I've also recently started using Sketch as an Illustrator replacement (for basic icon/design work, I'm not a professional graphic designer). I've really enjoyed using it so far.
I have the Sharp 4K monitor that Apple sells in its stores and it's incredible. I run it at retina resolution at 60hz (now possible on Mac OS 10.9.3+) with a Mac Pro and it looks amazing.
Very pricey, but in my experience, worth every dollar.
Sharp is a pretty big Japanese company. They rarely make own-brand consumer stuff for markets outside Japan though, which is why you haven't heard of them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharp_Corporation
That's fascinating. Kind of makes me want to practice lucid dreaming now. Makes a lot of sense though, with regards to how rested you felt after giving up lucid dreaming. Writing complex algorithms in your dreams does not sound restful.
We know very very little about what the mind is capable of, or which parts of it require the sleep process, or even how the sleep process is affected by a lucid dream state. We just don't know, my experience is completely different (than the OPs).
That person's experience could be a result of pre-conceived notions about 'effort vs reward', or any other number of intersecting belief systems. Who knows?
It is unique to everyone, and can be learnt in weeks or years depending on who you are (unless you are comfortable inducing it with gamma waves)
Do not rely on anecdotal evidence from others, only trust your own experience in matters that relate to the inner workings of your life. Find out for yourself if it's useful or not.
... it's, at the very least, an interesting adventure.
"Most people I know use other, free apps to transfer files to/from the device and to listen/watch audio/video."
Perhaps, but I'm willing to bet Apple funnels a significant amount of music sales by having an easy, visible route to purchase legal music. It's not like anyone is forced to use the iTunes Music Store, but can you really expect them not to promote it in their OS?
I like Newsstand a lot too. Another really great example is Sound on Sound magazine (http://www.soundonsound.com/). It really captures what an iOS-magazine experience should look and feel like (dynamic content, interactive diagrams/pictures, easy navigation, etc).
I guess it would work just as well as a stand-alone app, but there's something nice about all my magazine content being located in a single location.
Just started playing with the beta and I have to agree, it is something you must experience to judge accurately. Using iOS 7 feels good. There will definitely be refinements to come, but I think it's a huge step in the right direction. The stock apps, especially the App Store app, feel much nicer to use.
Although I have to agree with the OP about the app icons. I just don't think they look that nice.
Basically I wanted an app that let me quickly add and organize items into different time periods.