Oh I absolutely agree, KarlW, with the notion that "just because it's always been done that way..." isn't exactly a notion to live by. We (and companies) have to look at where we are now - in the 21st century.
We've seen enormous technological advances. But we've also been steeped for around 30 years in the "old model". That's really my point. Being exposed to and functional in a system that has been around for as long as it has (admittedly it's dying out, if not dead) shouldn't leave us too shocked or angered when we are offered "more of the same".
Perhaps the real problem here lies in the expectations of Apple by 21st century people. They've done some incredible things with iTunes and their computers. As a life-long Mac user from way back, I am definitely one who sees Apple as a company that is going to have some hits and some misses. They won't always "revolutionize" things with a tap of a magic wand (of the click of the magic Apple remote, as it were).
I think it could be more a matter of expecting too much. Admittedly, Mac users are rather spoiled and tend to whine quite a bit when things don't meet their precise expectations.
I'm not sure why folks are so worked up (this and other articles in various Mac fora and on Digg) over the possibility of a 24 hour rentals.
Walk into any video store (if you can find one anymore) and rent a new release. It's the same model - probably more expensive. Around $5 will get you a 24 hour rental. Pay more, if you want a day more, etc..
It's not like Apple is out to "screw" the public. Sounds more like they're looking to use a tried and true model that has been in place since the 1980's (the start of the real boom in video rentals). It's just different media.
That said, yes, it would be nice to do the whole Netflix "when you watch it, you watch it... just return it when you're done" thing. But whatever. I'm a Netflix member anyway. So I doubt I'll even be using an iTunes rental service anyway - unless it offers video in true HD and the library of titles that Netflix offers (which we know won't happen anytime soon anyway).
Is that not the ugliest god damn thing you've ever seen in your entire life?
Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I need help! I want a small pocket camcorder but I'm not sure which one to get. I don't want to fall into the hype of the Flip because I worry two hours won't be enough. What should I be looking for when considering a small camcorder and where can I get a good quality one with expandable memory? Thanks!"
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We've seen enormous technological advances. But we've also been steeped for around 30 years in the "old model". That's really my point. Being exposed to and functional in a system that has been around for as long as it has (admittedly it's dying out, if not dead) shouldn't leave us too shocked or angered when we are offered "more of the same".
Perhaps the real problem here lies in the expectations of Apple by 21st century people. They've done some incredible things with iTunes and their computers. As a life-long Mac user from way back, I am definitely one who sees Apple as a company that is going to have some hits and some misses. They won't always "revolutionize" things with a tap of a magic wand (of the click of the magic Apple remote, as it were).
I think it could be more a matter of expecting too much. Admittedly, Mac users are rather spoiled and tend to whine quite a bit when things don't meet their precise expectations.