Apple today unveiled the LED Cinema Display featuring a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. Designed for the new MacBook family, the LED Cinema Display includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks as well as use their favorite peripherals. The 24-inch glossy, widescreen display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness and great power efficiency. Suspended by an aluminum stand with an adjustable hinge that makes tilting the display almost effortless, the new display includes a built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers, making it ideal for video conferencing with iChat, listening to music or watching movies.

Apple today unveiled an all new MacBook family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable. The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures. The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. The new MacBook family was announced at a special event hosted by CEO Steve Jobs.

AppleLinks reports that Apple has recalled the ultracompact USB power adapter that ships with the iPhone 3G.

"Under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter's metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter."

In the meantime, users should charge their phones via the USB cable only. Replacements can be ordered at this web address or at your local Apple Store, starting on October 10th.

CNET reports Apple's Let's Rock Event at Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, next to the Moscone Center, brings some new announcements:

• iTunes 8 is out....new feature is a music discovery service.
• NBC content is back on the iTunes Store.
• The iPod Classic gets trimmed size, capacity bump: 120GB iPod for $249
• New Nanos are longer, slimmer, with curved edges. They come with an accelerometer and start at $149 for 8GB.
• New, "more sophisticated" in-ear headphones will sell for $79.
• New iPod Touch: slimmer, with multitouch technology, starts at $229 for 8GB.
• iPhone 2.1 software will fix a lot of bugs related to dropped calls, battery life, and crashing applications.

You can watch the entire event video here.

David Pogue, tech columnist for the New York Times, posts this week on the iPhone App Store.

"You’re probably as sick of reading about the iPhone this week as I am of writing about it. But we’re not quite done. The App Store–oh, man, the App Store. It’s a candy store, dude. It’s 550 free or cheap add-on programs that make the iPhone (or the iPod Touch) do absolutely amazing things…stunts a cellphone has no right to perform."

Walter Mossberg, tech columnist for the Wall Street Journal, has posted on his blog the results of his overview of the new iPhone Apps Store. According to Mr. Mossberg,

"These first applications range from serious programs for doctors and pilots to silly parlor tricks that take advantage of the iPhone’s motion sensors. One, called PhoneSaber, merely displays an image of a Star Wars-like light saber and makes varying light saber noises as you wave the phone in the air."

Editors note: I am enjoying the new PhoneSaber toy, as well as the Facebook and AIM apps. I also plan to check out the voice recorder optioning and other available business apps.

MacWorld reports that crowds, activation delays hit iPhone launch, as demand for the phone with 3G internet speeds, MS Exchange Support and GPS capability reaches a fever-pitch.

Apple announced today the immediate availability of new iMac models with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors and improved graphics on Monday. The new iMac models maintain their familiar aluminum and glass style with a glossy display, and are available with processor speeds ranging from 2.4GHz up to 3.06GHz. All but the base 20-inch 2.4GHz model include 2GB of 800MHz DDR2SDRAM, all can upgrade to 4GB of RAM. Faster video processors are also new, with VRAM options up to 512MB.

Palm had the single strongest quarter ever of phone sales in its company history, the company said on Thursday afternoon. Over 833,000 phones were sold by the California designer in its February quarter, which represented a full 13 percent boost over the same period a year before. The company attributed this primarily to the success of the Centro, which launched with Sprint late last year as well as AT&T in February and is widely believed to have brought in more users with a lower $99 price and a more home-oriented focus than the more professional but struggling Treo line. Source: MacNN

MacNN is reporting that Apple has officially updated the AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n Wi-Fi. The technology is claimed to be as much as five times faster than the 802.11g used on the previous generation of AirPort, with twice the range. The update compliments 802.11n upgrades to other Apple products, including the AirPort Extreme router and its most recent Mac computers.

MacNN is reporting that the MacBook Air's thin design is causing some confusion for the "technically ignorant" or "less informed", according to one blogger who says that the ultra-portable caused him to miss his flight. When going through the TSA airport security checkpoint, blogger Michael Nygard was held up as security staff gathered around his MacBook Air, trying to make sense of the slender laptop. One of the less technically knowledgeable staff pointed out the lack of standard features as cause for alarm.

