I'll remember this the next time I'm in a jury and the prosecution wants to "send a message" to some corporation that "this sort of behavior" will not be tolerated.
IOW, the same tool is used on both sides of the fence...
Of course, the flip side is that Anonymous Cowards hide behind their anonymity, and the collective beliefs may be little more than just that. Beliefs. Not facts.
Anyone who tries to tell the collective that the earth is indeed round is immediately deemed a troll, shill, or astroturfer. Cite a source, and the collective will immediately dismiss facts contrary to their belief system as "biased," if not an outright lie.
Article to the contrary, there's evidence that the Internet can lead to people becoming even more insular. Open-source fanboys hang out around open-source sites. Right-wingers hand out on right-wing sites.
The left forms it's own cliques, and each group passes around stories and news and opinions and biases, all serving to reinforce their personal viewpoints until they're practically set in concrete, the "rightness" of their conclusions unassailable.
With him, there will always be someone else responsible for his problems. Always someone else keeping him down. Always someone else "stealing" "his" money. Always someone else....
How about this? A group of people invest their own time and money and make a product, and offer it for sale..
You examine the product AFTER it's been completed, read the reviews and comments, and as such make an informed decision to buy it at the price asked. Price too high? You don't buy it. If too many people don't buy it, they go out of business and lose their investment. You lose nothing.
Buy it, get it home and find out it's a stinker, you never buy from them again.
Buy it and you're happy, and maybe you'll buy then next one they make.
With many, many, many sources for reviews and opinions. With ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB and Amazon and NetFlix. With today's social networks...
With all of that, and you STILL spend time and money watching a piece of crap...
A million copies at a buck a pop of a two hundred million dollar movie is 0.5% of the total production cost.
The "marginal cost of production" has little to no bearing on the total cost of product creation. Keeping a couple of thousand developers and testers and managers working on a product like Adobe Creative Suite is NOT cheap. And that's not even counting the required infrastructure.
If those costs are not met, then there is no product.
There are plenty of programs available for individuals that are priced "reasonably." Or that's even free.
Unfortunately, people then turn around and demand professional-grade applications like Photoshop or InDesign or AutoCad to be priced "reasonably." Or, at least, at a price that THEY consider to be reasonable.
They then turn around and pirate Photoshop, rationalizing that it's justified due to its "unreasonable" price.
Of course, since they pirated Photoshop just to tweak a few photos they never bought any of the other aforementioned reasonably priced software, which means that the people making it often give up and disappear... leading to a lack of reasonably priced software...
Oh, and just to be fair, any Windows box pricing had better include the upgrade price for Windows "Ultimate" Edition, as every OSX box ships with the one and only full version of OSX.
You might add in the required annual Anti-Virus subscription too...
(Sorry for the subsequent posts. Using this as the basis for an article.)
There are also the multitouch glass trackpads that are practically the envy of anyone that uses one.
And then there's the non-so-minor issue about using a machine that's not plastered with cheap Intel-Inside, Nvidia-Inside, and Windows-Inside stickers.
You can go down the list and simply say: Keyboard? Check. Trackpad? Check?
But the difference in HOW they're made is the difference between a machine that works and is a joy to use, and a computer that's little more than an exercise in frustration.
And that's a "spec" usually not listed on the chart...
"You ripped off anyone you sold a used product too at the retail price..."
At the time, other people were selling $600 used iPads for $800 and $1,000 and more. I also take very good care of my toys. The iPad was immaculate. I decided to offer it for the $600 I paid for it and drop the price if need be after a day. Wasn't listed for more than an hour. The buyer was ecstatic, and gave me a great review.
With a happy buyer and seller, who was "ripped off" again?
"Just to pick apart you[r] [sic] Amazon example... Furthermore they're a lot more than $199-299 subsidized through a carrier, that's just what you pay up front."
