Will Apple force me to use their platform forever?

I just bought Mac computer and iPhone, and im thinking about buying my first music tracks, books, tv shows in iTunes. But i have doubts about it. Im worried if i will invest couple hundreds pounds in my collection, i will be tied with iTunes and Apple products forever? I know that Apple removed DRM from iTunes music tracks, but what about other content types? So my question is basicly about if copying my collection to another platform, if i will ever stop using Apple platform is possible and legal? And if it is, what proof of that i will have, if i will cancel my Apple ID, and after couple years, police search will find some music on my computer and nice policeman will ask about proof that i bought this music ?

All the formats except DRM protected are platform independent as long as something is available to play them on that platform. So, you can play Apple's AAC on many devices as long as they can read mp4 coding (which many, many things can).
For DRM protected items you will find that you are pretty much restricted to platform software availablility to play that, regardless of the platform. So, for example, your can play iTunes movies on both Macs and PCs because the software isavailable for both platforms. If the love of your liife is a computer running Linux then don't buy Apple DRM protected movies, but good luck finding any that play because just about all commerical movies these days have DRM protection of some sort or another.
As roaminggnome points out, the same restrictions apply to DVDs except there just about anything plays DVDs these days. They still have the DRM protection though. I suspect what is more likely to happen will be at some stage we will see happen to your DVDs what happened to videos when DVDs came out. Nothing plays VHS anymore, and it is hard to find players. You'll have to go out and buy all your DVDs again in whatever new format replaces DVDs in the next decade or so (it wouldn't surprise me if movies were sold on thumb drives soon and optical drives disappeared completely).

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A Nightmare of a Macbook Change Decision. Looking for thoughts (not celebrations of Apple, I own and use their stuff already)

So, after having had about a 30 year hiatus of using Apple products, with a 2 year use of mac/windows friendly mac's at UTX Austin in grad school 15 years ago, I bought 2 macbooks (white ones last somring/summer), 2 ipad 2's, a couple of ipods, and my wife's iphone because Windows just stopped allowing me to use my palm pilot and dell axim systems. I have not used apple due to their high cost over the years of my life and that Windows rules the general market but I gave up once my palm systems weren't useful with the new post-vista world and got an ipad 2. I was so impressed that I bought one with 3g and two macbooks. At this age, my learning curve has become steeper so I don't play in OSX at all but I intend to (been years since I played hardcore geek outside of windows dos). Ok, now that you have some background... I'm wanting to shift to a macbook air for portability (nice and light) but I have to choose between three models: 2010, 2011, or wait for 2012. 2010 would, I think, meet my needs as I do mostly word processing, some statistical work, and web stuff (yes, timewasters too) but I don't do gaming and photography (seems alot of air users do photos and gaming). I really am not a power user. I'm concerned that the 2010 (which I really like for the processor power) is not going to be able to meet my needs with Lion OS and am worried about the tech changes hitting me re: software, websites, etc. I want to trade in my white macbook (which I really like) and upgrade but I don't want to end up regretting it. I've read as much as I can and even gotten lost in the tech arguments. I don't want a pro. I don't want to go back to windows (insert middle finger here as I went through 5 windows systems last year trying to meet my needs before I gave up and went over to Apple). So, please ask questions to me if you need more info. By trade, I'm a therapist in private practice with a Master's in Social Work and I do plan a PhD in clinical psych program in a few years. I want this thing to last at least 3 years and be able to do what I need. Thanks, y'all!
Howard

I'm with Captfred. Go for the 2010 13". Keep in mind, the latest isn't always the "greatest." Sometimes the latest is a small, incrimental upgrade rather than large important one. Like the iPhone 4s vs. the iPhone 4. Not much difference. If that small upgrade is important to you--a blacklit keyboard say, or thunderbolt, then, of course, you should go for new. But I don't think you'd be tempted by the 13" if such things were "dealbreakers" --like for example, that you can't live without a backlit keyboard. From what you listed, this is a great machine at a great price.
As for Lion, I have a 2010 11" and Lion isn't a problem for me, it certainly won't be for the 13". Also, check out this site--it might aso help you decide: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
Don't let fear of buyer's remorse keep you from getting the 13" if you love both it and the price. I'm guessing that it will do all you need for many years, and that you won't be just happy with it. You will love it.

