Apple announcing "fun new products" next Tuesday

We've seen a lot of spurious invitations for new product announcements from Apple this month, but we've got confirmation that the latest one making the rounds is real. As usual, Stevie J. is playing the hype game; this time, he's asking us to join him for the unveiling of some "fun new products" at the Cupertino event. So, what'll it be? The touchscreen video iPod? Intel-powered iBooks? We don't know for sure -- but we will be there to find out (which means, of course, that this had better be real, or we're gonna have a very hard time explaining why we just charged a plane ticket to our corporate card).

[dan @ Feb 21st 2006 1:35PM]

I hate apple and will always be a apple hater, APPLE SUCKS!

[Brian @ Mar 9th 2008 9:04PM]

What are you talking about? I love apple, but I don't go around hating PCs! Think of the old days circa 1998-2002. In 1997, the battery of the PowerBook G3 had a button to tell how much battery life was left in the battery. 1997! Then copycat Dell copied them probably in 2004 and now my friends piece of junk Dell craptop, I mean laptop, has it too! And they had the fastest Notebook in 1997. They had some of the world's most cheapest computers back then too! There a little pricer now, but compared to all in one PCs macs are cheaper. Apple changed the world with the iMac G3 in 1998. They introduced the cheapest consumer notebook in 2003 with the iBook G4 at only $999! They had the first computer that had graphics in 1984 before Windows! And the Operating System Mac OS X is far more intuitive and better than windows! Innovations like this make me want to use Apple. Even if other people copied Apple's stuff and put it in PCs, I still want to use Apple. Apple is a better company, it has practicly cult of it. There is no "cult or the PC" people are always impressed when you buy a mac. Even if it's a 9 year old Beige G3! I don't hate PCs, I just get annoyed when PC manufractures and Microsoft copy things and when apple haters talk trash. Sure I could sit here all night and say why Apple is better and all of there innovations, but I don't have 20 years to do so!

[Samuel McConnell @ Feb 21st 2006 1:37PM]

I just got a new 5G iPod. If he phases them out, I'm so returning it.

[Jon R @ Feb 21st 2006 1:38PM]

Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... Touchscreen Video iPod... pllllllleeeeeeeeeeeaseeee!!!!!!

[Morts @ Feb 21st 2006 1:38PM]

Hnh. Is that the actual invite pictured?

[Paul Smith @ Feb 21st 2006 1:39PM]

Apple knows marketing like few other companies.

I'm hoping for an 80gb ipod with video. Up the size and keep the price the same!

More than likely tho, it won't be anything special. They've kinda lost their edge lately (and I'm an Apple lover too.)

[ant @ Feb 21st 2006 1:39PM]

The apple website has a countdown to the billionth song on iTunes...but isn't it more of a count-up?

[Jake @ Feb 21st 2006 1:43PM]

My money goes on the Intel iBooks. I don't think they'll do a new iPod quite yet.

[PEZ @ Feb 21st 2006 1:45PM]

iFun new iProducts for your iLife iStyle.

Its probably some keychain for showing off iPhotos, and can sync with your iPod photo/video/nano.

Sounds like a fun product to me.

Otherwise its some tiny shuffle. w0wZ3rz

[Richard @ Feb 21st 2006 1:45PM]

It'll be a iBoom box.. man apple really got on the iPod accessories train late... they could have totally raked it in.

[Hassan.L @ Feb 21st 2006 1:49PM]

My guess is on an ipod boombox. period

[nojok3 @ Feb 21st 2006 1:51PM]

Maybe a widescreen, touch screen iPod video

[Dave Zatz @ Feb 21st 2006 1:52PM]

I don't think this is the full-fledged video iPod announcement. I think that would be much bigger... at a bigger venue, off-site and with more notice. (And a more interesting graphic.)

This seems like the iPod boombox or updated Airport Express type of announcement. Why not throw in a few more Intel-based devices as well.

[Ivand @ Feb 21st 2006 1:53PM]

I dont think it will be something thaaat big

[Matt @ Feb 21st 2006 1:53PM]

Maybe I'm wrong, but don't all the Apple supporters get tired of hearing all the crazy predictions about what is coming out next? People aim so high that when Apple finally announces something, it inevitably falls short of the lofty predictions that people were hoping for.

Relax with the predictions and just appreciate whatever it is that they reveal.

[simon @ Feb 21st 2006 1:54PM]

80 gig ipod with video - fun fun fun!!!

be a bit more optimistic - i'm thinking touch screen ipod video that also plays games (psp rival?) that can be downloaded from the itunes music/video/games store. Interface a bit like the nintendo ds but woy more stylish!

If only aaahhh ;)

[josh @ Feb 21st 2006 1:56PM]

what happend to the "special event" that was supposed to be held tomorrow the 22nd !!!???

[Gabe @ Feb 21st 2006 1:56PM]

I have access to an inside source and he has told me that they are going to reveal that iChat is totally lame and that the iSight i bought to work with it doesn't work anymore and that i should shoot myself for trusting them! Can you believe this, I can't iChat Video with my friends in europe and better yet, I can't connect to my dad who is in upstate NY and i am in NYC. Apple is really starting to suck big piles of rhinoceros dung.

[Dave @ Feb 21st 2006 1:57PM]

I'd take a guess at a Media Center Mac Mini (maybe Intel?) Partly because everyone thought that's what they were going to announce at the last event, and partly because I want one.

[Azhar @ Feb 21st 2006 1:57PM]

PDA PDA PDA PDA. I really want a Palm TX but if apple do make a pda how cool would that be. I know they wont make a pda but man I wish they did. If not a touchscreen video ipod wont be bad will it. PDA PDA PDA or touchscreen video ipod if not ill settle for a boombox.