You buy a cell phone subsidized, you pay a contract. You buy it unsubsidized, you pay the same rates. So my "up front" cash paid, over and above the contract, was $299. Sold for $200, again, immaculate, after one year. (That one was to Gazelle.)
Regardless, I've sold enough Apple gear, and Dell gear, and HP gear, to know that the Apple gear has consistently higher resale value. (Actually, there have been a few Dells and HPs I had to give away. No buyers.)
"As with everything were the bast majority of the price differences are locked up in intangibles ... when most people say they're overpriced they're talking spec for spec since that's what those people tend to care about."
Spec for spec? Intangible? Apple offers DisplayPort and FW and Thunderbolt. Apple uses precision milled CNC computer bodies when most everyone else uses metal frames covered in plastic. Apple uses custom motherboards when nearly everyone else uses the cheapest possible reference design.
Apple uses custom ASICs and controllers and higher quality caps and other parts. Apple was the among the first to standardize on IPS-based screens. Apple uses better fans and better thermal design (Steve was a bit of a nut on this) so that their computers run quietly, if not silently.
Apple was one of the first to use custom-formed and sized LiPo batteries and custom controllers to maximize battery life and increase the number of recharge cycles.
Then there's MagSafe, custom power supplies, illuminated keyboards, magnetic latches, ambient light level sensors, HD cams, and more.
All of those things add up, and all of those things are why Apple notebooks are consistently rated at the top of their class, are consistently rated as the most reliable, and are consistently at the top of practically every consumer satisfaction survey.
Spec for spec? All because two different computers use the same Intel chip?That's a laugh.
So... 18 months behind plus 18 months procurement... that's 36 months, or 2 years.
So a three year old computer can't access the current, modern internet, as it exists today? No Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, eBay, Wikipedia, or TechDirt? Can't download the current version of Firefox or Chrome?
Sorry, but I think the article is focusing on the wrong issue. It's not how fast or how many cores are sitting on your desk. And it's not if it's owner totally understands technology and the internet.
It's not that our public "servants" don't understand... it's that too many lobbyists and corporations are paying them to do their bidding, and not ours.
Lamar Smith may or may not understand the internet. But you can be sure that he completely and totally understands who's making his campaign contributions...
Since the vast majority of Apple's "desktops" sold are all-in-one iMacs, let's take a look: The base model 21" i5 at $1199 is "comparable" with a HP Omni 220xt series at $950 once you upgrade a few specs (i5, graphics). However it still lacks a metal enclosure (HP sports metal "trim"), a HD webcam, FW/800, Thunderbolt, and optical audio in/out. Apple is missing Bluray. Still, pretty close.
You ignore the Air/Ultrabook comparison, insisting that it's "false", though everyone from Dell to Samsung are dropping the netbooks everyone stopped buying in order to jump on the Air bandwagon. (And went to Intel trying to get processor price drops so they could "compete".)
And the UX31E retails at $1099 vs $1299, a difference of about 15%. Build quality? Everyone to a T complains about the keyboard and trackpad. The Acer's build quality? Let's just say that I think you need to read a few reviews about that one.
And just a hint: Ultrabooks are not "overpriced" to those who do in fact value aesthetics and portability. (I have a MBP, not an Air.) Some people value fine tools. Others don't mind if they're toting cheap plastic bricks, as long as they work. To each their own.
Phones? You agreed. iPad? You ignored.
As to reselling, nope, everything was new when I bought them. And in fact I probably could have sold the iPad for more than I paid for it, but I decided not to rip people off. Being smart about what you buy also means being smart about when to buy, and when to sell.
And just to pick apart your 3GS example, they're selling on Amazon, used, for about $200 in good condition. If you bought one subsidized through your carrier, as most people do, you probably paid $199-$299. $199-$200=??? 'Nuff said.
Still, I think this puts the lie to first comment. In some cases Apple may still be the premium product, but they're far from being "vastly" overpriced, and the more you move from the computer space to the consumer space, the more competitive they get.
