MacWorld Announcements

[kirupa]

http://www.neowin.net/comments.php?id=26639

New products include Mac Mini, iPod Shuffle, iWork, and information on upcoming OS X features.

http://www.neowin.net/staff/creamhackered/macworld05/box.jpg

Needless to say, the various pictures of rumored Mac Mini in this forum were not real in case a few still think that they were :beam:

Here is a play-by-play account of what happened at the conference: http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000477026962/

[λ]

/. coverage: http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/05/01/11/1616250.shtml?tid=3

I'm surprised iWork doesn't include a spreadsheeting app though.. it really needs one to compete with M$ Office and OO.o

[senocular]

/. coverage: http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/05/01/11/1616250.shtml?tid=3

I'm surprised iWork doesn't include a spreadsheeting app though.. it really needs one to compete with M$ Office and OO.o

Thats a good point. Word, PowerPoint and Excel are the big ones - word isnt that big of a deal--just like any other word processor (they're a dime a dozen and Im sure Pages will do fine), and Mac has had Keynote for a while but what about the anti-Excel?

[Butters]

WOW, great stuff!

I was just about to make a topic about all the new Mac gear.

iWork (http://www.apple.com/uk/iwork/) - Woah! Its just £49!! That looks like an MS Office beater for sure.

Mac Mini (http://www.apple.com/uk/macmini/) - Again, daymn cool, and for just £340, what a great deal, it looks bloody amasing.

iPod Shuffle (http://www.apple.com/uk/ipodshuffle/) - Sweetness, a great cheap small iPod, looks great :)

Final Cut Express HD (http://www.apple.com/uk/finalcutexpress/) - Final Cut owns everything, HD is gonna be sweet.

iLife 05 (http://www.apple.com/uk/ilife/) Omg! How freking cool, Garageband 2! iMovie HD! W00000t!

Apple can really give a crowd-pleaser, if only I had the money :(

Im seriously concidering saving up for that Mac Mini, it looks amasing.

[sirtimbly]

Apple seems to be really trying to get PC converts with the mini. The can avoid accusations that it's too expensive to buy a mac to replace your PC. $500 and you just use your existing PC monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Genious!

[Krilnon]

Boo! Hiss! No Powerbook G5?!?! WHAT IS THIS??? WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? WHAAAAAAAAT? :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

I tried to watch the stream online, but the servers werre too slow/stupid.

iPod Shuffle - Apple trying to appeal to people who want cheap music player -- not for me, I like my 3g iPod.

Mini Mac - Again for less of a power-user, not for me. I would get a PowerMac (they rock!) I do like how Apple is expanding to this market though, don't get me wrong there.

iWork- I guess it could be Okay, I liked njs's point about no spreadsheet. I hear Office for Mac is actually pretty awesome, so I wouldn't complain there (though my dad always has errors on his) I personally use a combination of Office Professional and StarOffice 7.

iLife - Again, not really for me. It seems to make things easier to do, but from what I saw of the keynote, it doesn't give me the flexibility that a designer would want. ( I would get Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, you know the works) GarageBand, however, looks more like something I would find useful.

Powerbook G5- Oh wait, they DIDN'T ANNOUNCE A NEW POWERBOOK :angry: :mad: :furious: I hate you :(

NO POWERBOOK, WHAT???

[[uber]]

that mac mini looks cool... i want a mac so bad... but if i'm gonna get a mac... its gonna be worth it...

[Mik3]

gonna order it today (mac mini)

[Vexir]

LOL http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/

Look at the subscripts at the bottom.

[Butters]

Boo! Hiss! No Powerbook G5?!?! WHAT IS THIS??? WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? WHAAAAAAAAT? :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
lol, the PowerBook G5 wont be coming out for quite a bit, there was no speculation that it was going to be announced anytime soon, infact Apple said not too long ago that they were quite a long way off of the G5 PB. However the G4 PowerBook has had a bit of an upgrade, with faster processors across the range, new graphics cards and more HD spcae.


