinct voice and a drumbeat. While Apple has functioned well for a short period of time with Mr. Jobs on medical leave, that voice and drumbeat must endure. Having Mr. Jobs back at the helm reestablishes the tradition, lest we forget, that draws us to the company. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:24:27 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/does_the_new_tech_make_old_school_journalism_obsolete/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/does_the_new_tech_make_old_school_journalism_obsolete/ John Martellaro takes a hard look at the technical power Apple and others have placed in our hands and whether it's threatening the valuable aspects of journalism. Not unexpectedly, there are two sides of the story.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:53:25 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/little_snitch_zonealarm_outbound_firewalls_blech/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/little_snitch_zonealarm_outbound_firewalls_blech/ The TMO Staff is battling again, this time over the benefits and pitfalls of outbound firewalls. Today, Dave Hamilton issues his rebuttal to John Martellaro, defending the position that these apps can do more harm than good for most users out there. This one's heating up folks, and it promises to be good! Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:15:57 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/opposing_view_little_snitch_is_awesome_if_used_well/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/opposing_view_little_snitch_is_awesome_if_used_well/ During Tuesday's Mac Geek Gab #208, Dave Hamilton and John Braun got into a discussion of Little Snitch from Objective Development. Mr. Hamilton pointed out that the app can be confusing and restrictive in its behavior for newbies and needs to be fully understood before it's toyed with. However, I'm siding with John Braun and suggesting that it's an essential app, one that could benefit many users at different levels.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:58 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/an_incredible_mac_pro_demo_takes_breath_away/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/an_incredible_mac_pro_demo_takes_breath_away/ Some benchmarks have numbers and tables. Some have bar graphs. They're all very nice, but I just revisited a demo that I used to do at Apple, and the results on a Mac Pro will take your breath away. Buckle up, because you may not have seen this amazing visual demo ever before. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:40:29 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_will_dump_exclusive_deal_with_att/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_will_dump_exclusive_deal_with_att/ Apple's fundamental goal is to sell the maximum number of iPhones. AT&T's fundamental goal is to maximize its own revenue. This conflict of interest will ultimately result in Apple dumping the exclusive arrangement with AT&T in 2010. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:24:02 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_keynote_observations_and_nuances/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_keynote_observations_and_nuances/ Observers of Apple are always in a quandary about what kind, if any, hardware will be announced during the WWDC keynote. My own expectations were low, to be sure, so I was pleasantly surprised to see a refresh of the MacBook Pro line. The rest of the keynote went pretty much according to my expectations. However, there were some significant undercurrents in the keynote worth mentioning.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, Reports, Conferences, WWDC, Mac OS, Snow Leopard, iPhone Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:30 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_predictions_who_cares/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/wwdc_predictions_who_cares/ Apple's World Wide Developer Conference is only days away, which means everyone has a prediction on what might be announced at the event. Your Mac Life's Shawn King offers up his own take on the prediction game, along with his expectations for Phil Schiller's keynote presentation. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:20:35 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_tmo_video_mystery_solved/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_tmo_video_mystery_solved/ This spring, both Ted Landau and I sold our old Power Mac G5s and bought Mac Pros. The mystery started when my colleague reported that he had no problem playing iTunes HD TV shows, protected content, on his Samsung display via DVI, and I could do no such thing with my Apple Studio display. It turned into several weeks of discussion and experimenting. Finally, the mystery was solved.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:01:48 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/in_principle_its_game_over_for_iphone/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/in_principle_its_game_over_for_iphone/ There is little talk anymore of iPhone killers. In fact, it's questionable whether anyone, in this economic climate, can overcome the advantages the iPhone has in marketing and technological muscle. Here are the reasons why.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:00:54 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rebuttal_apple_is_already_selling_a_netbook/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rebuttal_apple_is_already_selling_a_netbook/ Our esteemed Bryan Chaffin, TMO's Executive Vice President, and I have been in agreement for a long time that Apple would eventually release a product we like to call an "iPod super touch." (iPST) However lately, I have surmised that Apple will also do a netbook Apple's way and that the iPST will come later. Here's my rebuttal to this morning's "Back Page" by Mr. Chaffin. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 29 May 2009 12:40:16 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_netbook_makes_more_sense_than_itablet_--_for_now/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_netbook_makes_more_sense_than_itablet_--_for_now/ There is a known market for notebook computers, and that market had been soaring until the economy went bonkers. There is a known and growing market for netbooks, and Apple can, if it wishes, carve out a piece of that market as well. But what is the market for an iTablet?  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 28 May 2009 09:59:35 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_has_the_obligation_to_approve_iphone_apps/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_has_the_obligation_to_approve_iphone_apps/ Whether developers or customers like it or not, Apple has the obligation and the right to develop standards and approve iPhone applications. There are cultural and legal reasons for doing so.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 15 May 2009 12:50:30 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_finally_finds_its_good_for_them_ad_formula/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_finally_finds_its_good_for_them_ad_formula/ Like them or hate them, Microsoft's new "Find a Laptop, Keep a Laptop" commercials are drawing plenty of attention. Your Mac Life's Shawn King thinks Microsoft finally found the right way to get its message out. