longofest
Dec 2, 07:26 AM
The mere fact that some kernel vulnerabilities were discovered in an event SPECIFICALLY devoted to finding such things does not mean our OS X is unsafe. It is by far the MOST secure system out there, with 40 million or 400 million users, and nobody has been able to prove the opposite so far.
The guy heading up the MOKB thing said that MacOSX's kernel (XNU) was the easiest kernel to crack. If that makes you feel safe, then go ahead and feel safe, but for me, even though I use extremely good security practices and networking measures, I still would rather have Apple get serious aboud security and start hardening their system more so that guys who are only fuzzing and stress testing can't come up with 10 vulnerabilities in a month.
The only thing I can suggest (which I doubt anyone will follow) is to avoid the hysteria. When a real threat emerges, you'll most likely hear about it long before you are actually in any danger from it.
Funny thing is that I don't see anyone in this forum going into hysteria about this other than the people saying that "this is a load of FUD." Why is it such a shock that MacOSX can be vulnerable? No, it hasn't been exploited to any large extent, but vulnerabilities open up the door to exploits, and the only thing that is keeping us away from having exploits happen is our market share. You may not want to hear that, but as long as we are below 10% of the market, people simply aren't going to target our vulnerabilities, but are going to target MS's vulnerabilities.
The problem of course, is that our Market Share is going up, and so we will likely be a larger target for hackers. So if these vulnerabilities keep popping up in this frequency, that becomes a major issue for the exploitation problem as time goes on.
The guy heading up the MOKB thing said that MacOSX's kernel (XNU) was the easiest kernel to crack. If that makes you feel safe, then go ahead and feel safe, but for me, even though I use extremely good security practices and networking measures, I still would rather have Apple get serious aboud security and start hardening their system more so that guys who are only fuzzing and stress testing can't come up with 10 vulnerabilities in a month.
The only thing I can suggest (which I doubt anyone will follow) is to avoid the hysteria. When a real threat emerges, you'll most likely hear about it long before you are actually in any danger from it.
Funny thing is that I don't see anyone in this forum going into hysteria about this other than the people saying that "this is a load of FUD." Why is it such a shock that MacOSX can be vulnerable? No, it hasn't been exploited to any large extent, but vulnerabilities open up the door to exploits, and the only thing that is keeping us away from having exploits happen is our market share. You may not want to hear that, but as long as we are below 10% of the market, people simply aren't going to target our vulnerabilities, but are going to target MS's vulnerabilities.
The problem of course, is that our Market Share is going up, and so we will likely be a larger target for hackers. So if these vulnerabilities keep popping up in this frequency, that becomes a major issue for the exploitation problem as time goes on.
citi
Apr 28, 03:57 PM
Sounds like a "who cares?" kind of thing, but that's actually kind of a big deal if it creates case fragmentation. Not good. Hopefully inaccurate.
Case Fragmentation? HAAA! The funniest thing I have read all day.
Case Fragmentation? HAAA! The funniest thing I have read all day.
MacProCpo
Nov 28, 05:04 AM
The water here in Japan IS a bit freaky :p
Here is a link to Atlas's machine stats, it's freeking awesome to look at!!!!!
I KNOW!!! Where's the "drool" emotiocon! Each one of his GPU monsters is making 66K ppd....and he's got FIVE OF THEM!!!
Here is a link to Atlas's machine stats, it's freeking awesome to look at!!!!!
I KNOW!!! Where's the "drool" emotiocon! Each one of his GPU monsters is making 66K ppd....and he's got FIVE OF THEM!!!
zacmac
Apr 13, 03:32 PM
a television doesn't make sense. For one thing it'll be too expensive. I say focus on making the apple tv a better product.
more...
