Falling Debris

Okay, so I am not usually a grouch. I'm not usually someone who complains about change, but I recently had the pleasure of shopping for a new laptop. My wife had a 3-year-old HP laptop. It seemed to be working fine until about a month ago when the computer started acting up. Fortunately, we have multiple backups of all important files. When the computer finally gave up the ghost, we went shopping for a new one. We checked out all the usual suspects - HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, ASUS, etc. - and multiple stores - Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, etc. I wanted my wife to see the different options in person, and she fell in love with the screen on a Gateway.

While shopping, we noticed a trend to include a dedicated numeric keypad as part of the laptop keyboard. I would imagine this is due to the form factor of widescreen LCDs in newer laptops. In any case, we got the laptop from Amazon (model # NV5936u) and my wife loved the look, feel, and performance. There was an issue with the WiFi receiver (more on that in a future article, perhaps). But the numeric keypad - I mean, I get it that numpads are useful. They have a purpose when working with financial data and numbers, but my issue is how it changes my interface to the computer. After two weeks, neither my wife nor I got used to the off-set alignment of the regular keys. Her old HP and my existing laptop don't have numpads and what they did is slightly move the rest of the keys over to the left in order to support the addition of the extra keys. Eventually, we returned the Gateway (due to the WiFi issue I mentioned above, not the keyboard).

We went back looking for another laptop and decided on an HP G62-144DX. No numpad. Lighter weight. My wife likes this one even more (she's not picky). However, even thought there isn't a numpad, HP added five buttons along the left side, below ESC. These keys act as hotkeys for email, DVD playback, opening the internet browser, printing, and accessing the calculator. Aside from the dubiousness of someone else deciding what five functions I want hotkeys for, it also happens that these keys are in such a position that it fouls up my ability to type. I am a touch typist, and as such, I use the keyboard by feel alone. The fact that there are extra keys to the left of the ones I use, like Ctrl and Tab, means I hit a wrong key at least once every 10-30 minutes. It doesn't happen so much while I'm actively typing an article like this because my fingers tend to stay exactly on the home keys, but when I am browsing the web, I will accidentally bring up the DVD program or the calculator quite often. It's a pain.

So my question is why are computer makers doing this? I think in large part it is simply the old clichéd answer: Because they can. As laptops have become so much of a commodity, I think it gives them a way to differentiate theirs from the competition. I also think that since the netbook segment was created, manufacturers are looking for more ways to separate a full-sized laptop from a netbook. By having hotkeys and numpads, it gives manufacturers more check boxes for their marketing crap. It helps them justify the price difference between a netbook and a laptop in a physical way that consumers can actually see, as compared to just differences in specs that most people don't care about. The problem is it messes up the fundamental way I interact with a computer.

Now if you read my rant to this point, you might think I don't like innovation, or I'm averse to making changes (even ones that might improve the ultimate user experience). I say nay. Here is what I would propose: First, don't worry about a dedicated numpad. At least not with anything under 17". We're talking about a laptop, after all, and I know many people use one as their primary computer (so do I), but if one needs to work on spreadsheets, financial documents, etc., then one probably has the ability to use an external keyboard and numpad. I know several nice wireless numpads that are portable and can easily be used alongside a standard keyboard (including one in a laptop). Second, if you're going to give me hotkeys, at least make them programmable. I'm pretty sure there's a way to reassign them, but the point is HP should have included an easy way to do it. Third, the hotkeys should be up top. There's plenty of room, especially with widescreen format, to include extra buttons along the top. They even look cool - the smooth capacitive bars with LEDs under them for things like mute, WiFi, etc. Use that space for your marketing buttons. Bottom line, until some other primary interface is developed, don't mess with my keyboard!

Look who's finally succumbing to the Cult of Mac. First I buy an iPhone 3G and get all giddy about it (not to mention a 3GS a year later), then spend an entire podcast talking about how manipulative the company is into making their products seem better than they are. Now, the final nail in the hammer comes in the form of a brand new 27" i7 iMac.

