CalBoy
Apr 15, 12:18 PM
You could be right. I've changed my mind a bunch of times before. But I'd like to hear your explanation for why a lower marginal tax rate has caused more people to enter poverty and unemployment.
Essentially my theory is (and it's not really mine but I've forgotten who deserves credit for it) that as tax rates drop, wealth concentrates and becomes less mobile. The free market ceases to operate because bargaining power, knowledge, and resources are all on one side, eventually causing 95% to be at the whim of the remaining 5.
This was essentially the status quo in places like pre-revolution France. It predominated societies until the reforms of the 20th Century. It was only then that we saw incomes improve for the masses. The historical record clearly shows that higher marginal tax rates are good because they don't allow the rich to rest on their laurels while at the same time helping out the unfortunate (who are then able to more fully participate in the economy).
Essentially my theory is (and it's not really mine but I've forgotten who deserves credit for it) that as tax rates drop, wealth concentrates and becomes less mobile. The free market ceases to operate because bargaining power, knowledge, and resources are all on one side, eventually causing 95% to be at the whim of the remaining 5.
This was essentially the status quo in places like pre-revolution France. It predominated societies until the reforms of the 20th Century. It was only then that we saw incomes improve for the masses. The historical record clearly shows that higher marginal tax rates are good because they don't allow the rich to rest on their laurels while at the same time helping out the unfortunate (who are then able to more fully participate in the economy).
derbothaus
Apr 28, 11:54 AM
Wow. You brought actual stats to the table. I stand corrected on the melting bit:o
toneloco2881
Jul 21, 03:40 PM
I agree, 64 bit would be developer worthy, but why wait to introduce a new chip until then? Picture this - release new MBP and iMacs with the new chip before WWDC. At WWDC you annouce and showcase the OS, not the hardware, and at the end introduce a new desktop model and then say "all our pro line of computers and even the top consumer line support 64 bit NOW". Far more impact IMHO.
I don't think Apple would do a quiet release of a new MBP on their website, only to say "oh yeah......shipping in about a month". They'd rather just intro it at an event, and tell people your not going to be able to get their hands on it for a while.
Sort of like what they did at Macworld. Intel announcing a chip shipping, and actually being able to purchase a product with said chip inside, are two entirely different things. I seriously doubt anyone is going to be able to get their hands on a Merom-equipped notebook for at least a couple weeks, which happens to coincide with WWDC. Just imho....:)
I don't think Apple would do a quiet release of a new MBP on their website, only to say "oh yeah......shipping in about a month". They'd rather just intro it at an event, and tell people your not going to be able to get their hands on it for a while.
Sort of like what they did at Macworld. Intel announcing a chip shipping, and actually being able to purchase a product with said chip inside, are two entirely different things. I seriously doubt anyone is going to be able to get their hands on a Merom-equipped notebook for at least a couple weeks, which happens to coincide with WWDC. Just imho....:)
MrChurchyard
Mar 31, 01:15 AM
WOW. In my years of OS X development and beta releases, this is the first time I believe Apple has released a developer preview with little to no beta releases, and pushed right into a half arsed possible GM build without the numerous beta's for 10.X refinements. For developers and companies who have been accustomed to Apple pushing bi-weekly beta's as the GM release approaches. This may not bold well for developers and companies transitioning their products/applications in time and with little "bumps" in the road.
You (and others) are aware that "Developer Previews", when available, have always predated the Beta releases? It's not even a beta.
Apple says they will release Lion in summer, only Dev Previews have appeared so far, and suddenly people think it plausible for Apple to release a GM build in March?
And btw, I'm really disappointed in the reporting of the ludicrous "GM" rumour as it's pretty obviously wrong - usually MacRumors curates their news better than this.
You (and others) are aware that "Developer Previews", when available, have always predated the Beta releases? It's not even a beta.
Apple says they will release Lion in summer, only Dev Previews have appeared so far, and suddenly people think it plausible for Apple to release a GM build in March?
And btw, I'm really disappointed in the reporting of the ludicrous "GM" rumour as it's pretty obviously wrong - usually MacRumors curates their news better than this.
Xander562
Jul 29, 10:41 PM
Maybe the key would be to offer the IPhone for all providers, make it run
a mobile version of OS X with IChat video. I have Sprint and their music store downloads in AAC format. I have wondered if their music store is actually ITunes and they resell it as their own. Does any other carriers download in AAC?
i second this, i would only buy this is i could use it with my Verizon account.
a mobile version of OS X with IChat video. I have Sprint and their music store downloads in AAC format. I have wondered if their music store is actually ITunes and they resell it as their own. Does any other carriers download in AAC?
i second this, i would only buy this is i could use it with my Verizon account.