MRiOS
Dec 1, 10:36 AM
I mainly want
http://storeimages.apple.com/1774/as-images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/MC742?wid=326&hei=326&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp
but I wouldn't say no to these either
http://www.adannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Verizon-iPhone-3.jpg
http://storeimages.apple.com/1774/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/gifting/astro/apple-card-tall.jpg
http://storeimages.apple.com/1774/as-images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/MC742?wid=326&hei=326&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp
but I wouldn't say no to these either
http://www.adannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Verizon-iPhone-3.jpg
http://storeimages.apple.com/1774/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/gifting/astro/apple-card-tall.jpg
JsR
Jan 2, 06:46 AM
Her Mother must be so proud...especially if she is taking the title from her Mum :eek:
more...
seanpholman
Mar 15, 10:12 AM
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_6 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8E200 Safari/6533.18.5)
Apparently South Coast Plaza is selling none today
Still waiting here at Fashion Island - crossing fingers!
How do you know? I don't want to waste a trip.
--Sean
Apparently South Coast Plaza is selling none today
Still waiting here at Fashion Island - crossing fingers!
How do you know? I don't want to waste a trip.
--Sean
Sean*
Sep 13, 01:21 PM
http://images.play.com/covers/13069732m.jpg
320GB external for Time Machine.
320GB external for Time Machine.
more...
milo
Jul 24, 05:17 PM
I love my MM, makes me miss the scroll ball when I use anything else.
If buttons or wheel aren't working right for you, why don't you just take it back and get a replacement under warranty?
If buttons or wheel aren't working right for you, why don't you just take it back and get a replacement under warranty?
wedge antilies
Jul 28, 10:21 AM
I agree. I like MS strategy. They want to get their foot in the door and compete, then sell you all kinds of other ish. Look at the XBOX/XBOX 360, they may sell them at a loss, but with the Software, XBOX Live, and the Marketplace, they are making their money.
No they are still not making money....From a Forbes article 2005/09/12..
linkypoo (http://www.forbes.com/home/technology/2005/09/12/microsoft-management-software_cz_vm_0913microsoft.html)
"The Xbox game console is hot, but its division has lost $4 billion in four years and isn't yet in the black."
And as for the success of the XBox 360 from bink.nu (july 23)
bink link (http://bink.nu/Article7827.bink)
"Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division, home to the Xbox, posted a hefty fiscal year loss of $1.26 billion, thanks largely to losses involved with the Xbox 360. For Microsoft's fourth quarter, losses in the Home and Entertainment division were $414 million. Microsoft says they have shipped 5 million Xbox 360 units worldwide as of the end of June, roughly seven and a half months after launch."
Having said that I do own a Xbox, and will probably buy an Xbox 360 when Halo 3 comes out. And a PS3. And a Wii.
The fact is the Xbox 360 really isn't sellilng that well outside the US, where it has sold 3.3 mil units, in Europe it has sold only 1.3 mil, and more embarrasingly only 0.4 mil in the rest of the world INCLUDING Japan. In fact for the week ending 16th July only 1105 Xbox 360s were sold in Japan, compared to 140,858 DS LItes, and less than one tenth of the sales of the DS phat and less than one twentieth of the PS2, during the same time.
Microsofts home and entertainment division just lost $414million in the last quarter!
I just don't think you should say that the Xbox has been a success, it is possible, however success is a long way off.
-Red 2.
No they are still not making money....From a Forbes article 2005/09/12..
linkypoo (http://www.forbes.com/home/technology/2005/09/12/microsoft-management-software_cz_vm_0913microsoft.html)
"The Xbox game console is hot, but its division has lost $4 billion in four years and isn't yet in the black."
And as for the success of the XBox 360 from bink.nu (july 23)
bink link (http://bink.nu/Article7827.bink)
"Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division, home to the Xbox, posted a hefty fiscal year loss of $1.26 billion, thanks largely to losses involved with the Xbox 360. For Microsoft's fourth quarter, losses in the Home and Entertainment division were $414 million. Microsoft says they have shipped 5 million Xbox 360 units worldwide as of the end of June, roughly seven and a half months after launch."
