Re: Apple at it again..

["Ian Lowe" <ianlowe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Robert Welsh <rob.welsh@...> wrote:
>
> Let's be clear on one thing here.
>
> Palm were *abusing* the USB ID to masquerade as an iPod.
> Yep - that's right - Palm were in the technological wrong here.
>
> If were discussing devices abusing others' MAC addresses and screwing
with
> your network, you might not be of the same stance.
>
> - Rob
>

actually Rob, I don't have a problem with devices that 'abuse' other's MAC
addresses.

back in the day, Cable ISPs would restrict the MAC address that you could
use for your home internet connection to the PC that you installed their
software on.

Innovative router manufacturers provided MAC cloning functionality, so that
your router would use the same MAC as your PC's Network Card, allowing you
to connect multiple computers to your cable internet.

It's about giving the customers what they want, and not allowing the
providers of services to dictate and control what you do with that service,
what devices you can use it with etc.

This is *precisely* the same thing - and there is a long tradition of
devices cloning USB VID/PID combinations.

Have you any idea how many 3rd party devices out there use the same PID and
VID as a generic microsoft mouse?



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