TallManNY
Apr 7, 03:05 PM
That is over dramatic, cut it out.
Very funny.
Very funny.
milozauckerman
Sep 11, 03:55 PM
I would expect us to get 480p movies - who wants to stare at an iPod for 115 minutes? And if Apple didn't offer them at DVD quality (with HD in the future), then they'd look mighty stupid going up against Amazon.
Personally, I don't care. I've got Netflix - and I don't think Apple's going to beat (roughly) $2/rental.
Personally, I don't care. I've got Netflix - and I don't think Apple's going to beat (roughly) $2/rental.
jpcanaverde
Apr 5, 02:45 PM
Maybe now Apple realizes that they must allow some things on their devices like themes. Or not...
KnightWRX
Mar 28, 10:05 AM
It's the usual geek misconception of what a device needs. They are all about checklist items. And thus they are missing the fact that a major paradigm shift is occurring in this world where the far larger non-tech audience is now buying tech toys. This audience does not know much about specs, and cares even less. All they care about is cost (Apple is right there in phones), how their apps work (just great on the iPhone), choice of apps (no one has more choice than Apple), and what they have read or heard about (Apple is the advertising leader).
So geeks will continue to stamp their feet and pout about checklists that Apple is "failing" at. The rest of the world will keep happily using their amazing iPhones.
And you're missing the fact that it's the Geeks who write the apps that work on the iPhone.
If the geeks decide the larger customer base elsewhere is more enticing, then you'll start hemorraging developers. Same if the geeks decide that their new project is going to be aimed at more robust hardware.
In the end, it's all tied together. The specs are an important part of the device, even if the person buying it has no clue what they mean. Developers are Apple's main focus (or should be) as far as iOS goes, and some of the lay people here chanting on and on about paradigms seem to be ignoring it.
So? Do any of those phones have 1/10th the user experience of the iPhone? Who is standing in line for them? Do you question the speed of the electronics in your TV set? No because it does what it's supposed to do.
I was talking about Developers, not users. While you may not care your iPhone has a single core SoC, ChAir software might for their next game and decide to simply forgo releasing it on iOS. Again, we're at a tipping point right now, Android has gained fast and offers devices right now that outperform the iOS devices, which might put Apple on the back burner.
Especially considering that their user base, while not on a single handset, is right now bigger or close to being than iOS's.
From a developer's perspective, Android is looking good right now. If these trends continue, iOS won't be looking as good as it used to.
So geeks will continue to stamp their feet and pout about checklists that Apple is "failing" at. The rest of the world will keep happily using their amazing iPhones.
And you're missing the fact that it's the Geeks who write the apps that work on the iPhone.
If the geeks decide the larger customer base elsewhere is more enticing, then you'll start hemorraging developers. Same if the geeks decide that their new project is going to be aimed at more robust hardware.
In the end, it's all tied together. The specs are an important part of the device, even if the person buying it has no clue what they mean. Developers are Apple's main focus (or should be) as far as iOS goes, and some of the lay people here chanting on and on about paradigms seem to be ignoring it.
So? Do any of those phones have 1/10th the user experience of the iPhone? Who is standing in line for them? Do you question the speed of the electronics in your TV set? No because it does what it's supposed to do.
I was talking about Developers, not users. While you may not care your iPhone has a single core SoC, ChAir software might for their next game and decide to simply forgo releasing it on iOS. Again, we're at a tipping point right now, Android has gained fast and offers devices right now that outperform the iOS devices, which might put Apple on the back burner.
Especially considering that their user base, while not on a single handset, is right now bigger or close to being than iOS's.
From a developer's perspective, Android is looking good right now. If these trends continue, iOS won't be looking as good as it used to.
Ibjr
May 9, 03:16 PM
I'd be so pissed/happy if it were to become free... 1 year of .Mac and 2 years of MobileMe.
Pissed, I spent $99 for 3 years
Happy, more people will have access to MobileMe's benefits.
I do not understand this flawed logic. Making it free does not impact the service's values for the last three years. If you did not think it was worth the price you paid, you should not have renewed it.
I say this has someone who has paid for dotmac/mobileme since it stopped being iTools. Unlike you, my average yearly cost was 30 dollars because I bought them off of eBay.