Having said that I do own a Xbox, and will probably buy an Xbox 360 when Halo 3 comes out. And a PS3. And a Wii.
The fact is the Xbox 360 really isn't sellilng that well outside the US, where it has sold 3.3 mil units, in Europe it has sold only 1.3 mil, and more embarrasingly only 0.4 mil in the rest of the world INCLUDING Japan. In fact for the week ending 16th July only 1105 Xbox 360s were sold in Japan, compared to 140,858 DS LItes, and less than one tenth of the sales of the DS phat and less than one twentieth of the PS2, during the same time.
Microsofts home and entertainment division just lost $414million in the last quarter!
I just don't think you should say that the Xbox has been a success, it is possible, however success is a long way off.
-Red 2.
more...
leekohler
Mar 10, 10:19 AM
Sheen just keeps getting worse. I wonder how long it will take for him to hit bottom.
Of all the amazing claims that Charlie Sheen has made over the past few weeks, about Adonis DNA and mercury surfboards and AA Nazis and lions and tiger blood and bears, this one might be the most surprising: On Wednesday, he called into "The Dan Patrick Show" to announce, "This could be my final interview."
Three weeks have passed since Sheen first contacted the radio program, launching an unexpected press tour that's included a number of radio stations, morning-show interviews, late-night talk-show appearances and his own self-produced Ustream show, "Sheen's Korner." ("Hey, it's must-see TV," he quipped, sounding a little exhausted.) Earlier Wednesday morning, he even appeared on KRTH-FM (101.1) in Los Angeles. But Sheen later told Patrick, "[This] is where it all began and where it all ends, you know?"
Asked what brought such an abrupt end to his interviews, he said, "All they do is glad-hand me to get into my home, then they vilify me. ... At the end of the day, it's about ratings and commerce. They act concerned, but their behavior is completely the opposite." Sheen said that made him feel "bitter."
Patrick, however, seemed genuinely concerned about the actor. "Are you OK?" he asked Sheen.
"I'm better than OK," Sheen insisted. "I'm me. I'm winning." But he didn't sound convinced.
Patrick also asked if he was personally responsible for Sheen's very troubled interviews. "I wouldn't say you caused all of it," Sheen deadpanned. "Maybe 97 percent."
The actor also denied accusations that he'd been "flubbing my lines" or doing cocaine on the set of "Two and a Half Men." But he accepted that heds been axed from the show, and he said he thought that John Stamos and Rob Lowe, both rumored as possible replacements for his character, would be fine substitutions. (He'd previously slammed Stamos in the press.) "I think they're both fabulous," he said, "and my apologies to John. I was rude to him earlier, John Stamos. That was unnecessary. And Rob's an old friend, a brilliant actor, a beautiful man."
'The interview sounded a bit like a downbeat closing statement for Sheen -- until the very end, when he slightly amended the terms of his retirement from the press tour. "I won�t do any interviews except you," he told Patrick. "How 'bout that?"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-lat-charlie-sheen-on-the-dan-patrick-show-this-could-be-my-final-interview-20110309,0,1562534.story
Of all the amazing claims that Charlie Sheen has made over the past few weeks, about Adonis DNA and mercury surfboards and AA Nazis and lions and tiger blood and bears, this one might be the most surprising: On Wednesday, he called into "The Dan Patrick Show" to announce, "This could be my final interview."
Three weeks have passed since Sheen first contacted the radio program, launching an unexpected press tour that's included a number of radio stations, morning-show interviews, late-night talk-show appearances and his own self-produced Ustream show, "Sheen's Korner." ("Hey, it's must-see TV," he quipped, sounding a little exhausted.) Earlier Wednesday morning, he even appeared on KRTH-FM (101.1) in Los Angeles. But Sheen later told Patrick, "[This] is where it all began and where it all ends, you know?"