Before we get too excited about throwing the "f-word" around ("fanboy"), let's get through this article regarding me getting an Apple iMac. When they were announced in October 2009, they seemed quite promising. The now-aluminum body, Intel powered all-in-ones changed form factor to a 16:9 display, emphasizing its use as a video playback device, in my case, a surrogate TV. Sure, the basic hardware specs were bumped up from the previous models, such as hard drive capacity and processor speeds, but it was the screen size that was most notable. The 20" and 24" models were replaced by 21.5" and 27". A 27-inch, LED backlit, 16:9 1080 display all-in-one. That's gigantic. That's having an HDTV on your desk that also happens to be a computer. Note that you probably need some distance from it compared to a normal sized screen, it gets kinda obnoxious. It's an expensive device, but it's a luxury item. No lie, it's entirely a luxury to buy an Apple product. Does that make Apple owners elitist? Maybe, but you'd have to label all people who buy expensive things elitist. But I spent money on this, and I find it money (mostly) well spent.

The new Quad-core 2.8GHz i7 CPU (exclusive to the 27") makes it equally impressive on the inside. It's very responsive, although I've seen sluggish performance on it, even after a fresh OS install (of both OSX and Windows 7). I've only got 4GB of RAM inside because I couldn't afford to upgrade that, but I intend to eventually ramp it up to the maximum 16GB. Unfortunately, it has 2x2GB. If I want to upgrade to 8 with room to spare later, I have to scrap all that and do 2x4GB now, then double that later. Apple is well known to use expensive memory modules, which isn't entirely their fault, but they could certainly benefit from using a type of memory that wouldn't cost $800 for 4x4GB. It's a bit ridiculous, as I don't notice much difference from standard DDR2 800 from my old desktop. The video card is fine, but I'd rather go with NVIDIA than ATi. Too bad it's not an option in the iMac, so I'm stuck with a Radeon HD 4850. It plays Star Trek Online pretty decently, but with a screen resolution of 2560x1440, even that combination of hardware and new game don't like full screening. I'm also not a big fan of the Magic Mouse. I've never really been a fan of any Apple mouse, so I set that aside and got a wired Logitech mouse for it. I can get used to the keyboard, but as a longtime Windows user, I had to immediately switch the mapping for the Control-key so it feels right. Apple also builds their hardware with their idea of what you need in mind. I don't know about you, Steve, but I could use a few more USB ports on the back of my machine, especially since it has a production use and there's plenty of space to put a few more ports. Other than that, it's a nice machine. The unibody form makes it easy to manage and even move if you needed to pack it up (traveling cases sold separately).

Of course, these iMacs did not come without their share of controversy. Almost immediately upon delivery of the 27" models (which were delayed compared to the 20" models), reports started popping up that some were DOA, possible with cracked screens, or suffered later issues with flickering or yellowed displays. Mark Wilson of Gizmodo started a poll for readers to guess the status of his iMac, which ended up having a yellow screen. He got it exchanged twice, going through three units with the same problem. Apple stopped giving him exchanges, citing it wasn't a critical enough problem. That lead Wilson to start a crusade on Gizmodo, taking public action against Apple for not rectifying the situation with their hardware, the so called "Porches of computers". Check out his exhaustive investigation into Apple's reaction to customer complaints. It wasn't until about late February that Wilson and others were satisfied with Apple's "fixes".

Was I exempt from these issues? Were the Apple gods going to smile upon me for my first Apple computer purchase? Not a chance. I ordered the iMac, now known as Argos, on Nov 29. There was a 3 week preliminary delay, which couldn't be helped because of this "supply and demand" business. But anyway, it worked fine for about 2 weeks, when I wanted to install Parallels. The motor on the slot disc drive broke as I put in... a Windows disc. That's right, my Mac broke when I wanted to install Windows. Very funny. The exchange process was horrifying. Getting the unit inspected, sending it in, and the long process of getting it replaced while an army of angry consumers were doing the same.
Credit: Gizmod