Pissed, I spent $99 for 3 years
Happy, more people will have access to MobileMe's benefits.
I do not understand this flawed logic. Making it free does not impact the service's values for the last three years. If you did not think it was worth the price you paid, you should not have renewed it.
I say this has someone who has paid for dotmac/mobileme since it stopped being iTools. Unlike you, my average yearly cost was 30 dollars because I bought them off of eBay.
Vulpinemac
Apr 25, 11:31 AM
"Allegations"?
People claim the iPhone saves cell location data on the phone, and also saves this file during iTunes backups. This is TRUE, and can be verified by reading your OWN iPhone database, which shows where YOUR phone has been. That would be impossible if it didn't save that data.
SOME people (not most!) also claim that the data is sent to Apple, rather than just kept on the device. THIS, however, is unproven and may well be false.
As it stands, though, I don't see how "The info circulating around is false." is not a lie. It's very easy to verify that "the info" that this data is indeed saved is true.
While the data is being saved may be true, the info that Apple is tracking its users is false, and this is what is being spread so widely in the news. As such, the statement that "The info circulating around is false" is subsequently true.
People claim the iPhone saves cell location data on the phone, and also saves this file during iTunes backups. This is TRUE, and can be verified by reading your OWN iPhone database, which shows where YOUR phone has been. That would be impossible if it didn't save that data.
SOME people (not most!) also claim that the data is sent to Apple, rather than just kept on the device. THIS, however, is unproven and may well be false.
As it stands, though, I don't see how "The info circulating around is false." is not a lie. It's very easy to verify that "the info" that this data is indeed saved is true.
While the data is being saved may be true, the info that Apple is tracking its users is false, and this is what is being spread so widely in the news. As such, the statement that "The info circulating around is false" is subsequently true.
itcheroni
Apr 16, 11:37 AM
Sounds like a good reason to avoid it.
Why focus your perspective on gaining wealth?
Aren't there more important things than that in our brief lives?
I guess it's the same reason creationists prefer to study their own creation science rather than anything that challenges their already held beliefs.
It's just my own personal point of view, but I don't think it's good to avoid learning something new because it might change your opinion about it.
Now I don't mean to be cruel, but he isn't making anything, creating anything or contributing anything to society through this livelihood. He's merely siphoning off the flow. And he wants to talk about perspective? It seems to me that making a living that way is guaranteed to give you a warped perspective.
It's a perspective I'm glad I don't share.
I doubt you can even explain what it is I'm doing. Can you explain how I'm not creating anything? Or contributing anything? Or what flow I'm siphoning off? You're making conclusions off complete ignorance.
I didn't miss it, you did. here, I'll bold it, underline it and put it in red so it's easier for you to catch ...
Then I'll refer to the definition so you might know what that word means ...
pri�ma�ri�ly (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/primarily) –adverb
1. essentially; mostly; chiefly; principally
Then I'll give you an example that demonstrates a different perspective on wealth ...
I am a graphic designer. My primary focus is on creating print and web solutions for my clients. While I do get paid, money is neither the source of my production and creativity, nor the material with which I work. It is a by-product of my labors, not the sole focus of them.
Thus I have a different perspective on money and wealth than itcheroni.
I hope that clarifies that for you.
If you take a single word out of a context, it's going to be...out of context. In that sense, I was using primarily, in the sense that my primary strategy is using time rather than up or down movements.
I understand the prejudice people have against financial people, because I used to have them too. I face a lot of ignorance in a lot of other activities I enjoy too. I make money off what I do, just like you do in your field. But what I do is understand economics and the mechanism of options. If I didn't understand economics, I would lose money. That's not something I would primarily want to do.
Why focus your perspective on gaining wealth?
Aren't there more important things than that in our brief lives?
I guess it's the same reason creationists prefer to study their own creation science rather than anything that challenges their already held beliefs.
It's just my own personal point of view, but I don't think it's good to avoid learning something new because it might change your opinion about it.
Now I don't mean to be cruel, but he isn't making anything, creating anything or contributing anything to society through this livelihood. He's merely siphoning off the flow. And he wants to talk about perspective? It seems to me that making a living that way is guaranteed to give you a warped perspective.
It's a perspective I'm glad I don't share.
I doubt you can even explain what it is I'm doing. Can you explain how I'm not creating anything? Or contributing anything? Or what flow I'm siphoning off? You're making conclusions off complete ignorance.
