Apple Feb 28th Event Video Clips

[MrCrowbar]

I just watched the presentation (can't call that a keynote) from that podcast link and I think it was not that bad. You just don't speak to a small press audience like to a big Mac fan audience like in MW or WWDC. I think the presentation was pretty freestyle due to last minute changes. Besides, big announcments are for big audiences so let's all wait 1 more month (wohooo, only one month ^__^) to see the really cool stuff.

 

[SaddY]

This event was wierd :S.

I'm not talking about the size of it. It was overal just wierd.

- Steve called the MacBook "PowerBook" TWICE before correcting himself.
- Steve said "ehm" a WHOLE LOT !
- Steve seemed sick or ill or just really disapointed.
- Most keynotes I've seen had a lot of clapping after almost ANYTHING steve said. I didn't hear anyone clapp at all. It's really weird.

Steve didn't seem happy and also seemed ill.

Just wondering

 

[Macnoviz]

dissappointed

This was the second keynote I followed, and I was really dissapointed this time. I enjoyed the Macworld keynote a lot, but this was really painful to watch. Steve just wasn't himself, probably has to do with the lesser interesting announcements.
But the text "an sich" was good, it just missed Steve's flair. He looked really tired, it seemed like he didn't care.
It was of course a much smaller event then most of us hoped for, and thus it is quite logical it's not featured.
On a different note, the iPod hi-fi could really use a restyling, the black-and-white isn't working very well, and the handles aren't what they should be.

 

[jaredbbauer]

new updates via software update

they just updated itunes and a new security update!

 

[ScottB]

Curiously, Apple is not offering the presentation for streaming/download on their site.

Wierd, especially when the announcements are iPod related.

 

[Bitman]

Bigger success than posters here realize

Obviously no here is paying attention to the market analysts' response to the event.

This one sums it up:

"Apple's latest devices leave no doubt whether Apple is on the attack -- or that the immediate target is home audio."

And:

"Indeed, most analysts expect Apple's new products to keep the company's momentum heading in the right direction. They'll likely be relatively hot sellers on their own, and will be one more reason for consumers to stop into their local Apple retail store...

All that may not be a big deal right now, but it's ultimately bad news for rivals such as Microsoft that want to knock Apple off its perch in digital music. And it will have a lasting impact on the raft of new home electronics players that will have to contend with -- as well as partner with -- Jobs & Co. in the years to come."

This event wasn't for the Mac faithful as much as it was for industry analysts.

 

[Yvan256]

[...] The Mac Mini looks GREAT though--many upgrades over the old model--and complaints that a low-end machine must be for 3D gamers don't make sense to me. I choose to wait for REAL reports of the GMA950 performance before I whine. Apple claims the new Mini CAN play 3D games and supports hardware-accelerated Core Graphics. Which games? How fast? We'll know soon--but high-end 3D is not the goal of a low-end Mac.

The new Mac mini has indeed a lot of improvements over the previous one. So many in fact, that the price got up by 100$US (but only 70$CAN... go figure). As for the GPU and "3D gaming", nobody is asking for a high-end GPU with 256MB on a Mac mini. However, many people feel that an Intel GPU that shares system memory is a step back from an ATI GPU that has its own dedicated memory.

I think a lot of complaints stem from Apple not having a MID-range headless, below the PowerMac. So people try to make the Mac Mini into something it's not. I hope Apple adds a mid-range headless sometime, with a higher GPU.

The problem is, aside from the GPU issue, the new Mac mini is exactly what people are asking for! It has more USB 2.0 ports, 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 and even optical audio in/out! We even have a new maximum of 2GB and a Core Duo model that has a dual-layer DVD burner!

Sure, the hard drive is still small and slow, but most people know that 2.5" drives max out at 120GB (which is offered in the BTO options, too!) and 7200RPM drives are even more expensive (2.5" drives being expensive to start with).

