[mknopp]

On topic:

Well, I sent in my feedback about the lack of embedded fonst in iBook 1.1. I would suggest that any other iPad users do the same and try to convince anyone that they know to do the same.

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

I was responding to someone, I forget who, that felt the need to take potshots at calibre in an unrelated thread, purely as a way to distract attention from the issue at hand. If I got a little heated, that would be because I'm human.

So, you feel justified in insulting people completely unrelated to the topic because of something that someone else said? You feel no regret over your statement or that you didn't misspeak at all? You do not feel that in becoming heated (which I fully understand) that perhaps you said something that you didn't mean?

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

I do believe that Apple products are underpowered.

Please clarify what you mean by Apple products. I agree that some of Apple's software programs do not offer all of the functionality of competitors. I do agree that it is possible to purchase more computing power than is offered by Apple (sometimes for less money, sometimes not). However, again you are making broad and sweeping statements that are, bluntly, false.

Apple's Mac OS X is one of only four operating systems in the world that are fully UNIX certified. Yeah, the pretty little GUI that sits on top of it makes things easy for the average user, but if you want to you can open up a terminal and dig into the guts of the Mac OS X and do all sorts of things that are as powerful as you would ever want. What I see is you missing the power underneath because of the "pretty". The nice thing about the Mac OS is that it can be pretty and easy and limited (read safe for non-technical) if it has to be and it can be command line interfaced and worked like any top notch pro, if it has to be.

The fact remains though that there is very little, if anything, that can be done on Linux or Windows that cannot be done on OSX. Thus, it is not an underpowered Apple product.

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

The whole philosophy of Apple; that the only way they can make products that "just work" is to restrict them to doing the absolute minimum and then only when interfacing with other apple products smacks of generalized incompetence.

That isn't an Apple only philosophy. Apple isn't really that different than any other major operating system manufacturer.

Windows is littered with all sorts of the niceties and safeguards, and it is getting more so with each version. Heck, it is a pain to even get to a full control panel any more, and heaven forbid you want to actually navigate the system folder. My boss constantly complains about how Windows tries to do things for you and take control. Basically, treating the user as if they are incompetent.

Do you really think that the most popular of the linux distros are any better? They are all trying to emulate the restricted, easy, and safe GUI. Why do you think Ubuntu took off like it did? It was because they dummied down the GUI and made it more restricted and as a consequence, easier to use.

The majority of people aren't computer savvy. Heck, my parents don't even really know what an OS is. To them the computer is practically synonymous with the internet. There are a lot more people like my parents than like us. Thus from a purely business stand point you are dumb if you don't try to capture that market by making things easier and safer (I.E. simplistic and restricted).

As for your complaint that Apple only lets their products operate with each other easily while restricting others from interfacing. I am all with you there. I absolutely hate that.

However, are they that much different than others? Really? Microsoft does the same thing with Office. Adobe is just as bad as Apple with their graphics programs. Don't even get me started on Autodesk products.

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

On the other hand, I just complimented 500 million people based on their refusal to use Apple products.

Oh, so that makes it okay? So, you would just fine with me insulting you and saying I was justified, because I really just complimented the other 6 billion people who aren't you?

Is it really so hard for you to see that you insulted me, and a lot of others, who did nothing to you and to apologize?

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

In my opinion, you should not use Apple products, and I am not afraid of saying so. I usually refrain from doing that, as I am generally polite and don't like provoking people unnecessarily, but if you provoke me, you will get poked.

Fine, that is your opinion.

What I want to know is what I did to provoke you and get poked? My difference of opinion with you that some Apple products are worth buying was a provocation to you and thus justification for you "poking" me?

Let me turn this around. My first day on these boards and before I even post I see someone stating that I am practically a stupid simpleton because I own an Apple product. You provoked me, so I guess by your own logic I am perfectly justified to insult you? Well, am I? Can I freely insult you for provoking me?

Not that I will over something so stupid and meaningless as what brand of computer someone uses, but I find it amazing that you don't feel any bit wrong in what you said. That you try to justify your insult of complete strangers that have never done nor said anything to or about you.

One person upset you. Fine. If you feel that you must, then lash out at him/her. There is absolutely no justification for your blanket insult. No matter how you paint it.