Asked what brought such an abrupt end to his interviews, he said, "All they do is glad-hand me to get into my home, then they vilify me. ... At the end of the day, it's about ratings and commerce. They act concerned, but their behavior is completely the opposite." Sheen said that made him feel "bitter."
Patrick, however, seemed genuinely concerned about the actor. "Are you OK?" he asked Sheen.
"I'm better than OK," Sheen insisted. "I'm me. I'm winning." But he didn't sound convinced.
Patrick also asked if he was personally responsible for Sheen's very troubled interviews. "I wouldn't say you caused all of it," Sheen deadpanned. "Maybe 97 percent."
The actor also denied accusations that he'd been "flubbing my lines" or doing cocaine on the set of "Two and a Half Men." But he accepted that heds been axed from the show, and he said he thought that John Stamos and Rob Lowe, both rumored as possible replacements for his character, would be fine substitutions. (He'd previously slammed Stamos in the press.) "I think they're both fabulous," he said, "and my apologies to John. I was rude to him earlier, John Stamos. That was unnecessary. And Rob's an old friend, a brilliant actor, a beautiful man."
'The interview sounded a bit like a downbeat closing statement for Sheen -- until the very end, when he slightly amended the terms of his retirement from the press tour. "I won�t do any interviews except you," he told Patrick. "How 'bout that?"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-lat-charlie-sheen-on-the-dan-patrick-show-this-could-be-my-final-interview-20110309,0,1562534.story
Digital Skunk
May 3, 09:15 AM
It annoys me too but it works out pretty well for Apple and I'd much rather pay extra for the i7 than not have the option at all. Look at the latest MBPs compared to the previous ones, Apple bumped the GPUs up significantly but charged $200 more and yet everyone is happy.
True, but I've always had the sense that MBP owners are just used to paying a lot more for a machine than most everyone else.
I strongly suggest against a refurbished model of older revisions. It is similar to purchasing a Core 2 model. The base 21.5" Sandy Bridge once it hits refurb would be tempting at ~$999.
Agreed about the Core2 models, but I still think it would depend on the price of the refurbed. There's a 3.33GHz core 2 duo on there for $1040, and a 3.06GHz Core i3 for $930; same GPU different HDD size. The i3 would be the better choice if one weren't able to get the extra $200 or so for a new model.
This is the first worthwhile iMac solely based on the stillborn potential of Thunderbolt and the quad on the base models. It only took 5 years.
QFT. My initial post in this thread mentioned the Old Skool Apple because at the very least we've got iMacs that don't offer 80% laptop parts with a nice screen. I'd say we are at 40% laptop parts now.
True, but I've always had the sense that MBP owners are just used to paying a lot more for a machine than most everyone else.
I strongly suggest against a refurbished model of older revisions. It is similar to purchasing a Core 2 model. The base 21.5" Sandy Bridge once it hits refurb would be tempting at ~$999.
Agreed about the Core2 models, but I still think it would depend on the price of the refurbed. There's a 3.33GHz core 2 duo on there for $1040, and a 3.06GHz Core i3 for $930; same GPU different HDD size. The i3 would be the better choice if one weren't able to get the extra $200 or so for a new model.
This is the first worthwhile iMac solely based on the stillborn potential of Thunderbolt and the quad on the base models. It only took 5 years.
QFT. My initial post in this thread mentioned the Old Skool Apple because at the very least we've got iMacs that don't offer 80% laptop parts with a nice screen. I'd say we are at 40% laptop parts now.
more...
MacsAttack
Nov 3, 02:58 PM
all i have to say is that vmware is a strong company financially with a very good long term vision/proven track record, there's no way parallels will survive. there's no way all the hardware companies will fully cooperate with parallels, i don't see them lasting, you're better off putting money in vmware, they'll give you a good product, they've been doing it longer and better. but i understand how it is with firsts, it's always hard to part with them. ;)
even though i didn't get an invite into the beta program, i'm shocked at how quick they're actually executing. that indian exec at vmware said it would be coming soon at the last wwdc, but this is great.