I didn't miss it, you did. here, I'll bold it, underline it and put it in red so it's easier for you to catch ...
Then I'll refer to the definition so you might know what that word means ...
pri�ma�ri�ly (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/primarily) –adverb
1. essentially; mostly; chiefly; principally
Then I'll give you an example that demonstrates a different perspective on wealth ...
I am a graphic designer. My primary focus is on creating print and web solutions for my clients. While I do get paid, money is neither the source of my production and creativity, nor the material with which I work. It is a by-product of my labors, not the sole focus of them.
Thus I have a different perspective on money and wealth than itcheroni.
I hope that clarifies that for you.
If you take a single word out of a context, it's going to be...out of context. In that sense, I was using primarily, in the sense that my primary strategy is using time rather than up or down movements.
I understand the prejudice people have against financial people, because I used to have them too. I face a lot of ignorance in a lot of other activities I enjoy too. I make money off what I do, just like you do in your field. But what I do is understand economics and the mechanism of options. If I didn't understand economics, I would lose money. That's not something I would primarily want to do.
aristotle
Apr 6, 06:35 PM
you really dont know what you talking about. less competion means apple is winning and consumers are loosing.
Sorry, but how am I losing if I'm using the product that I want? Why should I emotionally invest myself in the success of other companies that are not catering to my needs or interests? If they create a better product then they deserve success but not just by offering an inferior alternative.
Why wouldn't you count those as games? They are available for Android. They are not available on iOs.
Are you serious? So you would count all of the PC games that can be run under VMWare as Mac games? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? They are not available for android. The emulator is available on Android but the games are not.
Sorry, but how am I losing if I'm using the product that I want? Why should I emotionally invest myself in the success of other companies that are not catering to my needs or interests? If they create a better product then they deserve success but not just by offering an inferior alternative.
Why wouldn't you count those as games? They are available for Android. They are not available on iOs.
Are you serious? So you would count all of the PC games that can be run under VMWare as Mac games? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? They are not available for android. The emulator is available on Android but the games are not.
iStudentUK
Apr 11, 07:49 AM
Where did you get that I'm not in the 288 camp ? That is the proper answer, the equation is not ambiguous.
I know you are in the 288 camp. It's odd we agree but don't at the same time!
You say the answer is 288.
I say the likely answer is 288.
I can't go so far as to say the answer is 288 as I don't think it is correct to take / at face value. I don't think that is what the author intended.
EDIT- Just noticed my avatar shows this! People using horizontal lines not diagonal. Feel silly I didn't notice earlier!
I know you are in the 288 camp. It's odd we agree but don't at the same time!
You say the answer is 288.
I say the likely answer is 288.
I can't go so far as to say the answer is 288 as I don't think it is correct to take / at face value. I don't think that is what the author intended.
EDIT- Just noticed my avatar shows this! People using horizontal lines not diagonal. Feel silly I didn't notice earlier!
rhinosrcool
Apr 20, 01:29 AM
iPhone 4 with 3.5" screen: 115.2mm x 58.6mm x 9.3mm
weight: 137 grams
HTC Thunderbolt with 4" screen: 122mm x 66mm x 13mm
weight: 164 grams
I am not sure about you, but on composite that HTC with a 4" screen is noticeably larger in every possible way over the iPhone 4.
Sure it is only 5% taller, but 12% wider and almost 50% thicker as well as 15% heavier.
Perhaps you don't know anything about Apple, but they take the size of their devices very seriously.
I also don't understand how some of you think it is possible to have a significantly larger screen without making the phone bigger. It is not like the current iPhone has a lot of space. Again it seems people just read a bigger number and think it must be better. If we left it up to other companies smartphones would all be twice as thick and weigh twice as much as they do now, while being massively unwieldy. Apple actually has an aesthetic set of benchmarks that are important to them as anything else. It is not only aesthetic either, but actually using the device and carrying it around, the size makes a big difference.
My 3.5" iPhone 4 screen is pretty amazing, especially considering the size and weight of the device. Much more impressive than any 4" screened device I have seen.
Edit: In case anyone is wondering the 4" Samsung Galaxy S specs: 122.4mm x 64.2mm x 9.9mm weight 118 grams. It weighs less, but the physical dimensions are larger in ever way.
