Don't you feel better now, Microsoft? That's it, that's it… let it out… c'mon, it's okay big guy.

Hmm, happening again today. D'oh!

"Note to Comcast and Cablevision: Apple is coming for you and they're going to pillage market share just like they did in the mobile phone markets."

That's a blind statement - in the US, the majority of broadband is provided by the cable companies. Especially so in key metro areas. So when this device comes along and people start canceling their cable TV (the content) but keeping their broadband (the pipe)… well, I can say that there WILL be a problem, I just can't tell you what the problem will BE.

One attempt: cable companies start requiring a cable subscription if you want broadband. Sure, it'd be short lived, but it'd be just one attempt to keep collecting revenue for content.

"On the Zune HD 'Where we broke through is in software.'"

Right, broke through - hopefully they broke through the head of the lead that approved the cut-off "e" at the end of "Marketplace" on the home screen.

Having good penetration, which rolling out on 850MHz band will help with, is only part of their problem. Backhaul on each tower needs some serious upgrading!

Just *having* a signal means *nothing* if those bits are getting choked at the tower - meaning, no matter how much AT&T commits to "hey we're rolling out this 850MHz thing which will help with your signals guys," it's not an actual solution. Rather, it's a half-assed job.

Some serious NUTD busting going on here.

What's this Archive and Install you speak of? Hrm, I think I heard of it once, a long time ago, when Tiger and Leopard and other big cats were released…  ;)

Making it display my phone number in large type, then slamming it against the window of a subway car so the cute girl can see it clearly. =D

Points for the more frugal among us…

1. I've got a 1.83 GHz C2D Mini hooked up to my TV, running at 1080p resolution. It has only 1 GB of RAM and an Intel GMA 950 gfx card.

It plays everything I throw at it, including 1080p MKV-wrapped media (notoriously difficult to play on lower-spec'd machines). Apple's 1080p trailers, BlueRay rips, *everything,* without a single glitch or dropped frame.

Hit up SmallDog.com or Craigslist to save a few hundies!

2. Logitech Mediaboard Pro can be had for less than $60 - love it. Cheapy but it gets the job done. (Though that Adesso one looks quite nice, I've had issues with RF components losing connection between my couch and the receiver on the back of the Mini… YMMV.)

3. If you're happy with good 2.1 speakers, a 3.5mm minijack -> RCA cable is all you need.

4. Plex is the best, hands-down. Really. Tried them all and it's simply the most reliable, attractive and functional media center software. (For local media anyway - I've not tried its Netflix plugin yet.)

5. MenuMaster, set the Apple Remote to launch Plex (or any other application you want): http://bigzaphod.org/menumaster.

6. AirMouse for the iPhone/Touch, in case you need a backup keyboard/mouse for whatever reason: http://www.mobileairmouse.com

7. MPlayer Extended, for random bits of media that you don't want to add to your actual library (trailers, etc). Have used MPlayer for years and this 'extended' version is head and shoulders above VLC: http://mplayerosx.sttz.ch

Happy as a clam while waiting for a Mini with a CableCard slot and built-in HDMI… ;)

Realized not too long ago just how much better Plex is, at least with Boxee in its current state. Boxee's been focusing on the *ahem* clouuuud stuff, neglecting local media.

http://www.plexapp.com

Absolutely loving it.