Everyone has a complaint about Apple. The company is too closed, the products cost too much, there is no Mac between the iMac and the Mac Pro etc. Endless articles have been written about any particular Apple failure but no one ever seems to challenge… ]]> 2008-10-07T08:27:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-7-1983-mac-introduction-plan-finalized/ The creators of the Mac weren't only obsessed with making a revolutionary computer, they were obsessed with commercial success as well.

The Mac Introduction Plan covered a wide variety of topics, everything from the packaging to responses to IBM attacks, and was remarkably prescient in… ]]> 2008-10-07T07:32:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/mac-basics-keeping-track-of-flagged-emails/ Flagging emails in Mail for later action is all well an good, but it's also easy to lose track of them as they disapear from view. You could always setup a smart mailbox that shows all your flagged mail, but there is a better way that more experienced Mac users… Flagging emails in Mail for later action is all well an good, but it's also easy to lose track of them as they disapear from view. You could always setup a smart mailbox that shows all your flagged mail, but there is a better way that more… ]]> 2008-10-07T00:44:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/random-assortment-of-cool-links/ What with the election looming nearer I thought I would throw up some political links I liked: Defective Yeti - breaks down the Republican convention Occam's Haircut - removes BS from McCain's speech, is left with surprsingly little Big Contrarian - very good read about Jon Stewart… What with the election looming nearer I thought I would throw up some political links I liked:

Defective Yeti - breaks down the Republican convention

Occam's Haircut - removes BS from McCain's speech, is left with surprsingly little

Big Contrarian - very good read… ]]> 2008-10-06T01:56:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apples-plunging-value/ Apple shareholders sure have taken a beating lately. In fact, things look pretty grim. I dare say that short of Steve Jobs getting caught with 3 dead hookers in his trunk, there isn't much else that could drop their stock price any lower. To give you some perspective, Apple stock… Apple shareholders sure have taken a beating lately. In fact, things look pretty grim. I dare say that short of Steve Jobs getting caught with 3 dead hookers in his trunk, there isn't much else that could drop their stock price any lower. To give you some… ]]> 2008-10-06T00:58:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-3-1979-what-should-a-mac-do/ When Jef Raskin first conceived of the Mac he envisioned a low cost computer. After a cost investigation revealed that there was no way Apple could produce the Mac and sell it at Jef's target price of $500 it was clear the concept would have to be… ]]> 2008-10-03T07:13:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apples-iweb-multimedia-computer/ Recently, as we all know by now, Apple held yet another special event to showcase yet another upgrade in its revolutionary line of iPods and iPhones. Most of us either viewed and/or read about the contents of the event without yawning or falling asleep. I for one wrote about Opinions Recently, as we all know by now, Apple held yet another special event to showcase yet another upgrade in its revolutionary line of iPods and iPhones. Most of us either viewed and/or read about the contents of the event without yawning or falling asleep. I for one… ]]> 2008-10-03T07:08:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apple-tv-the-do-it-all-machine/ There are rumors of an Apple TV update/replacement. Why change something so perfect, so completely awesome as the Apple TV? Really, it does boggle the mind. What's that you say? You've checked into it and the Apple TV doesn't do anything you… Reviews

There are rumors of an Apple TV update/replacement. Why change something so perfect, so completely awesome as the Apple TV? Really, it does boggle the mind. What's that you say? You've checked into it and the Apple TV doesn't… ]]> 2008-10-02T10:28:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/iphone-devs-dont-bite-the-apple-that-feeds-you/ In the last couple of months there's been much indignation about Apple not approving some iPhone apps, in particular, Podcaster and MailWrangler. But when you really think about it, they never stood a chance, because both threatened Apple's revenue. This doesn't make it right or sensible that… Opinions In the last couple of months there's been much indignation about Apple not approving some iPhone apps, in particular, Podcaster and MailWrangler. But when you really think about it, they never stood a chance, because both threatened Apple's revenue.

This doesn't make it right… ]]> 2008-10-01T08:37:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/dont-be-fooled-it-isnt-a-walled-garden-its-a-prison/ Ok, here it is: Apple shuts the door on the sale of unauthorized iPhone applications. This story bothered me quite a bit when I first read it and the more I think about it, the more it bothers me. The gist of Apple's argument for regulating the App… Opinions Ok, here it is: Apple shuts the door on the sale of unauthorized iPhone applications. This story bothered me quite a bit when I first read it and the more I think about it, the more it bothers me. The gist of Apple's argument for… ]]> 2008-09-29T05:40:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-26-1990-jean-louis-gassee-leaves-apple/ When Steve Jobs was forced out of Apple, the individual who assumed the lion's share of his responsibilities and power was Jean-Louis Gassee. Smart, blessed with a biting sense of humor and a penchant for leather pants, Gassee was as close to a replacement for Steve Jobs… ]]> 2008-09-26T07:41:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/eye-fi-inc-photo-uploading-wirelessly/ In their press release a few days ago, Eye-Fi Inc. announced an upgrade to their popular memory cards for digital cameras.  Because I take a few or more photos on a daily basis, and I've always wanted a way to wirelessly upload my images without the hassle of making a… Opinions In their press release a few days ago, Eye-Fi Inc. announced an upgrade to their popular memory cards for digital cameras. 

