And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, Im gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust

Of course, that’s not how Kyle sees it; nor should he. But Gates & Co. sure ought to be taking a look. Make no mistake: it’s one thing for new and/or novice computer users to opt for a Mac, but when longtime power users like myself and Kyle begin dropping from the PC/Windows scene like flies, isn’t it about time to seriously wonder? It’s like this: I’m three months into this experience and I’m more convinced daily it was the right move.

Take a look at this. And Kyle has some integration notes here. I’ve been thinking about the same thing in terms of cable/dish vs. "total on demand" for months. As it is, I watch almost nothing live, anymore. I’ve been using DVR, watching when I want and sliding past the ads for a few years. This is the next step. Just pay for what you want to watch, when you want to watch it, all commercial free. This is perfect, in fact, for the cabin. We have no cable or dish, but we do have a substantial DVD library. But why bother with that, anymore? Why spend even $10 on a movie (or double) when you can rent it without going to the store, worrying about when to return it, paying late fees, or messing with movies by mail and getting them sent back. Plus, iTunes has most of the TV shows you like to watch, too. And, if you want to watch it again at some later date, then just rent it again. Simple. You’re still under the cost of purchase. About the only thing I can see buying is all the classic kids movies and ‘toons that get watched over and over and over.

What I think I’m going to do is get three Apple TV boxes, two for here, and one for the cabin. I’m paying $130 or so for cable, and I should be able to cut that down to basic, with HD, and save a ton. Comcast’s On Demand is cool, so we’ll keep that. Otherwise, just rent and watch.

Another thing: I actually watched my first rental via iTunes (Superbad, which was indeed as the name implies) this weekend on my iPhone, and it was a great way to watch. Go find a quiet spot, pop in the earphones, and watch. It took hardly any battery, and an 8gig phone will hold several movies for a plane trip (along with hundreds of songs). I will definitely do that next time I have a long flight.

I also had the misfortune of trying to get something working right on the in-laws relatively new Vista PC this weekend. What a god dammed mess. People had to flee the room, and then I realized it had been some time since I was shouting obscenities at a computer. No need to go into the details. It kind of reminded me of what a drug addicted person must feel like. When they’re addicted, they often don’t really feel that bad. Then they get off the stuff; but if they have a setback, now they understand how dreadfully bad it was. I wasn’t even a Vista user, but it made me see just how deficient even XP is in terms of just simple use that ought to be obvious.

I hate to pile on Gates, because there’s no doubt in my mind that he brought personal computing to the masses. I used to disregard all the Macsnootiness as just sour grapes. But have you been listening, lately? Where is the Macsnootiness now? The fact is, they barely need to care about PCs or Windows, anymore. Walk into any retail Apple outlet, and just see for yourself if they give a damn what Gates is up to.