Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site ssc-bee.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!ssc-bee!eve From: eve@ssc-bee.UUCP (Michael Eve) Newsgroups: net.micro,net.micro.apple,net.flame Subject: Re: Apple Shafts America; or, The Computer For the Rich of Us Message-ID: <194@ssc-bee.UUCP> Date: Fri, 21-Sep-84 12:44:38 EDT Article-I.D.: ssc-bee.194 Posted: Fri Sep 21 12:44:38 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 26-Sep-84 01:39:38 EDT References: <755@ihuxk.UUCP> Organization: Boeing Aerospace, Seattle Lines: 52 ... While the prose in the original flame waxed a little excessive, I agree with the substance: Apple Computer Company is no longer the computer company for the rest of us. As a longtime owner of an Apple ][, I am very disappointed by the evolution of Apple's corporate philosophy. The early Apple believed in the masses. A general purpose machine was offered, and complete specs were given with the machine to ENCOURAGE independent work. Now, except for the ][e, Apple is attempting to force a closed architecture upon the market, and the thought of telling the mere, average person what is going on inside sends shudders through the corporate structure. Detailed specs are sold at a hefty price. Substance in manuals has been replaced with Madison Ave, gee-whiz fluff. Software developers are "certified" because everyone knows John Q. Public can't program and shouldn't be encouraged to program. [2 paragraphs of execessive prose deleted.] What really takes the cake, is Apple's refusal to stand behind the consumer. First, there was the rev. A/ rev. B ][e where the owner had to prove he needed the rev. B board. More recently, ][c owners find the serial port is improperly designed, and Apple says "Prove you need it" before they will fix it. Now, the poorly conceived memory board of the Mac has finally proven to be inadequate, and the user must pay the price (and then some). Having vented my wrath, I have a suggestion for Apple (who is on the NET, right?): Form a review board of users to comment upon the design at various steps. Keep honest reviewers, and don't get rid of the strident voices. (As a public service, I reluctantly volunteer :=) To the Apple apologists on the net: What Apple doesn't need now is a pat on the back. They have made several obvious mistakes both in design and support. Only a mass outcry and consumer boycott can penetrate their smugness. mike eve -- Mike Eve Boeing Aerospace, Seattle ...uw-beaver!ssc-vax!ssc-bee!eve