Responding to criticism from groups such as Greenpeace, Apple has implemented a new recycling program designed to reduce the damage of mass consumption. In addition to products like iPods, people can now also recycle cellphones, produced by any manufacturer. There are two main options for sending devices to Apple: they can either be delivered in person at an Apple Store, or else mailed to a central location. Source: MacNN

MacNN reports that despite today's unveiling of the Xsan 2 file system, Apple quietly discontinued the Xserve RAID platform, with any references to the hard drive system absent from the online store. The only mention of enterprise-level RAID hard drive products is that of the Promise VTrak system, for which Apple is also selling a number of service parts as well. The VTrak RAID systems range from 4.8TB to 16TB, and are configured with either SATA or SAS drives. It is unclear if Apple is making another approach to the RAID system, or if it is just simplifying its offerings.

Remember Betamax? Neither do we....Ending a longstanding format war with Sony's Blu-Ray technology, Toshiba formally announced that it would halt production of HD DVD devices and discs, all but rendering the format obsolete. In a confirmation of Japanese reports, the company plans to wind down hardware production by March for both stand-alone movie players and PC drives. Development of notebook HD DVD drives, such as for the company's own Qosmio line, will depend largely on demand. Writable HD DVD media will also continue to exist past March to cater to owners who need the format for burning video or computer data. No mention has been made of how Toshiba will cater to movie studios Paramount and Universal, both of whom are still formally pledged to HD DVD. Warner Bros. also remains committed to releasing in both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats until June. Source: Electonista

Macworld reports that Apple on Tuesday added new models of the iPhone and iPod touch with more storage capacity. The company is now offering a 16GB version of the iPhone for $499, and a 32GB version of the iPod touch for $499. The smaller capacity iPhone is still available in an 8GB model for $399, and the iPod touch comes in two other models -- 16GB for $399 and 8GB for $299. No other changes have been made to the devices.

According to iPodNN, a Kansas man has posted photos of his fully functional iPhone after the device flew off the trunk of his car at freeway speeds, only to be run over by a semi truck traveling at an estimated 70 miles-per-hour. The man says his iPhone still works seamlessly in every way -- from making and receiving calls to sending text messages.

Palm, maker of famous smartphones such as the Treo and the Centro, says it will close seven of its eight retail stores in February. Of the outlets, only the one in Sunnyvale, California will remain, NewsFactor writes. By the end of the company's third fiscal quarter, it will also have closed 26 of its Airport Wireless locations, considered "stores within stores." Once a dominant company in the world of smartphones and PDAs, Palm has faced increasingly difficult times. The company posted a loss for the last fiscal year of almost $10 million, and sales for the current quarter are expected to drop from $320 to $310 million. The company's biggest threats may be its rivals. Research in Motion's BlackBerry smartphones have proven extremely popular with businessmen and other professionals, while the general public is taking to Apple's iPhone, favored for its storage and simpler user interface despite a $400 pricetag. Analyst Avi Greengart of Current Analysis argues that while Palm is by no means out of the fight, the company's prospects may depend on the release of a new Linux plaftorm, expected by the end of the year. Source: Electronista

MacNN reports that Apple CEO Steve Jobs today unveiled a new, smaller MacBook at Macworld Conference & Expo during his keynote speech called the MacBook Air. The world's thinnest notebook, according to Jobs, weighs just 3-pounds, is 0.8-1.2-inches thin, and features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display. The MacBook Air features a 1.67GHz or 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory standard, an 80GB hard drive, and is small enough to fit inside a manila envelope. The MacBook Air is priced at $1,800, and will begin shipping in just two weeks. Jobs says the MacBook Air's packaging has 56 percent less volume than the standard MacBook, and the device features an aluminum case with a mercury-free and arsenic-free glass display. The laptop's circuit boards are also BFR- and PVC-free, as promised by Jobs after environmental issues crept into the news late last year.