Proximity Sensor: What if Apple told everyone to use their headsets?

That's essentially what they're doing by providing free bumpers. Not everyone is going to need it, cuz not everyone is going have reception problems. Though, the underlying cause for reception error (placing the antenna in an area where a user is likely to bridge it) will still be there.
My point is, what if for those people experiencing the Proximity Sensor issue, Apple just decided to say hey... use the speakerphone, use the supplied headset, or just hold it away from your face?
At least they finally addressed the problem, but it seemed like an after thought. Till the problem is fixed, I've been using the headset, but the thing is I shouldn't have to.
BTW: I can't return it, cuz my 3G is gone and my ultra-durable-scratch-resistant screen cracked (my fault, I know :p)

w7ox wrote:
Demarius wrote:
BTW: I can't return it, cuz my 3G is gone and my ultra-durable-scratch-resistant screen cracked (my fault, I know :p)
Would a cracked screen affect the operation of the proximity sensor? I wonder.
Phil
Nah.. I was experiencing the problem before I accidently dropped the phone. I had took it in to an Apple store, and they offered to replace the phone for me, but I had to come back when I had more time and a day off from work. Well the day, I was supposed to come in, was the day I dropped my phone. MY BAD!!!, oh well.. hopefully it's a simple software fix.

When will Apple offer more than just THEIR brand of cases for the 6 Plus?

I bought a Project Red leather case for my 6 Plus. I have also ordered a Tech 21 case, but the shipping from the UK was $15. I'd love to be able to order a couple of more Tech 21 cases, but I don't want to pay high shipping costs like that again.

Yes, I have. I want Tech 21 since it is my favorite brand. However, they are from the UK and it costs around $15 to ship to the U.S. Apple generally has some awesome Tech 21 cases and I'm hoping that they'll offer them soon for the 6 Plus. Any idea when Apple will offer more than just their brand on their online store? The closest Apple retail store is a couple of hours from me....

AOL is attempting to force users to use their toolbar and not Firefox's and sports a Firefox logo along with an "update" button on the main page. Screen shots.

I use Firefox and access my AOL from there. When I get to the AOL homepage, before logging in to email, as of yesterday there was a banner across the top with the Firefox Logo saying to click here to download the new AOL/Firefox upgrade.
When I clicked, it went to "exe.aol/toolbar" and supposedly an AOL webpage to download their toolbar.
Sounds like AOL is fraudulently using Firefox's name in order to get people to download an AOL toolbar.

hello kincaidjesse, please report that at https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/legal/fraud-report/ so mozilla can investigate that and take further actions if necessary. thank you!

Firefox and IE forcing me to use their email system when I reply link

I'm tired of having to copy and paste an email address to Thunderbird from a Website while using Firefox or IE, in Windows 8.1
I should be able to double-click the email on the site and be directed to Thunderbird in my system to write and send. Instead I get a screen asking me to switch to Outlook, Yahoo and a couple of others. HOW DO I STOP THIS MAJOR PAIN, without cancelling Thunderbird?
Thanks,
Scott

Close Thunderbird.
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set program associations
Select 'thunderbird'
click on 'choose defaults for this program'
Select all the following:
Extension:
* .eml
* .wdseml
Protocols:
* MAIL TO
Start Menu
* E-mail Link
click on Save
Default Programs -> Set Program Access and Computer Defaults
Select : 'Custom'
click on the down arrow to show more
under 'choose a default email program'
Select: 'Mozilla Thunderbird' and 'enable access to this program'
uncheck all other email clients and all other 'enable access to this program'.
click on OK

Will apple charge me if I still have a year warranty and never used it?

I have never used the warranty on my ipod touch also I bought it on amazon I heard that it still comes with the 1 year warranty plus its new . I barley got my ipod touch 4 a few months ago. will apple charge me for using the warranty the first time ?my ipod touch 4 screen cracked :/

A cracked screen is not covered by warranty.

