Its available in the US as well. Take a <a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/mx/index.shtml"; target="_blank">look</a> at it. It has everything. It even has a TV tuner with Tivo functionality. It records video in MPEG-2 and you can save it to the DVD-R/RW drive if you want. You also get MiniDisc and Memory Stick slots and more imputs/outputs than you can imagine. Dammit Apple, why can't you come out with something like this? This is the perfect Digital Hub computer, except for that Windows XP thing...
I've just took a look at that Sony. Apple R&D better had be looking at that machine very hard . That IS the type of machine the G5 [b]needs[b/] to beat, if Apple wants to become no1 withe the 'Digital Hub' idea.
Front mounted USB/FireWire ports are a must, my USB camera isn't recognized by the capture app unless it's plugged in to the USB on the back. The idea on that mockup above is a good one, use the cool 'soft eject' tec that is used on tape decks and it's a winner.
That Sony is amazing. I wish Apple would make something like it.
I also agree that Apple either need USB and FireWire in front or on the side. It would make life easier with things like the iPod and other MP3 players and Digital Cameras.
I agree, Apple needs to put some ports on the front, at least on the towers. I know it's not the best-looking thing in the world, but this is Apple, so I'd think they could find a way to make it work and make it look good.
Okay, so the appeal of this Sony is kinda lost on me, but we may be forgetting something pretty important....cables.
All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.
Sad to say it but having cables come out the back of the Mac is the best thing for hiding them, since they can be run neatly off the back of your workstation. The break-out box that userone described sounds like it has real potential, but I doubt we'll see it anytime soon since Apple is all for combining cables instead of adding to them (think ADC).
Still I agree with applenut about the need for easier access, but if we're gonna have side-mounted ports, I think they have to be at least near the back. And maybe they don't have to be ugly. I think a nice wide groove could make a good design element while concealing some I/O ports. I did a quickie below, based on an old (but still very cool) mock-up from <a href="http://www.applele.com"; target="_blank">Applele</a>. I know, it's not really to scale or anything, but you get the idea.
I've just took a look at that Sony. Apple R&D better had be looking at that machine very hard. That IS the type of machine the G5 needs to beat, if Apple wants to become no1 withe the 'Digital Hub' idea.<hr></blockquote>
So True Mediaman. Apple had better soon include the features that Sony put in this MV series. Sony even uses the term "Digital Lifestyle" with these new machines. Without incorporating TV and FM tuner capabilities into the platform, not to mention TiVo capabilities, Apple will never be a true "Digital Hub". Apple needs to walk their own talk.
Ummm....did Apple ever say it wants its desktops to be a digital hub? I mean, I know it is marketing the iBook with the whole 'digital hub' thing...but I thought the pro-line of desktops were for...well..pros. Do pros really need Tivo?
[QB]All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.<hr></blockquote>But the digital hub concept really applies to more temporarily connected devices such as cameras, camcorders, mp3 players, and the like. Not as much CD-RW drives and scanners. But I agree that there should be some in the back, too, for those types of devices.
I hope wireless has a bigger role in the future, so we won't need those ports at all! Maybe just an out-of-the-way Airport basestation.
<strong>Okay, so the appeal of this Sony is kinda lost on me, but we may be forgetting something pretty important....cables.
All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.
Sad to say it but having cables come out the back of the Mac is the best thing for hiding them, since they can be run neatly off the back of your workstation. The break-out box that userone described sounds like it has real potential, but I doubt we'll see it anytime soon since Apple is all for combining cables instead of adding to them (think ADC).
Still I agree with applenut about the need for easier access, but if we're gonna have side-mounted ports, I think they have to be at least near the back. And maybe they don't have to be ugly. I think a nice wide groove could make a good design element while concealing some I/O ports. I did a quickie below, based on an old (but still very cool) mock-up from <a href="http://www.applele.com"; target="_blank">Applele</a>. I know, it's not really to scale or anything, but you get the idea.
