While I wanted an Apple II+, the movie WarGames made me desire Matthew Broderick’s tricked-out IMSAI 8080. It was so advanced, I knew I couldn’t afford it. I mean, the whole system probably cost $6,000 back then with all the bells and whistles.

The guy who supplied the IMSAI to the film as a prop is trying to sell it now. He’s looking at an auction house and the figure mentioned in the article (below) is $25,000. I know I don’t need it, but it’s still something to behold: The original computer that made hacker a household term.

Link

The Start button is back! Yeah! But it just coughs up the Metro interface, the Start screen. So Microsoft apparently still doesn’t get it: Users wanted the Start button back to get the Start menu back.

I’m not sure whether this Windows 8.1 release requires me to update my Windows 8 Sucks book or not. I’ll find out soon enough whether Windows 8.1 sucks enough to warrant a new book.

Link

Who’s number one? Android. Number three? Apple! What’s being ranked? Operating systems!

Presently, Android is the world’s number one operating system, edging out Windows for overall market share. That number will grow and grow over the coming years. So will Apple’s market share, when you count both iOS as well as OS X. In third place? Microsoft Windows.

Link

You know the mantra if you fly often: “Please turn off your electronic devices.” “If it has an on-off switch, turn it off.” “It is now safe to use your electronic devices.” Blah-blah.

Today the FAA announced it will start relaxing the rules regarding using your gizmos during domestic flights. That’s good news and bad news: Good because the restrictions were based on pseudo-science. Bad because now you have no guaranteed silence time during a flight. I’m certain that the next time I fly, I’ll sit next to some loudmouth who insists on talking into his cell phone for the full duration of the flight. Ugh.

Link

I predicted larger tablets a few weeks ago on this blog. Now the rumor mill is rife with talk of a large format Galaxy Note. (Of course, “large” is relative with computers; I remember when a 15-inch monitor was considered large.)

The link below puffs some air into the rumor bag. The comments are interesting.

Link

Because now they’ve announced Windows 8.1, that will once again allow you to start your computer at the Desktop instead of the stupid tile interface that everyone hates and no one uses.

It’s about freakin’ time.

The article (link below), also contains this quote

Research group IDC has blamed Windows 8 for accelerating a decline in PC sales.

My guess is that the manufacturers are seething with Microsoft over this abuse operating system. Is the nightmare over, or is it too late for the PC and Windows to recover?

Article Link

It’s the highest price ever paid for a working, original Apple I computer. The Apple I was introduced in 1976.

Link

The PC’s first killer app, Lotus 1-2-3, is beginning its long walk into the sunset. IBM officially announced that support for the software will be winding down starting next month.
(more…)