New Mac Workstations - I wish they were free software friendly
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I don't know how many of you saw the new Mac Workstations but I have to say, they are genius in design. You'll have to look at them yourself to really appreciate what they've done because the way that they've fit their components into the small, and strangely shaped case is amazing. Not only that but it runs quiet, is very powerful and has a very awesome method of cooling. I only wish that Apple could build hardware that was Free Software friendly.
This does leave a nice little gap for Free Software oriented hardware sellers though ;-). I do realize the cost of developing something like this and putting it into market would be very very high, but wouldn't it be awesome if something so innovative as this were available from a company like ThinkPenguin?
Okay, now that I've baited Chris with this I'm going to end my post. I know how far fetched it is to think that a very small company could successfully put something like this in the marketplace but I like to think that it is possible.
For some reason, I really don't care about the asthetics of my computer.
Please don't link to proprietary software.
Apple is a control freak. It practices censorship by excluding software from its crap store. Most if not all their devices come with digital handcuffs, which you're not allowed to break, digital restrictions management. (drm) It wields software patents against other smaller companies. It's not a company you should support.
I just linked for the pictures; I am not recommending proprietary software.
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Agreed; linking to something non-free shouldn't automatically be
considered a recommendation, nor should a comment like "That looks
pretty".
Well, in Trisquel just mentioning a proprietary software is not allowed.
Many people who don't care too much about freedom seem to like apple products. The link could be tempting to such people. apple is the very opposite of Trisquel, every dollar paid to apple a vote against freedom.
Where do the rules prohibit mentioning nonfree software? In the Trisquel community guidelines, I see no such restriction.
Can't you think for yourself, do you really need a rule? I can go add one to the wiki if you like...
I wonder why the community guidelines page is changable?
I see no problem of linking to pictures of a computer that looks like a garbage can.
The reason is it's an unofficial random wiki page. I guess The Powers That Be have a lot of faith in humanity.
If I said "Go download X program, it is really great. By the way, it is proprietary.", then I would be in violation the guidelines.
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Yea- I think the idea is to avoid promoting non-free software. It probably isn't a good idea to link to it although discussions on free and non-free software and systems should probably not be frowned up. There is benefit to warning others about things like this. That is Apple's use of digital restrictions. I for instance wasn't aware of of the digital restrictions aspects of there hardware. While I know they do have proprietary pieces I wasn't aware they prevent you from replacing components with those which are free software friendly.
Or did I just take this too far? Can anybody confirm that Apple has implemented digital restrictions on its laptop's mini pcie slots? If so I'd like to add them to our companies dislike list and make sure I recommend people avoid them as well like I do with HP, Dell, Toshiba, and Lenovo.
In response to paragraph B:
I have an Intel-based Mac Mini, an iBook G4, a Power Mac G4, and have access to a iMac G4. All computers with G4 processors are PowerPC based.
With the Mac Mini, I have never had to change anything, as it all worked in Trisquel. Is there anything useful in this hardware that can be tested out?
Expansion slot count:
Mac Mini | 0
iBook G4 | 1 (AirPort card slot)
Power Mac G4| 4 (one taken up by video card)
iMac G4 | 1 (AirPort card slot)
I'm not sure if Apple's laptops contain Mini PCIe slots or not. As far as I remember, they use AirPort cards, which use a proprietary connector.
You can try browsing Low End Mac, looking at the Tech Specs of the MacBooks.
http://lowendmac.com/profiles.htm
Low End Mac does recommend and use proprietary software, but linking for reference does not constitute a recomendation.
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I had the opportunity to talk with a ex-mac person on the subject and after thinking about it I know Apple has shipped Mini PCIe wifi cards in some of its products. I just don't know which. What I was told by them is there is a proprietary connector and the wifi card itself is in the screen. It's more like a USB adapter without the case connected via a wire to the motherboard. In either event it is a form of digital restriction as far as I'm concerned.
If anybody can confirm that Sony is implementing digital restrictions on some of its systems that would be great.
That Mac looks pretty badass in addition to being powerful. Of course, its really really expensive.