Because I take a few or more photos on a daily basis, and I've always wanted a way to wirelessly upload my images without the hassle… ]]> 2008-09-26T06:29:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-25-lisas-head-to-the-landfill/ The Lisa was an ambitious computer. Featuring the first GUI, mouse and integrated suite of programs aimed for mass distribution, the machine was in many ways ahead of its time.

As forward looking as the Lisa was, it also had some fundamental shortcomings. There were very… ]]> 2008-09-25T08:18:01-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/why-rejecting-apps-just-doesnt-matter/ As you've probably heard by now Apple has rejected another application from the App store for duplicating functionality. This time it is a gmail focused application and just like Podcaster the program isn't a copy of the built in stuff, it adds extra functionality. People are… Opinions

As you've probably heard by now Apple has rejected another application from the App store for duplicating functionality. This time it is a gmail focused application and just like Podcaster the program isn't a copy of the built in stuff, it adds extra functionality.

Apple's iPhone backup DOES backup and restore third party data.

The content of this piece is misleading, and as Sammich suggests, FUD.

My apologies to Apple and to any developers or users I might have freaked… ]]> 2008-09-23T09:54:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-22-2005-apple-replaces-cracked-nanos/ The introduction of the iPod nano was greeted with oohs and ahs by both users and marketers. Unfortunately, when the nanos made it into people's hands the complaining started.

The nano, many felt, scratched too easily and even more worrisome, it was prone to screen… ]]> 2008-09-22T09:21:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-devil-gives-sleigh-rides-or-i-think-im-feeling-bad-for-microsoft/ I can't believe I'm typing this but . . . I am starting to feel embarrassed for Microsoft. The hatred has begun to fade, the comtempt is wanning and the awkward chagrin has move in and started putting up drapes. Their latest advertising attempt, campagin, thing, whatever is just sad.… Opinions I can't believe I'm typing this but . . . I am starting to feel embarrassed for Microsoft. The hatred has begun to fade, the comtempt is wanning and the awkward chagrin has move in and started putting up drapes. Their latest advertising attempt, campagin, thing, whatever… ]]> 2008-09-22T08:12:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-19-1994-apple-announces-clones-are-coming/ Apple, under the leadership of John Sculley, had rejected the notion of clones more than once. The reasons were varied: either the clone was too late, there was little upside, or there wasn't a clear thing to license.

In retrospect, Apple did miss any window… ]]> 2008-09-19T10:57:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/from-textedit-to-google-docs-5-reasons-why-google-docs-is-better/ I don't know about other Mac users, but I've mainly used Apple's TextEdit for all my basic word processing needs. I have Pages installed and use it for more advanced layout requirements, but for the most part I dread opening the larger of the two applications. And though I don't… Reviews I don't know about other Mac users, but I've mainly used Apple's TextEdit for all my basic word processing needs. I have Pages installed and use it for more advanced layout requirements, but for the most part I dread opening the larger of the two applications. And… ]]> 2008-09-19T08:43:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/will-the-iphone-be-all-things-to-everyone/ Predicting the future is a tricky business. Still, if you're bent on doing it you could do worse than by picking today's trends as a starting point. What trends do we see right now? Opinions Predicting the future is a tricky business. Still, if you're bent on doing it you could do worse than by picking today's trends as a starting point. What trends do we see right now?

 ~ Occam's Razor

"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."
 ~ Heinlein's Razor

If you haven't heard, Apple has decided to remove Podcaster from the App Store. This application now has… ]]> 2008-09-15T08:30:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/is-apple-prepared-to-be-middle-of-the-pack-with-the-iphone/ Pre iPhone Apple was a company that either dominated the market or found its products only in tiny niches. The iPod, iTunes, Final Cut Pro were all… Opinions