I tried to watch the stream online, but the servers werre too slow/stupid.
Same ;P


iPod Shuffle - Apple trying to appeal to people who want cheap music player -- not for me, I like my 3g iPod.
lol, same for me too :)


Mini Mac - Again for less of a power-user, not for me. I would get a PowerMac (they rock!) I do like how Apple is expanding to this market though, don't get me wrong there.
Yeah I kinda agree with you there too, id like a neat little computer for my room, or to take to University.


iWork- I guess it could be Okay, I liked njs's point about no spreadsheet. I hear Office for Mac is actually pretty awesome, so I wouldn't complain there (though my dad always has errors on his) I personally use a combination of Office Professional and StarOffice 7.
I have Office for Mac too, I do like it, but I think that Keynote is a million times better than PowerPoint (I hate that app so much, everything you make just looks so d*mn tacky).


iLife - Again, not really for me. It seems to make things easier to do, but from what I saw of the keynote, it doesn't give me the flexibility that a designer would want. ( I would get Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, you know the works) GarageBand, however, looks more like something I would find useful.
GarageBand is great, its so cheap, and a really cool little app. iLife is a great bundle, especially if you have an older Mac, which didn't come with the latest versions of iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD etc, there is a BIG difference between the versions.


Powerbook G5- Oh wait, they DIDN'T ANNOUNCE A NEW POWERBOOK :angry: :mad: :furious: I hate you :(

NO POWERBOOK, WHAT???
Yeah I want the new PowerBook to come too dammit!

[Krilnon]

Graphicslash -- LOL "2. Do not eat iPod shuffle."

In addition to me wanting a Powerbook G5, my dad has had the Powerbook G4 since the day they came out (about 4 years ago? 3.5?) and he really wants a new one, but he doesn't want to buy a new G4, because that would be silly given the relative power of the G5. He added more RAM about a year ago, but it's still suffering.

Powerpoint does suck, but I don't like making those sorts of presentations in general. I'd use a Flash Projector file... if allowed. If I had a real job where I presented things, Keynote does seem like it would be better.

[ya3]

OMFGWTFBBQ!
That Mac mini... OMFG! It's like, the size of an external HD - even smaller. WAAAAAAHHHHH! :crazy:

The price, tho... I may as well just spend a few hundred more and get an eMac... WITH a display, KB and mouse. I mean, you'd be crazy to use a cheap beige display with your Mac mini - so you'd end up buying either an Apple display or an expensive silvery nice-looking LCD. On top of that, put about $100 for an Apple KB+mouse... and... meh.

btw, it's $799 over here in Aus :(
eMac is $1299.

Looking at it again... it's pretty inexpandible. Two USB ports?? Lets see... I'd need one for a keyboard, mouse, tablet, printer, scanner, camera, and maybe one spare for a thumb drive :hangover:.

[Krilnon]

USB Hub, Bluetooth.

[love police]

ok. i work at a school and we've been looking at getting eMacs. but this new mac mini looks pretty cool. cheaper and the same specs as an eMac. except for the display... we have plenty of them.

the iShuffle. is gay. i dont like it. its only 512/1GB... meh.. i'm not impressed with it..

and the other stuff. is cool. :D

[ya3]

http://images.apple.com/home/2005/images/shufflelifestylec20050111.jpg

:lol:hahah - instantly reminded me of some kind of drip thingo. too many straps and wires, imho - just put it in your pocket, ffs!

[Vexir]

They are gonna lose money on the iShuffle

[Butters]

They are gonna lose money on the iShuffle
No they won't. They will get all those customers who can't afford an iPod, and those who only want to carry around a few hundered songs.

[T-O]

I wonder when this stuff is coming here in the Netherlands. just for 500 euro's :P I'm going to get me one.

[Butters]

It costs £340 here in the UK, which is almost $700, and thats the most basic model.