What does iTunes FORCE YOU to download the last version of their software to use their store? The new program is too much for my computer!

This totally *****...iTunes 10 is too much of a memory hog for my POS computer. I have to turn off all other apps just to use it and even then it still runs SLOW. I think iTunes = Extorition. Why force us to use it? They just want to track your personal data. That's pretty evil. The best iTunes version for my computer was iTunes 7. But it won't let me use store on iTunes 7. F@#$*%s!
Instead of making the program more streamlined, they make the next version LARGER FILE SIZE and more of a memory hog.
Apple should be making each successive version a SMALL FILE SIZE and less of a drain on memory.

ds store wrote:
The problem is a lot of PC's are sold cheap with 5 year old processors and graphic cards in them.
Windows doesn't defrag on the fly, you have to run anti-virus all the time. The PC vendor installs all their "crapware" on the machine too.
Also most PC's don't come with hardly any RAM neither, most people don't know computer specs, don't know how to look up their prospetive machine on the internet and see if they are getting their money's worth.
Microsoft is a enemy too, they allow "toolbars" Acive X and purposely bloat their operating system so it forces you to buy a new one.
At least with iTunes you have a choice to buy your music ANYWHERE, you could have kept on using iTunes 7, just you would have had to buy your music via cd's or another website like Amazon etc.
Microsoft has really bloated down the last few updates of Windows, I replaced all the old Dells with 512MB of RAM and 16 year old single core Cellerons with copies of Linux Like XP so the seniors at a local center can still get on the internet if they need too.
Still even with that the last few updates of Linux have been a bit rough for those old machines, but for the net that's good enough.
LOL!
(Although I don't know if the OP will be in the mood to "get it.")

HT204053 What is best way to use a corp apple ID for icloud and let users use their Apple ID in itunes store?

What is the best setup for us to maintain ownership of our corp issued iPhones and iPads yet allow users their personal apps from their iTunes accounts? I have gone out and created a corp apple ID that we are using in the iCloud setup on all our corp owned devices. This keeps the end user from using their apple ID in iCloud and hence when employee's are unexpectedly discharged we still maintain ownership and don't have to ask them for their Apple ID & password when resetting the devices. It also does not allow them to do backups to the cloud or locally either way. We are very careful to turn EVERY thing off inside the iCloud set up area. Even turning off iMessage and share my location. We do keep the find my iphone or ipad on however. So how can I lock these settings to keep users from changing them? Or is there a better way to manage corp devices without having to buy into anything to manage them, we are a non profit.

iPhone in Business and Education
That would be the proper thread to post, cause obviously just cause you setup the way above it will not stop users from turning off or on iCloud features like contact and then problems with entering incorrect passwords. You can also try restrictions to account changes, but that is not guaranteed to work either.
Guys on that thread may be able to point to different professional solutions, but those are unlikely to be free.

A family member recently downloaded an iBook on my device using their apple I'd. Now I don't have access to the material I've purchased using my apple I'd for 90 days! So frustrated! Any tips?

A family member recently downloaded an iBook on my device using their apple I'd. Now I don't have access to the material I've purchased using my apple I'd for 90 days! So frustrated! Any tips? ITunes won't allow me to download the books I've paid for!!

That wasn't something that I was aware of, but looking at this http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4627 I'm not sure that there is much you can do about the device itself. I'm also not sure whether it only affects downloading directly on the device itself or whether you can connect the iPad to your computer and sync content across to it from your account that way - or even whether restoring back to factory defaults on the iPad will bypass the 90 days

Will apple tv work with a hdmi splitter of some kind ? TV only has 2 hdmi ports and both are in use

will apple tv work with a hdmi splitter of some kind ? TV only has 2 hdmi ports and both are being used .
If splitter will work any recomendations as to best type to use

