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July 11, 2008 11:15 AM PDT

NetNewsWire spoon-feeds iPhone the news

by Jessica Dolcourt
NetNewsWire for iPhone puts favorite news feeds within easy reach. (Credit: CNET Networks)

Of the several news readers offered in Apple's iTunes App Store to date, NetNewsWire stands out as the most appealing. Unlike Mobile News from the Associated Press, NetNewsWire pulls in stories from multiple sources, and unlike Google Reader, it does so nearly instantly in a true native application (Google Readers whisks you to an iPhone-optimized Web application after you select it from a list of more options on Google Mobile.)

Like many other applications, NetNewsWire is the iPhone version of an already-brawny Web service operated by NewsGator, and one whose desktop versions CNET Download.com editors have already acclaimed for its usability on Macs and on PCs, where it's known as FeedDemon.

NetNewsWire for iPhone is a feeds repository, but a good one. You won't be able to add feeds at this early stage, but the application will syncs with any of your existing NewsGator accounts for NetNewsWire for Macintosh, FeedDemon, Inbox, and NewsGator Online. The application lets new users to sign up from the iPhone. You'll also be able to save posts in a clippings folder for later perusal, and read the full article on Safari.

Jessica Dolcourt reviews the latest and greatest smartphone apps, in addition to a healthy dose of Windows software. E-mail Jessica and follow her on Twitter.
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by iPissed July 11, 2008 2:02 PM PDT
I have been an Apple supporter and loyal customer for over 15 years. I spent $3000 for my mac desktop and another $3000 for my Macbook Pro. I have been an advocate for the Apple Nation... a loyal solider fighting P.C. users (who diss Apple) for years.

UNTIL NOW! Since the widely spread use of the iPod, Apple has short changed its loyal customers to crossover to the mainstream. Imagine my surprise when I paid $3000 for my Macbook Pro only to find out its only word processing program was the equivalent of Windows' notepad. They removed the AppleWorks program, which was wildly popular among Apple users and replaced it with a suggestion to purchase Microsoft Office.

Once Mac users downloaded the Microsoft Office program they experienced crashes and delays never experienced before, but don't take my word for it read the reviews yourself logged at Apple's own website:

http://store.apple.com/us/reviews/TQ744LL/A?rp=0&rs=lowestRated

This is how Apple choses to thank its customers who have spent thousands buying their products. BUT THE LATEST NEWS FLASH REALLY TAKES THE CAKE!!

My 17 year old daughter was refused "the purchase" of an iPhone, after several months of saving all the cash necessary for the price of the phone as listed online and waiting in line for its release today. She didn't have the "PROPER CREDIT SCORE" to own the "royal" iPhone. The sales person told her she had to activate with a contract with AT&T or she couldn't even attempt to purchase the phone. Apple "CARE" customer service personel stated they were "STREAMLINING THE PROCESS." Imagine being refused the purchase of a Television until you sign a contract for cable or a computer until you sign a contract for internet. Is this where we're headed? It's obvious the iPhone 3G is being marketed to a particular class of people and my daughter didn't make the cut. So our money isn't enough to buy your Apple products now huh?

Well to hell with you Steve Jobs (the supposed free thinking hippie) before long they'll want a strand of hair or blood sample to buy Apple products. What's next an iNazi? I will never promote the use of ANY product you create every again, as a matter of fact I am officially Anti-Apple!!!
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by joefrat22 July 11, 2008 4:35 PM PDT
I confess, I have been. Loyal Apple fan since first purchasing an Apple II+ - so this with a grain of salt.
Don't you thing Apple would be more than happy to sell anyone with enough cash a phone? (or anything else for that matter). I suspect it would be AT&T that would set minimum credit standards for anyone who wants to enter into a long term contract with them.
If you are looking for something more than office for the Mac I suggest iWork. It includes pages, numbers, and keynote. I do not know if they are better than office, but they sure are a lot easier to use. And at $79 they put office to shame. I consider office for the mac no differnt than being able to install and run windows on the mac - it provides a sense of security for a purchaser, knowing these are available. Kind of like the Trojan horse.
by Incredulous July 12, 2008 4:06 AM PDT
This has to be one of the most uninformed rants I've run across. Just because Apple no longer sells computers with a word processor pre-installed is no reason to turn "Anti-Apple". Unless you find a special bundle PCs don't have word processors pre-installed either. Most folks buy Microsoft Office for their machines whether they are Macs or Windows based computers. I guess if you were a graphics designer you would expect them to pre-install Adobe's Creative Suite too.

And as far as your daughter needing a proper credit score, that's a requirement of AT&T, not Apple. She would also need that to buy any other brand of phone from most any cellphone company. Cellphone companies have required credit checks for as long as there have been cellphones. And no, I'm not a expert and there may be exceptions. But it's a published fact that AT&T requires a credit check to buy an iPhone. You also have to be 18 years old and you said your daughter is 17. You could have known about all the requirements just by reading up before you went to the store.

Cut from...
http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/
"*Transferring your mobile number will terminate your service with your existing provider; termination fees and other charges will apply. New two-year contract required. Qualified customers only; credit check required; must be 18 or older. Visit www.wireless.att.com to check AT&T network coverage in your area. Current and new iPhone users who now or will receive service under a corporate account and wish to upgrade to or purchase iPhone 3G need to contact AT&T directly. iPhone 3G is configured to work only with the wireless services provided by AT&T."

Now just how do your complaints make you "Anti-Apple"?
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