Given that a number of VmWare's products are essentially free, Parallels will indeed have some significant challenges ahead if the OS X version is likewise free.
What I could use is the ability to use a VM created with VMWare's PC-based products on OS X (allowing me to use development VMs we use for developemnt and testing on my Mac too).
even though i didn't get an invite into the beta program, i'm shocked at how quick they're actually executing. that indian exec at vmware said it would be coming soon at the last wwdc, but this is great.
Given that a number of VmWare's products are essentially free, Parallels will indeed have some significant challenges ahead if the OS X version is likewise free.
What I could use is the ability to use a VM created with VMWare's PC-based products on OS X (allowing me to use development VMs we use for developemnt and testing on my Mac too).
twoodcc
Nov 24, 08:42 PM
yeah team lexus should be in the rearview mirror soon
i hope so.
i hope so.
more...
Kajover
May 3, 08:13 AM
Is it now possible to use the 21,5" screen as an external display?
Is the difference between hd 6750m and 6770m a noticeable one?
Is the difference between hd 6750m and 6770m a noticeable one?
mrkjsn
Oct 28, 12:35 PM
So there IS a chance! Good for you.
We had one of these as a courtesy car from BMW, while our 3 series was being serviced this summer. I booked a 1 series but they didn't have any, so we were given this Countryman or whatever this long Mini is called. It is crap, crap, crap. It's an annoying car and for what it is, it's overpriced. The retro shape with the stupid door arrangement makes it even more awkward to live with. It has a cheap feel and hideous dials with average interior. I would rather drive a battered, rusty old E30 coupe with a fraction of its value than a Mini Countryman. That would just send the wrong message that I don't mind spending money on a car but that's the best - a joke theme car - that I could come up with.
I don't pimp my own drive or any old crap and I'm not willing to pay BMW to do the same for me.
Rant ends here.
I'm a BMW fan and have thought about restoring an E30 or picking up an E36 M3. I personally would never buy a Countryman but the Cooper S and JCW appeals to me. I understand that this car may not appeal to some people but I personally dig it. It's very peppy and has soul. It does something for me and it's what matters. I've looked at a new BMW 335i...RWD...twin turbo. On paper it has everything a car guy would like but meh...too generic for me.
We had one of these as a courtesy car from BMW, while our 3 series was being serviced this summer. I booked a 1 series but they didn't have any, so we were given this Countryman or whatever this long Mini is called. It is crap, crap, crap. It's an annoying car and for what it is, it's overpriced. The retro shape with the stupid door arrangement makes it even more awkward to live with. It has a cheap feel and hideous dials with average interior. I would rather drive a battered, rusty old E30 coupe with a fraction of its value than a Mini Countryman. That would just send the wrong message that I don't mind spending money on a car but that's the best - a joke theme car - that I could come up with.
I don't pimp my own drive or any old crap and I'm not willing to pay BMW to do the same for me.
Rant ends here.
I'm a BMW fan and have thought about restoring an E30 or picking up an E36 M3. I personally would never buy a Countryman but the Cooper S and JCW appeals to me. I understand that this car may not appeal to some people but I personally dig it. It's very peppy and has soul. It does something for me and it's what matters. I've looked at a new BMW 335i...RWD...twin turbo. On paper it has everything a car guy would like but meh...too generic for me.
more...
Ben Logan
Mar 31, 08:48 PM
I actually kind of like that, outside of the ugly close/min/max buttons and the scroll bars :P
Coupled together, they do have a certain uniform garrishness.
http://3rr0rists.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ical_lion.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3333642840_d905e48e47_o.jpg
Coupled together, they do have a certain uniform garrishness.
http://3rr0rists.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ical_lion.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3333642840_d905e48e47_o.jpg
Eldiablojoe
Apr 30, 07:31 PM
Eldiablojoe can be our token blonde in the afterlife?
