I was surprised I didn’t see this topic yet, but maybe it’s because everyone is feeling the same way as I am: that’s it? Wow, pretty underwhelming. I was liking some of the rumors, particularly a home media server, but nothing really panned out. I know I’m gonna get iWork 09 for work, but overall nothing really earth shaking. I guess we can sit and argue about why the 17” MacBook doesn’t have a firewire 400 port and a emovable battery, but does anyone have the energy?

What’s everyone else’s take?

Crushed to death that the wished-for Mac mini revision is nowhere. No reason not to hustle that thing out, except no interest in low-end Macs.

Also, kind-of had hoped Steve J would show face for just a moment, to reassure well-wishers and say thanks for all the fish. Tony Bennett is cool, but also kind of an FU to IDG who can’t be taking Apple’s choices lightly.

Why would Apple use a now-abandoned forum to bring out anything really significant?

Well, for reasons that have been blogged to death, it’s not hard to agree with Apple’s decision to end participation.

It still matters how you go out, and leaving on a yawn is not the greatest way to serve the memory of what MacWorld was to Apple once upon a time.

I wouldn’t call this expo completely lackluster, but if Apple has actually deferred any cool Mac announcement for a jazzier moment, then my reaction would be, “What are you saving it for? The whole Mac ecosystem is paying attention right now.”

It was fine.  I reset my expectations after hearing about Phil doing the keynote.  And really, if you think about it, it’s not like MWSF ‘08 was a whole ton better (if it was better at all).  Apple’s done a lot of good work on the software side, and the new enhancements to iLife may prove a significant draw for new buyers and a nice value-add for upgraders.  For example, video stabilization on iMovie looks really nice.

The 17” MacBook Pro is sweet, if a touch short on ports (but hey, that’s Apple).  And who knows, maybe the 15” model may yet see a matte option if there’s enough demand for it on the 17”.  Here’s hoping the battery really does last 60% or so longer than the previous generation.

We’re so disappointed that Apple hasn’t released the latest, greatest, coolest, hippest, most-wanted computer/electronic device. The Mac Mini is long in the tooth. The PowerMac is not far behind. We’ve not seen an update to the iMac in eight months. Oh my!

The Apple Culture is what is wrong with us. We’re so focused on getting the next best thing that we fail to see what we have in front of us, right now. The computer we’re working on right now is never good enough. We need something better. The “Wow” factor only lasts so long. Got to get our fix. Come on, Apple, what’s up?

We’re in bad economic times, and yet the Mac faithful expect, no need, a refresh. Maybe Apple is doing the best they can under current conditions. Why release new hardware when consumers may not have the resources to purchase them? We got a new 17 inch MacBook Pro, which was expected, maybe not at MacWorld, but certainly due soon. But that isn’t good enough. Oh, no, Not for Mac folk.

Give Apple a break. Let’s all take a break. How about we appreciate what we have, not what we don’t have. Gee, that would be thinking different.

It was a good keynote, but not a great one. Phil is a very good presenter, but let’s face it: Steve Jobs is the pinnacle keynote speaker, and nothing is going to change that.

Given the subject matter, I have a new theory of why Jobs decided not to participate: the new variable pricing of iTunes. For the entire history of the iTunes store, he has been the granite wall between greedy record execs and no-nonsense, simple pricing. Why Apple finally caved is a little beyond me, and I seriously doubt Jobs gave concession very easily. For that reason, I don’t think he wanted to be the one to deliver the news.

I was disappointed not to see a Mac Mini update, hope that happens soon, and if it gets the same graphics card as the new MacBook, then it just might be the perfect computer for me right now. 

I hope with the new iTunes pricing, that we will finally be able to purchase individual songs over 10 min in length for $1.20.

I think Phil did an excellent job with the material he was presented with to present.  I’m liking some of the new features in the iLife and iWork suites.  The MacBook Pro 17 inch was a long time coming and a welcome addition (I don’t need one though, but my son has been waiting for this, so he’s very happy). 

Like others, i was hoping for an updated Mac Mini and iMac.  But I guess I’ll just have to wait a little longer.  I do not plan to replace my current computers (an iMac G5 gen1 and iMac G4 gen 1) until the updated Mini and iMac are released but I will replace them then.  I just hope my iMac G5 doesn’t fail (blow another power supply) before new models are released.

I will miss the SteveNotes, I really looked forward to them.  Steve is a great speaker and a joy for me to listen to when selling the latest, greatest Apple product.  I hope the town hall media events happen more often.  I was always going to attend a MacWolrd just so I could see Steve present a Keynote in person… I guess that’s not gonna happen now… Lesson learned, don’t put things off that I want to do, they may go away.

Overall, Phil did great, but only what was expected for a last MacWorld Keynote,  and after watching the stock market yesterday, I can fully see one additional reason why Apple wants to leave MacWorld.  It seems that no matter what new products are released or not released,  if they do not meet someone’s expectations and the Apple stock takes a hit.  WIth Apple being able to more closely control what is released, and when maybe the stock won’t take such and unnecessary hit every MacWorld.

Just MHO, YMMV

Andy

I REALLY wanted to see a new Mac Mini released, so I was disappointed about that of course. 

But what WAS presented was great!  The new features in iLife are awesome, and all the more reason I was hoping to get a new Intel Mac Mini so I could enjoy them and Leopard!  Still waiting…

Since I’ve had my iPhone (has it been two years yet?) I’ve stopped thinking about a notebook computer.  I’d rather carry it around in my pocket.    But it’s good to see the 17” notebook come out - now all that’s left to upgrade is the Mac Mini!!!  (hint hint)

Best wishes to SJ and all, but I think Phil did just fine presenting some really cool new software.  I’m hoping Apple’s leaving MacWorld means we’ll all see more frequent “special events” and announcements throughout the year.

Happy 2009 Apple!

mjkphoto - 07 January 2009 11:40 AM

We’re so disappointed that Apple hasn’t released the latest, greatest, coolest, hippest, most-wanted computer/electronic device. The Mac Mini is long in the tooth. The PowerMac is not far behind. We’ve not seen an update to the iMac in eight months. Oh my!

The Apple Culture is what is wrong with us. We’re so focused on getting the next best thing that we fail to see what we have in front of us, right now. The computer we’re working on right now is never good enough. We need something better. The “Wow” factor only lasts so long. Got to get our fix. Come on, Apple, what’s up?

We’re in bad economic times, and yet the Mac faithful expect, no need, a refresh. Maybe Apple is doing the best they can under current conditions. Why release new hardware when consumers may not have the resources to purchase them? We got a new 17 inch MacBook Pro, which was expected, maybe not at MacWorld, but certainly due soon. But that isn’t good enough. Oh, no, Not for Mac folk.

Give Apple a break. Let’s all take a break. How about we appreciate what we have, not what we don’t have. Gee, that would be thinking different.

This.