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Apple is a Worldwide Leader

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        "Here is an article which graphically summarizes what an impact the iPad -- and other tablets -- have had on the computer industry," is how Jim Hamm begins.  "I can remember when the iPad first came out and reading about all the snickering of the name, the cost, the lack of being a 'real' computer, etc, of a tablet. But people sure buy tablets -- to the detriment of PC shipments."
       Jim goes on to comment, "I can also recall Microsoft's Ballmer's derision of the iPhone when it first came out. Now just look how smart phones have taken off. I bet a high % of the population in the U.S. owns one."

       And here's Jim's conclusion, "Like it or not -- technology moves on and leaders of successful companies need to recognize that or fade away. The Blackberry phone comes to mind as I type this statement. Then I look at the stagnation in growth of HP and Dell and think hmmmm?"

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Free Webinar

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        Ruth Davis of Mac2School is offering a free webinar.  (Note that word FREE.)  Her email announces that the live seats are filled, but you can sign up for the recording that she'll send so people can watch at their convenience. www.mac2school.com/webinar   Ruth spoke to PMUG a few years ago.  See about her 6 week online class here:  http://www.mac2school.com/biz/   

Happy Birthday, Mac

     Go to www.apple.com  and see the "Happy Birthday, Mac" and a video of celebration.  Maybe you saw ABC World News tonight with David Muir interviewing Tim Cook.  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2014/01/exclusive-apples-tim-cook-on-nsa-whats-next-as-mac-turns-30/  And following that there was a look at the Mavericks Invitational in Half Moon Bay, California.  http://abcnews.go.com/US/slideshow/mavericks-invitational-surfs-giant-wave-competition-21659953

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Obsolescence by Smartphone

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        Maybe you grew up with a telephone on the wall?  A party line?  A "dial"phone?  
        Look what Jim Hamm found. " Here's an interesting article about how technology moves along and replaces a variety of devices. In this article the author shows how a smartphone replaces 20 gadgets one could buy at Radio Shack about 20 years ago -- and carry their replacement in a shirt pocket or purse.

        "As another example, the mobile phone has virtually replaced public telephones -- the ones you used to see on street corners around town, but are now practically gone."

        And Jim's pronouncement:  "Technology is wonderful, unless you happen to be on the receiving end of technological obsolescence."

What Do They Know?

        "Here is an article from one blogger explaining what he believes the NSA knows about you," begins Jim Hamm.   "It's interesting to note that on January 17 President Obama apparently gave a green light to the NSA to continue doing exactly what they have been doing -- snooping. 
        "What do you think? Is it proper for the NSA to do and continue doing their snooping? Me? I have mixed emotions about this. I understand they are trying to find and stop terrorist activity -- which is good. 
        "On the other hand, I would hope they would not crack passwords I might have stored in, say, Amazon, Apple or in the 'Cloud.' One can't help but wonder what NSA is doing with all that computing power."

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Apple In-App Purchases

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          Jim Hamm finds some interesting info.  "Here is an article summarizing the recent FTC ruling on children being able to make in-app purchases and perhaps ringing up a big $ cost. And here is an article by Consumer Reports wherein Google's Play Store allows the same thing, but no FTC involvement there. One wonders why?
        "If, say, you log in to Apple or Google to purchase an app or two, and enter your password, you want the password to remain open for a period of time so you can browse and make purchases without having to constantly reentering your password.

         When you're done, log out so your children -- or anyone else -- can't pick up your device and start making purchases. However, it seems the password remained in cache for a period of time after logging out, and would be available to anyone."
        Jim concludes with, "It seems to me Apple should have corrected this cache problem much quicker, and that the FTC should also look into Google Play store as well, and not just Apple."