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07:46PM Wednesday Aug 19 2009 by Revcb
tags: broadbandbits

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OverModded
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join:2002-03-03

RE: GGF plans to steer The Pirate Bay freeloaders straight

Good luck with that. The Pirate Bay users won't go straight. They will go to some other pirate service.

BF69

join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

Re: RE: GGF plans to steer The Pirate Bay freeloaders straight

said by OverModded See Profile :

Good luck with that. The Pirate Bay users won't go straight. They will go to some other pirate service.
well just because you can't make child molesters go straight doesn't mean you make it legal to molest children or not try to stop them from doing so.
OverModded
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John Dvorak: Net Neutrality issue is crap

»tech.yahoo.com/news/zd/20090819/tc_zd/243277
For the past couple years, everyone's been talking about net neutrality and how important it is. Is it really more important than the pressing issues of poor rural Internet access, DNS attacks, spam, bots, snooping, and virus writers?

That's a rhetorical question. In fact, net neutrality is crap. I say this partially because there is no real definition of "net neutrality." When I see a buzzword with a nebulous definition, I suspect a ruse.

Ask anyone who is all jacked up about net neutrality, and you'll get a kind of Jay Leno "Jaywalking" answer: "It's, like, so the net, man. It's, like, even-steven for, like, everyone, so it's not, like, unfair to anyone or a rip-off, man." Or "We don't want, like, anyone messing with the net just to make more money, dude."

We hear that the new FCC director, Julius Genachowski, is a big proponent of net neutrality. I hope he asks himself what exactly it is, and whether we can cope with it in some way that does not involve regulating the Internet. While I think a lot of things need regulation, I am not a fan of regulating the Internet in any way until it becomes so problematic that we must regulate it to fix some horrible situation. In the meantime, why don't we expend our energy fighting bot attacks, DNS attacks, hackers, viruses?

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
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Tulsa, OK

Re: John Dvorak: Net Neutrality issue is crap

John Dvorak often spouts a lot of crap himself, I've noticed.

TCub
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99% iPhone users "satisfied"

I was an iPhone 3G user for over a year. The device caught my attention when it first came out. Although I couldn't afford the $400 for an iPhone. When the 3G was announced I knew it was my opportunity to have an iPhone. On July 11th 2008, I stood in line for almost 8 hours and waited eagerly to get my hands on one of the first iPhone 3G's. That day, I fell in love with iPhone 3G. I swore I'd never find a phone better. At first there were some set backs and they remained until about the time 3.0 came out. I consider that time the pinnacle of my iPhone 3G career. I would say I fell into the "very satisfied" category. Unfortunately, my Apple Protection plan expired and my iPhone 3G broke.. I know, I know, shame on me for not buying the extended warranty but still. At the same time I was highly dissatisfied with AT&T. I decided instead of dropping $300 on a refurbed iPhone 3G with less than one year left on my contract and a new model ALREADY out (3GS) I decided it was time to give the iPhone a break and move onto a new touchscreen smartphone that had really caught my attention a few months prior. The Palm Pre. I went to Sprint and purchased it. Initial reaction "WOW!" This thing is cool!

!!!WARNING!!! OPINION! *If you don't know the definition of opinion or can't handle other peoples opinions... PLEASE DO NOT READ AHEAD!

I personally think it's nicer than the iPhone. While iPhone 3G and 3GS do certain things better, like the App Store and a more robust cut/copy/paste, the Palm Pre has it's own tricks the iPhone can't touch. I'm really impressed with the feature set and quality of it though for being a version one product. So far no issues for me. Although, I do agree with most people out there, the battery life could be much much better. Although considering it multitasks in an incredibly aesthetically pleasing and easy to use way, I don't blame it. Speaking of aesthetics, I also feel the Pre beats iPhone in these regards. The lights in the gesture area are warm and very pleasing to see. It makes the hardware seem very "one" with the software. Can't wait to see what webOS can do next!

All in all, either iPhone or Palm Pre are definitely the two best phones out right now! iPhone is a little fragile so get an extra year or Apple Protection! Just my 2 cents.
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OverModded
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2 edits

Re: 99% iPhone users "satisfied"

And the Pre app store will improve. Remember, the iPhone app store has been around for 3 yrs, the Pre for 2 months.

And keeping the Pre charged has been pretty easy for me. I have the Touchstone for home, so all I do is place it on that as soon as I am home. And when in the car I plug it in to the car adapter. I have never run down to empty in a 24 hour period.

P.S.>> There are some battery options for increasing time you might want to checkout - 1 battery adds 17% w/o changing back cover and also works with the Touchstone system. And another one adds 126% with a new expanded back cover(4 mm thicker). But that one isn't Touchstone compatible.

P.P.S.>> Also Sprint popped for a FREE Airave for my house and since that acts like a very strong local cell tower, the battery draws down much slower while using the cellphone at home.

TCub
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Re: 99% iPhone users "satisfied"

I agree! The App Catalog will surely grow in size. In fact Palm announced today its now accepting paid apps for approval. Not to mention there's also fileCoaster which hosts as of today 135 homebrew apps available OTA.