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Who on earth would buy a computer that looks like a trashcan, employs digital handcuffs and is effectively a NSA certified device?
Absolutely disgusting.
Exactly, and I'd add that having this discussion and linking to propietary sites only helps prove an argument in favor of free software. I for one prefer building my own desktop.
Granted Apple's products should be avoided for the big bother tech they are, but I do find the design of their new pro model interesting, how come we haven't seen more systems shaped like trash cans? A cylindrical design seems like it would be pretty efficient when it comes to heat distribution.
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Personally, I don't like it. In the desktop space, design isn't as much of a problem as with a laptop. One can simply buy a case that fits one's motherboard and change cases anytime.
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Apple?!
* Foxconn issue;
* avoidance of US tax (and UK too. perhaps);
* immense markup;
* based on BSD - why not use one of the gratis BSDs?
* as mentioned, restrictions and patent litigation.
A PC is a tool, not a lifestyle accessory, IMHO.
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BTW, Alucardx (the x is for the kiss of death?), 'fangs aren't what they used to be' - shouldn't you be biting necks, not Apples?
The "x" was just something I'd tacked on because "Alucard" was always taken everywher I'd create a login name. I kind of took it from one of the Castlevania games from an old console, the SNES I think. It was called Dracula X and so I just adapted it to AlucardX...
And yes, I don't want any apples, but I do think that the cooling in this machine is brilliant. It is most innovative indeed. They did such a good job and then put non-free software on it so then chose to make it look like a trash can.
I am a graphic designer and as such, was trained in school on the Mac platform...
It's years later and I've had such problems with my system; in fact, I'm certain that my permissions are managed and I have had a very difficult time making a living for the past several years. I posted a blog here: http://ardesign-daily.blogspot.com/2013/06/apple-under-scrutiny-it-about-time.html
I have a mid-2011 iMac that I have no control over, despite learning a ton about security, configuration and the ins and outs of Mac OS X. Can I use Trisquel? Can I use Adobe design programs with it? Any advice is much appreciated!!!!
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Adobe has not released any of its major products under free software licenses so the answer is no. However there are programs like GIMP and plug-ins that may work to replace your current toolset amongst other programs (like inkscape). There is lots of evidence these programs are capable of a lot from skilled users. It may or may not be adequate still. GIMP has improved greatly over the years though and for most amateurs it is more than sufficient. I think most professionals who comment about its inadequacies though are just missing certain plug-ins that would satisfy critical missing features. If they took the time to learn to use (spent years, not just minutes playing with it) they'd realize it is at least as capable as earlier versions of Adobe Photoshop.
It took years for me to become familiar with GIMP to the point that I liked it. Now I'm not a heavy user although I do use it regularly. Once you adjust its a great program. I wouldn't consider using Adobe Photoshop today.
I took some courses at the Art Institute for a bit and for every one of my art courses that "required" Photoshop or Illustrator, I used GIMP and Inkscape, respectively, and no one knew the difference. I think Chris is right, it will take a little bit of time to learn the way GIMP and Inkscape works but they are both very capable programs. And like he pointed out, there are plugins that can fill functionality gaps.
We shouldn't recommend proprietary software, but not even allowing to mention them is just crazy. It's a form of cencorship.
Showing pictures is a form of mentioning.
We should be free to look at proprietary software and figure out what do they practically in a good way; this is necessary to build free software which fulfils the users wishes.
Of course we can look at pictures and say: this design attracts me / many users.
Should we refuse to eat apples?? this could look like as if we promote the company. Think one can exaggurate everything.
In my opinion, don't know what's so special about this design. It's smooth and clean, but nothing more.
It's not so much the geometry of the exterior case that attraced me so much as the overall size and the way it's built inside. The way they're cooling this case is very smart and most certainly unique.
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Rumor is them new Mac Pro's are actually fashioned from unused hellfire missiles, but maybe that's just hearsay.. =p
In unrelated news, censorship = bad and apple hardware is generally sleek and shiny. 'cept when they make it look like a ruddy trash can or an ash tray. Which is just silly, really. =x
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