Call it what you want — excitement, disappointment, or just plain Wi-Fi — but there’s definitely something in the air after today’s keynote, helmed by Apple’s charismatic leader in his blue jeans and black turtleneck. What was presented to the over-caffeinated keynote attendees? Check it out.
MacBook Air. Yes, it was real, after all. This new entry to the MacBook/Pro family is everything the mobile warriors were looking for after their dear 12″ PowerBook was discontinued. Compared to the 12″ PowerBook, the MacBook Air actually has a few misses: it is under-powered by the MacBook’s standards (the 12″ PB was powerful enough, otherwise people would’ve stuck with the equal-sized iBook) with a 1.6 or 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, 80GB HD or 64GB SSD, and an integrated Intel graphics chip; the $99 external SuperDrive is not bundled in, unlike similar competitor notebooks; and the internal battery is not user accessible à la iPod (big shock for mobile warriors!). Apple seems only to be targeting those who want the thinnest and lightest notebook possible — not grande within petite. But still, it’s amazing that they packed everything (except the SuperDrive) inside this amazingly-thin package. Even with all these cons, I know the MacBook Air will be well-received, and if you still think the MacBook Air is for you, you can pre-order one on Apple’s website (starting at $1799).
iTunes 7.6. Not the version 8 some of us were expecting, but it now features the anticipated movie rental service. But even more surprisingly, all the major movie studios (including Sony and Universal, which are publicly-known not to love Apple) are on board for service. The movies will be available for rental within 30 days of their DVD release (possibly to maintain DVD sales), library titles (older releases) will go for $2.99, and new releases for $3.99. The movies will have a 30-day expiration after being downloaded, or 24-hours after you’ve hit play. Look for around 1000 movie titles within iTunes 7.6.
Apple TV, Take Two. It was admitted that the first Apple TV did not work out, which lead to the product’s “Take Two”. The Apple TV models remain the same at 40GB and 160GB, but now cost $229 and $329, respectively. The enhancements made to the Apple TV include a new interface, direct downloads to the device (no longer chained to a computer!), photo browsing for Flickr and .Mac, and is the only place where you’ll be able to download and view HD movie rentals (with $1 premium added to the standard-def price). The enhancements will be made available as a downloadable update in about two weeks’ time for all current owners.
iTunes movies in Fox DVDs. Also as demonstrated a week earlier, marked Fox DVDs will include an iTunes version of the movie for everyone’s convenience. The first DVD to feature this is today’s release of Family Guy presents Blue Harvest. Look for a hands-on for this feature soon.
iPhone and iPod touch software updates. The iPhone update is free, breaks any hacks, but adds new features like semi-GPS functionality in Maps and arrangeable icons in the home panels. The iPod touch update officially adds the missing iPhone apps (emphasize on the “officially”, since the missing apps could be added with hacks) like Mail, but, surprisingly, costs $19. By the way, the iPhone/touch SDK is indeed coming in February.
Time Capsule. This is the result when you combine an AirPort Extreme with an external hard drive. What makes this one special, is that now all your Time Machine backups will be stored wirelessly in this new hybrid from Apple. This product fills the void of Leopard’s last-minute withdrawal of the AirDisk feature, which would’ve allowed you to set your backups to a USB HD connected to your AirPort. The Time Capsule is available in 500GB and 1TB capacities, at $299 and $499, respectively. It is estimated to start shipping in February.
What was the best thing shown today? Cast your vote in this month’s poll!
Galley on January 16th, 2008 at 8:40 am says:
I finally broke down and ordered an ?tv. The refurbished models are $50 cheaper.
Frank on January 16th, 2008 at 9:13 am says:
Congrats on your purchase! Now that Apple seems more involved in improving it, it’ll be likely that people will get more use out of them.