MacNN reports that Apple CEO Steve Jobs today debuted Time Capsule, a new backup device that uses wireless networking to store files without the need to connect an external hard drive. Time Capsule features 802.11n wireless functionality, and will be sold in a 500GB version as well as a 1TB version for $300 and $500, respectively. The device looks similar to an AirPort Extreme base station, but features different ports on the rear.

MacNN reports that the first, tantalizing glimpse of what's to come at Macworld Expo 2008. A banner spotted by Ars Technica reveals the tagline "2008. There's something in the air." The banner uses an atypical (for Apple), light font that seems to suggest thinness, or least an "airy" quality. The banner could be referring to a widely-anticipated subnotebook, which would mark Apple's first such computer since the PowerBook 2400 released in the late 1990s. It is predicted that a new subnotebook will make use of NAND flash storage, not only increasing access speed but improving weight, reliability and battery life.

MacNN reports that Apple today quietly upgraded the performance of its MacBooks and added new performance options for its MacBook Pro models. The former, 13-inch systems are now based on the Intel Santa Rosa platform used by the recent MacBook Pro and run on a faster 800MHz system bus in addition to using faster GMA X3100 integrated graphics, which add improved hardware 3D acceleration compared to the GMA 950 used in previous models. The improved bus speed has led to a slight increase in processor speed from 2.16GHz to 2.2GHz for the mid-range $1,299 and high-end $1,499 models.

Stock configurations otherwise remain the same, including the 2GHz speed of the base $1,099 model; Apple has added a build-to-order option of a 250GB, 5400RPM hard disk. All new configurations are listed as shipping within 24 hours and are available today from the online Apple Store.

In return, the MacBook Pro now takes advantage of improvements in Intel's processor design and includes a $250 option for a 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo on all 2.4GHz models. The faster 250GB hard disk is also an option for all 15-inch and 17-inch systems, the update notes. No other changes appear to have been made to the systems, all of which ship within 24 hours.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard offers many amazing capabilities for your Mac and to show you, Apple has posted a guided tour video for your viewing enjoyment. Are you considering the leap to Leopard? Are you sure if your installed applications will work after the upgrade? Is your Mac model even compatible with Leopard? If you cannot answer these questions, and you rely on your Mac on a daily basis, then you need the services of a consultant. Did you know that many software developers do not update their products until after the final Mac OS release? Many of the third-party apps you run now may not work with Leopard! As your consultant, we recommend NOT upgrading until we take a complete inventory of your system. We look at application software, printer and scanner drivers, and other peripherals that may require driver updates (free software download) or complete upgrades (purchase a new version) in order to work properly with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. According to Apple's system requirements, Leopard will run on any Mac with at least a PowerPC G4 867MHz or faster processor, and requires at least 512MB of RAM, a minimum storage capacity of 9GB and a DVD drive to read the installation media. Some Leopard features require a compatible internet service provider.

Wow...lots of great announcements today. The new iMac is beautiful, and finally we have a spreadsheet app in iWork! Shhhhhweeet! You can watch this Apple Special Event on Quicktime here.

Announcement highlights:

Apple Unveils New iMac
Apple today unveiled an all new all-in-one iMac line featuring gorgeous 20- and 24-inch widescreen displays encased in elegant and professional aluminum and glass enclosures. The entire new iMac line features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and a new, ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard, built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing and iLife ’08, making it the ultimate digital lifestyle desktop computer for both consumers and professionals.

Apple Introduces iLife ’08
Apple today introduced iLife ’08, the most significant upgrade ever to Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, featuring a major new version of iPhoto and a completely reinvented iMovie. iPhoto ’08 automatically organizes photo libraries into Events that let users more easily manage their growing photo collections, and iMovie ’08 introduces an entirely new way for users to quickly make movies and share them online. Both iPhoto and iMovie integrate seamlessly with the new .Mac Web Gallery, Apple’s new service for .Mac members to instantly create and host stunning online websites for their photos and videos.

