6 October 2011

An unwitting Inner North tribute to Steve Jobs

| johnboy
Join the conversation
49
computers in The Front

Steve Jobs may well have been an egomaniac, even a psychopath, and a complete bastard to work for. But as what sometimes feels like the last man able to take a large organisation and make them turn out finished work of a generally high quality he has my undying admiration.

Somedays it feels like everything in the IT industry is half arsed, and the fortunes spent on technicians to install and configure already expensive equipment and software is a disgrace.

Worrying more about his products than his employees feelings Steve Jobs earned the loyalty of his customers despite being very willing to screw them when it suited him.

The Register has started an excellent biography piece if you want to know more about his life.

But today I nipped into The Front in Lyneham for a beer while I waited for a pide.

And I was struck by the fact that all the computers I could see, every single one, had an Apple logo on the back.

Join the conversation

49
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Rawhide Kid Part310:25 am 10 Oct 11

Skyring said :

Classified said :

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

I miss my Commodore!

Is that Commodore the car or Commodore the computer?

Rawhide Kid Part310:23 am 10 Oct 11

Skyring said :

Classified said :

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

I miss my Commodore!

I miss my Valant (AP6)

shadow boxer7:13 am 09 Oct 11

Deref said :

shadow boxer said :

People who know something about IT know Aple does some things better than windows and vice versa, it depends what you are trying to do and what your requirments are.

Peole who blindly follow one brand generally don’t get the best solution. If you are looking in the consumer entertainment or multimedia presentation space Apple is the market leader.

I couldn’t agree more.

Of course being the market leader doesn’t mean that you’re the best.

Very true, if that was the case McDonalds would be the worlds finest cuisine.

The ipod/itunes thing was revolutionary though, many years later and the opposition can’t come close.

Vale Mr Jobs. Not being a techhead, the main thing I have always liked about Apple products is that they don’t continually crash, unlike Windows. For this reason, I find the Windows products (which I use at work) very, very irritating on a daily basis.

In contrast, it is just so much easier to remain productive with Apple. I have an iMac at home which gets almost constant use (three teenagers). My kids have iPods and one has an iPhone – they saved up to buy them because it is an absolute pleasure to use Apple products and worth every penny extra. I have only had to call the Mac fixit dude twice in the last six years or so – one of which was simply for an upgrade to Tiger OS.

Mr Jobs didn’t just accept that the default way of doing things couldn’t be improved on: he came up with solutions (such as iTunes) that were simply genius, and are also immensely cool to boot.

It will be interesting to see how his legacy within the Apple Corp outworks itself.

Waiting For Godot said :

The thing I liked about Jobs is the convenience of hearing a song and being able to buy it immediately on iTunes without going to a record store and being told I have to wait two weeks until the CD order comes down from Sydney. Also the fact that I can buy only the songs I want for under $2.00 each and not have to shell out $30.00 for a CD containing the song I want and a whole lot of filler tracks.

Wow, you BUY songs?

Pete, who doesn’t publicly support the alternative

Deref said :

Of course being the market leader doesn’t mean that you’re the best.

Just ask Tony Abbott.

Classified said :

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

I miss my Commodore!

matt31221 said :

Generic PC with either Microsoft or GNU/Linux are where it’s at mofos! And that’s the truth there is no debate.

But would you sit in a Lyneham cafe with a GNU?

Ha! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d live to see the day that an IT s****ight on RiotAct got more comments than a roads/traffic/speeding/speed camera/revenue from traffic offences /GDE related post.

I think a new record may just have been broken. Thank you Mr Jobs – you can add this to your long list of achievement

Generic PC with either Microsoft or GNU/Linux are where it’s at mofos! And that’s the truth there is no debate.

shadow boxer said :

People who know something about IT know Aple does some things better than windows and vice versa, it depends what you are trying to do and what your requirments are.

Peole who blindly follow one brand generally don’t get the best solution. If you are looking in the consumer entertainment or multimedia presentation space Apple is the market leader.

I couldn’t agree more.

Of course being the market leader doesn’t mean that you’re the best.

