Steve Jobs Keynote at MacWorld (live blog coverage)

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 15, 2008, 2:04 pm

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/live ... e/#keynote

for those that want to follow along the next hour.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 2:17 pm

Following along on news.com for now.

The last sentence is pretty funny:

9:14 a.m. PST: Lights dim, as Feist kicks off Macworld with that cute-yet-sort-of-annoying iPod commercial song. Apple shows a new Mac vs. PC commercial, a "Happy New Year" edition that basically recaps Apple's accomplishments over the year. Lights up, and Steve Jobs enters to a cascade of cheers. Standard outfit.

Someone wanna explain to me why a high-tech company like Apple can't get a webcast going?

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 2:21 pm

9:18 a.m. PST: "We have delivered 5 million copies of Leopard in the first three months: the most successful release of Mac OS X ever, Jobs said. Twenty percent of the installed base upgraded in the first 90 days. He formally announces Mac Office for 2008, which has actually been delayed quite a bit.

Fucking Microsoft.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 2:44 pm

9:40: In February, Apple will launch with 1,000 films. But they had to make a concession: Apple won't get them until 30 days after the DVD release. The movies can be watched anywhere, on any device. You can watch them instantly, they download as you start watching. You have 30 days to watch the movie after you download it, but only 24 hours to watch it after you start the movie.

9:38: Touchstone, Miramax, MGM, Lionsgate, and New Line Cinema are involved, plus Fox, Warner, Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Sony. That's actually a few more studios involved than was reported, Apple did some work over the holiday break. "We have every major studio."

9:37: iTunes has sold 4 billion songs and 7 million movies, which sounds like a lot, but Steve admits that hasn't met Apple's expectations. So, as expected, today they're introducing iTunes Movie Rentals.

Awesome! About fucking time too.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 2:49 pm

I can't believe they are going to charge $20 for the touch stuff!

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 2:55 pm

Yeah that price is a bit high. That said, I don't know of another PDA (non-cell phone) with that functionality.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » January 15, 2008, 2:58 pm

What "$20 for touch stuff?"

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 3:04 pm

9:35: "What about the iPod Touch?" Apple's adding five applications to the iPod Touch, including Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which make the iPod Touch much more like the iPhone. The iPod Touch will use Wi-Fi as the Maps triangulation, and you'll be able to customize the iPod Touch just like the iPhone. It's now built in to every iPod Touch, but older iPod Touch users will have to pay $20 for the features. For the first time, the crowd grumbles at that news.

9:33: It's the triangulation method that Google Maps uses on other cell phones that are out there. It's not perfect; it's not GPS, but in a crowded area you'll get pretty close to your actual location. All the iPhone updates are available today through a software update over iTunes. "The iPhone is not standing still," Jobs says.

9:31: The iPhone's home screen can now be totally customized to put Web pages, applications, and basically anything you want on it. Jobs goes over the Maps location feature, which is a partnership between Apple, Google, and Skyhook Wireless.

9:27: There are new iPhone features. The first is Maps with location; you can also customize the home screen, send text messages to multiple people, and the iPhone will actually support lyrics from songs you're listening to. We move into a demo of all the new features.

9:23: Jobs checks out smartphone market share in the U.S. RIM's Blackberry is in the lead, but the iPhone is in second place, with 19.5 percent market share. He's comparing to the other hardware manufacturers, as Apple ranks above Palm and Motorola. Not sure how he's defining smartphone, but, hey, it's his keynote.

Actually I was thinking about it. If it's a one-time fee, who really cares?

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 3:09 pm

Actually I was thinking about it. If it's a one-time fee, who really cares?

Yeah, I am going to get it. It's just that i have most of the features now, and I paid nothing for them (jailbreak ftw)

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 3:11 pm

Aardor wrote:
Actually I was thinking about it. If it's a one-time fee, who really cares?
Yeah, I am going to get it. It's just that i have most of the features now, and I paid nothing for them (jailbreak ftw)

Jailbreak is awesome, and I definitely understand using it, but having supported, legit features are always better than unsupported open-source (for lack of a better term) shit that you support yourself.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 3:16 pm

noel wrote:
Aardor wrote:
Actually I was thinking about it. If it's a one-time fee, who really cares?
Yeah, I am going to get it. It's just that i have most of the features now, and I paid nothing for them (jailbreak ftw)
Jailbreak is awesome, and I definitely understand using it, but having supported, legit features are always better than unsupported open-source (for lack of a better term) shit that you support yourself.

Yeah, but those specific features were Apple created, and stole from the iPhone. So they were still unsupported, but there weren't any issues since the touch/phone run on the same binaries.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 3:16 pm

BOOM!