Here's a breakdown of my personal experience

• Nov 29 - Order, 3 week preliminary delay.
• Dec 14 - Deliver.
• Dec 25 - Slot drive breaks.
• Dec 28 - Call #1, talk to 1 person, must get issue confirmed.
• Jan 1 - Drive 4 hours to Apple Store to confirm disc drive failure, must return over phone. Call #2, talk to 4 people, get RMA.
• Jan 4 - RMA shipped to Apple.
• Jan 8 - Apple receives RMA.
• Jan 20 - Receive delay, delivers Feb 1-3.
• Jan 28 - Call #3 to confirm delivery by Feb 1-3. Apple issues a 15% coupon valued up to $45. Promised to make further compensation should I not receive it by date.
• Jan 30 - Receive delay via e-mail, delivers Feb 19 (6 weeks after receiving RMA), call #4 to question the delay. Apple refunds expedited shipping cost plus $100.
• Feb 10 - Deliver, one month after receiving RMA.

There was rumor that Apple was having a silent recall, taking in defective units and totally replacing them with new ones. Another rumor that they were buying out customers with a bonus refund. Just to get these bad apples (/pun) out of the market. Apple is known for their secretive operations, but that hurts them when it comes to customer service. Transparency is key when it comes to making people happy. If they had been public and proactive about it in the first place, I'm sure most people would applaud them for taking (hopefully) strong measures to not only repair/replace defective units, but compensating everyone generously. They gave original iPhone owners a refund when they dropped the price so early, why not grease the wheels before they get squeaky?

So I got a replacement, after weeks of waiting, calling and demanding reimbursement for my troubles. After all, I have a production use for this thing. If this were for an actual business, I'd be losing money by not having this expensive and valuable tool. Apple reps even told me that I had "exhausted all my courtesies". Giving me money back because you don't give me a product I paid for in a timely manner is not a courtesy, it's an apology. I probably wouldn't have made a big deal about a slightly yellow screen, but there was a mechanical failure in my unit that needed to be addressed and you took over a month.

At the end of it all, I still don't think I'm an Apple fanboy. I always sit down to my Shuttle PC first (my Drobo and recording station), then use my iMac if I need to something on it. I dual boot with Windows 7 and use that for gaming and playing video sometimes. I try to force myself into using Mac by putting my Thunderbird and iTunes profiles on there so I have to sync and check it often. But it's still not winning me over. Don't even get me started on Apple's handling of their hardware problems. Their customer service was nice, but they still couldn't do anything for me. Of course, the question is, "Why didn't you just return it?" Well, I do like the computer, I just don't like the company. I'm not above using someone's product if it's a good product, but I don't like them. That would be immature. The iMac, especially the 27" with the hardware upgrades, makes a great production box. The podcast is getting rendered quicker and I hope to start doing video again. That would definitely not be happening on my Shuttle and I'm really not in the mood to build an eighth computer in my life (at least not yet).

Don't like Apple? Especially because of their dislike of Adobe, Google and the freedom of developers? That's fine. I use all their products, but I'm not an app developer. I'm not affected by corporate squabbles if I can still use what I want, when and where I want. Am I a fanboy now that I have an iPhone and iMac? Well, I still run Windows and I also have a Droid (and an old WinMo phone). I'm an equal opportunity consumer whore. You honestly can't say you dislike something without committing to it. And yes, I am buying an iPad, but for application reasons outside of anything Apple's doing. There are some serious reading opportunities and utilitarian uses I could get out of it, especially if I get it before Comic Con this year.

In the end, label me all you want, but remember this: I buy things so I can give an objective, as well as subjective, opinion about things. Journalists like Walt Mossberg, David Pogue and Leo Laporte may get free samples to talk about things, but I'm a nobody with no audience. I pay full price for things (or with a discount available to the public at large). I use them, compare them, describe them to other consumers that would not have an opportunity to experience them. I let people borrow (most of) my expensive things. You want to know what it's like to use a Kindle? Borrow mine. The iPad? Maybe with a deposit.