Deref said :

In my experience they tend more to be from people who could easily afford Apple products but, because they know something about IT, wouldn’t touch them with the proverbial bargepole.

In my experience the people who know heaps about IT are all Apple fanboys. UNIX admins especially can’t get enough Apple. Java developers too. Horses for courses.

Show a nerd something shiny and they will buy it.Steve Jobs’ skill was to make shiny things again and again.He was an innovator but at least he didnt go to hipster heaven – The Front

shadow boxer said :

People who know something about IT know Aple does some things better than windows and vice versa, it depends what you are trying to do and what your requirments are.

+1

Interesting people still link ‘knowing something about IT’ to using a PC over an Apple product, you’re not fooling anyone. If you really knew something about IT you would appreciate a product / operating system on its strengths.

For the record, the current generation Macbook Air is an insanely good laptop.. running OSX, Windows or Linux… even Intel acknowledge this and it’s why they came up with the Ultrabook initiative.

what_the said :

p1 said :

They took our Jerbs!!!

Ha, this is what I yell out every time I see that anti-carbon tax ad, especially the old lady with the busted umbrella out in the rain bit, priceless.

You mean like this?

shadow boxer2:20 pm 07 Oct 11

Deref said :

creative_canberran said :

Deref said :

All the equine excrement being pedalled by the media about Jobs makes me want to heave. Jobs was a super businessman – no more an no less. He was no more an innovator than Bill Gates – he took existing technology, put his own spin on it and marketed it with genius. He took AOL’s walled garden concept and turned it into a walled Alcatraz, with shiny things to make it look attractive to the inmates. The mark of his true genius is that the Apple’s marketing department managed to get everyone in the media and politicians to read their bullshit about him when he died.

The funny thing about comments like this is it tends to be from those who can’t afford Apple products anyway, nor any premium model of Windows based PC. The type who walked into where I worked, would fondle the Macbooks and the Toshiba Qosmio then stroll over to the HP for $899 and say… that stuff is crap. lol

In my experience they tend more to be from people who could easily afford Apple products but, because they know something about IT, wouldn’t touch them with the proverbial bargepole.

People who know something about IT know Aple does some things better than windows and vice versa, it depends what you are trying to do and what your requirments are.

Peole who blindly follow one brand generally don’t get the best solution. If you are looking in the consumer entertainment or multimedia presentation space Apple is the market leader.

creative_canberran said :

Deref said :

All the equine excrement being pedalled by the media about Jobs makes me want to heave. Jobs was a super businessman – no more an no less. He was no more an innovator than Bill Gates – he took existing technology, put his own spin on it and marketed it with genius. He took AOL’s walled garden concept and turned it into a walled Alcatraz, with shiny things to make it look attractive to the inmates. The mark of his true genius is that the Apple’s marketing department managed to get everyone in the media and politicians to read their bullshit about him when he died.

The funny thing about comments like this is it tends to be from those who can’t afford Apple products anyway, nor any premium model of Windows based PC. The type who walked into where I worked, would fondle the Macbooks and the Toshiba Qosmio then stroll over to the HP for $899 and say… that stuff is crap. lol

In my experience they tend more to be from people who could easily afford Apple products but, because they know something about IT, wouldn’t touch them with the proverbial bargepole.

Waiting For Godot2:02 pm 07 Oct 11

The thing I liked about Jobs is the convenience of hearing a song and being able to buy it immediately on iTunes without going to a record store and being told I have to wait two weeks until the CD order comes down from Sydney. Also the fact that I can buy only the songs I want for under $2.00 each and not have to shell out $30.00 for a CD containing the song I want and a whole lot of filler tracks.

creative_canberran1:39 pm 07 Oct 11

Deref said :

All the equine excrement being pedalled by the media about Jobs makes me want to heave. Jobs was a super businessman – no more an no less. He was no more an innovator than Bill Gates – he took existing technology, put his own spin on it and marketed it with genius. He took AOL’s walled garden concept and turned it into a walled Alcatraz, with shiny things to make it look attractive to the inmates. The mark of his true genius is that the Apple’s marketing department managed to get everyone in the media and politicians to read their bullshit about him when he died.

