Tag Archives: Apple

Windows 8 and Mac OSX Lion

Posted on Jun 16, 2011 by Peter Ellis in IT, News, Social Media

A few days ago some screenshot leaked from Microsoft developers showcasing the new PC operating system called Windows 8. As a true competitor, Apple followed Microsoft’s leak with their announcement of the new Mac OSX Lion.

I decided to look in to both promising operating systems and see what they are bringing to the table.

Both Windows and Mac are completely consumer-oriented and app-centered. The mobile world has evolved in last few years, to the point where there’s no such thing as a Dumb phone anymore – all phones are Smart, maybe even too smart. Well, desktop market has been mowing in the same direction for a couple of years now. Tablets, touch screens, app stores and cloud networking have dominated the personal computer/device market.

Windows 8 user-interface is completely based of the recently released Windows phone. The desktop is no longer a static image with icon shortcuts all over, it has evolved in to a dynamic, always changing dashboard, filled with tweets, blog posts, wall comments and feeds.

App store is front-center in Mac OSX Lion. Why settle for an app on your iPhone or even an iPad – get it for your iMac.

I think that this progressive evolution in personal computer space is great for consumers, but might not be that beneficial to the professionals.

Many companies have been blocking social media websites since MySpace days. Imagine upgrading to Windows 8 and having these sites update your dashboard – I’m not sure that employee productivity is going to rise.

Don’t get me wrong, I am big supporter of new technology and innovation, but there has to be a way to unplug. Maybe the panic room concept should be rethought and turned into something else.

These few speculations are based on research of two new operating systems, and I actually can’t wait to be able to test drive both of them to see how many new robust features they will be packed with.

Facetime

Posted on Oct 06, 2010 by Peter Ellis in News

Facetime – long before Apple used this term for their neat iPhone feature that allowed people to conduct video call via their WiFi connection, the term was used to describe two or more people having a direct personal interaction in a physical place.

With the social media influencing the way people interact with each other today, it seems that facetime is a rare commodity.

Between personal and DIF Design‘s social media account, I manage two Facebook pages, one Facebook group, three Twitter accounts, two LinkedIn profiles and many other networking online accounts. This year I closed on a $2000 project over a text message without even meeting the client face-to-face.

But today I was reminded that facetime is still very important to many. I was in a middle of a Search Engine Optimization meeting with Adam Quenneville’s director of marketing, when she said, “By the way, Adam really appreciates facetime.” And no, she wasn’t referring to the fancy iPhone feature.

It’s refreshing to be reminded that shaking someone’s hand is still more important than clicking “post”.

iPad vs. Netbook

Posted on Jul 15, 2010 by Dennis Driscoll in IT, News

I will preempt this post with a small explanation as to the purpose of this comparison and how it evolved.  Our office has clear divisions, PC people and Mac people.  As with all offices that have this, the comments go back and forth quite often and can become entertaining at times.  The iPad, yet another grand edition to Mac’s repertoire, has become a talking point around the office.  So it has become my job to lay down a simple non-bias comparison of the iPad and the Asus 1005 Netbook (oh and I am the PC guy).

Look.

Well iPad wins.  I could stop there but I really must explain a few things and add my two cents to bring this thing down from its legendary status.  First and foremost it is sleek, thin and monotone.  This makes it easy on the eyes and welcoming.  With no need to open it up like the standard Netbook, it also provides the wow that people are not used to.  Now for the negatives…  Fingerprints on the iPad are a drawback, and with no options it can quickly become an issue.  The Netbook on the other hand can be customized with a matte surface, the screen is never touched, and the keyboard is standard.  Furthermore, the Netbook can be customized with colors, where the iPad cannot.

Functionality.

This is the true bone of contention!  I am here  to say there really shouldn’t be a comparison.  Now I know all the die hard fans out there are saying boo right now, but let me explain.  These two devices have different jobs in most cases.
The iPad with all of its apps and functionality doesn’t have the computing power or operating system abilities found on a standard Netbook.  The Netbook in turn, doesn’t have access to all the apps the the iPad has.  I found very quickly while using the Netbook that its computing power was outstanding, quickly opening large applications and processing requests just as if I was sitting at a normal PC.  The  issues I found were the tiny screen, the added weight(compared to the iPad), and unneeded pre-installed software. The bonus was my ability to load anything I want on this machine and it will run it.
The iPad’s limitations are  directly linked to its operating system.  Standard programs will not run on the iPad, but with its long list of usable apps that require far less processing power, it flourishes.  The quick response time with these apps is almost mind boggling, the email functionality and media access is without equal and the ease of use is absolutely awesome.

Conclusion.

I can see the use for both machines.  I actually would like to have the iPad for organizational purposes,presentations, and quick access.  But the reality is, I cant stray from my PC ways.  The Netbook allows me to run all of my programs while being light in weight, small and easy to use on the fly.  I will still have all the traditional slow ways of accessing social networks, email, media and specific sites I may use often, but the pros outweigh the cons for my purposes.

Clean. Simple. Bold. Apple.

Posted on Apr 30, 2010 by Peter Ellis in Advertising, Web Design

The image above is from Apple’s home page. Clean, simple and bold message – “iPad is here.” This is a perfect example of why most people that mimic or copy websites, try to make it look just like www.apple.com. To this day, its one of the top 5 websites in my book.

Dennis should be writing a quick post about the iPad itself and comparing it with similar devices, so stay tuned.