Goodness from the (Apple) tree, Part 2

Besides the iPod, iTunes, Apple TV, and iPhone updates, there has been two new things falling from the tree.

First the fruit company introduced the Time Capsule. This device is intended to be used for wireless backups. While this is good, I have questions on how secure the device is. In saying that, this could get folks to backup more.

The best thing to come out of MacWorld is the new MacBook Air. From the pics I have seen, The MacBook Air is thin, way thinner than my iBook is. The best new feature is the multi-touch on the trackpad and the Remote Disc feature. This seems to be a feature where one connects the MacBook Air to another Mac with a optical drive to install software. This seems like a pretty neat feature. The only thing that bugs me is the lack of an optical drive. The spin from Steve on this seems to be that he doesn't buy that "most users will miss the optical drive or need the optical drive". Sorry to rain on your parade, Steve, but I have plenty of CD's made before iTunes was even around and/or burnt CD's with data on them; or in another way, Steve could be like Noah in regards to the drive and we're all of those who don't believe the flood is coming until its too late. I believe others on in the same place as well. For cases like this, an optical drive would nice as a built-in option. There is also no battery replacement ether.

On the whole, I believe the MacBook Air is pretty good - on paper. Because of the flaws I see and the 'if we don't say it you need it, you don't need it' attitude, I'll pass on the MacBook Air. Let the early adopters get burned.

I wish Apple well with all of this. Its a lot of food on their plate, but I feel they can handle it.

Goodness from the (Apple) tree, Part 1

This time of the year is the time when the fruit company bestows upon us new things from above.

First off, iTunes now has video rentals. They should go from US$ 2.99 for old releases to US$ 3.99 for new ones in the standard DVD quality. HD quality will be a dollar more. However it seems there are two catches. The rentals will be available a month after the actual DVD itself is released and the rentals will last a day. For those who like to take their time to watch movies, I could see this as a problem. Since I have Movies On Demand, I'm used to watching movies a day after I buy them.

Apple and Fox have also entered into a deal where one could could buy a DVD, enter a code on the packaging, and get the movie into iTunes. While this seems good on paper, its more of the DRM I've been trying to get away from.

While these new things may be good and all, I still not convinced about digital video. While I enjoy a YouTube clip on my Palm, I couldn't see myself watching a movie on it.

Now on to the hardware.

Apple has released an update for the iPhone that deals with the mapping feature, SMS, and customization. The iPod touch got the same love as well - with a twist. The mail, mapping, stock quotes, weather forcasts and notes are coming to the touch. There is a catch though: they will cost US$ 20. To be honest, I don't quite get what Apple's doing here. From all appearances it seems the folks who brought the touch before yesterday while those will buy after yesterday will not. I'm sure we will hear about this for the next few days.

All things said, I'm pleased with the new programs on the touch. Now if they would resolve the screen problems on the touch, I might get one.

There was also an Apple TV update that allows folks to buy or use the new rental service and access photos; the price has dropped as well. Speaking as a non-Apple TV person, I guess this is good for them. It must be better than watching that dog.

More soon!