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 06 May 2009 08:45:29 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tweeters_come_and_go_but_the_channels_endure/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tweeters_come_and_go_but_the_channels_endure/ Data from Nielsen Online Research is showing that about 60 percent of new Twitter users stop using the service a month after joining. I believe that has something to do with false expectations for Twitter, however, the technology actually has so much to offer.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:50:42 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsofts_lurch_down_the_windows_7_rabbit_hole/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsofts_lurch_down_the_windows_7_rabbit_hole/ As Apple customers, we are in awe of Apple's migration from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X. While the technical details remain for true OS geeks, we know that Apple used vision, focus, technology and determination to make the urgent, much needed change to UNIX. Belatedly, Microsoft, in fact, is trying to do a similar thing right now with Windows 7 and "XP Mode," but in a much more haphazard fashion. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:04:59 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/making_sense_of_apple_and_verizon/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/making_sense_of_apple_and_verizon/ There have been reports of Apple and Verizon talking about a possible new Apple product. AT&T desperately wants to keep the iPhone for itself as an exclusive, but Apple is thinking 3G and Verizon may not be. Here's a way to make sense of it all.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:45:03 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/podcast/apples_march_quarter_netbooks_a_billion_apps_baby_shaker/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/podcast/apples_march_quarter_netbooks_a_billion_apps_baby_shaker/ Vern and Bryan discuss Apple's record non-holiday quarter, the company's hints about its netbook plans, and how it only took less nine months to download more than one billion apps, though one of those apps, Baby Shaker, caused Apple to issue an apology. And let's not forget the Apple Lawsuit Express, which handed down a guilty verdict and a 19 million dollar judgement against the company. Podcasts, Apple Context Machine Podcast, Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis, Reports, Conferences, Mac OS, Apple Stock Watch, iPhone Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:37:03 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/on_apple_and_java_and_oracle/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/on_apple_and_java_and_oracle/ Oracle's acquisition of Sun, when final, is raising the specter of the impact on Apple. In fact, Oracle will be hard pressed to doctor Java for its own purposes with IBM, SAP and the open source community watching closely.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:00:02 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_captain_is_on_the_bridge/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_captain_is_on_the_bridge/ Yesterday's earnings report reminded us of some fundamentals about Apple that reflect objective reality. While an increase in U.S. unemployment from 4 to 8.5 percent has dire domino effects in general, it doesn't impact Apple in the same way. A good understanding of that leads to better Apple product predictions.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:31 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/details_of_intels_new_nehalem_cpu_in_the_mac_pro/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/details_of_intels_new_nehalem_cpu_in_the_mac_pro/ Apple has chosen the Intel Xeon 5500 and 3500 series CPU (code named "Nehalem") for its newest generation Mac Pro. These CPUs use a revolutionary new architecture that paves the way for processors of the future and provide the new Mac Pros from early 2009 a hefty computational punch.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:15:46 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_value_of_twitter_for_the_technical_professional/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_value_of_twitter_for_the_technical_professional/ Some highly technical people have a hard time getting their heads around Twitter. At first, Twitter seems like a demand to be entertaining or a social networking phenomenon. These notions don't seem compelling for technical professionals. In fact, Twitter is a powerful tool when used correctly by technical people. All that's necessary is a subtle shift in viewpoint. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:00:49 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/proposal_for_apple_get_a_mac_ad_to_counter_microsoft/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/proposal_for_apple_get_a_mac_ad_to_counter_microsoft/ We're all familiar with Apple's terrific and famous "Get a Mac" TV ads starring Justin Long and John Hodgman. Here's my proposal for an ad to counter Microsoft's new PC buying campaign.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:33:09 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_view_whats_hot_and_whats_not_at_apple/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_view_whats_hot_and_whats_not_at_apple/ Wednesday's Hidden Dimensions column mentioned some observations, maybe not iron clad indicators of Apple's direction, but enough to get a healthy discussion going. It would be crazy to suggest that Apple is losing interest in classic computing vs the sex appeal of the iPhone. Sorting it out isn't easy.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:00:39 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_to_know_about_new_mac_pro/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_to_know_about_new_mac_pro/ Like many Apple customers who bought a Power Mac G5, dual processor, back in 2003 or 2004, mine is finally reaching the end of its lifetime. In my study of the new Mac Pro, I've discovered some interesting things that I want to share. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Analysis Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:45:43 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_better_off_without_jobs/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_better_off_without_jobs/ Will Steve Jobs come back to Apple as scheduled this summer? Maybe. But I would submit that he shouldn't. I'll say it again: Steve Jobs should not come back as Chief Executive Officer of Apple.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:48:53 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_500_buys_a_mac_customer_leverage/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_500_buys_a_mac_customer_leverage/ The technical and business community is replete with stories about how just a little bit more skill generates an enormous amount of leverage. Here are some examples that explain why Mac customers are all too happy to pay a little more for their computers. Columns and Opinions, Opinion Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:30:10 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/will_twitter_kill_e-mail/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/will_twitter_kill_e-mail/ The emergence of Twitter has everyone talking. And, of course, talk is cheap unless one makes a strong point. These days, I see a lot of talk about e-mail dying, supplanted by Twitter. Here's why it isn't going to happen.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:34:51 -0400