10:11: Most ultraportable notebooks are around 3 pounds, with miniature keyboards and about a 11-inch to 12-inch screen. Jobs says Apple likes the weight goal, but says you have to make too many compromises. The Macbook Air is about half as thin as a Sony ultraportable model that he uses for comparison--0.76 inches at the thickest part, and just 0.16 inches at the thinnest. That's thin; it's so thin, it fits inside one of those office-to-office envelopes.

10:08: The rumors were true: "Today we're introducing a third kind of notebook, and it's called the MacBook Air. In a sentence, it's the world's thinnest notebook."

OMFG PICS PLEASE!

Edit:

10:14: It's got a 13.3-inch display, and it's LED backlit. It has the same built-in iSight camera as the other notebooks, and it's got what Jobs claims is a full-size keyboard, which is also backlit. The trackpad is "generous" and it has multitouch gesture support that expands upon the gesture support already present in Macbooks.

Edit2:

10:19: Jobs asked Intel a year ago to design the package, Otellini said, and Intel wasn't totally sure it could be done at the time. Otellini thanks Jobs for allowing Apple and Intel's engineering teams to work so closely together, and Jobs returns the love.

10:18: It's also got a very slim motherboard. This system uses Intel's Core 2 Duo, running at 1.6GHz standard, and you can go to 1.8GHz. It's not clear if that's an ultra-low voltage version or a standard version. Jobs says Apple asked Intel to design a smaller package for the Core 2 Duo, a 60 percent smaller version than the one Intel typically ships. Paul Otellini, Intel's CEO, comes up to take a bow.

10:16: There are three things in the guts of the Macbook Air. It's got a 1.8-inch hard drive, just like the iPod Classic. This one ships with 80GBs, and you've got the option of a "pricey" 64GB solid-state drive, according to Jobs.

A 64GB solid state drive would be sex.

Edit3:

10:20: Moving on, the MacBook Air has mag-safe, a smaller power adapter, and the usual ports. 802.11n ships standard with the new MacBook, plus Bluetooth 2.1 and EDR. No optical drive built-in, but Apple designed a $99 add-on optical drive if you really need it.

Edit4:

10:23: Jobs outlines a wireless feature that allows Macs or even PCs to share optical drives. The MacBook Air's Remote Disk feature would allow you to install software from a neighboring (assuming it's friendly) Mac or PC's optical drive.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 15, 2008, 3:39 pm

The MacBook Air is pretty incredible and the new AppleTV is awesome.

but no macTouch

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 3:49 pm

... and no second gen iPhone.

(not that I was really expecting it just yet)

Here's a link to the MacAir: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/W ... acbook_air

Starts at $1799 and is over $3k for the solid state one.

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » January 15, 2008, 4:23 pm

They sacrificed most of the IO ports on that laptop. More than 1 USB device, you'll need to carry a hub(unless it's Bluetooth) and that extra drive if you want Optical media. No hardwire Ethernet seems a bit limiting too.

Otherwise it's completely amazing engineering. I can completely understand anyone that would want one of these.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 15, 2008, 4:27 pm

I was interested in the MacTouch but there is no MacTouch.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 4:31 pm

The MacAir is far too specialized for most people, but you have to love how Apple pushes the technology industry.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 4:34 pm

The AppleTV with iTunes movie support seems awesome, especially with HD available. I wonder if they will have (or already do) HD quality shows.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 4:41 pm

Aardor wrote:The AppleTV with iTunes movie support seems awesome, especially with HD available. I wonder if they will have (or already do) HD quality shows.

I'm just glad my point about players was proven within a week.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 5:12 pm

noel wrote:
Aardor wrote:The AppleTV with iTunes movie support seems awesome, especially with HD available. I wonder if they will have (or already do) HD quality shows.
I'm just glad my point about players was proven within a week.

It's still not there yet!

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/more ... d-rentals/

It wasn't exactly crystal clear during Steve's keynote today, but apparently, there's a fair bit of red tape attached to these movie rentals. First off, since the Apple TV hardware is remaining the same, users can still only expect 1,280 by 720 resolution on the high-end, and although 100 HD movies are reportedly ready to be viewed, not a single TV show can say the same. Furthermore, a note at the bottom of the Apple TV's revised tech specs points out that "Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound is not available with all HD rentals," so there's that. We've also learned that HD movie rentals will be available exclusively through the Apple TV, and considering that only rentals made from iTunes can be moved to other devices, any downloads originating from the Apple TV (including everything in high-definition) won't be making their way onto your iPod, iTunes library, etc. Depressing, we know.

