David Ayers

Woohoo! Don't sweat the OS, David. I switched from Wind'ohs a few years ago. The learning curve might seem steep at first, but OS X is really quite intuitive and user-friendly, IMO. You may struggle with certain things at first, but when you finally figure it out you'll say to yourself, "now that makes perfect sense". And although I've only fiddled with MacBooks in the Apple store, the quality and build are superior to any other laptop. And that becomes apparent immediately. Have fun. And though I'm no Mac expert by any stretch of the imagination, feel free to ask if you're having a hard time figuring something out. Though, I don't use Office, so I'd be worthless in that department. I mean, more so than usual... Yes I will ask, thank you, although I am the first to tell people that systems are supposed to be intuitive and that you generally get there by trial and error. If you think it probably should do something then it probably does, so figure it out!

Well, the MacBook Air is here and it is a thing of beauty. Very light and strong. I am absolutely unfamiliar with the OS so that is a learning curve. No judgement on that yet. I am impressed by the way it sets up so quickly to e.g. share with my PC. The keyboard is beautiful and comfortable. I am downloading Office which is taking some time, so I am not exploring too much. The downside? Very clearly, the display is inferior. I wanted light and cheap(er) for working on the move. But I'd say that if weight and cost are less of a consideration then the retina display is probably a must. That's my impression so far.

With a book the catalogue title is the one that appears on the title page. From what mjazzg says it may be the disc that is used. However for a multi-disc set that might not work. Any discographers in the house?

Well, I'm asking about the discographical principle.

There is a Anthony Braxton CD on music and arts which famously has a different title on the cover on the spine on the back and on the disk itself. Four different titles. For discographical purposes which is the real title of the CD, which should be recorded in a discography?

I agree on Porto Novo but that was on CD for quite a while. I'd put Mohawk first by a large margin, for the grittiness of its conception and for the grainy, visceral impact of the recorded actuality (I don't say "of the sound"). I never tire of it. Paper Man I also own on LP but I can hardly remember it. I'd add that Mohawk is not for me a favorite or desirable rarity, it is one of my very favorite records and I think it is indispensable.

Since I am just listening again to a couple of discs where Braxton plays piano, can I ask, am I the only one that finds his piano playing a little underwhelming?

Still waiting for the rowing boat here

I thought AOL was an urban myth. You live and learn. Sorry that wasn't helpful was it?

If I may make a suggestion, Mohawk by the New York Art Quartet is one of the greatest albums never to make it to CD outside (briefly) Japan. That would be an artistically meaningful release if there were any way of doing it.

And if you fork out extra for the special edition he comes and stays at your house for a week. Now that is overwhelming.

I know. Those toe-tapping jazz fans aren't worth two beans.

Not that I'm a greedy freeloader or anything, but can you direct me to that site please? Assuming it's legal, of course.

Maybe you're right. I saw it on the website and there is a buy button. The website might not be up to date.

Nooooo. I went for the basic 13" Air.

Well I ordered my MacBook and managed to get a pretty useful educational discount. Excited would be too strong a word. But looking forward to getting it after what I've been used to.

Had to go to YouTube to view it but - wow - puts the experience of opening a Mosaic box in the shade. At two UKP per disc it pretty much puts other reissues to shame. I almost want it as I am on a bit of a Paul Dunmall kick at the moment...

Against the grain of the collapsing CD market, FMR, who seem somehow to issue more CDs than anyone can count let alone buy, are issuing what I suppose is their complete Paul Dunmall back catalog on 50 CDs Paul is great and probably underestimated. This set is not for me - I'm feeling sick of CDs - but at 99 UKP plus shipping from the FMR website it might interest somebody...

@ Dave G: thanks for the comments and the link. You are confirming my impression that a wide suite of devices is desirable

Will do!

Ooooo.

So under socialism would we charge less or more than the market will pay? Seems to be about round numbers in fact. Anyway tracks on iTunes tend to be £0.79.

I think the current or recent 5s contract bundles in a year of either Spotify or Sky Sport. And yes the cost of Spotify is much less than that of a phone contract.

Re. retina: hmm...