That's also the reason why people are dissapointed.... so close, yet so far. We all thought those "low-cost GPU" days were behind us... Seeing how the new iMac has an X1600/128MB and the latest iBook has an ATI Radeon 9550/64MB, we were hoping for something like the X1300/64MB for the Intel Mac mini.

All those great new features for not much of a price increase. It would've been a perfect upgrade if it had not been for that Intel GMA950 with its shared 64MB (how can 64MB of shared memory for the GPU require 80MB of system memory is also something I can't explain).

It can better be explained if you list the features one by one and think about our reactions:
- FrontRow with remote (not surprising, all new Macs have it)
- four USB 2.0 ports (cool, they listened to us!)
- still has FireWire 400 (was sort of required, given miniDV camcorders)
- 802.11g and Bluetooth 2.0 (cool, no extra cost or custom order)
- digital audio in and out (it was only missing an audio in, these features are excellent - beyond expectations)
- available 120GB in BTO options (very nice!)
- Core Duo model (incredible, I would've thought they'd keep that for the iMac only!)
- up to 2GB RAM (it keeps getting better and better! It's the perfect Mac mini!)
- Intel GMA950 with 64MB shared memory (what the...?)

But what the Mini IS is a very fast and capable consumer system for iLife, Internet, general productivity, and lightweight gaming.

It's yet to be proved for the light gaming (all I'm asking for is better WoW framerates), but I'll even add that the Core Duo is probably a bit overkill for the target user (movies encoding aside). I'm not complaining about the Core Duo, but it seems weird to offer it, considering their GPU choice...

 

[macphin]

You know guys, I'm really can't understand you. First of all, all these product were...ehm.... like a marketing move, just to earn money from them, that's why they cost to much. and how somebody said here "this presentation is not for us, who refreshing macrumors.com every 30" 🙂
Secondly, for my mind, mac never was a gaming computer, and we do not have so many games like pcs do. And of course mac mini was designed not to play games on it, i think it's for switchers and like a "media centre" that's why graphics is not important at all. if you want to play on a mac, you can easily buy an imac, but you can't connect it to tv... that's it.
Thirdly, yeah, this leather case is expensive, but I'm not interested in these cases... if I want one, I can buy Belkin for example, for 40-50 bucks. But for people who own ipod, and who can spend 100 bucks for a leather case, it's a right thing. And believe me, a lot of people are going to buy it. Just because it's Apple, and they have money....

And about Ipod Hi-Fi: actually, when saw it first, I didn't get it. And design was.... blah..... not so good. 🙂 but now, I'm truly love it. When I looking on it more and more, I do like it more and more 🙂 It's quite good. Especially when comparing to another docks. For example Bose or Altec... But it's also quite expensive, and I'm also not gonna buy it. And I'm think, Apple designed it for people - just like I've described above.

That's why this event was so small, because it's not so important.

We will see real Apple in deal in April, and all products which we like to see. That's it. Thanks 🙂

 

[generik]

His [Steve] voice was raspy and he was scatterbrained. Aside from that this totally should not have been an invitation only event, or an event at all.

Omg, does that mean Steve is just a mortal, just like the rest of us?! 😱

 

[kitsune^]

It's somewhat disconcerting that he was acting ill at the MacWorld keynote as well. Granted, it could be entirely circumstantial.
I suppose if he continues to act ill on April 1st it will be more difficult to attribute it to a common cold, lack of sleep or just stress.

Well to think about all that Steve is involved with and how much he's accomplishing it's not a surprise to see him a little worn out - he only has 24h day like the rest of us (I suppose 😉 ). I hope he'll be alright! The whole industry would be a lot less interesting without him around doing his magic.

 

[miketcool]

Apple invited people to a smaller-than-usual event, and promised very little: "fun."

That's subjective--nothing is "fun" to everyone.

Now, OUTSIDE parties blew the hype out of control. iBooks! Movie store! Tablet Macs! Video iPod! There's the source of the "disappointment."

