DigitalSandbox

So, my calendar says it’s the 12th. Does yours say that too? Good, that means that Apple held a press conference and released new toys. Yay! Time to see if my clarvoyance is kicking in or if I need to take it into the shop for a tune-up.

Looks like I was both right and wrong.

PowerMac and/or PowerBook

There were no PowerMac/Book updates. I stated that I thought that they might be updated, but said that the purpose of the event was not to release speed-bumped hardware. Since they did not release them, I am going to say that I was right on this one. Moving on.

The Infamous Video iPod

There is a Video iPod. I am actually a bit surprised on this one. I, of course, thought that this was pointless. I still stand by my assertion that a portable video player is not usable in the same way as a portable audio player, but now you have the option. They are pretty slick little units and I will have a hard time deciding which one to get when I buy another iPod. Probably the Nano still, but I like the capacity of the larger versions. Decisions, decisions.

The Video Store

On the topic of the Video Store, I am going to take credit for being right on that one. While they are not selling movies online (yet), which was my prediciotn, they are selling video content. Lots of music videos (um…okay) and TV shows (ABC only for now, but others may join soon). I am actually looking forward to downloading some TV shows. As I have stated previously, I am TV-less and miss being able to watch the occasional episode. The price is $1.99, which ain’t bad.

Mmmm…iBox

Okay, that leaves my assertion of the iBox. A multimedia device that interfaced with your computer, your TV, and the internet. While I wasn’t exactly right, I wasn’t really far off. Behold the new iMac! So Apple didn’t quite get it either. I still think that a unit that hooks up to a TV and your home LAN (so it can talk to your computer) is a better solution. But that new iMac is pretty sweet.

Built in iSight, sweet new video card, DDR2 RAM, faster G5s, slimmer design. A nice package indeed. The killer app is the new Front Row. It provides a very basic interface for browsing through your iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and DVD Player. Basically everything is big and simplified (i.e. can you say “TV out”). Then you take the remote (love how it looks like a shuffle) and browse around and make your selections.

This Ain’t Over Yet

A few things a missing. No TV tuner for example. I think that if you are going to go along this route you should go all the way. But a very nice package to be sure. Of course, you realize that all the pieces are in place now to release the iBox. Front Row is exactly the stripped-down interface I was talking about. They have the remote and the interface. Now just release a stand alone box with network connectivity and a TV tuner. Hello iBox! You heard it here first.