This from the Economist on broadband access via cable. Are we being limited because the cable providers fear digital alternatives to premium cable channels which are overpriced while underused? Is it really a free market when alternatives are not available to allow a competiive method for setting prices? Perhaps the interstate highway system as a nationalized resource to encourage economic productivity and equity is a good model.
This is an interesting post from ReadWriteWeb concerning generational differences in social tool use in the work place. I am guessing that the results would correlate with differences in preference for a particular style of dress. I must have a little 60s rebelliouness in me, but I find those who focus on appearance rather than accomplishment to be annoying. However, one must be careful in reaching this conclusion regarding informal rules of behavior – when is multi-tasking in a social situation distracting or inefficient? When does it reduce the attention required for effective collaboration? When is it an appropriate response to “nothing I am a meaningful part of is going on”?
So, here is a counter question? Is it inappropriate for me as instructor to listen to my ipod while students are taking a test? What if I don’t hum or dance?
I picked this information up from LifeHacker. PBS has a new site organizing video content. Lots of interesting material. I have been watching “We shall remain”. Kind of looks like they borrowed the “cover flow” concept from Apple.
I keep thinking Apple will enter the “netbook” market. However, today Tim Cook says Apple is not interested and the position Apple takes as been interpreted as they suck. I think the position that “they are limited in what they can do” and “they suck” are distinct and making this distinction is important in how you are viewed by the public.
Anyway, a differentiated market in many tech areas makes sense to me. It annoys me that Dreamweaver is now pretty much my only commercial choice if I want to design web pages. I liked the old days when companies had a high end $300 product and a low end $79 product.
Apple has multiple great high end products. I have no problem selecting a full featured computer. I need my Mac to do video editing or podcasts with Garageband. For such activities, a Mac is the tool to have (it actually doesn’t matter if you are cool or not). I do not need the same power in a tool to check my email or author a blog post. So, limited to one computer, the decision is easy. However, what if I want multiple mobile machines suited to different needs. Or, what if I did not have the income I enjoy at my age.
Wake up Apple.
I am thinking Apple is smarter than my comments may indicate. They dominate certain markets and that may be good enough. Perhaps the profit margin in the <$400 slot is not worth the effort. The “they suck” thing is then not the correct public position to take.
While I am in the mood to complain, Apple also said today they are happy with their relationship with AT&T. Great – I will repeat my personal slogan – available in 70 countries, but not North Dakota.
OK, my Blackberry works great and I do prefer real keys. My netbook is also in the mail. I guess I am set.
A somewhat different take from MacWorld.
Education Week has an interesting issue revisiting the “Nation at Risk” report. I am presently reading Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips by G. Glass. Among other topics, this book is critical of the data arguing that the U.S.A. is under-performing in K-12 achievement. When I finish, I will try to generate an extended summary on my other blog site.
Check this resource from Slate – further down on the page you will find a map that shows trends in unemployment over the past couple of years.