This, again? No the problem is that hardly anyone else out there can beat Apple's prices with a comparable product.
How much is an unlocked tier one Android smartphone vs an unlocked iPhone? How much is the subsidized price? Why is it that all of the manufacturers who are making "ultrabooks" are in the same price range -- if not more expensive -- than the Air?
Why is it that anyone that wants to undercut Apple's over-priced iPad is forced to use smaller screens, smaller batteries, and cheaper components?
Sorry. Build to the same quality level as Apple, and your retail price will be just as high... if not higher.
"...buy something cheaper that does what you want. when it needs upgrading..."
False economy. Apple devices have much, much higher resale values than do ones from Dell, HP, HTC, or anyone else.
It's rare if I can't sell my old Apple whatsit for 50% of what I paid for it, and then put that money down on a new one. In fact, I sold my iPad 1 and my last two iPhones for the same price I paid for them, making each upgrade... let's see, subtract, carry the one... right.
Simply? No. You don't just built a plant somewhere. You need a workforce that can build the plant itself. You need a workforce you can train. You need materials. You need power. You need roads and ports and infrastructure.
Nor do you "simply" abandon a three-year-old billion-dollar electronics fab or assembly plant.
Besides, the standard of living is rising in China, Thailand, India, the Philippines... where are you going to go?
Everything? I mean, it's not going to happen but.. what are you smoking? How would not having having millions of additional jobs in manufacturing and mills, producing electronics, automobiles, appliances, textiles, clothing, and everything else NOT help the economy?
That's millions of additional workers buying homes and cars and food and clothing and appliances. Not to mention paying taxes.
Henry Ford got one thing right when he insisted that his workers be paid a living wage. Why? Because he wanted them to be able to afford to buy his cars.
US corporations shifting millions of jobs overseas was a brilliant short-term success... right up to the point where it left those people out of work and as such, unable to buy their products.
On the post: How Does The Penalty For 'Content Theft' Match Up With Similar 'Crimes'?
Re: Re: Re: Re:
IOW, the same tool is used on both sides of the fence...
On the post: SOPA Strikedown Aftermath: Old Media Cannot Tell The Narrative Of One Million People
Re: Re:
Anyone who tries to tell the collective that the earth is indeed round is immediately deemed a troll, shill, or astroturfer. Cite a source, and the collective will immediately dismiss facts contrary to their belief system as "biased," if not an outright lie.
Article to the contrary, there's evidence that the Internet can lead to people becoming even more insular. Open-source fanboys hang out around open-source sites. Right-wingers hand out on right-wing sites.
The left forms it's own cliques, and each group passes around stories and news and opinions and biases, all serving to reinforce their personal viewpoints until they're practically set in concrete, the "rightness" of their conclusions unassailable.
There is not "a" collective. There are many.
On the post: Do The Differences Between Software Piracy And Media Piracy Matter?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: confused approach
With him, there will always be someone else responsible for his problems. Always someone else keeping him down. Always someone else "stealing" "his" money. Always someone else....
On the post: Do The Differences Between Software Piracy And Media Piracy Matter?
Re: Re:
You examine the product AFTER it's been completed, read the reviews and comments, and as such make an informed decision to buy it at the price asked. Price too high? You don't buy it. If too many people don't buy it, they go out of business and lose their investment. You lose nothing.
Buy it, get it home and find out it's a stinker, you never buy from them again.
Buy it and you're happy, and maybe you'll buy then next one they make.
On the post: Do The Differences Between Software Piracy And Media Piracy Matter?
Re: Re:
With all of that, and you STILL spend time and money watching a piece of crap...
You need to invoice yourself for being an idiot.
On the post: Do The Differences Between Software Piracy And Media Piracy Matter?
Re: Re:
The "marginal cost of production" has little to no bearing on the total cost of product creation. Keeping a couple of thousand developers and testers and managers working on a product like Adobe Creative Suite is NOT cheap. And that's not even counting the required infrastructure.
