This Home on iPod feature is unlikely to appear any time soon as the new iPods do not use FireWire and unless I'm mistaken Macs cannot boot from USB.
The whole point of this is so you DON'T have to reboot. Actually, that isn't the whole point but part of it. The point is... you put your home directory on the iPod. Connect the iPod, login and BAM... all of your settings, preferences, mail accounts are there! All of hte files that have to do with YOU as a user are there on any computer you go to. This isn't a new os we are talking about here... it's a portable user. This is awesome. This is how it used to be back in the old days with terminals. There was a central server with all the users and people would go to a terminal and login with that user that is on the server. Now you don't need the server... the iPod will act as the server. Very cool. Very handy. Now you don't need a specific computer at a job. You can use ANY mac that supports this. An OS should be centric to users, not the other way around.
Yes, it has been stated here that the iPod harddrives really only have a life span of continuous use that is measured in tens of minutes, though that doesn't entirely make sense since if you had to erase and refill the thing once or twice, that would hit that limit quickly?!
That's not the problem. The hd's have tens of thousands of hours of MTBF. The problem is that using the hd for more than a few minutes at a time drains the battery too much. That's why video use has such a short battery life compared to using music files which are much smaller and are stored in the machines RAM after a burst of reading from the hd. Classical music has the same problem, long lengths drains the battery as the hd is used much more. The device simply wasn't designed,from a battery life aspect to be used as a portable hd.
Unless you wanted to share your system and application preferences between computers, I don't understand why anyone would need this. FTP works just as well if you are intent on sharing files from your home folder between computers.
Oh that makes sense I suppose - when I originally heard about Home On iPod (pre-Panther) it was about booting.
Another reason this may have been dropped is the low speed of the iPod harddrives. This would reduce your Mac to below 4200RPM. It is a nice idea though.
I don't suppose they have solved the problem of having extensions that you need in /Library, or the bigger problem of applications that you need. They would need to somehow kludge up a place to store these things in addition to the contents of your Home folder. And if you do have extensions or Preference Panes that you need, then you need a reboot too. For example, I need USB Overdrive or the mouse tracking speed is so slow it drives me insane. If I had my Home folder on the iPod, and plugged it into some random machine, I wouldn't have USB Overdrive. Or Script Debugger.
So it seems this is mainly for transporting data that use only the standard Apple apps.
I don't suppose they have solved the problem of having extensions that you need in /Library, or the bigger problem of applications that you need. They would need to somehow kludge up a place to store these things in addition to the contents of your Home folder. And if you do have extensions or Preference Panes that you need, then you need a reboot too. For example, I need USB Overdrive or the mouse tracking speed is so slow it drives me insane. If I had my Home folder on the iPod, and plugged it into some random machine, I wouldn't have USB Overdrive. Or Script Debugger.
I suppose it would be pretty hard to do fix-ups such that it would work the way you'd like. I do agree on the USB Overdrive. Without it, it messes me up because it would make me think that my hand is numb and unresponsive. I don't even know how Apple can expect anyone use their HD displays with mouse acceleration choices seemingly designed for VGA resolutions.
My Home folder is over 60 GB. I agree with some people on this thread. Another OS X feature I probably won't use.
So is mine. That is why I have a 100 GB FireLite drive to back it up onto and to sync between my home and office computers. This feature would make my life a lot easier. It is the first feature that has me looking forward to Leopard.
So is mine. That is why I have a 100 GB FireLite drive to back it up onto and to sync between my home and office computers. This feature would make my life a lot easier. It is the first feature that has me looking forward to Leopard.
Keep in mind that it hasn't been confirmed. This patent too four years to come to light. It may just be an abandoned idea. And now, unfortunately, Apple owns it, so no one else can implement it without paying them. I'm not sure if this is a legitimately patentable idea, but you can say that about many patents these days.
I suppose it would be pretty hard to do fix-ups such that it would work the way you'd like. I do agree on the USB Overdrive. Without it, it messes me up because it would make me think that my hand is numb and unresponsive. I don't even know how Apple can expect anyone use their HD displays with mouse acceleration choices seemingly designed for VGA resolutions.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if it turned out that a survey of shoppers to the Apple Stores revealed that the #1 reason non-buyers gave for not purchasing a Mac was that the mouse cursor didn't move fast enough? LOL
Ever since OS X DP3 I have been amazed at how Apple hasn't increased the maximum mouse tracking setting. How anyone can use it the way it comes out of the box is beyond me.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if it turned out that a survey of shoppers to the Apple Stores revealed that the #1 reason non-buyers gave for not purchasing a Mac was that the mouse cursor didn't move fast enough? LOL
Ever since OS X DP3 I have been amazed at how Apple hasn't increased the maximum mouse tracking setting. How anyone can use it the way it comes out of the box is beyond me.