Apple Enhances .Mac
Apple today announced significant enhancements to its .Mac online service, highlighted by the debut of .Mac Web Gallery, a new feature for sharing photos and movies on the Internet. .Mac Web Gallery lets members easily share photos and movies directly from iLife ’08 with anyone on a Mac, PC or iPhone in stunning quality. In addition, .Mac Web Gallery visitors can download high quality images for printing and even contribute photos using a standard web browser or email.

Apple Introduces iWork ’08
Apple today introduced iWork ’08, a significant upgrade to Apple’s productivity software suite featuring new versions of Pages and Keynote word processing and presentation applications, and introducing an innovative new spreadsheet application called “Numbers.” Numbers introduces the concept of intelligent tables on a flexible canvas, a new approach that makes it easy to organize information, create calculations, analyze results and make spreadsheets look as great as they work.

MacNN reports that Apple today updated its MacBook Pro line of notebooks with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, memory up to 4GB, and high-speed graphics in a lightweight, aluminum enclosure that is just one-inch thin.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature a new power-efficient LED-backlit display and are the first of Apple's notebooks to transition to LED backlighting as part of the company's effort to eliminate the use of mercury in its products. The 17-inch model now offers a new optional 1920-by-1200 high-resolution display, providing over 30 percent more screen real estate than the standard 1680-by-1050 display.
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Playing on iTunes: ''Dust in the Wind (Acoustic Guitar Solo)'', by Kansas

Apple has updated its MacBook laptops with faster processors, more memory and more hard-drive space. The new laptops are now available from Apple retail stores, product resellers and the company's online store.

The new consumer laptops, all of which are an inch thick and have a 13.3-inch display with 1280x800-pixel wide-screen resolution, are available in three models: white with the option of 2GHz or 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, or black with the faster processor.

All three models are equipped with 1GB of RAM that can be expanded to 2GB of RAM. They also have built-in iSight video cameras, AirPort Extreme wireless cards capable of 802.11n wireless networking, two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire port.
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Source: CNet News

MacNN reports that recent speculation has suggested that Apple may incorporate 3G wireless cellular technology into its future notebook models, but tests from EVDOinfo.com reveal that all currently shipping Intel-based Macs may already support EVDO. "Over the last few months, we have been doing our own internal testing," the site wrote, concluding that all current Intel-based Macs may already support EVDO. "It isn't a pretty solution, but it works!" Testing started with an Intel-based Mac mini, which testers modified by removing the built-in AirPort card and inserting a Novatel Expedite PCI Express Mini Card Module -- which was previously activated on a supported laptop -- in the AirPort slot. After bypassing a hardware check and installing Apple's WWAN update for EVDO, a dialog box popped up showing the internal EVDO card as recognized.
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Source: MacNN

MacNN reports that VictorSystems has unveiled a hardened Mac mini computer designed to withstand hostile environments in the military and aerospace industries. The new mini features "ruggedized" peripherals that enable users to access Mac OS X applications in locations that were not previously possible.

The Rugged Mini Computer System comes packaged for ground support application, but is reconfigurable for use in other hostile environments, according to VictorSystems owner Vic Cohen. "One cooling method or packaging method will not fit all." A demonstration mini is presented on the company's website, with peripherals constructed from aircraft grade aluminum alloys. The mini itself is supported by an aluminum space frame made form extruded rails and finned heat sinks, while covers are constructed from wrought plates fastened and bonded using electrically conductive epoxy.
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Source: MacNN

Apple today quietly released the anticipated its 8-core Mac Pro, notes engadget. The new systems feature Intel's Covertown chips available in processor speeds of up to 3GHz. Prices start at US$2,499 for 2.66GHz quad-core models. Configuration options are extensive and complete specifications are available from Apple's Web site.

source: Macminute
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Currently on iTunes ''Skies The Limit'', by Fleetwood Mac
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 94.27

According to MacNN reports, The Wall Street Journal has the first review of Apple TV, the company's wireless set-top box that began shipping last week, concluding that "Apple TV performed perfectly in Walt's house over a standard Wi-Fi wireless network with a Pioneer plasma TV and six different computers -- three Windows machines from Hewlett-Packard and Dell, and three Apple Macs." The device, which connects wirelessly to up to six home computers and then with a cable to a widescreen TV, runs a modified version of Mac OS X, with a "carefully limited set of functions" and has the most notable limitation of not being able to download content directly from the internet, according to the review. It also notes that users cannot adjust volume from Apple's simple remote and that it only supports televisions with Component or HDMI inputs.
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source: MacNN

Read More...