So 720p max, no shows yet, maybe less than DD5.1, can't transfer to other devices.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 15, 2008, 5:20 pm

720P is fine.

The problem I have is that I may not watch a movie in 24 hours after starting it. Some movies take me several nights because I fall asleep.

It won't be a problem if there's an easy way to pirate the movies after downloading them which I'm sure someone will figure out.

They mentioned 30 days after DVD release...when do the movie channels like HBO get new releases?

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 5:24 pm

720p isn't what I was really saying, so Aardor is right... still, the proof of concept is there.

I agree Winnow, that could be a pain in the ass. I think the time period should be 36 hours myself.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 15, 2008, 5:33 pm

"eat my shit peanuts, Sony." - steve jobs

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 15, 2008, 5:38 pm

noel wrote:720p isn't what I was really saying, so Aardor is right... still, the proof of concept is there.

I agree Winnow, that could be a pain in the ass. I think the time period should be 36 hours myself.

36 hours makes more sense. As an example, say you like to watch movies after getting home from work. You start a movie but all the sudden your neighbor shoots his wife and the police come around to ask questions. Most likely, the next time you'll sit down to watch the movie is after work again but that will be over 24 hours. 36 hours allows you to start watching at the same time again the following day...I'm surprised they didn't figure that out on their own.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 15, 2008, 6:00 pm

Winnow wrote:...but all the sudden your neighbor shoots his wife and the police come around to ask questions.

Exactly... happens all the time.

Why should I have to pay an extra $3-4 because some bitch couldn't listen?

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » January 15, 2008, 6:18 pm

Oh man, iTunes works with 64 bit Vista, and supports iPhone/iTouch now. That is exciting!

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » January 16, 2008, 11:47 am

noel wrote:720p isn't what I was really saying, so Aardor is right... still, the proof of concept is there.

I agree Winnow, that could be a pain in the ass. I think the time period should be 36 hours myself.

Hell, I would settle for even 26 hours to finish watching if necessary during my normal watching time. It's only 24 for Comcast on demand as well so we only buy when we can commit to it. I'd be far more likely to buy if I had an out for the following evening.

I'd be curious to see a picture of Steve's bedroom closet. 10,000 black mock turtlenecks must be quite a sight to see.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 11:49 am

Chidoro wrote:I'd be curious to see a picture of Steve's bedroom closet. 10,000 black mock turtlenecks must be quite a sight to see.

Exactly. I imagine a huge/walk-in closet with some flatscreens broadcasting some RSS feeds/Stocks and two one closet-bar filled with the black mock turtles and a lower one with blue-jeans.

I wonder when the last time was that he actually wore a suit.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » January 16, 2008, 4:52 pm

Fash wrote:The MacBook Air is pretty incredible

Much like the Iphone, I love the gadget innovation that Apple brings to the table and forces the hands of others to incorporate. Also, like the the Iphone, I think the Air is inferior on so many fronts I wonder why anyone would pay to own one other than the self imposed "cool factor". WTF is Apple's obsession with internal batteries?

Fash wrote:the new AppleTV is awesome.

There's nothing new about Apple TV. At all. They added features that they fully intended since launch. I think it's completely unimpressive on every front.

I hope Apple continues to push development on all fronts. Thier innovations have been very good for the non Apple market as well.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 5:01 pm

Fairweather Pure wrote:
Fash wrote:The MacBook Air is pretty incredible
Much like the Iphone, I love the gadget innovation that Apple brings to the table and forces the hands of others to incorporate. Also, like the the Iphone, I think the Air is inferior on so many fronts I wonder why anyone would pay to own one other than the self imposed "cool factor". WTF is Apple's obsession with internal batteries?

I was thinking about internal batteries the other day. I can't remember the last time I needed to pull out or mess with the batteries in either my MacBook or my Blackberry. I think people think that's an issue, but it's really not.

I also disagree that the notebook is inferior on so many fronts. On the contrary it does something better than any other notebook on the market, and that's portability. Do you lose some features in the process? Abslolutely, but a USB hub and a few different adapters in your notebook and you can do pretty much anything you'd need to.

Fairweather Pure wrote:
Fash wrote:the new AppleTV is awesome.
There's nothing new about Apple TV. At all. They added features that they fully intended since launch. I think it's completely unimpressive on every front.