Good point. I can't tell you how many new-to-Mac users at the University where I supply tech support have complained about that, not having any clue that it can be adjusted.
Then there's the whole right-click disabled thing... The last thing the "enterprise" wants is to spend needless cycles turning on features that are expected by the mass of users out there (and let's face it, the mass is entirely populated by new and potential converts).
That's not the problem. The hd's have tens of thousands of hours of MTBF. The problem is that using the hd for more than a few minutes at a time drains the battery too much. That's why video use has such a short battery life compared to using music files which are much smaller and are stored in the machines RAM after a burst of reading from the hd. Classical music has the same problem, long lengths drains the battery as the hd is used much more. The device simply wasn't designed,from a battery life aspect to be used as a portable hd.
Good! I was concerned that there was some physical limitations to the hd itself.
As for this added functionality, I really want the ability to carry a few files, one or two apps (like Keynote) and the appropriate Library files and prefs. If melgross it correct then, as long as the iPod is getting power, there is no problem with using it as an external hd, so power consumption shouldn't be an issue most of the time. THAT is where FW means fewer cords and I hope Apple reconsiders this.
This seems like it could be useful. Especially without a .Mac account. But doesn't the home folder host most people's Music Library? So moving the home folder to your iPod would essentially be carrying around your music, twice. I suppose you could have iTunes access your music library from a different location, which would surely decrease the size of large Home folders. And taking my mail settings to work is great, if work doesn't have a firewall preventing me from accessing a different mail server.
I'm sure there's some benefit to this feature and will help some folks. I think it would require some reconfiguring on my own settings but could prove useful.
Good point. I can't tell you how many new-to-Mac users at the University where I supply tech support have complained about that, not having any clue that it can be adjusted.
Then there's the whole right-click disabled thing... The last thing the "enterprise" wants is to spend needless cycles turning on features that are expected by the mass of users out there (and let's face it, the mass is entirely populated by new and potential converts).
Right-click is disabled? I wouldn't know since I install USB O immediately. When did this happen?
Right-click is disabled? I wouldn't know since I install USB O immediately. When did this happen?
I think it's disabled by default on the Mighty Mouse, not on standard mice. I think it's supposed to be that way so a dimwit can still use it as a single button mouse without having to change settings, but more advanced users can just change the setting.
YOU CAN ALWAYS BOOT OFF USB in Mac OS X on Intel or otherwise. I've done it for every single freaking OS.
Stop stating incorrect facts. USB is just as viable as firewire, and more compatible with other computers, i can boot leopard, os 10.4, windows xp, and windows vista all from ONE usb drive...
I think it's disabled by default on the Mighty Mouse, not on standard mice. I think it's supposed to be that way so a dimwit can still use it as a single button mouse without having to change settings, but more advanced users can just change the setting.
also right click is NOT disabled by default on the mightmouse.... geeze. this thread is full of lies.
Comments
This Home on iPod feature is unlikely to appear any time soon as the new iPods do not use FireWire and unless I'm mistaken Macs cannot boot from USB.
The whole point of this is so you DON'T have to reboot. Actually, that isn't the whole point but part of it. The point is... you put your home directory on the iPod. Connect the iPod, login and BAM... all of your settings, preferences, mail accounts are there! All of hte files that have to do with YOU as a user are there on any computer you go to. This isn't a new os we are talking about here... it's a portable user. This is awesome. This is how it used to be back in the old days with terminals. There was a central server with all the users and people would go to a terminal and login with that user that is on the server. Now you don't need the server... the iPod will act as the server. Very cool. Very handy. Now you don't need a specific computer at a job. You can use ANY mac that supports this. An OS should be centric to users, not the other way around.
Score 1 for apple on this one guys.
Yes, it has been stated here that the iPod harddrives really only have a life span of continuous use that is measured in tens of minutes, though that doesn't entirely make sense since if you had to erase and refill the thing once or twice, that would hit that limit quickly?!
That's not the problem. The hd's have tens of thousands of hours of MTBF. The problem is that using the hd for more than a few minutes at a time drains the battery too much. That's why video use has such a short battery life compared to using music files which are much smaller and are stored in the machines RAM after a burst of reading from the hd. Classical music has the same problem, long lengths drains the battery as the hd is used much more. The device simply wasn't designed,from a battery life aspect to be used as a portable hd.
Another reason this may have been dropped is the low speed of the iPod harddrives. This would reduce your Mac to below 4200RPM. It is a nice idea though.
So it seems this is mainly for transporting data that use only the standard Apple apps.