While I say the battery could last longer I have no problems getting a full days use out of it. I'm just not used to seeing my battery at 40% when I get home from work but its really not a huge issue. We'll see what happens in the next webOS update!
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xirian
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Beacon, NY
fyi, out of warranty service would have been $99. You didn't need to buy a new one.

TCub
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Re: 99% iPhone users "satisfied"

I hadn't known that. In fact when I called AT&T one rep said $99 which I didn't believe, the second rep I had spoken to said $299...

Also the phone had fell on the floor and the bottom half of the screen stopped responding. It started working a few hours later. Unfortunately, about a week after that, it fell again. This time the wasn't nearly as hard and while there's no physical damage to the phone the bottom half of the screen stopped responding again! Perhaps a loose connection in one of the screens components? The digitizer maybe? I'd imagine that would cost more then $99... Anyway I still have the phone if anyone would like to take it off my hands... If you get it working then hey! you've got a free iPhone 3G!

It's in pretty good condition. Two scratches on the screen, somewhat deep but not really noticeable when the phone is on and some slight separation of the bezel from the back of the phone as well as some light leak.. Nothing a handy man couldn't fix.
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cableties
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Re: 99% iPhone users "satisfied"

I was considering the iPhone then the Pre was announced and now I'm on the fence.
I need the phone more for txt'ng and some email checks when on business. But I can't justify the high-priced data plans.
And since I am with Verizon and using a LG Env2 (battery is so so, hate the interface...pocketdials every day...), my plan is up in 2 months, I wonder if the provider's tower is close to me as VZW is.
(don't care too much about apps...just need a phone/txtr that has BT, and can be used as tether if needed...)

Does Pre use micro-usb or proprietary connection for charging/interface?
OverModded
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Re: 99% iPhone users "satisfied"

said by cableties See Profile :

Does Pre use micro-usb or proprietary connection for charging/interface?
Uses micro-USB or the optional Touchstone system for charging.

TCub
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The Pre uses microUSB. I think mail apps between the are somewhat similar (push etc) but Palms notifications and multitasking beat iphone hands down. Complaints about the keyboard are trivial. You get used to it! In fact its just as akward as iphones at first but once you get feel for it its no issue. Also so far I've had no issue with Sprint and their customer service is amazing!
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Mr Matt

join:2008-01-29
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Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

I am a subscriber to Sirius/XM and I am not happy. I intend to contact my Senator and Congressman to find out why the Government has not forced Sirius/XM to honor the agreement they made with the Government in order to get approval for the merger. Sirius and XM agreed not to raise rates for Three Years. They have actually raised rates by:

1) Eliminated a benefit, that included in the subscription fee, access to Sirius/XM via the Internet. Sirius/XM is now charging subscribers a fee of $12.95 to listen to their programming via the Internet. Why doesn't the Government considered that charge, an increase in the subscription fee.

2) The RIAA fee that Sirius/XM now claims to pass on to subscribers, Sirius/XM represents as justifiable. Techdirt's author Mike Masnick, pointed out that Sirius/XM is misleading the FCC and Subscribers because the original subscription fee included payment to the RIAA for using copyrighted music. Sirius/XM management is simply using a small increase in RIAA fees to increase subscriber rates in violation of the merger agreement.

In my opinion Sirius/XM have violated the terms set forth by the Government to allow the merger. The Sirius/XM company should be forced to refund all increases in rates and fees to subscribers. The company should then be fined for violating the agreement with the Government to obtain the right to merge.

tubbynet
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Re: Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

said by Mr Matt See Profile :

1) Eliminated a benefit, that included in the subscription fee, access to Sirius/XM via the Internet. Sirius/XM is now charging subscribers a fee of $12.95 to listen to their programming via the Internet. Why doesn't the Government considered that charge, an increase in the subscription fee.
actually, you pay the $12.95 for the service. since the streaming is no longer a value-add (needed to upgrade to a 128kbps stream), you can add premium streaming for $2.99/month per account. i had paid up front for the lifetime so i never lost streaming, but when i upgraded to an iphone, i wanted to use the app - extra $36/year.

2) The RIAA fee that Sirius/XM now claims to pass on to subscribers, Sirius/XM represents as justifiable. Techdirt's author Mike Masnick, pointed out that Sirius/XM is misleading the FCC and Subscribers because the original subscription fee included payment to the RIAA for using copyrighted music. Sirius/XM management is simply using a small increase in RIAA fees to increase subscriber rates in violation of the merger agreement.
this isnt' just "lets add more fees to the user", the lovely riaa (and its puppet organization, sound exchange) have decided to up the royalty fee for songs played over satellite. as such, sirius/xm's cost of business increased. this increase was purely reactionary based on forces outside of sirius/xm's control.