If those costs are not met, then there is no product.
Is that really so hard for you to understand?
On the post: Do The Differences Between Software Piracy And Media Piracy Matter?
Re: Re:
Unfortunately, people then turn around and demand professional-grade applications like Photoshop or InDesign or AutoCad to be priced "reasonably." Or, at least, at a price that THEY consider to be reasonable.
They then turn around and pirate Photoshop, rationalizing that it's justified due to its "unreasonable" price.
Of course, since they pirated Photoshop just to tweak a few photos they never bought any of the other aforementioned reasonably priced software, which means that the people making it often give up and disappear... leading to a lack of reasonably priced software...
Sigh.
On the post: Why The Government Doesn't Get Technology
Re: Re:
Wrote three, hit 2 by mistake. Drat.
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
You might add in the required annual Anti-Virus subscription too...
(Sorry for the subsequent posts. Using this as the basis for an article.)
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
And then there's the non-so-minor issue about using a machine that's not plastered with cheap Intel-Inside, Nvidia-Inside, and Windows-Inside stickers.
You can go down the list and simply say: Keyboard? Check. Trackpad? Check?
But the difference in HOW they're made is the difference between a machine that works and is a joy to use, and a computer that's little more than an exercise in frustration.
And that's a "spec" usually not listed on the chart...
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
At the time, other people were selling $600 used iPads for $800 and $1,000 and more. I also take very good care of my toys. The iPad was immaculate. I decided to offer it for the $600 I paid for it and drop the price if need be after a day. Wasn't listed for more than an hour. The buyer was ecstatic, and gave me a great review.
With a happy buyer and seller, who was "ripped off" again?
"Just to pick apart you[r] [sic] Amazon example... Furthermore they're a lot more than $199-299 subsidized through a carrier, that's just what you pay up front."
You buy a cell phone subsidized, you pay a contract. You buy it unsubsidized, you pay the same rates. So my "up front" cash paid, over and above the contract, was $299. Sold for $200, again, immaculate, after one year. (That one was to Gazelle.)
Regardless, I've sold enough Apple gear, and Dell gear, and HP gear, to know that the Apple gear has consistently higher resale value. (Actually, there have been a few Dells and HPs I had to give away. No buyers.)
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Spec for spec? Intangible? Apple offers DisplayPort and FW and Thunderbolt. Apple uses precision milled CNC computer bodies when most everyone else uses metal frames covered in plastic. Apple uses custom motherboards when nearly everyone else uses the cheapest possible reference design.
Apple uses custom ASICs and controllers and higher quality caps and other parts. Apple was the among the first to standardize on IPS-based screens. Apple uses better fans and better thermal design (Steve was a bit of a nut on this) so that their computers run quietly, if not silently.
Apple was one of the first to use custom-formed and sized LiPo batteries and custom controllers to maximize battery life and increase the number of recharge cycles.
Then there's MagSafe, custom power supplies, illuminated keyboards, magnetic latches, ambient light level sensors, HD cams, and more.
All of those things add up, and all of those things are why Apple notebooks are consistently rated at the top of their class, are consistently rated as the most reliable, and are consistently at the top of practically every consumer satisfaction survey.
Spec for spec? All because two different computers use the same Intel chip?That's a laugh.
On the post: Why The Government Doesn't Get Technology
So a three year old computer can't access the current, modern internet, as it exists today? No Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, eBay, Wikipedia, or TechDirt? Can't download the current version of Firefox or Chrome?
Sorry, but I think the article is focusing on the wrong issue. It's not how fast or how many cores are sitting on your desk. And it's not if it's owner totally understands technology and the internet.
It's not that our public "servants" don't understand... it's that too many lobbyists and corporations are paying them to do their bidding, and not ours.