Pre iPhone Apple was a company that either dominated the market or found its products only in tiny niches. The iPod, iTunes, Final Cut… ]]> 2008-09-11T07:29:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-app-store-is-changing-our-expectations-on-application-pricing/ Well, by the time you read this we could all be zapped down to our individual atoms and scattered throughout some other -- maybe new -- universe. Or maybe we'll discover that things sucked into a black hole actually come out totally fine on the other side, but in another… Opinions Well, by the time you read this we could all be zapped down to our individual atoms and scattered throughout some other -- maybe new -- universe. Or maybe we'll discover that things sucked into a black hole actually come out totally fine on the other side,… ]]> 2008-09-10T10:22:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/an-in-depth-look-at-itunes-genius/ I've admitted before and I'll admit again, iTunes rekindled my love for music. Or at least it made me start buying music again. Unlike some of you young-bucks out there, I'm from the classic vinal/.45/8-track/mini-cassette/CD generation. Except for CDs, I think my kids wouldn't know what to do… Reviews I've admitted before and I'll admit again, iTunes rekindled my love for music. Or at least it made me start buying music again. Unlike some of you young-bucks out there, I'm from the classic vinal/.45/8-track/mini-cassette/CD generation. Except for CDs, I think my kids wouldn't know… ]]> 2008-09-10T07:39:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-apple-matters-interview-josh-rizzo/ All of us here at Apple Matters, writers and readers, share a passion for all things Apple. It is was makes us collect old Macs, read books about Steve and Steve working in a garage, and obsess over what will come next from the great halls of Cupertino. There are… Interviews All of us here at Apple Matters, writers and readers, share a passion for all things Apple. It is was makes us collect old Macs, read books about Steve and Steve working in a garage, and obsess over what will come next from the great halls of… ]]> 2008-09-09T10:23:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-app-store-mania-is-catching/ In spite of all the flaws with the App Store (both real and perceived), I think the concept is brilliant and the execution very well done. In fact, my biggest gripe with it is that it only works with the iPhone; I want this in OS X too. I want… Opinions In spite of all the flaws with the App Store (both real and perceived), I think the concept is brilliant and the execution very well done. In fact, my biggest gripe with it is that it only works with the iPhone; I want this in OS X… ]]> 2008-09-08T11:00:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/lets-rock-nine-rumors-for-9-september/ For Apple, secrecy—the holy ingredient in whatever they do, the mantra and obsession of Steve Jobs, a trait that is embedded in Apple’s DNA—is becoming as elusive as the golden snitch, if you’ll excuse the Harry Potter reference, these days. From the MacBook Air to the… Opinions For Apple, secrecy—the holy ingredient in whatever they do, the mantra and obsession of Steve Jobs, a trait that is embedded in Apple’s DNA—is becoming as elusive as the golden snitch, if you’ll excuse the Harry Potter reference, these days. From the MacBook… ]]> 2008-09-07T19:10:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/5-ways-to-take-mobileme-to-the-next-level/ I've been a .mac/MobileMe member for the last five years. I use the service because it's an easy way to maintain my business website, upload business and family related photos, and back-up personal data. But if I really wanted to, I could manage to get all these services for a… Opinions I've been a .mac/MobileMe member for the last five years. I use the service because it's an easy way to maintain my business website, upload business and family related photos, and back-up personal data. But if I really wanted to, I could manage to get all these… ]]> 2008-09-05T10:58:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-5-2002-second-series-of-switch-ads-announced/ The first series of switch ads was Apple's big push back into public consciousness. The ads featured actual Mac users explaining why they switched from the PC to the Mac.

The first series of ads were memorable and well received in general so Apple had another… ]]> 2008-09-05T07:10:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/no-low-end-in-apples-future-thanks-google-chrome/ If there is one consistent article Apple fans and watchers write it is the one outlining what Apple can do to grab a bigger slice of the computing pie. The reason these articles get written with such regularity is twofold. First off, the people… Opinions

If there is one consistent article Apple fans and watchers write it is the one outlining what Apple can do to grab a bigger slice of the computing pie. The reason these articles get written with such regularity is twofold. First… ]]> 2008-09-04T11:41:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/iphone-a-great-computer/ Last week, when referring to the iPhone, I said I'd bought a new computer. I still feel that way too. The iPhone is an extension of my Mac, a subset of it. I am finding myself quite happy to use it even when a computer is at hand. Opinions Last week, when referring to the iPhone, I said I'd bought a new computer. I still feel that way too. The iPhone is an extension of my Mac, a subset of it. I am finding myself quite happy to use it even when a computer is at… ]]> 2008-09-03T11:00:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/september-2-1997-clone-era-ends/ During the clone era at Apple the company received a flat rate of $50 for each Mac compatible sold. An enviable sum for doing little more than providing a copy of the operating system but, in a classic example of opportunity cost[h1], one that CFO Fred Anderson… ]]> 2008-09-02T12:18:00-05:00