Macworld/CES Discussion

[sgtpepper]

For the first time since I can remember Macworld and CES are both being hosted this year on the week of January 7-13 (next week). Of course there are going to be many new pieces of hardware, software, etc. announced and/or released, so there should be a lot to talk about!

Anyway, since there are still a few days left until the conferences begin, I've been wondering about two things:

What is Apple planning for their much-hyped Keynote address? And will the rumored combo HD-DVD/Blu-ray player be released, possibly ending the format war?

There are hundreds of news stories, photos, and rumors circulating about these events, so there will be plenty to talk about!

Conference links:
CES official webpage
Macworld Conference & Expo official webpage

[The Earl of Sandwich]

If you're any kind of mac fan, then you probably read <a href=http://www.tuaw.com>TUAW</a>, and so you probably know about the <a href=http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ModBook>ModBook</a>. I know that this isn't directly apple related, but it could be pretty cool.

As for Apple news, I hope Leopard is released, but if not, they should probably give a release date and more previews.

EDIT: I forgot about the new teaser on the <a href=http://www.apple.com/>apple website</a> maybe apple is planning on blocking out the sun...

[DK]

Don't forget the iPod Phone (Won't be called the iPhone because that name is copyrighted already by an Asian Skype phone manufactorer)

[madc0w]

Don't forget the iPod Phone (Won't be called the iPhone because that name is copyrighted already by an Asian Skype phone manufactorer)

Actually its Cisco, which created a skype phone under the name.

[sgtpepper]

YES!!!!!

Not only did they finalize the Apple TV, but they released an iPhone!!!!!

I can't say anything more right now, I need to go explode with joy.

[SpongeBuell]

you know, I'm really not super hyped about the iPhone. Sure, I'll admit that the thing is as beautiful as everything else from apple, but it's $500-600 with a 2-year contract! that's 5-6x more than any other phone with a contract like that. Sure, I understand that apple charges more for quality stuff... but I think that's kind of pushing it.

[Sparkfist]

you know, I'm really not super hyped about the iPhone. Sure, I'll admit that the thing is as beautiful as everything else from apple, but it's $500-600 with a 2-year contract! that's 5-6x more than any other phone with a contract like that. Sure, I understand that apple charges more for quality stuff... but I think that's kind of pushing it.

Hey Spongebuell you're not just buying a phone, you're bying an iPod too. Though really I don't see the big thing about an iPod-Phone. I think they try to put too much into phones now-a-days, they're cellualar phones for wirelessly calling and receiving calls not a means to tote a computer on your hip.

I'll say this, Apple sure killed the Zune with this release. If the iPhone has internet features you could actually go onto the iTunes music store and buy a song someone mentions to you right then and there. Impressive, to say the least.

The whole Apple TV thing. Hmm, well it looks promising, I'm a little unsure about it. I have to look over more of what it offers over the old google.video/YouTube/torrent download. Besides I'm likely the worst person to give a call. I watch only a few hours of TV a week, and most of that is done when I'm strolling through the living room or when over at a friend's house. I'll have to see if Apple offered enough for even someone like me who only watches Sci-fi, Star Trek, History Channel and Discovery Channel.

[The Earl of Sandwich]

It's not an iPhone, it's a new Newton that happens to have ipod and phone capability.

[SpongeBuell]

you know, I'm really not super hyped about the iPhone. Sure, I'll admit that the thing is as beautiful as everything else from apple, but it's $500-600 with a 2-year contract! that's 5-6x more than any other phone with a contract like that. Sure, I understand that apple charges more for quality stuff... but I think that's kind of pushing it.

Hey Spongebuell you're not just buying a phone, you're bying an iPod too.

Yeah, a 4 or 8GB one. Better than most cell phones, sure, but that's still not a lot compared to what's out there.

[bicostp]

My opinions:

iPhone:
It's just another shiny mini-computer that just so happens to place calls, but its other features and apparent processing power make it an interesting unit. This is probably the final nail in the M$ Zune's coffin. Why? Instead of letting your friend play a song 3 times in 3 days, they can just buy the song for a dollar and keep it indefinitely. What does that equal? 5 text messages? Apple's simplistic approach to personal electronics is unique, and apparently working. Imagine what can be done with it when hobbyists figure out how to write programs for it...

Apple TV:
This could take off as an alternative to a Media Center PC, since it's designed to automatically synchronize with iTunes. It's also much easier to set up than a HTPC. Joe Sixpack likes easy to use stuff, right? The only problem could be getting videos that were not purchased through iTunes to work; they may need to be encoded to .mp4 or .m4v format. As long as it doesn't defile your media with DRM, right?

Apple <s>Computer</s> inc. :
Meh, it's a name change.

[joevennix]

The Apple TV deal looks really cool, and for only $300 it's a good deal.
The iPhone looks even better, especially the fact that it runs a stripped down version of OS X Leopard. Pretty amazing, I think.