Some newer developments around Apple got me thinking.
I’ll be honest. I like Windows in all its ugly forms. The security issues don’t bother me. The complexity doesn’t bother me. Even its innate ugliness doesn’t bother me.
They don’t bother me because the install base for Windows is so huge, and the available library of open source (or otherwise) software is so large, is that I can often find ways around those issues. In fact, the huge library of open-source-ness of it all is the most appealing thing about it. People are creating solutions to stuff all the time, and sometimes its cool. Quite frankly its the reason why I like Firefox, Wordpress and, say for example, the Xbox Media Center.
They all have huge populations of users and developers behind it to create awesome stuff, whether they be plugins, themes or what not.
Which is why I’m kind of excited about Apple, now.
Apple TV was announced some months ago, which is, at its core, a media extender. Yes, “whoopee” indeed … media extenders have existed in some clumsy form or another for quite a few years, allowing you to play stuff from your PC on your TV.
What’s kind of exciting is how the hacker community has started dissecting the AppleTV, and what’s more, Apple has given them their tacit blessing. That is to say, they haven’t unleashed their legal hounds … *yet*. And quite frankly, I think this is awesome.
This has led to folks posting instructions on hacking the AppleTV so that its a low cost Mac (not for the faint of heart, I think). But its also led to hacking the AppleTV so that its media extending capabilities get really … em, extended! From wider codec support to a better hard drive, its almost giving the Xbox Media Center a run for its money.
I’m not sure if this signals a wider change in philosophy on Apple’s behalf (and with Steve Job’s pioneering efforts towards a DRM-less world, one does wonder), but if it does, it is really exciting. The form factor of Apple + swiss army knife-ness of the open source community == awesome new tools. Is it pure fantasy to believe that they’ll adopt the same attitude with the iPhone? their next generation iPod?
Well, here’s one Microsoftie which secretly hopes they will.
10 Comments
Yes, the AppleTV has piqued my interest as well. I was turned off by its out-of-the-box limitations at first. Now that I see there are many hacks out there for it (and growing). I even hear that Joost can run on it. Thanks for the token, btw!
As soon as my hacked Tivo dies out, I’m going to get me one of those.
That is good news. It would be a big change from the perception I have of Apple now. Wasn’t it just a few months ago they were threatening bloggers?
I bought a new laptop about 6 months ago and considered strongly buying an Apple product. Ultimately I bought a PC. But if the problems with Vista continue I may go with Apple on my next big desktop purchase.
Thanks for the info Tony.
Marlo … you’re welcome. Let me know how the AppleTV goes if your Tivo dies ;)
t
Roy,
Yep … Apple doesn’t hesitate to unleash their lawyers on anyone, bloggers included — particularly over information they feel is proprietary.
Apple’s made some big strides, including its support for Bootcamp. My brother bought a macbook some time ago, which is a perfect fit for what he needs to do, and Bootcamp is pretty flawless with Office apps.
Cheers
t @ dji
Tony – I definitely agree. I have always been a Windows user because I like to be able to dig in and control stuff on my computer, not to mention all thats out there for it. Vista has been disappointing for me, and I’m trying to send my new laptop back and exchange for a MacBook Pro. You’re right that AppleTV-hackability and the DRM-dropping movement seem to indicate a change stance at Apple. I also really am encouraged by the intel based macs ability to run Windows (if you need it) via Parallels. – Great stuff, you’ve got me leaning even more.
- Cheers, Chris
Sure, a hacked AppleTV may eventually do more than a Windows Media Center ….but the real question is, off the shelf who wins? 99% of “regular users” will never hack an AppleTV to get all of these wonderful features, and therefore the Windows Media Center still destroys the AppleTV if nothing else then in terms of out of the box experience.
xxdesmus — first of all, the title of the piece is why *I* am excited about Apple. Second of all, I wasn’t commenting on who would win the race over all; I agree that its hard to wrestle with Window’s dominance. I was merely commenting on how opening things up to hackers makes for some good times, and improved flexibility on many fronts.
t @ dji
@Tony
I wasn’t attacking you, or your opinion. I was just stating that the comparison isn’t fair for “normal” users, but I do agree that in terms of “hackability” the AppleTV is clearly far superior in that department for right now. I understand that you were just talking about your individual opinion, but I was just trying to extrapolate a bit to the larger population…that’s all.
I’m never going to get AppleTV.
I looked at the article more on the corporate attitude of Apple. Saying that I went an looked at desktops last night. Very expensive for what I would want.
I have a stupid question I’m sure someone knows the answer to. Can you you any LCD monitor with a Mac?
Roy wrote: “But if the problems with Vista continue I may go with Apple on my next big desktop purchase.”
You might want to read this, then:
http://tinyurl.com/ytt9pn
You can use almost any LCD monitor (preferably DVI) on a current model Mac, including the “entry-level” Mac mini.
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