I also have to disagree with you here. It's the only set top box connected to the iTunes store. It's the only set top box I've seen that has a good UI. The cable companies could learn a lot from Apple in that regard. It's not a product I'd buy at present, but I do think it's an idea that has merit and I think as you acknowlege at the end of your post that Apple continues to push the tech industry in some directions that directly help consumers.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 16, 2008, 5:06 pm

The MacAir doesn't look that great to me. Just being a little slimmer doesn't do it for me.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 16, 2008, 5:16 pm

MacBook Air is a niche product... It doesn't need to appeal to everyone.

It does nothing for me... I have no use for an ultra-portable notebook, but I'm still blown away by what a technical marvel it is, and you should be too.

I fully expect Apple to continually wow us with sexy niche products and drive the rest of the market indefinitely. They could make a hell of a Newton with this tech! I'm thinking clam-shell, opens to reveal 2 edge to edge touchscreens.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » January 16, 2008, 5:18 pm

My questions about the MacAir:

1. If you have to carry around extra stuff to give the laptop full functionality, doesn't that kind of defeat the enhanced portability feature? I'm assuming a USB hub is an item which needs to be carried independent of the laptop.

2. Why is it so big? The thing is very wide and very deep. If the point is to be lightweight, portable, and convenient, why not make it a small laptop? Are they trying to prove that this thing is a legit laptop by giving it a big screen and a big keyboard and so on? Doesn't the size partially negate the benefits of the slimness?

On internal batteries:

I don't use a mac, but my battery failed about a year after I purchased my laptop and I had to replace it. I know plenty of friends, including mac users, who have experienced the same thing.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 5:32 pm

Yes but... failed batteries, like failed harddrives are covered under a warranty or service agreement. It's an inconvenience, but it would be even if they were removable. Clearly, a removable battery adds to the footprint of the device, and their goal was to reduce the footprint... Bear in mind that the other 'ultraportables' (hi Sony/Toshiba) also weigh in at under 3lbs. but they have tiny screens and shitty keyboards you really wouldn't want to use day to day.

Jobs pretty clearly stated during his keynote that the width/depth of the device was because the two things they didn't want to sacrifice were the full-sized keyboard and the screen real-estate (1280x800).

As far as the extra stuff you'd need to carry around... USB to (wired) Ethernet adapter and *maybe* a USB to serial adapter, depending on your needs (I can't think of anything else). Each of those is basically tiny. You'd only need a USB hub if you weren't using say a Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse (which you only need when you're 'docked'. Other than that, you don't need to carry around anything. Quick someone else name shit I forgot that you'd 'need'. The reality is, you don't need any of that. You've got a fully functional device, and if you've got access to a WLAN that's connected to the Internet you have access to *everything*.

This device would work great for someone who just wanted a lightweight laptop. Maybe someone travelling a lot and doing presentations or something where he just connects his mini-DVI port to a projector most of the time, and the rest of the time he spends it surfing the net. For extra storage/access to his files on his other PCs, he has a .mac account set up so he has access to all his other machines.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 16, 2008, 5:35 pm

I love my iTouch (and Nano Fatty if I didn't own a Touch)

Apple still blows though. I hate their arrogance and quirky, proprietary shit.

Noel had issues with the way Mac zips things. I just encountered problems with the way Unison (newsreader) saves files in folders. It creates funky characters that are unreadable by Windows and so fucked up I can't rename the folders using Flexible Renamer.

Mac OS is just a lesson in frustration. It's their way or the highway which is fucked up.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 5:37 pm

Winnow wrote:I love my iTouch (and Nano Fatty if I didn't own a Touch)

Apple still blows though. I hate their arrogance and quirky, proprietary shit.

Noel had issues with the way Mac zips things. I just encountered problems with the way Unison (newsreader) saves files in folders. It creates funky characters that are unreadable by Windows and so fucked up I can't rename the folders using Flexible Renamer.

Mac OS is just a lesson in frustration. It's their way or the highway which is fucked up.

I'm still convinced that's a Vista issue. I'm working on two different fronts to find out what the fuck it's doing, and will report back when I have enough rope to hang them.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » January 16, 2008, 5:59 pm

Sueven wrote:This device would work great for someone who just wanted a lightweight laptop. Maybe someone travelling a lot and doing presentations or something where he just connects his mini-DVI port to a projector most of the time, and the rest of the time he spends it surfing the net. For extra storage/access to his files on his other PCs, he has a .mac account set up so he has access to all his other machines.

I mean, I'm pretty sure that I am the target market for this thing. I have to cart my laptop through a 45 minute public-transit commute which varyingly involves subways, buses, and walking. This is because I commute to a school where I'm required to have a laptop, and it's also my only computer so I need to have it at home for personal use. As a result, I often have to bring it with me on social outings-- I've been getting bombed at a bar at 2 AM with my laptop slung over my shoulder before.