The iPod Hi-Fi looks like a good value and good at what it does. If you don't NEED what it does, then no harm done. Apple CAN survive having some products that don't change the world, but merely do a job well.

The Mac Mini looks GREAT though--many upgrades over the old model--and complaints that a low-end machine must be for 3D gamers don't make sense to me. I choose to wait for REAL reports of the GMA950 performance before I whine. Apple claims the new Mini CAN play 3D games and supports hardware-accelerated Core Graphics. Which games? How fast? We'll know soon--but high-end 3D is not the goal of a low-end Mac.

I think a lot of complaints stem from Apple not having a MID-range headless, below the PowerMac. So people try to make the Mac Mini into something it's not. I hope Apple adds a mid-range headless sometime, with a higher GPU.

But what the Mini IS is a very fast and capable consumer system for iLife, Internet, general productivity, and lightweight gaming.

I was wondering if anyone could find a list of complaints for other Mac products I remember being a few over Apples last endeavors and now they are loved. There is enough hate in the world! Apple does not need you biting their hand too over things you have not seen, nor tried to make some of the opinions I have been horrified to read since yesterday.

 

[BritinNC]

Given the build up we all gave him he was probably just regretting having a media event rather than just a press release.

I suspect he was a little embarressed to have made everyone come over to CA for a relatively underwhelming event.

He has to be careful otherwise they won't turn up anymore and the events are a key part of the Apple marketing machine.

 

[t^3]

Here's a simple way for Apple to address this market. Make a new "pizza box"/DVD player style case for the iMac guts minus the LCD. Make it just as thin as you'd expect that to be < 1". Add a second DVI connector. Done. Price it around $1K. Sold!

Heck they could even do this with the MBP guts for all I care. 😉

B

Sounds like a smaller, cheaper Xserve.

 

[kitsune^]

Ok, you probably saw the comic already:
http://www.joyoftech.com/joyoftech/joyarchives/794.html

Nice one 😀

 

[russed]

as we all noticed steve doesnt look or sound well, however, i have the reason why the event was a bit rubbish and the products seem a bit poor (by apple's standards)


- its obvious that the cold has effected his reality distortion field. when he gets better will will suddenly all be amazed by the leather thingys and all rush to buy one! and even get over the fact that the mini has integrated graphics!

 

[sishaw]

A must read

I was wondering if anyone could find a list of complaints for other Mac products I remember being a few over Apples last endeavors and now they are loved. There is enough hate in the world! Apple does not need you biting their hand too over things you have not seen, nor tried to make some of the opinions I have been horrified to read since yesterday.

This was posted over at the hi-fi thread, and it is hilarious to read now. You must look at this if you haven't already.

Thread 500

 

[sam10685]

Thoughts about yesterday's piss-poor event...

After a night of thinking about what Apple decided to do to us yesterday, i came up with a few things to say here on macrumors.com; 1. Even though this iPod hi-fi thingy is not what a lot of people would like to see from Apple, it's still pretty neat. i mean, yeah, there are some improvements apple could do to the thing (radio reciever???), but i think it's not a bad idea seeing as how apple is leaning more and more towards being a complete multimedia company. 2. The Macmini that came out yesterday is cool but i think we all saw a macmini with Front row (and an intel processor) coming sooner or later. i definitley like the added USB porrts and larger hard drive, but they should have changed the look and kept the price. 3. yesterday's event was pretty weak and i think Steve Jobs probably even agrees that it was pretty weak (although, i am not psychic, but come on... a leather ipod case for $99?!) I think that event might have been planned to be that dumb so on April 1st, (apple's 30th birthday), they can REALLY have an event and just completely blow the socks of everyone. what do u guys think?

 

[ClaphamChris]

A lesson learned?

Mini going Intel and the boost to Front Row features + iPod Hifi = too big for a press release. But big enough for a small press conference. So that's what we got.