Lamar Smith may or may not understand the internet. But you can be sure that he completely and totally understands who's making his campaign contributions...
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re:
'Nuf said. Puts in with the vast majority of people who are only going to use that which has been provided to them.
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re: Re: Re:
You ignore the Air/Ultrabook comparison, insisting that it's "false", though everyone from Dell to Samsung are dropping the netbooks everyone stopped buying in order to jump on the Air bandwagon. (And went to Intel trying to get processor price drops so they could "compete".)
And the UX31E retails at $1099 vs $1299, a difference of about 15%. Build quality? Everyone to a T complains about the keyboard and trackpad. The Acer's build quality? Let's just say that I think you need to read a few reviews about that one.
And just a hint: Ultrabooks are not "overpriced" to those who do in fact value aesthetics and portability. (I have a MBP, not an Air.) Some people value fine tools. Others don't mind if they're toting cheap plastic bricks, as long as they work. To each their own.
Phones? You agreed. iPad? You ignored.
As to reselling, nope, everything was new when I bought them. And in fact I probably could have sold the iPad for more than I paid for it, but I decided not to rip people off. Being smart about what you buy also means being smart about when to buy, and when to sell.
And just to pick apart your 3GS example, they're selling on Amazon, used, for about $200 in good condition. If you bought one subsidized through your carrier, as most people do, you probably paid $199-$299. $199-$200=??? 'Nuff said.
Still, I think this puts the lie to first comment. In some cases Apple may still be the premium product, but they're far from being "vastly" overpriced, and the more you move from the computer space to the consumer space, the more competitive they get.
On the post: Why Apple Will Not Be Part Of The Real Tablet Revolution
Re:
This, again? No the problem is that hardly anyone else out there can beat Apple's prices with a comparable product.
How much is an unlocked tier one Android smartphone vs an unlocked iPhone? How much is the subsidized price? Why is it that all of the manufacturers who are making "ultrabooks" are in the same price range -- if not more expensive -- than the Air?
Why is it that anyone that wants to undercut Apple's over-priced iPad is forced to use smaller screens, smaller batteries, and cheaper components?
Sorry. Build to the same quality level as Apple, and your retail price will be just as high... if not higher.
"...buy something cheaper that does what you want. when it needs upgrading..."
False economy. Apple devices have much, much higher resale values than do ones from Dell, HP, HTC, or anyone else.
It's rare if I can't sell my old Apple whatsit for 50% of what I paid for it, and then put that money down on a new one. In fact, I sold my iPad 1 and my last two iPhones for the same price I paid for them, making each upgrade... let's see, subtract, carry the one... right.
Making each upgrade FREE.
On the post: Exploring The Factories Where All Our Gadgets Are Made
Re:
Simply? No. You don't just built a plant somewhere. You need a workforce that can build the plant itself. You need a workforce you can train. You need materials. You need power. You need roads and ports and infrastructure.
Nor do you "simply" abandon a three-year-old billion-dollar electronics fab or assembly plant.
Besides, the standard of living is rising in China, Thailand, India, the Philippines... where are you going to go?
On the post: Exploring The Factories Where All Our Gadgets Are Made
Re: Re:
That's millions of additional workers buying homes and cars and food and clothing and appliances. Not to mention paying taxes.
Henry Ford got one thing right when he insisted that his workers be paid a living wage. Why? Because he wanted them to be able to afford to buy his cars.
US corporations shifting millions of jobs overseas was a brilliant short-term success... right up to the point where it left those people out of work and as such, unable to buy their products.
On the post: Exploring The Factories Where All Our Gadgets Are Made
Re: Re: Re: Re:
But by playing off the original suicides, they get a lot of press, didn't they?
On the post: Exploring The Factories Where All Our Gadgets Are Made
Re: The Miniature "Auto" assembly line
That didn't stop the president of Foxconn from announcing that they were going to install 1,000,000 robots in their factories by the end of 2003.
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