Facebook users with female friends (and let's be honest, you probably don't have any) may have noticed a new trend sweeping their news feed, but possibly with no understanding of why. Thursday evening, status messages began appearing as just colors. Only women participated, leaving men stumped and left out in this fun game.

Long story short, it's the color of the bra they're wearing. It's a clever way to promote awareness of breast cancer, apparently originating from the Ann Arbor area. No definite explanation, just another mysterious chain-letter effect that will most likely vanish as quickly as it appeared.

What these clever ladies probably didn't consider is that they're flaunting the fact that they wear bras, bras that mastectomy patients probably don't need anymore. See, a common effect of having breast cancer is a mastectomy, or surgical removal of the breasts. In other words, these ladies, most of whom I'm sure have wonderful pairs of gravity defying sweater puppies, are flaunting their good health, all in the name of awareness for those less fortunate than them. Seems like a backwards way to spread awareness of breast cancer to me.

See, memes are a tricky thing. For one, the instructions directed women to send others private messages with the details, but just publish the appropriate color.

"Something fun is going on," the message reads. "Write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. And send this on to ONLY women no men. It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men wonder why the women have a color in their status.....LOL!"

Of course, the burning question is why I would care, one of the most heartless (we don't have an awareness month for that) people in the world short of Dick Cheney. Two simple reasons. My grandma is a survivor and mastectomy recepient. I don't think she keeps up with social networking and memes, but I have trouble believing that she'd feel supported by this demonstration. It doesn't help her, nor does it help any other breast cancer survivor. Come to think of it, Breast Cancer Awareness month... is October! Please, let's keep these awareness months in the right spot, lest we start observing Testicular Cancer Awareness month in... whenever that is (BTW, Prostate Cancer Awareness is September). Also, I believe that supporting awareness of only one type of cancer is preposterous. Cancer should be battled evenly and with equal effort. Men support awareness of breast cancer by volunteering impromptu screenings, even with little expectation for reciprocation. That said, women should leave Internet secrets to men, the ones who created them. We know how to keep things hidden online much longer (many women would do well to learn a lesson). Just give up on the meme business and stop trying to tease us with your bras. We've seen them and would rather see you without them.

For anyone who isn't a math whiz who balances their checkbook everyday, there's a free online service that will help you track your transactions and plan your budget. If you haven't yet already, say hello to Mint.

Mint.com is a website that will track your bank accounts, credit cards and other expenditures and graph them for your planning needs. This is where people get concerned.

"But, but, my bank information! I don't want anyone to have it! Is this site safe?"

Yes, of course it is. You don't actually provide the site with your bank information, just the login credentials to the bank's website. Even from most bank sites, you can't actually do much in the way of moving money, it's just an electronic check book. However, most people (including myself now, I'm a big boy!) have accounts and cards with multiple banking establishments. Mint will aggregate your information with all of them and provide you with a singular outlook on your income and spending.

Now why would anyone need that kind of reminder of how much they spend? It's simple. It's a visual checkbook that breaks down spending and income by categories and specific vendors. You can create rules that say certain transactions are certain categories, and fit them into your budget, while having a graph show how much of your budget you're using.

The biggest concern people are having is privacy. If it's a free service, how do they make money without just selling your data? The advertising is available through the optional links that show you how to save money or other types of investments. But it's all optional. If you don't want to look into types of investment, you won't see anything resembling an ad. Even with that, Mint has recently solved its own financial needs. Mint was purchased by Intuit, the makers of the Quicken software that many use to plan their taxes. Intuit already has an online Quicken service similar to Mint, but it seems that it favors the new service instead. Current users of Quicken Online will be migrated over to Mint, with no real change to the service in the near future. That said, the security that Mint uses is the same as other online banking, now with the credibility of a software company that many give their financial information to, anyway.

So there you have it. A free online financial service that visualizes your budgets, with just as much security as the online banking you already do, owned by a software company that millions already use. There's nothing to be afraid of, so you might as well try it out. If you don't believe me, check out Lifehacker's final review of it.