I'm sure there are plenty other journalists out there who will agree that was just a straightforward press conference. Well enough done to get the points across, but low key as there are only about 150-200 people in the room. Steve does appear to have a sore throat, but that's about it. The way you prepare and project yourself to a room of 1,500 at a keynote is completely different to the way you present to 150 in a small lecture theatre,

There's nothing to see in the way the event was run. It's fine.

The problem is the ludicrous expectation. Apple tried to make it a low key event and the web went wild. Whose fault is that?

And one final BTW, I think history will be kind to these announcements. They've taken Apple one step closer to dominating the home media front for tech heads. Add a PVR facility to the Mini when it's ready, and, well, you're done. Especially when the Movie Store is ready to go as well. These will be big announcements, and treated as such by Apple. Won't be a press call in the Apple Town Hall for those.

What we had yesterday was some small but significant steps along that road.

 

[w_parietti22]

I agree, Steve was not his usual self.

 

[age234]

Wonder if he is getting his affairs in order (sale of Pixar) before he gets worse. I hope not!!!

That's just not necessary.

I'm watching the presentation, and I actually don't think it's that bad. Steve just had a cold, sounds like. It is that time of year, you know. And whoever said no one laughed, BS.

I'm coming around. I think the RDF is working a little. I still won't buy any of these things, but I'm not all doom and gloom like a lot of yall.

Now, a note to whoever edited the Inside Mac TV clip: lay off the transitions. Sheesh. 🙄

 

[sam10685]

Curiously, Apple is not offering the presentation for streaming/download on their site. Typically Apple has posted their Quicktime videos of their presentation following a media event.

i really think apple has some MAJOR stuff up its sleeve.

 

[justflie]

not to beat a dead horse...

I agree that, while I'm not too happy about the integrated graphics, the mac mini simply does not need its own gpu. Personally, I see the Mac Mini as a media center and/or a switcher machine and this is how Apple has been marketing it. And, for me at least, it worked. I picked up a mac mini (my first mac) last spring and now worship the one true operating system. Now i'm in the market for a 20" iMac once i can scrounge some cash together. The mac mini is just a transition machine. There's no need for some crazy graphics capability. It supports Core Image (well, the new one does, not mine) and that should be good enough for the vast majority of users/switchers. Then, when these switchers feel the need to upgrade, they have the higher-spec'd iMac or a notebook to go to. The Mac Mini is not a gaming machine. It is a marketing tool to draw people into the Apple marketplace who are on the fence about switching or maybe just curious with a little money to burn. And if anyone wants to donate some cash for my iMac, lemme know! 😉

 

[Yvan256]

[...]There's nothing to see in the way the event was run. It's fine.

After seeing it, I have to agree. The tone of the whole thing was ok for the size of the audience and the products to announce.

And one final BTW, I think history will be kind to these announcements. They've taken Apple one step closer to dominating the home media front for tech heads. Add a PVR facility to the Mini when it's ready, and, well, you're done. Especially when the Movie Store is ready to go as well. These will be big announcements, and treated as such by Apple. Won't be a press call in the Apple Town Hall for those.

What we had yesterday was some small but significant steps along that road.

It's also the first time I see "you can connect it to a TV" in a keynote. That, and the iPod Hi-Fi for the living room, suggests something is coming (movie store is also my bet).

The gigabit ethernet is also another hint I overlooked (for NAS).

 

[miketcool]

This was posted over at the hi-fi thread, and it is hilarious to read now. You must look at this if you haven't already.

Thread 500

Thank you sishaw. As you might imagine, I only read the first 200 - 300 whiny posts before looking at the bridge ledge looked fun. This IS a hilarious view into the past, so many memories....

 

[balamw]

Sounds like a smaller, cheaper Xserve.

iServe 😉

Actually I was thinking that a home "server" is definitely missing from the mix, but it wouldn't have to be anywhere near as powerful computationally, or even have a video card. Just a big(ish) disk with Gigabit Ethernet, Airport, FireWire, USB running something as simple as mt-daapd to act as a central repository for music, photos, video, ...

Think Linksys NLSU2 on steroids, but not much.

B