We always end up paying more in England, it sucks.

[gaming monkey]

Looks like Apple just got themselves a new customer! I think the ipod shuffle and mac mini are really great for Apple. Does anyone know when they're out in the UK?

[Butters]

January 29th.

[gaming monkey]

January 29th.
For both ipod shuffle and mac mini? If so, I can't wait, I'll be buying both very soon.

[ya3]

Mac mini is AU$799 :( That converts to about US$650...

[McGuffin]

Mac Mini is $629 CAD, pretty good deal. Converts to close to $520 USD

[[Legoman]]

I think I might pick up an ipod shuffle, my mini-disc has had it's day

if I got an iPod Shuffle, would I only be able to use it with iTunes? Or could I drag and drop something from/to a friends computer?

[Butters]

You don't have to use iTunes, there are several other apps that have iPod support. You can drag and drop from a friend's computer, you just need to enable hidden folders.


For both ipod shuffle and mac mini? If so, I can't wait, I'll be buying both very soon.
Yes.

[[Legoman]]

You don't have to use iTunes, there are several other apps that have iPod support. You can drag and drop from a friend's computer, you just need to enable hidden folders

Thanks butters, could you clarify further though. Can you just drag and drop mp3's from a folder(like you would with some usb memory) or does it have to be done through the specific software's?

[Butters]

To take music from a friends computer, you have to enable manual updating on your iPod, and just drag the music over in iTunes.

To take music from an iPod to a PC, you need to show hidden folders, and manualy move the files across. There is software that will do it for you though.

[Disco-Stu]

Hooray! It's time for another "Oh crap, here comes Disco Stu's comments on another Apple thread. I'll start flaming now before I read it" thread!

This week: iPod Shuffle and MacMini

The iPod shuffle is a pretty competitivly priced 512MB mp3 player, but without a screen I don't think I'll get one. Still, it's a smart move on apple's part. Traditional iPod's are still way too overpriced because of the trendiness. The UI is amazing, but alas, the iPod shuffle loses this feature and becomes useless to me. The Mac mini? Looks cool, but it's STRIPPED for $499. You think the system you'll buy will be Inexpensive?? riiiiight.



Mac Mini:
• 1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• SuperDrive
• AirPort Extreme Card
• 56K v.92 Modem
• Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4

Estimated Ship:
3-4 weeks
Free Shipping
Subtotal $1,203.00


That is the "expensive" model (100 bucks for a faster CPU), 512MB extra of RAM, a SuperDrive and AirPort Extreme card added in. We're not talking Bluetooth, or a wireless keyboard (which requires you buy the bluetooth upgrade), or an apple care plan.

Lets build a mini-ITX system real quick!

Hoojum Cubit ITX Case /w PSU: $150
Via EPIA MII 1.4 ghz Mobo/CPU/Video (http://www.viaembedded.com/product/epia_MII_spec.jsp?motherboardId=202) : $180
Slot Load DVD Burner: $60
Belkin Pre-N MIMO Wireless G Card (108MB/S): $129
1 Gig DDR PC2700: $120
XP Pro: $138

Total: $777

Hmmmmm...... I think I'll still stick with PC. Good try Apple. ;)



I really fail to see why Mac fans are so die hard about their systems. If the Mac was a truely awe-inspiring system, I'd get it. But it isn't. I don't get spam or pop-ups on my current system, and I can run all the designer apps with fluid ease. I can skin windows to look like a Mac with window blinds. I enjoy premiere slightly more than Final Cut Pro for the most part. I don't have to pay triple the money for upgrade hardware. I'm not against Apple, I'm just don't understand paying out the *** for something that does less than a cheaper system. Don't worry Butters, I don't hate you or anything, it's just the Mac thing confuses the hell out of me. Is it just because it's prettier?