I don't have any sort of serious computing needs. I use my laptop for word processing functions and use of the internet (nothing more complicated than accessing big databases) and that's it. The only times I plug something into my USB drive is when I'm charging my iPod or printing something, and I don't at all mind not being able to do both of these at once. I like large, pretty screens because my eyesight is slipping and I need to be able to see things.

Nevertheless, when I'm looking at a new laptop, weight is not my first concern. Durability is. I want a laptop that can handle being dropped, that can handle it if I get pushed or someone slams into me on the subway, and so on. I would really focus on durability to the exclusion of almost everything else if I were to get a new laptop. After that, I'd probably next look to price, and then computing power, and then maybe weight.

Seriously, what's the weight difference between this thing and a traditional laptop? A few pounds? I can handle a few extra pounds without noticing under almost any conditions. What's the slimness difference? I've never thought about how thick my laptop is, but I'm going to guess an inch and a half. Am I really going to benefit by being able to slide an extra file couple files into my bag?

I don't know. I think we've already established that I don't like cutting-edge technology products, probably because, with regard to technology, I'm very practical in a cost-benefit sense, and I also completely fail to be wowed by aesthetics. Oh well.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 6:12 pm

I'm totally in agreement with you. For all the reasons you stated. If durability is a concern, I think you're *not* the target market. I think the target market is dudes with chauffeurs who want some bling. I also think Apple occasionally makes products 'just for fun' and just for Apple loyalists who would buy manure if it had an Apple logo on it. Ultimately, I think they do it to push the market in one direction or another, but I think the MacAir is extremely niche.

Think about it this way... I got my current Macbook for roughly $1k. I upgraded the HD from 80 to 250GB for $200. I upgraded the memory from 1GB to 2GB for $100. At present, I've spent $1300 for laptop with 2.0Ghz C2D processor, 250GB HD and 2GB RAM, built in superdrive, built-in Ethernet, built in firewire, 2 x USB ports. All of that weighs in at 5lbs. Same resolution and keyboard as the MacAir. There's no way I'd replace it with anything but a MacbookPro (5.4lbs) because to me, 80GB HD is too small. I'm just saying I can see where someone would use it, but very few people. If you're willing to make the trade-offs, and if size is critical to you, I could see you using it.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 16, 2008, 8:37 pm

Here's an article for Sueven to compare the new MacAir with it's competitors:

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.a ... c-shootout

noel · Post by **noel** » January 16, 2008, 8:42 pm

Winnow wrote:Here's an article for Sueven to compare the new MacAir with it's competitors:

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.a ... c-shootout

That article is pretty spot on. The only thing I don't like about it is that they didn't add the Macbook as a comparison point. The Macbook destroys the MacAir in price/performance.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 18, 2008, 12:00 pm

MacBook Air parody ad: (video)

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1797523/

Challenge your friends!

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 18, 2008, 12:03 pm

I want my 30 seconds back.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 18, 2008, 12:08 pm

Fash wrote:I want my 30 seconds back.

Wiki wiki wiki!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 21, 2008, 11:21 am

go go Commodore!

funny comments on digg:

http://digg.com/apple/Commodore_SX_64_vs_MacBook_Air

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 21, 2008, 11:28 am

That's hilarious... but one note, the macbook air battery is actually user replaceable. At least I read that on the interwebs.

Have you seen the new Lenovo X300 specs?... It's a MacBook Air killer!! 2.5 lbs, dvd burner, 2ghz c2d! Better resolution than the MBA but doesn't have the visual appeal.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 21, 2008, 12:47 pm

Fash wrote: Have you seen the new Lenovo X300 specs?... It's a MacBook Air killer!! 2.5 lbs, dvd burner, 2ghz c2d! Better resolution than the MBA but doesn't have the visual appeal.

They just need to switch from black to silver and round the edges a bit and the Mac crowd will scramble to get it. Don't think the Mac people really care about features. You've got to sell the masses on looks.

Note: See Hanson thread for proof!

Fash · Post by **Fash** » January 21, 2008, 12:49 pm

Winnow wrote:Note: See Hanson thread for proof!

You should be banned for life from the Audiophilia forum!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 21, 2008, 3:29 pm

Good stuff!

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net ... =macs_cant

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » January 21, 2008, 6:00 pm

I LOL'ed

noel · Post by **noel** » January 22, 2008, 1:00 am

The amount of bullshit PC users have to deal with that we don't... I could be using any OS I want as my primary, and I use both Vista and OS X every day. There's a reason OS X is my favorite and it's 100% due to lack of bullshit.