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Will people dump their iPhone for an iPad?
Before you say no, consider this scenario. Right now there are millions like me that are paying a carrier that provides terrible service far too much money for phone, text, and data. If only we could use our iPhones (without jail-breaking and unlocking them) on Verizon, we have often mused. But who wants to give up their amazing iPhone just for a bit better service? [Insert your favorite "Can you hear me know?" joke here.]
Well, in late April, we can now ditch our iPhones. Why not opt for a free model from Verizon that can handle calls and texts and get an unlimited data plan for the iPad? I presume that Verizon will offer a similar $29/mo. unlimited data plan for it. If they're smart, they'll offer a deal for iPhone switchers. (I bet Apple didn't see that coming.)
Now you have the best of both worlds -- the best cellular coverage in the country and a portable Internet device with 3G service. And it should cost about the same per month.
The downsides, of course, are that the Internet device doesn't fit in your pocket as neatly as the iPhone, but it does a whole lot more and is no bigger than carrying a newspaper or manila folder around. And it will set you back $630.
But I can see it replacing much of the functionality of my laptop AND my iPhone. My laptop can stay at work -- no more lugging it everywhere I go. The iPad, with Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, can handle almost all of my teaching needs. My research needs are met by my laptop in my office.
Windows 7 and Mac OS X requirements
I thought it might be interesting to compare system requirements for Mac OS X and Windows 7.
| Windows 7 (32-bit) | Windows 7 (64-bit) | Mac OS X (SnowLeopard) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster 32-bit x86 | 2 GHz or faster 64-bit x64 | Any Intel-based Mac |
| RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Drive Space | 16 GB | 20 GB | 5 GB |
| Graphics | DirectX 9 device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver | ||
| Fine Print | Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware. Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on. | ||
IBM giving Mac laptops to some employees
Chalk this one up under "Yet another funny Mac vs. PC story".
I find it hilarious and a bit ironic that we used to refer to PCs by the brand-name "IBM", just as some of us call tissues "Kleenex". Now, in a bold move, IBM is offering some of its employees Mac laptops or PCs running Linux in a break from the all-Windows environment that I still suffer from in my Department. About 100 IBM employees are now taking advantage of this program.
"Of the 22 testers who provided feedback, 18 said that compared with their previous computers, the Mac notebooks offered a "better or best experience," one said it was "equal or good," and three said the Apple machine provided a "worse experience," according to Dilger. Fully 19 of the participants chose to keep the MacBook Pro and use VMware virtualization technology to run Windows when needed."