The Hatter,
I am a novice at Mac so I read all I can. From what I understand the NEC monitors I bought require Display Port for their maximum performance. The GTX 680 only has DVI outputs. Difference from what I understand is larger bandwidth with the DP.
You said I have the 4000 for CUDA. I am not all that familiar with CUDA and when I do read about it I do not understand it.
A concern I have is, that if I connect the 2 high end NEC monitors via the 5770, using it's 2 Display Ports I would have nothing connected to the 4000. Is the 4000 doing anything with nothing connected? I read where in a PC system the 2 cards would interact but in a Mac system they do not.
Bottom line, as I see it, the 4000 will not be useful at all to me, since I want a dual monitor set-up.
So far the 5870 seems the best choice, higher band width than the 5770, and it has 2 Display Ports to optimize the NEC monitors.
I'm not sure how fine I am splitting hairs, nor do I know how important those hairs are. I am just trying to set up a really fast reliable system that will mainly be used for CS6 and LR4. Those NEC monitors are supposed to be top notch.

How will i activate my iphone?and keep on asking link to an apple id that was used to set up this iphone

how will i activate my iphone?and keep on asking link to an apple id that was used to set up this iphone

You need to enter the id, and the password, of the account that the phone is linked to.
Did you buy the phone new or used ? If you bought the phone used and it's still linked to the previous owner's account then you will have to contact the previous owner and ask him/her to remove the phone from their account : Find My iPhone Activation Lock: Removing a device from a previous owner’s account - Apple Support.
If you bought the phone new and it's your account then enter the id and password that you were using in Settings > iCloud on it

HT201263 None of the above have worked. Ipad completely bricked. This began when merely updating IOS software as instructed. Now Apple want to charge me for using their crappy software as directed. Surely this is not only immoral but potentially illegal.

None of the above have worked. Ipad completely bricked. This began when merely updating IOS software as instructed. Now Apple want to charge me for using their crappy software as directed. Surely this is not only immoral but potentially illegal.

Read: iPad Troubleshooting Assistant
That procedure eventually leads you to the need to restore it.
Make sure you are following the instructions in this procedure to the letter. Here they are, with emphasis on some easily overlooked requirements:
Disconnect the USB cable from the iPad, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the device to turn off.If you cannot turn off the device using the slider, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. When the device turns off, release only the Sleep/Wake button.
Continue pressing and holding the Home button while you reconnect the USB cable to the device. The device should turn on.Note: If you see the "low battery" screen, let the device charge for at least ten minutes to ensure that the battery has some charge, and then start with step 2 again.
Continue holding the Home button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen. When this screen appears (iTunes icon and USB connector) release the Home button.
If necessary, open iTunes. You should see the "recovery mode" alert ("iTunes has detected a phone in recovery mode").
Use iTunes to restore the device.
If you do not see the "Connect to iTunes" screen, try these steps again. Be patient since it sometimes takes several of these attempts before you are successful.
If you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen but the device does not appear in iTunes, see this article and its related links.
Select the iPad in iTunes and choose "restore from backup". This assumes you have a backup. If you do not, you will have to download all your purchased iTunes content again. You do not have to pay for anything you already purchased.
If you still can't get it to work, you have done all you can and only Apple will be able to help.

Can I set up an Apple ID so my kids can use their new Ipad

Can I set up an Apple ID so my kids can use their new Ipad but I still want access and control can I conect them to my account or control theirs

If you disassociate the device from your AppleID and tie it to another one, you cannot use yours to control the other. They will be separate and independent. For better or worse, the AppleID authentication and authorization model was not designed with kids in mind.

TS4002 when to persons are using one apple ID and they sync their contacts to gather then first sync contacts are deleted. how we get it back?

when to persons are using one apple ID and they sync their contacts to gather then first sync contacts are deleted. how we get it back?

You can share the same Apple ID for purchasng form the iTunes and app stores without any problems, but you should all used separate iCloud accounts with separate Apple IDs. (You are not required to use the same ID for iCloud and other services as you do for the iTunes store.) This will prevent you from ending up with merged data. You should also use separate Apple IDs for iMessage and FaceTime or you will end up getting each other's text messages and FaceTime calls.
This article may be of interest: http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-5-icloud-tips-sharing-an-apple-id-with-you r-family/, as well as this video: http://macmost.com/setting-up-multiple-ios-devices-for-messages-and-facetime.htm l.

Will Apple force me to use their platform forever?

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