Anyway, glad to see the boards are back.</strong><hr></blockquote>
perhaps you missed the point. the front accessable ports are not for devices that will be stationary or never unplugged like a scanner or printer. leave the back ports for that the front ones are for a digital camera or camcorder or iPod which is constantly unplugged and moved.
Ummm....did Apple ever say it wants its desktops to be a digital hub? I mean, I know it is marketing the iBook with the whole 'digital hub' thing...but I thought the pro-line of desktops were for...well..pros. Do pros really need Tivo? <hr></blockquote>
1.) Apple means for the hub to be every product. or is iDVD not part of the hub now? or iTunes? or iMovie? they al ship on the pro products
2.) the PowerMac G4 is NOT a "pro product" even though it may be called one and priced like one. Example: look at me. I'm far from a pro user. But anything less than a PowerMac or Powerbook would not be suitable for me. And to say a "pro user" would not want added multimedia features such as Tivo is wrong.
Its an example of how Apple is falling behind. Look at what all you get with that Sony Vaio MX for the same price as a PowerMac G4. I mean, take a long hard look at the specs for this Sony. I think a lot of people would like the idea of Tivo functionality in their computer, especially when it doesn't require a service to do so. You also get digital optical in/out with Dolby Digital support. I believe you can even listen to the radio, cd, mp3 and minidisc all with the computer off. Not sure. This could be the perfect media computer, the perfect digital hub.
<strong>Its an example of how Apple is falling behind. Look at what all you get with that Sony Vaio MX for the same price as a PowerMac G4. I mean, take a long hard look at the specs for this Sony. I think a lot of people would like the idea of Tivo functionality in their computer, especially when it doesn't require a service to do so. You also get digital optical in/out with Dolby Digital support. I believe you can even listen to the radio, cd, mp3 and minidisc all with the computer off. Not sure. This could be the perfect media computer, the perfect digital hub.
Jonathan, could you give us some reasons why you think it is so "hideous"? I think it looks good. The buttons are a neat idea, the port door covers the unsightly ports, and the design is overall very clean. What's not to like (besides the Windows XP logo)? I think you're just criticizing it because it isn't covered with swirly colored iPlastic. Typical Mac zealotry.
The Apple Keyboard has 2 USB ports. How about an Apple keyboard with 2 firewire ports too? Cable from the keyboard would be slightly thicker, but I could live with that.
Wouldn't that solve the problem? No need to make the machine look ugly, and more convenient because you don't have to bend down under the desk to plug in your cables (even if ports are at the front, you still need to bend).
Doesn't solve the port problem on powerbooks and iBooks, but then I don't see the ports as much of a problem on those machines...
Comments
apple_otaku
Front mounted USB/FireWire ports are a must, my USB camera isn't recognized by the capture app unless it's plugged in to the USB on the back. The idea on that mockup above is a good one, use the cool 'soft eject' tec that is used on tape decks and it's a winner.
[ 11-17-2001: Message edited by: Mediaman ]</p>
I also agree that Apple either need USB and FireWire in front or on the side. It would make life easier with things like the iPod and other MP3 players and Digital Cameras.
All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.
Sad to say it but having cables come out the back of the Mac is the best thing for hiding them, since they can be run neatly off the back of your workstation. The break-out box that userone described sounds like it has real potential, but I doubt we'll see it anytime soon since Apple is all for combining cables instead of adding to them (think ADC).
Still I agree with applenut about the need for easier access, but if we're gonna have side-mounted ports, I think they have to be at least near the back. And maybe they don't have to be ugly. I think a nice wide groove could make a good design element while concealing some I/O ports. I did a quickie below, based on an old (but still very cool) mock-up from <a href="http://www.applele.com"; target="_blank">Applele</a>. I know, it's not really to scale or anything, but you get the idea.
Anyway, glad to see the boards are back.