In my opinion Sirius/XM have violated the terms set forth by the Government to allow the merger. The Sirius/XM company should be forced to refund all increases in rates and fees to subscribers. The company should then be fined for violating the agreement with the Government to obtain the right to merge.
you are more than entitled to your opinion, but this wasn't a raise of rates. this was a simple response to the costs of doing business that were not in play during the time of the merger. i'd be willing to bet that something like this is covered in the merger agreement. business people are smart and ruthless when it comes to money

that being said - i'm glad i purchased my lifetime subscription in february of this year. free upgrade to best of xm and it was only a $500 up front fee. i can transfer the service on up to three radios at $75/radio. realistically, this could give me up to 10 years of service for my initial $108, the $460 prorated lifetime, and $225. thats half of what it would cost on a month-to-month for the same timeframe (not counting any fee hikes).

q.
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Re: Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

I have a sirius lifetime as well.

I also have a year paid on sirus and a 6 month demo to go yearly on XM.

Guess what , I ain't paying $15 a month for radio. Sorry , but it just isn't happening , Ill listen to podcasts every day to and from work. And on long road trips , ipod time.

This is the breaking point. The economy is in the dumper and the riaa wants to raise rates ? Get real.
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pende_tim
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Andover, NJ
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How can this be a "tax"? This is the "cost of doing business" as it if a fee paid to the RIAA, enforced by a kangaroo court, that goes to the RIAA.

Last I looked, taxes are levied by governments and paid to governments to support government expenditures.

Has the RIAA become a Government ?

If this increase is allowed to stand, next they will be raising rates because: electricity went up, labor costs went up, etc, etc. All of these are costs of doing business.
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KrK
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It's called using the letter of the agreement to violate the spirit of the agreement.

For example, you promise not to raise prices.

So, instead you create a new "Super-Dooper-Scrumcilityumpcious" tier. That costs more.

You keep your old tiers the same price, but you remove a ton of programming and put it in the new, expensive tier.

Wham! Your customers now must pay more to get what they had before, but HEY, YOU DIDN'T RAISE PRICES.

Yes, it's called a Scam. I wish the USA had much stronger consumer protection laws on a great deal of scammy issues.
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r81984
Fair and Balanced
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"that Sirius XM has simply added a $2 RIAA tax to everyone's monthly bills"

I pay about $6.40 a month at $77 a year, now they want me to pay $8.40/$101. If I cannot renew at $77 I will no longer use XM.
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Mr Matt

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Re: Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

I hope that you are not disappointed. I pay $75.63 on a quarterly basis for subscriptions for radios in two vehicles. You might find yourself being billed the same amount when your trial subscription runs out. According to Sirius/XM website they are now passing on the full RIAA copyright fee charging $1.98 for the first radio and $0.97 for each additional radio on an account.

Tubbynet might be disappointed if his lifetime subscription goes Voom. According to reports, Sirius XM apparently is not doing so well financially. I paid for a lifetime subscription to a magazine. Fortunately it passed away before I did. I now have a memorial in my home for the now dead magazine.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
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1 edit

Re: Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

I had a 3 month free trial subscription. When that ended I told them I wanted the $77 a year deal. All you have to do is know what to ask for. Check www.fatwallet.com for updates on what deals work.

Before when you tried to cancel they will alway let you renew at $77 a year. If that is not possible anymore then I will just cancel. Nothing has changed to justify the increase. Their price already included the copyright fees for the music creators. This extra RIAA fee is double dipping.
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Mr Matt

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Re: Sirius XM Passes RIAA Tax (FEE) On To Consumers

I appreciate the heads up.
OverModded
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Kids & teenagers becoming big cellphone users

»tech.yahoo.com/news/zd/20090819/tc_zd/243336
Perhaps unsurprisingly to some parents, a survey by the Pew Internet & Life Project has concluded that more and more teens are using cell phones.

according to the Pew report, with only 52 percent of 12- to 13-year-olds owning one. By age 17, about 82 percent of the survey's respondents owned one.

62 percent of respondents in households earning less than $30,000 owned a phone, 63 percent owned one within households earning $30,000 to $50,000, and 79 percent owned a phone within families earning more than $75,000

more than 70 percent of 17-year-olds talk with their friends via cell phone on a daily basis, versus 28 percent of 12-year-olds. That also holds true for texting, as 51 percent of teens aged 15 to 17 text daily, versus a quarter of teens aged 12 to 14.

Interestingly, girls are the more frequent texters, 42 percent to 34 percent for boys, the study found.
iansltx

join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO

Re: Kids & teenagers becoming big cellphone users

Sounds about right to me. The guys I know text less than the girls, to the point that some of 'em don't even ahve texting plans added to their phones (the horror!!!1!).

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
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In Korea they are just getting ready....

... to make sure they can still kick the entire World's ass when Starcraft II comes out!

SeoulDOG

@kaballero.com

Seoul --- Connected.

I speak Korean.

You can't always believe what someone tells you about a place. Sometimes you just have to have gone there and seen it.

This article is pathetically horse sheite.... but of course the left will believe it and biatch about how the US is behind.

Not one of the actually having been there...

Thanks Karl, you are a real bright mind.

ropeguru
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Re: Seoul --- Connected.

said by SeoulDOG :

I speak Korean.

....

Thanks Karl, you are a real bright mind.
Maybe you need to learn a little more English and comprehension. Karl did not write the "Seoul" article. It came from time.com.

Good job in showing your ignorance.
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