The funny thing about comments like this is it tends to be from those who can’t afford Apple products anyway, nor any premium model of Windows based PC. The type who walked into where I worked, would fondle the Macbooks and the Toshiba Qosmio then stroll over to the HP for $899 and say… that stuff is crap. lol

busgirl said :

I have absolutely no idea what anyone is talking about here.

However, i can play guitar and sing pretty well.

…ha ha! I resemble that!
I compare using a computer to using a car. I have no idea how either of them work (and zero interest in learning) but I do know how to drive them.

That, Stamps, is a lie. 😉

I have absolutely no idea what anyone is talking about here.

However, i can play guitar and sing pretty well.

…ha ha! I resemble that!
I compare using a computer to using a car. I have no idea how either of them work (and zero interest in learning) but I do know how to drive them.

p1 said :

They took our Jerbs!!!

Ha, this is what I yell out every time I see that anti-carbon tax ad, especially the old lady with the busted umbrella out in the rain bit, priceless.

xkcd has a rather nice tribute today:

http://xkcd.com/961/

(Don’t forget the mouseover text.)

shadow boxer11:46 am 07 Oct 11

johnboy said :

gospeedygo said :

johnboy said :

Real nerds use Linux.

I’d just like to interject for a moment

What you’re referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another…etc etc

Nerds foolish enough to assume I don’t know all about the Linux GNU/Linux distinction and rude enough to try and correct people on it in conversation really need to get out more.

Either that or they should be locked in a room with VB5 coders…..

They took our Jerbs!!!

Apparently he’s also created an army of RA SuperNerds!

mr_wowtrousers10:03 am 07 Oct 11

Say what you want about Steve Jobs, the man changed the face of the computing, music, film and telecommunications industries in under a decade. I love my Macbook Pro. The user experience literally craps over all the other PC laptops I have ever owned in my 21 years of using computers. I am also going to be buying a super beefy custom MSY computer next week. PC’s, Mac, it’s all good however I have yet to see a PC manufacturer with the design aesthetic that Apple brings to the table.

I think the whole point is that he made so many people want his iWhatevers; that they appealled to individuals who know absolutely nothing about computers. Not that I’m saying that the Front people aren’t geeks or anything…Although I suspect that at least one play is being written in the photo.

Lazy I said :

Real classy.

If, as a geek, you can’t step back and appreciate the amount of influence Steve Jobs has had (and is still having) on the entire industry, even completely ignoring his massive contributions at Apple, you’re out of your depth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Agreed, but it’s not just the IT industry he and his company have influenced. To paraphrase a quote I heard yesterday, Bill and M$ may have a computer in every home, but Steve and Apple put a computer in ever pocket and bag. A bit of an overstatement for sure, but there is no doubt he and Apple have influenced western society greatly in the past decade…

All the equine excrement being pedalled by the media about Jobs makes me want to heave. Jobs was a super businessman – no more an no less. He was no more an innovator than Bill Gates – he took existing technology, put his own spin on it and marketed it with genius. He took AOL’s walled garden concept and turned it into a walled Alcatraz, with shiny things to make it look attractive to the inmates. The mark of his true genius is that the Apple’s marketing department managed to get everyone in the media and politicians to read their bullshit about him when he died.

creative_canberran1:04 am 07 Oct 11

PantsMan said :

iProprietary
iAntitrust
iPlannedobsolescence
iFoxconn

When did proprietary become such a dirty word? You know the batteries in Macbooks are proprietary, hence they are custom shaped with custom chemistry. As distinct from the standard drum cells crammed inelegantly into other brands. If you don’t want it, there’s alternatives.
Just as the antitrust thing is BS, there are alternatives.

Foxconn is a real crock, they were making stuff for Sony, Dell and Toshiba long before they became close to Apple.

Seriously, Apple and Steve are not without their flaws, but I loathe people who make such comments without perspective and often without basis.

johnboy said :

Real nerds use Linux.