I've just took a look at that Sony. Apple R&D better had be looking at that machine very hard. That IS the type of machine the G5 needs to beat, if Apple wants to become no1 withe the 'Digital Hub' idea.<hr></blockquote>
So True Mediaman. Apple had better soon include the features that Sony put in this MV series. Sony even uses the term "Digital Lifestyle" with these new machines. Without incorporating TV and FM tuner capabilities into the platform, not to mention TiVo capabilities, Apple will never be a true "Digital Hub". Apple needs to walk their own talk.
[ 11-17-2001: Message edited by: Aphelion ]</p>
[QB]All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.<hr></blockquote>But the digital hub concept really applies to more temporarily connected devices such as cameras, camcorders, mp3 players, and the like. Not as much CD-RW drives and scanners. But I agree that there should be some in the back, too, for those types of devices.
I hope wireless has a bigger role in the future, so we won't need those ports at all! Maybe just an out-of-the-way Airport basestation.
<strong>Okay, so the appeal of this Sony is kinda lost on me, but we may be forgetting something pretty important....cables.
All our periphs have cables..some have two each, and they're pretty much all oriented the same as our Macs; business end up front, cables come out the back. So if I hook my scanner or CD-RW to a front or side port, then I'm left with cables that are bunching up along side my Mac.
Sad to say it but having cables come out the back of the Mac is the best thing for hiding them, since they can be run neatly off the back of your workstation. The break-out box that userone described sounds like it has real potential, but I doubt we'll see it anytime soon since Apple is all for combining cables instead of adding to them (think ADC).
Still I agree with applenut about the need for easier access, but if we're gonna have side-mounted ports, I think they have to be at least near the back. And maybe they don't have to be ugly. I think a nice wide groove could make a good design element while concealing some I/O ports. I did a quickie below, based on an old (but still very cool) mock-up from <a href="http://www.applele.com"; target="_blank">Applele</a>. I know, it's not really to scale or anything, but you get the idea.
Anyway, glad to see the boards are back.</strong><hr></blockquote>
perhaps you missed the point. the front accessable ports are not for devices that will be stationary or never unplugged like a scanner or printer. leave the back ports for that the front ones are for a digital camera or camcorder or iPod which is constantly unplugged and moved.
[quote] posted 11-17-2001 07:09 PM Â*Â*Â* Â*Â* Â* Â* Â* Â*Â*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ummm....did Apple ever say it wants its desktops to be a digital hub? I mean, I know it is marketing the iBook with the whole 'digital hub' thing...but I thought the pro-line of desktops were for...well..pros. Do pros really need Tivo? <hr></blockquote>
1.) Apple means for the hub to be every product. or is iDVD not part of the hub now? or iTunes? or iMovie? they al ship on the pro products
2.) the PowerMac G4 is NOT a "pro product" even though it may be called one and priced like one. Example: look at me. I'm far from a pro user. But anything less than a PowerMac or Powerbook would not be suitable for me. And to say a "pro user" would not want added multimedia features such as Tivo is wrong.
apple_otaku
<strong>Its an example of how Apple is falling behind. Look at what all you get with that Sony Vaio MX for the same price as a PowerMac G4. I mean, take a long hard look at the specs for this Sony. I think a lot of people would like the idea of Tivo functionality in their computer, especially when it doesn't require a service to do so. You also get digital optical in/out with Dolby Digital support. I believe you can even listen to the radio, cd, mp3 and minidisc all with the computer off. Not sure. This could be the perfect media computer, the perfect digital hub.
apple_otaku</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well, not
perfect because it runs windows
apple_otaku
[ 11-17-2001: Message edited by: apple_otaku ]</p>
apple_otaku
[ 11-17-2001: Message edited by: apple_otaku ]</p>
<strong>god, that's hideous.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think it looks great.
a bit better than the useless and boring front on current Apple towers
Wouldn't that solve the problem? No need to make the machine look ugly, and more convenient because you don't have to bend down under the desk to plug in your cables (even if ports are at the front, you still need to bend).
Doesn't solve the port problem on powerbooks and iBooks, but then I don't see the ports as much of a problem on those machines...