[3dAnimation]

I've noticed the server forum doesn't get much action, perhaps this can help spice things up a bit.

Ok, here's my prediction:

Take a look at the Xserve, and you'll find that there's a Firewire port on the front. ON THE FRONT! What For? Really, if you have these things in a rack somewhere (like in the Rack and Roll photo) or even if you just have ONE in a rack somewhere. What kind of firewire device are you going to stick into it?

If you ARE going to use the VGA, and USB to connect to the machine for some reason, there are 2 Firewire ports right there alongside in the back.

My idea is that Apple will release a hand held device that allows the administrator to walk up to any server plug in, auto sync to the server manager (a la iTunes/iPod) and make adjustments to the server on the spot. No monitor/keyboard/mouse needed. No need to run back to a workstation and launch Server Admin.

Now, there's always the *possibility* that what they'll do instead, is give us software to run on our powerbooks/ibooks with which we can do what I described above.

What do you think?!

enjoy!
GregM.

[juanvaldes]

Sounds interesting. How much do you think Apple would charge for it though?

[3dAnimation]

Good point... Price. There wouldn't be a market for JUST this type of device.

Amendment: Apple releases a PDA with Firewire connectivity. Making the device WIDELY accepted. When you buy a Xserve, you get the software that runs on the X powered PDA or even a laptop.

I'm NOT opening a PDA discussion here, just figuring out the best way to make this idea plausible!

[walrusjb]

If it's cheaper than a rack-slide lcd, then I get those 2u back on each rack on top of the deal.

Cool idea... this is of course assuming Inkwell integration?