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Tid-bits
1/10 - Apple's new iMacs deliver up to two times the performance of the previous iMacs. The specs are very similar to those of a state-of-the-art PC: DDR2 memory running at 667 MHz, SATA hard drive, ATI PCI-Express graphics, and now even the processors match. The new iMacs are the first of a new generation of Macs featuring Intel processors. Every new iMac comes with a video camera that delivers up to two times the resolution of the previous video camera model, thanks in large part to the Core Duo processor. Macs have been compared as the Mercedez-Benzes of PCs. Referring to the iMac as the gold standard of desktop PCs, Apple's Steve Jobs said that the iMacs "will knock our customers’ socks off".
iMacs are available now. The new Apple MacBook Pros, on the other hand, won't be available until February. However, they can be ordered now.
If the iMacs deliver twice the performance of their predecessors, the new MacBook Pros deliver four times the performance of PowerBook G4s. The front-side bus is four times as fast as, the memory twice as fast. The MacBook Pro is the first notebook with Apple's Front Row and the Apple Remote. Front Row enables viewing from up to 30 feet away. The notebook contains Dual Link support for output to an Apple Cinema HD Display. Many of the hardware specs for the MacBook Pro are the same or similar to the iMac. This is the first Mac notebook based on an Intel processor, and Core Duo at that. Perhaps this is the notebook version of the iMac? In fact, Steve Jobs said that the MacBook Pro delivers desktop performance in a notebook. In fact, it delivers twice the performance of a previous generation desktop: "not just one, but two G5 processors".
Mac hardware and Mac software are designed to work together as a system. iMacs and MacBook Pros are therefore designed to work with iLife '06, Apple's digital lifestyle suite of applications. The applications have been upgraded and one new application added—iWeb—for creating websites. iLife '06 apps will be included with all Macs, not just iMacs and MacBook Pros. iLife '06 is the most significant upgrade to Apple's digital lifestyle applications, in Steve Jobs' words, "the most exciting iLife upgrade ever".
Chrysler will be the first American automobile maker to provide iPod integration as an option in most of its 2006 automobiles. People can listen to their iPod through their car system and controls. Over 40% of cars expected to be sold in the U.S. in '06 should offer iPod integration. "16 carmakers currently offer iPod support".
Microsoft reiterated its commitment to continue developing Microsoft Office for the next five years, "for both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs".
Maxtor's external storage line of devices—Maxtor Shared Storage Plus—will ship "with Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger" support in February 2006".