Wannabe nerds also use Linux. Makes it harder to identify the real nerds.

PantsMan said :

iProprietary
iAntitrust
iPlannedobsolescence
iFoxconn

Real classy.

If, as a geek, you can’t step back and appreciate the amount of influence Steve Jobs has had (and is still having) on the entire industry, even completely ignoring his massive contributions at Apple, you’re out of your depth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

iProprietary
iAntitrust
iPlannedobsolescence
iFoxconn

gospeedygo said :

johnboy said :

Real nerds use Linux.

I’d just like to interject for a moment

What you’re referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another…etc etc

Nerds foolish enough to assume I don’t know all about the Linux GNU/Linux distinction and rude enough to try and correct people on it in conversation really need to get out more.

gospeedygo said :

johnboy said :

Real nerds use Linux.

I’d just like to interject for a moment

What you’re referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another…etc etc

Classic – love your work 🙂

creative_canberran11:12 pm 06 Oct 11

Classified said :

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

It’s a silly battle (as is the newer one between Android users and iOS) and both increasingly fought by a ridiculous minority. The days of niche are long behind Apple and the days of Windows saturation are behind it too. Apple is now the favoured platform for students, around 80% in US Universities and it’s overall growth is many times the industry average despite the financial downturn. Android is now the dominant mobile platform, followed by iOS, pushing out stalwarts Windows and RIM. Microsoft remains the dominant corporate platform, but it’s web browser share is down and newer versions of Windows increasingly failing to gain uptake.

johnboy said :

Real nerds use Linux.

I’d just like to interject for a moment

What you’re referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another…etc etc

Skidd Marx said :

Skidd Marx said :

Thanks for the warning, I’ll give The Front a mix then.

A *miss* even.

Premium members can edit their comments. Just putting that out there 🙂

Classified said :

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

LOL. true… true… great way to start a geek or nerd argument…

…and then there is Android vs iOS… Dear. God… RUN!!!

Real nerds use Linux.

Skidd Marx said :

Thanks for the warning, I’ll give The Front a mix then.

A *miss* even.

Thanks for the warning, I’ll give The Front a mix then.

Getting involved in the Apple vs Microsoft is the nerd version of Ford vs Holden.

grunge_hippy9:23 pm 06 Oct 11

wow. 2 people using a mac. call bill gates and concede defeat.

I was flicking through radio stations today trying to avoid the rubbish unearthed shite on triple J and stopped on 106 and their “ipod requests” in memory of Steve Jobs. As you can imagine, it was beyond cringe worthy.

I don’t have an affiliation to either platforms. I can use both with reasonable skill and each have their advantages and disadvantages. ask my hubby on the other hand, and he is probably celebrating Steve jobs demise.

neanderthalsis8:30 pm 06 Oct 11

“But today I nipped into The Front in Lyneham for a beer while I waited for a pide.

And I was struck by the fact that all the computers I could see, every single one, had an Apple logo on the back.”

Bloody hipsters.

That’s rather the point.

Ah, the Henry Ford of our time. Except I dare say that Fords were probably more realistically priced though.

Also, isn’t The Front that sort of place where one wouldn’t want to hurt their cred by using anything other than a Macbook?

creative_canberran7:09 pm 06 Oct 11

You’re entirely right JB, many of the great creatives and philosophers in history have also been very temperamental, difficult to get on with and reclusive. There’s also been a lot of tyrannical and evil figures to which the same negatives can be attributed.I think ultimately it’s the results that speak for themselves and put Jobs in the former category.

Former staff at Apple, even those who famously could walk into a lift with him and walk out without a job during the 80s, still spoke of having immense respect for him and his talents. Rivals today described him as a “friend” and “mentor.”

I dare say Rudd could have learn’t a thing or two. Jobs was famous for striving for simplicity, for technology unencumbered by the unessential and extrinsic. Despite having a similar temperament, Rudd though always went for the complex, the technical and the often incomprehensible. There’s a reason many silicon valley giants cite Jobs as inspiration, perhaps Labor could learn something?

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.