See, and you thought the goofy "newb" questions were just an act. They aren't, lol.
See, and you thought the goofy "newb" questions were just an act. They aren't, lol.
rayz
Aug 1, 10:54 AM
I only clarified because it didn't seem like you got it. If you did, then my apologies.
No problem
As for the time it took Apple to create a stable version I disagree...the first desktop version that was available came out in March 2001. I would say that Jaguar was the first completely stable version, which came out in August 2002. Even if you disagree my PowerBook has been completely stable since I got it (it shipped with 10.2.7) in September 2003. Just over two years. My XP boxes have been far less stable.
Well, I actually didn't have a problem with any version of XP, even before I had installed XP2. The first releases of OSX were pretty hellish for me. Panther was fine; then I installed Tiger and I was back in beta land, which is when I decided to move the business-related stuff back to XP and just do the fun stuff on OSX. Fortunately Apple released a fix a few weeks after they released Tiger.
Also, Apple charges because they offer new things to the operating system, not just stability fixes. OS X updates are also cheaper.
Well, I don't think they've really done that much. They've mashed a few extra look and feels into the UI, added dashboard (and I'm not even sure they invented that), Automator (wich I really should try out). Apart from that, the OS is pretty much the same as it was when it was released (though a lot more stable obviously).
It's an excellent piece of work, but it certainly should be cheaper because when you get right down to it, they didn't actually have to write it from scratch.
Timepass,
It's still called the Blue Screen of Death. If OS X had one, it'd be called the same thing. The point is that it's Blue, not that it's caused by .dll errors or incorrect memory addressing.
Er ... OSX does have one, but it appear to be black (http://www.applematters.com/index.php/section/comments/ask-apple-matters-os-x-crashes-afterall/) ....
No problem
As for the time it took Apple to create a stable version I disagree...the first desktop version that was available came out in March 2001. I would say that Jaguar was the first completely stable version, which came out in August 2002. Even if you disagree my PowerBook has been completely stable since I got it (it shipped with 10.2.7) in September 2003. Just over two years. My XP boxes have been far less stable.
Well, I actually didn't have a problem with any version of XP, even before I had installed XP2. The first releases of OSX were pretty hellish for me. Panther was fine; then I installed Tiger and I was back in beta land, which is when I decided to move the business-related stuff back to XP and just do the fun stuff on OSX. Fortunately Apple released a fix a few weeks after they released Tiger.
Also, Apple charges because they offer new things to the operating system, not just stability fixes. OS X updates are also cheaper.
Well, I don't think they've really done that much. They've mashed a few extra look and feels into the UI, added dashboard (and I'm not even sure they invented that), Automator (wich I really should try out). Apart from that, the OS is pretty much the same as it was when it was released (though a lot more stable obviously).
It's an excellent piece of work, but it certainly should be cheaper because when you get right down to it, they didn't actually have to write it from scratch.
Timepass,
It's still called the Blue Screen of Death. If OS X had one, it'd be called the same thing. The point is that it's Blue, not that it's caused by .dll errors or incorrect memory addressing.
Er ... OSX does have one, but it appear to be black (http://www.applematters.com/index.php/section/comments/ask-apple-matters-os-x-crashes-afterall/) ....
cupcakes2000
Apr 1, 09:57 AM
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5568279546_ce58afa9d5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakes2000/5568279546/)
Thought I'd darken the mood up a little!!
Thought I'd darken the mood up a little!!
generik
Aug 18, 04:51 PM
Yet that doesn't change the fact that the BSOD still exists in XP.