MacNN.com reports that Apple today unveiled the iPhone, a wide-screen iPod with touch controls that also functions as a mobile phone and an internet communication device. The company chief Steve Jobs revealed the new device during his keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. "This is a day I've been looking forward to for two and a half years," Jobs said on stage in front of the keynote attendees. "Every once in a while a product comes along to change the industry. Apple has been fortunate to introduce a few of these: the Mac in 1984; the iPod in 2001. Apple will introduce three revolutionary products of this class. Wide-screen iPod with touch controls. The second is a mobile phone. The third is a break-through internet communication device. All of those in a single device. Not separate devices, but a single device called iPhone."

Cisco is quoted on CNet.com: "Given Apple's numerous requests for permission to use Cisco's iPhone trademark over the past several years and our extensive discussions with them recently, it is our belief that with their announcement today, Apple intends to agree to the final document and public statements that were distributed to them last night and that address a few remaining items we expect to receive a signed agreement today." Cisco already has a handheld VOIP product on the market with the name "iPhone."

Phone accessories include standard headphones that feature a button to answer calls, as well as a new Bluetooth headset with a single button that automatically goes to sleep. Jobs promises five hours of battery life for talking time or video playback, as well as 16 hours of audio playback time. The iPhone will ship in June for $499 (4GB model) and $599 (8GB model), both with a 2 year contract.

Apple has partnered with Cingular to offer the iPhone, but it may be awhile before you can get one. Text on Apple's site states: "This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained."

sources: MacNN, CNet.com
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The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 91.98
Currently on iTunes: ''Dust in the Wind (Acoustic Guitar Solo)'', by Kansas

MacNN.com reports that Apple CEO Steve Jobs today debuted 'Apple TV' during his keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, renaming the former 'iTV' while providing details on the wireless media streaming device. Apple TV enables users to receive movies wirelessly, displaying them on a TV across the home. The new Apple offering includes three networking standards (g, b, and n) and ships with a component cable. Apple TV supports up to 720p HD Vide, and includes a 40GB drive to store video. The device features an Intel-based processor to work with video, music, and photos. Apple TV can autosync content from one computer and stream content from up to five computers, automatically syncing most recent movies and storing them on the hard drive. The new device does not store streaming content on the hard drive, and ships with a simple Apple remote that allows users to wirelessly surf trailers while connected to the internet.

source: MacNN
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The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 91.747
Currently on iTunes ''Say It Right'', by Nelly Furtado

MacNN.com reports that MacWireless has unveiled its 11g USB Stick, offering wireless internet connectivity for any Mac with a USB port. The low cost alternative to Apple's original AirPort card is fully compatible with Apple AirPort cards and base stations, as well as all 802.11b, 802.11g, and pre-n networks. The 11g USB Stick also supports WEP and WPA encryption for secure network connectivity. Offering a range of 100-300 feet indoors or 300-900 feet outdoors, the device provides up to 54Mbps of bandwidth when compatible networks are available and the accessory is plugged into a USB 2.0 port. The 11g USB Stick is priced at $80, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

source: MacNN

Griffin Technology on Friday announced a new multimedia flash card reader designed to work with MacBook Pros, which feature an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot. The 5-in-1 card reader costs $29.99. The reader supports Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and xD-Picture card formats. The card is “plug-and-play;” no drivers or installation software required; simply plug it in and your MacBook Pro begins to recognize those cards immediately when they’ve been inserted into the card’s reader.
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Currently on iTunes: ''Free Fallin'', by Tom Petty
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 87.72

Apple revised its MacBook line today, moving to Intel Core 2 Duo processors. With prices starting at just $1,099, the new MacBook lineup includes three models: sleek white 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook models, and a stunning black 2.0 GHz MacBook model. With Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors, the new MacBook is up to 25 percent faster than the previous MacBook and up to six times faster than the iBook. Consumers will also benefit from double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs.