[Mik3]

ok. i work at a school and we've been looking at getting eMacs. but this new mac mini looks pretty cool. cheaper and the same specs as an eMac. except for the display... we have plenty of them.

the iShuffle. is gay. i dont like it. its only 512/1GB... meh.. i'm not impressed with it..

and the other stuff. is cool. :D
It's a flash player what did you expect? If you want bigger than 512 or 1GB on a product without a screen then you must be expecting to be computerless for a very long time. Compare it to other flash players and not hard drive players... $99 for a 512, where as 256's are usually $99+ and 1GB flash is just unheard of for $150, that's a ton of flash memory.

[Mik3]

Hooray! It's time for another "Oh crap, here comes Disco Stu's comments on another Apple thread. I'll start flaming now before I read it" thread!

This week: iPod Shuffle and MacMini

The iPod shuffle is a pretty competitivly priced 512MB mp3 player, but without a screen I don't think I'll get one. Still, it's a smart move on apple's part. Traditional iPod's are still way too overpriced because of the trendiness. The UI is amazing, but alas, the iPod shuffle loses this feature and becomes useless to me. The Mac mini? Looks cool, but it's STRIPPED for $499. You think the system you'll buy will be Inexpensive?? riiiiight.



That is the "expensive" model (100 bucks for a faster CPU), 512MB extra of RAM, a SuperDrive and AirPort Extreme card added in. We're not talking Bluetooth, or a wireless keyboard (which requires you buy the bluetooth upgrade), or an apple care plan.

Lets build a mini-ITX system real quick!

Hoojum Cubit ITX Case /w PSU: $150
Via EPIA MII 1.4 ghz Mobo/CPU/Video (http://www.viaembedded.com/product/epia_MII_spec.jsp?motherboardId=202) : $180
Slot Load DVD Burner: $60
Belkin Pre-N MIMO Wireless G Card (108MB/S): $129
1 Gig DDR PC2700: $120
XP Pro: $138

Total: $777

Hmmmmm...... I think I'll still stick with PC. Good try Apple. ;)



I really fail to see why Mac fans are so die hard about their systems. If the Mac was a truely awe-inspiring system, I'd get it. But it isn't. I don't get spam or pop-ups on my current system, and I can run all the designer apps with fluid ease. I can skin windows to look like a Mac with window blinds. I enjoy premiere slightly more than Final Cut Pro for the most part. I don't have to pay triple the money for upgrade hardware. I'm not against Apple, I'm just don't understand paying out the *** for something that does less than a cheaper system. Don't worry Butters, I don't hate you or anything, it's just the Mac thing confuses the hell out of me. Is it just because it's prettier?
Sure you can do that with hardware, where as Mac usuers chose their systems for software. Also, keep in mind that you can not really compare PC and Mac processors with numbers where as they are on a different architecture and Mac processors tend to run much faster than PCs.

As for you not getting spam or pop-ups, that's good! You sound like a non-mac users, I'm not going to argue with you. I agree with you infact, you should not get a Mac, you seem like the ideal PC user. I'm getting a Mac because I do like final cut pro better and I do like OS X a LOT better. That's why I'm getting a mac. You don't like it better, so don't get a mac. I think those mac users who are always trying to convert people are just plain annoying and they make mac users look bad.

Is it because it's prettier?
No, for me, it's because it's much, much, much more powerful... But there's a catch: It's much, much, much more powerful for the things I do. For you, maybe it sucks arse. That's fine with me!

[senocular]

FCP? And you're getting a Mini? :sure:

[Butters]

Just becuase you can see that, oh look, it has a faster processor, dosen't make it better, OSX is much faster with less specs, that's why Macs don't have 3.6ghz processors, they simply don't need them. I'd rather pay more for a Mac and keep it for longer running smoothly, virus, spam and ad/spyware free rather than paying less for a buggy OS, which will have viruses, spam and ad/spyware (unless I go off and buy some aps) which will cost me more in the long-run.

Apple make AMASING software, it's designed to perfection, and there are so many great things on a Mac that you will never find on a PC. For example, do PCs come bundled with video editing, photo editing, music creation, DVD creation software? I think not...