Please! Make the damn phone bigger! Oh no, it may weigh a few more grams. Currently, the iphone4 is a tiny phone. For us adults, please increase the screen size, and probably, the width.
weight: 137 grams
HTC Thunderbolt with 4" screen: 122mm x 66mm x 13mm
weight: 164 grams
I am not sure about you, but on composite that HTC with a 4" screen is noticeably larger in every possible way over the iPhone 4.
Sure it is only 5% taller, but 12% wider and almost 50% thicker as well as 15% heavier.
Perhaps you don't know anything about Apple, but they take the size of their devices very seriously.
I also don't understand how some of you think it is possible to have a significantly larger screen without making the phone bigger. It is not like the current iPhone has a lot of space. Again it seems people just read a bigger number and think it must be better. If we left it up to other companies smartphones would all be twice as thick and weigh twice as much as they do now, while being massively unwieldy. Apple actually has an aesthetic set of benchmarks that are important to them as anything else. It is not only aesthetic either, but actually using the device and carrying it around, the size makes a big difference.
My 3.5" iPhone 4 screen is pretty amazing, especially considering the size and weight of the device. Much more impressive than any 4" screened device I have seen.
Edit: In case anyone is wondering the 4" Samsung Galaxy S specs: 122.4mm x 64.2mm x 9.9mm weight 118 grams. It weighs less, but the physical dimensions are larger in ever way.
Please! Make the damn phone bigger! Oh no, it may weigh a few more grams. Currently, the iphone4 is a tiny phone. For us adults, please increase the screen size, and probably, the width.
dagomike
Nov 4, 12:15 PM
It's remarkable how far TomTom's goodwill swung from enthusiasm in early summer to spite. I see a lot of hate on TomTom not on the merits of the kit itself.
It appears to be a quality mount, BT hands-free kit, built in speaker, and car charger. Add that up and it can get pricey, then top it off with the GPS assistance. If that value doesn't make sense to you, don't buy it. To complain they won't sell it to you for $19.95 is just petty.
It appears to be a quality mount, BT hands-free kit, built in speaker, and car charger. Add that up and it can get pricey, then top it off with the GPS assistance. If that value doesn't make sense to you, don't buy it. To complain they won't sell it to you for $19.95 is just petty.
roland.g
May 4, 03:54 PM
On yesterday's MacBreak Weekly they were talking about this. The consensus was that the d/l version will be ultra cheap similar to SL b/c Apple wants people to migrate quickly. And then there will be a retail box that will sell for more for those who either can't or don't want to d/l. There is a patter of this in iLife, iWork, Aperture, etc., where the d/l version is much less expensive than the retail box.
And I'm fine with that. Bought Aperture when the Mac App Store debuted because of the new price. However, while people will say "partition your drive for OS and Apps and another partition for data so that you can wipe the OS partition for installs, etc." - because I like to do a clean install of the OS when I get it, and typically with a new machine I still reinstall it without all the languages, print drivers, fonts I won't ever need, I don't want to get a new iMac now and then in a couple months install Lion clean after just setting up the new machine. I'll wait. Get the new iMac with Lion. Wipe the OS and reinstall it slimmed down. Then add my Apps and data.
And I'm fine with that. Bought Aperture when the Mac App Store debuted because of the new price. However, while people will say "partition your drive for OS and Apps and another partition for data so that you can wipe the OS partition for installs, etc." - because I like to do a clean install of the OS when I get it, and typically with a new machine I still reinstall it without all the languages, print drivers, fonts I won't ever need, I don't want to get a new iMac now and then in a couple months install Lion clean after just setting up the new machine. I'll wait. Get the new iMac with Lion. Wipe the OS and reinstall it slimmed down. Then add my Apps and data.
ChickenSwartz
Sep 16, 10:00 PM
I also think that this return policy is rather asinine.
I agree. I think a much better policy would be you have to pay the restocking fee no matter when you return. So that way they break even when they resell it at a 5% discount (plus labor to check and make sure you did f-it up).
I agree. I think a much better policy would be you have to pay the restocking fee no matter when you return. So that way they break even when they resell it at a 5% discount (plus labor to check and make sure you did f-it up).
ARF900
Apr 25, 09:28 AM
They may be preparing but im not holding my breath on this. They havent even gotten retina displays for the iPad yet...
Eddyisgreat
Mar 29, 08:30 PM
I guarantee America has all the technology required to make components for a phone battery.