I don't suppose they have solved the problem of having extensions that you need in /Library, or the bigger problem of applications that you need. They would need to somehow kludge up a place to store these things in addition to the contents of your Home folder. And if you do have extensions or Preference Panes that you need, then you need a reboot too. For example, I need USB Overdrive or the mouse tracking speed is so slow it drives me insane. If I had my Home folder on the iPod, and plugged it into some random machine, I wouldn't have USB Overdrive. Or Script Debugger.
I suppose it would be pretty hard to do fix-ups such that it would work the way you'd like. I do agree on the USB Overdrive. Without it, it messes me up because it would make me think that my hand is numb and unresponsive. I don't even know how Apple can expect anyone use their HD displays with mouse acceleration choices seemingly designed for VGA resolutions.
My Home folder is over 60 GB. I agree with some people on this thread. Another OS X feature I probably won't use.
So is mine. That is why I have a 100 GB FireLite drive to back it up onto and to sync between my home and office computers. This feature would make my life a lot easier. It is the first feature that has me looking forward to Leopard.
So is mine. That is why I have a 100 GB FireLite drive to back it up onto and to sync between my home and office computers. This feature would make my life a lot easier. It is the first feature that has me looking forward to Leopard.
Keep in mind that it hasn't been confirmed. This patent too four years to come to light. It may just be an abandoned idea. And now, unfortunately, Apple owns it, so no one else can implement it without paying them. I'm not sure if this is a legitimately patentable idea, but you can say that about many patents these days.
It's Portable Home Directory Extreme
Unfortunately it's useless to most Mac users.
I suppose it would be pretty hard to do fix-ups such that it would work the way you'd like. I do agree on the USB Overdrive. Without it, it messes me up because it would make me think that my hand is numb and unresponsive. I don't even know how Apple can expect anyone use their HD displays with mouse acceleration choices seemingly designed for VGA resolutions.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if it turned out that a survey of shoppers to the Apple Stores revealed that the #1 reason non-buyers gave for not purchasing a Mac was that the mouse cursor didn't move fast enough? LOL
Ever since OS X DP3 I have been amazed at how Apple hasn't increased the maximum mouse tracking setting. How anyone can use it the way it comes out of the box is beyond me.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if it turned out that a survey of shoppers to the Apple Stores revealed that the #1 reason non-buyers gave for not purchasing a Mac was that the mouse cursor didn't move fast enough? LOL
Ever since OS X DP3 I have been amazed at how Apple hasn't increased the maximum mouse tracking setting. How anyone can use it the way it comes out of the box is beyond me.
Good point. I can't tell you how many new-to-Mac users at the University where I supply tech support have complained about that, not having any clue that it can be adjusted.
Then there's the whole right-click disabled thing... The last thing the "enterprise" wants is to spend needless cycles turning on features that are expected by the mass of users out there (and let's face it, the mass is entirely populated by new and potential converts).
That's not the problem. The hd's have tens of thousands of hours of MTBF. The problem is that using the hd for more than a few minutes at a time drains the battery too much. That's why video use has such a short battery life compared to using music files which are much smaller and are stored in the machines RAM after a burst of reading from the hd. Classical music has the same problem, long lengths drains the battery as the hd is used much more. The device simply wasn't designed,from a battery life aspect to be used as a portable hd.
Good! I was concerned that there was some physical limitations to the hd itself.
As for this added functionality, I really want the ability to carry a few files, one or two apps (like Keynote) and the appropriate Library files and prefs. If melgross it correct then, as long as the iPod is getting power, there is no problem with using it as an external hd, so power consumption shouldn't be an issue most of the time. THAT is where FW means fewer cords and I hope Apple reconsiders this.
I'm sure there's some benefit to this feature and will help some folks. I think it would require some reconfiguring on my own settings but could prove useful.
Good point. I can't tell you how many new-to-Mac users at the University where I supply tech support have complained about that, not having any clue that it can be adjusted.
Then there's the whole right-click disabled thing... The last thing the "enterprise" wants is to spend needless cycles turning on features that are expected by the mass of users out there (and let's face it, the mass is entirely populated by new and potential converts).
Right-click is disabled? I wouldn't know since I install USB O immediately. When did this happen?
Right-click is disabled? I wouldn't know since I install USB O immediately. When did this happen?
I think it's disabled by default on the Mighty Mouse, not on standard mice. I think it's supposed to be that way so a dimwit can still use it as a single button mouse without having to change settings, but more advanced users can just change the setting.
Stop stating incorrect facts. USB is just as viable as firewire, and more compatible with other computers, i can boot leopard, os 10.4, windows xp, and windows vista all from ONE usb drive...
I think it's disabled by default on the Mighty Mouse, not on standard mice. I think it's supposed to be that way so a dimwit can still use it as a single button mouse without having to change settings, but more advanced users can just change the setting.
also right click is NOT disabled by default on the mightmouse.... geeze. this thread is full of lies.