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To: Richard Kimball

Not sure how an ad for the failed Kin ties into an open platform, but whatever...

Apple is probably the worst (well, Sun used to be the worst when they were still relevant) in terms of closing and controlling their platforms. They’re exactly the OPPOSITE of what you’d point to when you want to trumpet the open and free exchange of ideas!


112 posted on 07/23/2010 8:14:13 PM PDT by PugetSoundSoldier (Indignation over the Sting of Truth is the defense of the indefensible)
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To: PugetSoundSoldier
> Apple is probably the worst (well, Sun used to be the worst when they were still relevant) in terms of closing and controlling their platforms. They’re exactly the OPPOSITE of what you’d point to when you want to trumpet the open and free exchange of ideas!

Ummm, yeah, and so what?

Apple produces high-quality proprietary *systems*, of highly integrated hardware and software, with excellent support, that would be much more difficult for a niche company if their product were totally free and open.

They do a damn good job almost all the time, with a few spectacular missteps. They're an extremely successful, profitable company, an outstanding example of American Capitalism.

So they make a proprietary product, and guard it closely, and restrict what you can or can't do with it. So what? All of what they do is perfectly legal. And in Apple's case, it's good business, and arguably necessary to their survival as a niche player in a Microsoft/PC-dominated marketplace.

(This is not to defend any statements about Apple being open and free, they're not. But no one should expect them to be. Your slamming tone is unwarranted. In other words, I'm agreeing with you, but adding: "Ummm, d-uh, so what?")

115 posted on 07/23/2010 8:29:31 PM PDT by dayglored (Listen, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government!)
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