Yeah. They can build planes in Nigeria too. :rolleyes:
Sheesh the amount of nationalism is ridiculous when it comes to these matters. It's a wide world out there. You're telling me some other outfit had either the knowledge and capability to bring the required components to fruition and scale to meet apple's demands? Why the heck did they get the Japanese got the contract then? Because they're not American?
Face it - America isn't the absolute best at absolutely everything.
Yeah. They can build planes in Nigeria too. :rolleyes:
Sheesh the amount of nationalism is ridiculous when it comes to these matters. It's a wide world out there. You're telling me some other outfit had either the knowledge and capability to bring the required components to fruition and scale to meet apple's demands? Why the heck did they get the Japanese got the contract then? Because they're not American?
Face it - America isn't the absolute best at absolutely everything.
Brometheus
Apr 25, 10:26 AM
yes there is a problem. because it's unencrypted and everyone with access to your phone can read the information. the software tool they published showed my travel of the last 6 month quite accurately.
I don't want someone picking up my phone from my desk at work and find out what trips to what company I did. (it works internationally btw)
also I don't think the IRS or other tax collection agencies need to know when I was where.:D
Fair enough, but hardly the same as Apple acting as big brother (not that you made that claim).
I don't want someone picking up my phone from my desk at work and find out what trips to what company I did. (it works internationally btw)
also I don't think the IRS or other tax collection agencies need to know when I was where.:D
Fair enough, but hardly the same as Apple acting as big brother (not that you made that claim).
smulji
Mar 31, 01:45 AM
They sold well over 1 million desktops/workstation units last quarter and will surpass that quite handily this quarter.
People who think they know Apple's long term strategy as iOS only know nothing of Apple.
Out of curiosity then, what is the long term strategy of Apple? Educate us.
People who think they know Apple's long term strategy as iOS only know nothing of Apple.
Out of curiosity then, what is the long term strategy of Apple? Educate us.
arkitect
Mar 28, 10:11 AM
Sure you will. :rolleyes:
No need for the rolling eyes there… Some of us already have.
Apple is not the end all be all. Sometimes change is good. ;)
Bad move to keep the iPhone out for 2 years.
I agree.
There is no way Apple can take a break from this cycle.
What is that saying about he who rides the tiger?
No need for the rolling eyes there… Some of us already have.
Apple is not the end all be all. Sometimes change is good. ;)
Bad move to keep the iPhone out for 2 years.
I agree.
There is no way Apple can take a break from this cycle.
What is that saying about he who rides the tiger?
Jimmy James
Mar 29, 11:28 AM
This pay-per-use cloud accessible storage seems to be a good idea only as a supplement to on-board device storage.
Ownership of data is a concern. If I buy music through the cloud service does that affect my ownership of the music/data? Can I download the music to my hard drive and have unrestricted access to it after I cancel my cloud subscription? At that point, why would I want to continue paying for service for something I already have in my possession. And why not have the option of streaming this data from my own computer on which it's already contained and for which I already pay to have internet bandwidth (I realize that some people may have very limited bandwidth allowance)? If I'm only going to be keeping a small percentage of my audio online then it's one more thing to keep track of and manage. If I keep everything on the cloud then I'm paying a substantial monthly fee that annually could pay for a lot more memory on my device in the first place. Problem solved.
I just returned from an international trip. When I travel is typically when I use my iDevice most often. Music in the rental car, watching videos during down time or travel time. Expensive, bandwidth hungry cloud data is not an option [for me] when traveling internationally. I also take long road trips with a significant amount of time spent outside of service areas.
Too many downsides. Too many apparent restrictions.
Ownership of data is a concern. If I buy music through the cloud service does that affect my ownership of the music/data? Can I download the music to my hard drive and have unrestricted access to it after I cancel my cloud subscription? At that point, why would I want to continue paying for service for something I already have in my possession. And why not have the option of streaming this data from my own computer on which it's already contained and for which I already pay to have internet bandwidth (I realize that some people may have very limited bandwidth allowance)? If I'm only going to be keeping a small percentage of my audio online then it's one more thing to keep track of and manage. If I keep everything on the cloud then I'm paying a substantial monthly fee that annually could pay for a lot more memory on my device in the first place. Problem solved.
I just returned from an international trip. When I travel is typically when I use my iDevice most often. Music in the rental car, watching videos during down time or travel time. Expensive, bandwidth hungry cloud data is not an option [for me] when traveling internationally. I also take long road trips with a significant amount of time spent outside of service areas.
Too many downsides. Too many apparent restrictions.