The code for kernel panics exists in MacOS too, from my experience sometimes the OS even croaks before it can even draw the cool graphical error screen out. At least Windows XP has a fully functional BSOD :rolleyes:
The code for kernel panics exists in MacOS too, from my experience sometimes the OS even croaks before it can even draw the cool graphical error screen out. At least Windows XP has a fully functional BSOD :rolleyes:
rebby
Apr 1, 07:21 PM
My 1 year-old a couple of days before his first birthday (click for larger).
http://gallery.me.com/crebelein/100053/IMG_5637/web.jpg
http://gallery.me.com/crebelein/100053/IMG_5637/web.jpg
Willis
Oct 23, 08:22 AM
What a load of crap. People always make out Apple try and get your hard earned cash, but it seems nowadays its everyone else!
Microsoft are just going to cause more problems for themselves because prohibiting the use of the basic and home editions to be used, people will just get a cracked version, because thats what most people do.
Pointless!
Microsoft are just going to cause more problems for themselves because prohibiting the use of the basic and home editions to be used, people will just get a cracked version, because thats what most people do.
Pointless!
carlgo
Oct 1, 08:51 AM
It's interesting how cell service works. Here's a simplistic summary:
Only a certain number of users can use a tower at any given time. There is only a certain range of frequencies that can be used. All towers use these same frequencies. This means that each tower must not overlap the others in terms of coverage area and frequenceis. To ensure this, companies actually use different frequency ranges on adjacent towers. Further limiting how many users can use each tower.
The solution to this is to create smaller cell sites that cover a smaller area (and therefore will have fewer users at any given time). The problem with this is that each new cell site requires a new tower. With all the opposition to new tower construction it can take months or years to get approval to build one.
With the massive growth in cell usage companies are having to create smaller and smaller cell sites. Because of the way the system works putting up one new tower requires the reconfiguration of all the adjacent towers. Their signal area must be changed, their frequencies must be changed and it all must be integrated together.
When you get a dropped call, it's usually because you are moving into another cell site (serviced by a new tower). Your call must be handed off to the new tower. If this new tower is at capacity or overloaded, failures happen.
This is why it sucks for very high density areas.
Luckily in Minneapolis we have very good AT&T coverage. I get very fast 3G speeds and <1% dropped calls everywhere I go. Thank you urban sprawl for spreading everyone out.. When I was in NYC I noticed by data speeds were much slower. I didn't make enough calls to have any problems with that though.
Nice explanation. It seems that the whole idea of cell towers is unworkable. You think it is bad in the cities? Even semi-rural areas have no coverage at all.
There has to be an entirely new technology for this, or the use of satellites or aircraft instead of silly towers. C'mon Apple, solve this problem.
Only a certain number of users can use a tower at any given time. There is only a certain range of frequencies that can be used. All towers use these same frequencies. This means that each tower must not overlap the others in terms of coverage area and frequenceis. To ensure this, companies actually use different frequency ranges on adjacent towers. Further limiting how many users can use each tower.
The solution to this is to create smaller cell sites that cover a smaller area (and therefore will have fewer users at any given time). The problem with this is that each new cell site requires a new tower. With all the opposition to new tower construction it can take months or years to get approval to build one.
With the massive growth in cell usage companies are having to create smaller and smaller cell sites. Because of the way the system works putting up one new tower requires the reconfiguration of all the adjacent towers. Their signal area must be changed, their frequencies must be changed and it all must be integrated together.
When you get a dropped call, it's usually because you are moving into another cell site (serviced by a new tower). Your call must be handed off to the new tower. If this new tower is at capacity or overloaded, failures happen.
This is why it sucks for very high density areas.
Luckily in Minneapolis we have very good AT&T coverage. I get very fast 3G speeds and <1% dropped calls everywhere I go. Thank you urban sprawl for spreading everyone out.. When I was in NYC I noticed by data speeds were much slower. I didn't make enough calls to have any problems with that though.
Nice explanation. It seems that the whole idea of cell towers is unworkable. You think it is bad in the cities? Even semi-rural areas have no coverage at all.
There has to be an entirely new technology for this, or the use of satellites or aircraft instead of silly towers. C'mon Apple, solve this problem.