While positioned by Apple as a consumer portable, the MacBook is also powerful enough to be a reasonably priced business system. This now makes my choice more difficult....hmmm...Core 2 Duo MacBook Po, or smaller, slightly lighter newer Core 2 Duo MacBook?. Tough Decision. The MacBook is looking very, very good!

Are you considering a new Mac portable purchase? Check out the MacBook/MacBook Pro comparison chart.

Currently Playing on iTunes: ''Me and My Gang'', by Rascal Flatts
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 80.51

Apple today announced that its entire MacBook Pro line of notebooks now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and delivers performance that is up to 39 percent faster than the previous generation. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals. The new MacBook Pro’s stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure is just one-inch thin, available in 15- and 17-inch models, and features a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go.

Apple today announced the iPod nano RED Special Edition. (RED) was created by U2 lead singer Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world’s most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. A portion of the profits from these products goes directly to the Global Fund to fund programs for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The iPod nano RED comes in a beautiful red aluminum enclosure and features 24 hours of battery life, Apple’s innovative Click Wheel and an incredibly thin and light design. Apple will contribute $10 from the sale of each iPod nano RED to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. According to a press release, Apple will also offer a $25 iTunes RED gift card available for purchase at Apple’s retail and online stores next month.

Some mobile professionals may have been putting off upgrading to the new MacBook Pro due to lack of a cellular card solution. They no longer have this as an excuse! The MacBook Pro's have a newer, faster, and a bit smaller, ExpressCard/34 slot. Existing PC Card offerings do not fit. But now Verizon has a card that does fit! And it works with Macs! Mac OS X 10.4.7 required. It uses the fast BroadBandAccess network in supported areas, and in theory, will shift down to the slower NationalAccess network when not in a Broadband area. The card runs $179.95 + monthly service charges, typically $59.95. You can order it from the Verizon Wireless Store or from EDVOInfo.com. Initial User Comments posted on O'Reilly.com are positive, but apparently there is no Cisco VPN compatibility at this time. Apple has released an update that addresses sleep issues with ExpressCards.

MacNN reports that today Apple introduced the new iPod U2 Special Edition, as part of a continued partnership between Apple, U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG). The new U2 iPod is based on the fifth generation 30GB iPod and holds up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos or over 75 hours of video and features a distinctive, all-black stainless steel enclosure, red Click Wheel and custom engraving of U2 band member signatures. U2 iPod customers will also receive 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video downloadable from the iTunes Music Store. The new U2 iPod includes earbud headphones, USB 2.0 cable, a case and dock insert. U2 iPod customers will also receive a coupon for 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video content downloadable from the iTunes Music Store. iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 6; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional (SP2) and iTunes 6.

Last Tuesday Apple unveiled the newly designed MacBook, its new consumer notebook featuring the Intel Core Duo processor and a new 13-inch glossy widescreen display. The new sleek design is up to five times faster than the iBook and up to four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook. Together with the 15-and 17-inch MacBook Pros, the new MacBook, which starts at $1,099, completes Apple's Intel-based portables lineup and replaces both the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook. Apple's line of portables now offers Intel Core Duo processors; a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go; Front Row media experience with Apple Remote; and several advanced features including DVI with dual display support, optical digital audio input and output, Gigabit Ethernet, Sudden Motion Sensor, Scrolling TrackPad and MagSafe Power Adapter.

Three MacBook models are available--two white models for $1,099 (60GB/Combo) and $1,299 (60GB/SuperDrive) and a black model for $1,499 (80GB/SuperDrive). Both the black and white models are now on display at the Apple Store at Christiana Mall. I have seen them and they are awesome! For more information or to reserve yours, contact Jim Driscoll, Apple Business Consultant via email or call him at (302) 292-3201.