Their software is miles ahead of the likes of Microsoft. Keynote is much better than shoddy PowerPoint, as for Final Cut, it's just the best, iv never used anything better. Don't forget all that home-use and professional software they make that is just a million times better than any of that crap Microsoft produce.

OSX is soooo much better than Windows. Longhorn will come out with all these 'new' features that will have been on OSX for years, I can picture it now, everyone will be like 'OMG, LOOK AT THE NEW FEATURES' whilst us smug Mac users will have been doing what you can now do, better, for years.

Apple are so much better at marketing and design, their products are great, and I can't wait for OSX Tiger, its gonna be so sweet, Spotlight looks so **** cool.

OSX is designed for the user, not the user's credit card.

[Mik3]

Just becuase you can see that, oh look, it has a faster processor, dosen't make it better, OSX is much faster with less specs, that's why Macs don't have 3.6ghz processors, they simply don't need them. I'd rather pay more for a Mac and keep it for longer running smoothly, virus, spam and ad/spyware free rather than paying less for a buggy OS, which will have viruses, spam and ad/spyware (unless I go off and buy some aps) which will cost me more in the long-run.

Apple make AMASING software, it's designed to perfection, and there are so many great things on a Mac that you will never find on a PC. For example, do PCs come bundled with video editing, photo editing, music creation, DVD creation software? I think not...

OSX is soooo much better than Windows. Longhorn will come out with all these 'new' features that will have been on OSX for years, I can picture it now, everyone will be like 'OMG, LOOK AT THE NEW FEATURES' whilst us smug Mac users will have been doing what you can now do, better, for years.

Apple are so much better at marketing and design, their products are great, and I can't wait for OSX Tiger, its gonna be so sweet, Spotlight looks so **** cool.

OSX is designed for the user, not the user's credit card.
Why would you argue with him? I'm with you where as I like macs a lot better. But why is his opinion so important to you?

I do, however, think it was rude that he made his post where as he was pretty much just asking for a flame war.

[Butters]

I dunno why I posted that actually, im pretty tired so im just typing crap tonite.

God**** PC vs Mac threads/debates/arguments.

[senocular]

ok, enough. Windows supporters like Windows, Mac supporters like Macs. Nothing anyone says here will change that. You can spout off personal opinions here and there but arguing points is not necessary. :cop:

[Mik3]

Whenever you make a mac thread from now on put in bold at the top:
This thread is about Apple Computers. It is not about any other types of computers or anything else other than what it is intended for.

The flame wars start with the keywords "Windows" or "PC"

or in a PC thread they start with "Macs" or "Switch"

This way we can have a conversation without the thread being closed down. It seems like some PC users hate Macs, and some Mac users hate PC users. We need to avoid them making contact by doing things like what I posted above.

[Mik3]

ok, enough. Windows supporters like Windows, Mac supporters like Macs. Nothing anyone says here will change that. You can spout off personal opinions here and there but arguing points is not necessary. :cop:
What I said a couple posts ago. I agree. It's like religions, everyone seems to want to convert everyone else. People are all different and they like different things. Who really gives a crap if someone doesn't like PCs or if someone doesn't like Macs? As long as you know what you like, then that's fine.

[kirupa]

haha - this reminds me of a t-shirt a saw at a Linux User's Group meeting: "I love Apple. It's their fanclub I have a problem with!" :beam:

[Mik3]

Can't we all just be friends? :azn:

[Disco-Stu]

Lol. I love you guys. I was never looking for a flame war... although I could probobly deduce that one would come from the mac lovers after my post. I was simply offering a PC solution for those of you whole like the new MacMini. OSX is pretty impressive (although limiting in the custom driver and hardware category), I know Butters. I'm your typical conservative/free market PC junkie. I buy whatever gives me the best bang for my buck, and I don't care about who it comes from, as long as the quality and right price are there.