Chris Van Patten

Member since: Jul 17th, 2006

Chris Van Patten's Latest Comments

Blog Activity

Blog	# of Comments
Luxist	1 Comment
TUAW.com	4 Comments
Cinematical	2 Comments
Download Squad	3 Comments
DV Guru	11 Comments
Blog Maverick	1 Comment
The Jason Calacanis Weblog	16 Comments

Recent Comments:

White Pine Canyon, Estate of the Day (Luxist)

Jan 26th 2009 11:22PM The pool is actually cantilevered over a seasonal stream.

INSANE.

I am in love with this house... there are more pics at the architect's website, and it is crazy.

With new claims, Psystar tries another angle (TUAW.com)

Dec 11th 2008 2:01PM Are you seriously as stupid as you sound? You're equating stealing to a ruling that would futher inhibit interop.

I get it. I understand this is a unique case. I know Apple's perspective, and yes, I too believe that only the Mac OS X operating system should work on a Mac computer.

But for chrissakes, don't try to say that Apple hasn't done everything it can do to prevent OS X from leaking out to other users without Macs. I've already pointed out that they could very easily be the sole seller for the operating system and require a serial number to purchase it. Right now, Apple simply has not gone to every protection possible to ensure that OS X is not leaked to the homebrewers and Psystars of the world. Really, every time a homebrew computer is made or a Psystar is manufactured, Apple is getting money. It's not like they're using pirated copies of the OS.

All I'm saying is:
(1) Apple could do more. Honestly. Don't deny it.
(2) A ruling in this case could have way further legal implications than anyone here is willing to realize. Don't be stupid about it. The law doesn't paint in tiny strokes, it is applied in big, thick ones, and you never know how this ruling could be applied in a case down the road. Perhaps Microsoft decides to sue Apple because they never wanted Windows to run on a Mac. Sure it's not legally possible now (and would be totally stupid), but after this ruling comes out, they might find that it's possible under the new case law.
(3) Yes, Psystar is stupid.
(4) Yes, Apple is right, but they are stupid too.

These are the kinds of things you need to consider. Yes, Psystar is stupid. I get it. But this legal battle can do little good for anyone involved.

And jeez, get your heads out of your asses and realize Apple is partially at fault here. They wanted a closed hardware/software system, they shouldn't be selling the operating system openly. That's common sense.

With new claims, Psystar tries another angle (TUAW.com)

Dec 11th 2008 12:51AM Then I shouldn't be able to purchase OS upgrades through Amazon or other third party channels. I should only be able to purchase them through the Apple Store, using my Mac's serial number as a way of verifying/unlocking the purchase. I get what you're saying and I agree Psystar is kind of stupid, but Apple is not totally in the clear here. They have ways of locking down purchases of the operating system, and there's no reason why they couldn't implement them.

And the EULA argument is silly. There's no consistent legal opinion on whether or not a EULA is a legally enforceable contract. Admittedly in Blizzard v. BNETD the 8th circuit ruled that the portions of EULAs that restrict interop are enforceable (but the 8th circuit has been consistently pro-EULA, other courts might disagree).

Now, I am as big an Apple junkie as the next guy, just ask my iPod, iMac, Final Cut Studio, etc. But I am afraid that the wrong ruling in this case will lead to further legal restrictions on interoperability. It's one thing to prevent a shady computer manufacturer from using software that wasn't designed for their computers, but the legal ruling that would stop that could also prevent a host of other issues that would have deeper and further-reaching implications.

With new claims, Psystar tries another angle (TUAW.com)

Dec 10th 2008 12:07PM http://www.amazon.com/Mac-OS-Version-10-5-4-Leopard/dp/B000FK88JK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1228928824&sr=8-1

Techspansion closes, VisualHub discontinued (TUAW.com)

Oct 3rd 2008 5:00PM I've used FFMPEGX for a long time and it's simply buggy and slow. VisualHub somehow took the same core and made it easier to use, faster, and more simple. It's a more pleasant and reliable experience. I even have Final Cut Studio with Compressor, and I still do as much compression as I can in VisualHub because it's so much easier.

Encourage the developer to make it open source at this URL: http://www.isquint.org/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=8;t=6938 Tell him how useful VisualHub (or AudialHub, or iSquint) have impacted your workflow and share why you want to see the development continue. With enough input, maybe he'll change his mind and release the source code!

Best Broadway/Off Broadway plays of 2007/2008? (The Jason Calacanis Weblog)

Dec 23rd 2007 6:39PM You want to see:

Spring Awakening: 2007 Tony Winning best musical. It's emotional, and powerful. A very well conceived and executed show.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: It's closing in mid-January, and it is fantastic! You may also get a chance to be on stage with the cast.

August: Osage County is being talked about as the best play open in NYC for its sharp, witty writing. If you can manage to find tickets, go for it!

November just opened with Nathan Lane and has some good buzz, that may be worth a look.

Ask Jason (on vicodin) (The Jason Calacanis Weblog)

Sep 1st 2007 12:46AM What's a good way for someone with no experience to determine good prices for ads (specifically, on a blog that is breaking 100,000 uniques/month)?

Is there a formula that you (the big guys) use or is it just a matter of getting a good "feel" for the right price?

Apple iPhone (DV Guru)

Jan 9th 2007 4:36PM The iPhone is great, but looking at it strictly from the point of view of a media creator, it's a glorified iPod. Obviously it's a great product but for filmmakers it's basically a new model of the iPod that can show media a bit bigger.

Sorry for the cynicism, I really like the iPhone. I just don't think it is "changing the game" or anything for filmmakers.