Last week's column concerning how Apple should best meet the needs of the masses has prompted lots of feedback both through the comments section at the end of that column and from letters I have received this week. I am going to revisit Observers' thoughts on the subject. I am also following up on my pledge last week to figure out how to listen to the radio on my Mac.

Further Comments on Last Week's Column

Last week I printed an essay by Scott Hanks. Scott was proposing that Apple should market target-specific iMacs such as one set up for gaming, another for media users, etc. Some people agreed with Scott completely, others were much more cautious. Of course, those reading the essay were probably already Mac users so we really don't have feedback from non users to whom this concept would probably be marketed.

The following is a portion of the letter sent by Maury Bousson.

Such a strategy would focus for the consumer how the computer could be used to accomplish tasks of interest to them. Perhaps the new dMac could control various video inputs and introduce some TiVo like functions. Perhaps even make the Macintosh environment an additional channel so the viewer can pause one task like viewing a TV show, to check out an Internet site or compose an e-mail or order pizza.

Observer Leland Tarnay, a grad student in Nevada also likes the concept. Leland wrote:

I liked the article about refocusing Macs toward their function. In biological or any other type of machine, structure (i.e. looks, megahertz) should always reflect function. I would buy a media Mac, if it were available and I had a real job...

I didn't get any letters disagreeing with Scott, but the following, from Observer TW was posted in the comments section and it is fairly reflective of other comments received on the subject.

I don't think it's such a good idea to segment the iMac line based on certain types of functions, e.g. music, video, etc. The problem is that each area would too narrowly define the machine, limiting its appeal.

I do agree, however, with the contention that Apple should package and market the Mac based on the idea of "solutions," i.e. how the computer can make someone's life simpler, richer, more efficient, more fun, etc. This is mostly a software issue and Apple has gotten a good start by including things like iMovie and iTunes with the Mac. But more could be done.

You can access the rest of TW's thoughts in the Comments from that column.

Listening To The Radio Via My Computer

Turns out that setting up the ability to listen to the radio actually isn't very hard. Even better, it is free. I am fairly sure that there are options available that I haven't figured out yet, but I did achieve my primary goal.

I first went to the web site of my local NPR station to see what, if any, tips they might offer. Besides the fact that I like that station, I figured that there might be instructions because they are always encouraging listeners to tune in through the Internet. Sure enough, I found a link to RealPlayer 8 Basic. This free application allows both Mac and PC users to access music, news, and radio. Mac systems requirements are:

PowerPC 604 processor (200 MHz or faster)

Mac OS 8.1 or later

32 MB RAM and 64 MB virtual memory.

28.8Kbps modem (supports audio only)

Internet connection and web browser (Internet Explorer 4.01 or later or Netscape 4.05 or later)

Audio and video performance will increase if your computer meets or exceeds the following:

PowerPC G3 processor (233 MHz or faster)

Mac OS 8.5 or later

64 MB RAM and 128 MB virtual memory

56Kbps or faster modem

Internet connection and web browser (Internet Explorer 4.01 later or Netscape 4.05 or later).

The application downloaded quickly. There is an excellent on-line users manual available, containing numerous graphics that should help any user. The information is copyrighted so I can't reproduce any of the graphics here.

Once I clicked and opened RealPlayer 8 Basic, I found Radio as one of the pull-down menus on the Tool Bar. From that menu I choose "Find Stations". Once it opened I was given the opportunity to select the station or stations that I wanted by either putting in a city and state, or putting in the call letters. Then I was given the opportunity to save the station as "My Favorites". Once I did that I was set. The next time I opened RealPlayer it automatically opened to my radio station of choice and begin broadcasting. In that same window I had the option of choosing ABC news or setting any other news channels up. When I switched to the news I was able to see news clips (video's) on whatever news was considered hot topics. I also had access to CNN, stock quotes, etc.

Granted, this little foray has really been quite timid. However, I found what I wanted and made it work so I am happy about it. Maybe later I will explore more.

If you have any questions, comments, or tips, let me know and I may include them in a future column.