Posted by: Neal Hoskins
Date: Tuesday, September 4th, 2007, 23:51
Category: Mobile Phone

iPhone SchmiPhone
Having recently sold my iMac G5 I can now say my MacBook Pro has truly become my desktop replacement. That said, I often don’t want to lug the silver slap around town but would still like to surf, email and keep in touch with all my elife. As a Euro user iPhone is an option quite yet but I wanted to try out the mobile platform after many years of owning a simple mobile phone.
Enter the Nokia N95. This unit has been reviewed and out since March 2007 so I thought by now with firmware and software updates I would give it a go. I also need a phone that would work between two European networks from one provider so Vodafone was the carrier of choice in this case.
The N95 was released on 26 September 2006 and features a unique two-way slider. Slide it down to reveal a standard keypad, slide it up to reveal multimedia controls (play, pause, etc.)
The N95 is a Symbian-based smartphone that features integrated GPS, HSDPA, 802.11g WiFi, Bluetooth, 160GB HDD, microSD slot and a 5MP still/video camera with flash, digital zoom and a lens cover. The 2.6-inch QVGA screen and standard 3.5mm audio jack round out this mobile powerhouse. The N95 costs US$750 (€550) and is available unlocked directly from Nokia.
The phone wasn’t originally destined for the US but there was such a demand for its full-featured package Nokia sold it unlocked in the U.S. This review is based on the original international version.
Click on the headline to read more…

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Posted by: Neal Hoskins
Date: Thursday, February 8th, 2007, 23:35
Category: Opinion

So here we are, post-Macworld Expo drifting off into rueful looks at iCal and thinking “when can I get my hands on an iPhone?” Apple’s release of colored iPod shuffles hardly satisfies a growing desire to see the new product. It makes me wonder how much MacBooks and MBP’s will actually change in the near future – will they morph into touch-screen tablets too?
As Apple prepares to embark on its post-iPod world I wonder whether the bravado it employs has not grown a little too big. After all, the iPod emerged slowly over 18 months and wasn’t really touted with a fraction of the iPhone’s hype at the outset. Its massive success (and this is true of all great Apple products) was due to the fact that they locked everything down including the hardware, software and the selling of music.
The big “if” in this new iPhone era is how Apple will work with a cell phone provider when they’re accustomed to owning the entire process.
It also bothers me, for example, that I won’t be able to download iTunes music OTA (over the air) to iPhone. Although I understand that this may be a contractual limitation with the record labels, Apple sure hasn’t said much on the topic.
Also, although the polycarbonate shell is supposed to be harder than the iPod’s, is anyone else worried that iPhone’s ultra high gloss enclosure may get as scratched as the original iPod nano inside a bag or with a bunch of keys on the way home from the bar? Surely Apple’s thought of this, haven’t they?
For the price they’re demanding, the least Apple could do is to include a decent case with iPhone. Although with Apple’s track record on this, I’m not holding my breath.

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Posted by: Neal Hoskins
Date: Monday, May 8th, 2006, 07:00
Category: Opinion

Following the Apple’s Intel transition it has occurred to me recently that most of their form factor design have stayed solid and they have simply have had to slip in the new intel chip. While this make much sense financially it has been a while since something new came out of the design studio. Remember the phrase “reworked from the ground up?” When did you last here that at a keynote?
Granted, there have been a few add-on products to come out of Cupertino, but hey, does anyone really love the design of the iPod Hi-Fi?
Thinking ahead it’s really the MacBook and MacPro’s turn next. With Jobs’ recent comment that the new products are the best yet (I know he always says that) could we be in from some fireworks from Mr. Ive? It’s been awhile since we heard from him – don’t you think?
How about some innovation in the upcoming MacBook:
- A full magnetic closure with no hook
- Refined night glow white encasing with possible shades of color
- 13.3-inch “true black” screen
- 20% slimmer
- Possible ship date of May 19, 2006 with the new 24/7 New York City store opening by SJ himself?
The Mac Pro (Intel tower) looks to ship 2007 but could also be seen at the WWDC developers conference in August. There has been little if no thought as to what this would look like or have inside. Do customers like the current “Power Mac” enclosure are we up for another redesign or another simple Intel chip switch.
iBook and Power Mac users of the world, it’s time you made yourself heard!

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Posted by: Neal Hoskins
Date: Tuesday, October 19th, 2004, 10:34
Category: Archive

XM Radio now has streaming online subscription to their service, but for Windows only. The requirements include software all readily available for Mac OS X – specifically Windows Media Player, Flash Player, & Internet Explorer. Yet it does not work in any Mac browser.
They have a free three day trial which would be great for evaluating the service before buying & installing hardware (car, etc.) You can let them know they have a potential revenue base here.

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