[Nathan @ Feb 21st 2006 1:57PM]

hopefully it'll be something cool, i doubt it'll be the new video ipod (if there is one) but we can always hope. Maybe it'll be some apps because they dont have to many big apps that they make for non professionals else then the iLife and iWork. It could be a suffle update, Who knows (else then Steve J.).

[Azhar @ Feb 21st 2006 2:00PM]

irobot

[cz440 @ Feb 21st 2006 2:00PM]

Yeah what happened to the 22nd? Thats my bday too... No gifts from Apple? How dare they!

[jared @ Feb 21st 2006 2:01PM]

Apple needs to release something that can compete with http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries&ProductSKU=VGNSZ160P%2fC&TabName=specs&var2=

[John @ Feb 21st 2006 2:01PM]

Has anyone not invited tried to RSVP to the email address on the invite?

jta

[Juice @ Feb 21st 2006 2:01PM]

Why does clicking on the pic link to a fake invite contest?

[Roland @ Feb 21st 2006 2:02PM]

Apple is switching to Windows

[scott @ Feb 21st 2006 2:03PM]

you know, that calender reminds me of something else that has a calender, a PDA! but no, it wont be a pda....

Wait, Why do iCare? iDont use iCrap

[b. nystedt @ Feb 21st 2006 2:03PM]

I'll make a deal with you. I live 10 minutes away from Cupertino. You fed-ex me that invite, I do the report and save your corporate card from being charged up with plane tickets. I'll do hands-on impressions and pictures and all that jazz. LEt me know.

[Bhagiratha @ Feb 21st 2006 2:04PM]

Am hoping for a Intel core duo Mac-mini. I think it's about time, they roll this out!

[umijin @ Feb 21st 2006 2:10PM]

iPDA is probably not so out of the question as some folks might think. Or an iPod with PDA functions.

Maybe even iPhone... But probably the intellification of some the Mac line (mini, iBook) is most likely.

[aazp @ Feb 21st 2006 2:11PM]

Expect no big thing. probably is an iBook announcement (not release) because the education market buying season is coming an they need schools to know what is coming.

That and some minor releases like an ipod boombox, and how the new prodcuts have been a success.

IT WON'T BE the TABLET nor the VIDEO IPOD those will come later, the tablet who knows, the Video iPod will come wen the new home entrainment platform is released. Maybe April 1.

[xlinze @ Feb 21st 2006 2:19PM]

iGame :O

[aazp @ Feb 21st 2006 2:21PM]

Expect no big thing. probably will be some minor "fun" releases like an ipod Boombox and an iBook announcement (probably not a release) since the education market buying season is coming and they need to give information of what's is coming.



IT WON'T BE the TABLET nor the VIDEO IPOD those will come later, the tablet.. who knows. The Video iPod will come when the new home entrainment platform is released. Maybe April 1.

[threefingeredlord @ Feb 21st 2006 2:21PM]

Whatever it is it will iSuck and the battery will only last for 18 months....

[Ominx @ Feb 21st 2006 2:21PM]

My guess is an iBook. My reason...all of the rebates out there for the MacBook Pro have valid purchase dates ending, yea you guessed it February 28th. Apple may have received enough pre-order sales for the MacBook Pro that they now feel they can release the Intel ibook without canabalizing sales. Sure, it could be a coincidence, but it's more fun to think it's not.

[warrenpeace� @ Feb 21st 2006 2:23PM]

I recently visited half a dozen mac stores trying to find a mini in stock. Couldn't find one. Staff at one store says they're not getting their order, so they think it's 'cause an upgrade is coming. Intel mini is my guess.

[LoganT @ Feb 21st 2006 2:29PM]

I hope it's not an Ipod Boombox. Accesories are anti-climatic.

[Brian @ Feb 21st 2006 2:31PM]

they're releasing the iPod touchscreen on the 29th.

[Battousai8728 @ Feb 21st 2006 2:33PM]

Honestly speaking, I don't think it would be a new iPod. Maybe new iPod accessories, but they just released/remodelled the iPod line these past 3-5 months. I'm putting my money on Apple Intel iBooks, and I just may get one if I'm right...

[Zeek @ Feb 21st 2006 2:36PM]

I'd venture their going to put all the Apple bloggers into a big room and gas'em for spreading rumors all the time.

[laughingboy @ Feb 21st 2006 2:43PM]

Guaranteed to be an Apple branded phone/cell service/data service.

How do I know this?

I just parked 350 ponies down for a Sony Ericsson K750i.

That's why.

jw

[Desides @ Feb 21st 2006 2:46PM]

"1. I hate apple and will always be a apple hater, APPLE SUCKS!"

That's nice. Stop reading Apple-related stories, then.

[Fahad Fateh @ Feb 21st 2006 2:47PM]

Its a tablet. A Maclet. It has buttons and mic in the pen. The thing has a camera. It has a good battery life. But its going to be very expensive. Some where above $3000(mainly b/c of software). The funny thing is, its the size of an iPod.

[Rick @ Feb 21st 2006 2:51PM]

I'm getting sort of sick and tired of all the crap hype that surrounds Apple's 'next best thing'. You know what WOULD be the next best thing, Apple? If you paid attention to a little something called craftsmanship, and made your products built to last.

Seems like every product they come out with, they have another one that's been out for a while that has significant faults (be it screen scratches, white spots, iPods mysteriously losing their entire music library, etc., etc.). I grew up on Apple computers from the beginning. An Apple IIe, then a MacPlus, a Performa, and so on. But, I'm sure not as proud of Apple as I used to be. Stevie J, just chill out for a while, and fix your broken toys before you buy new ones!

[K Saleh @ Feb 21st 2006 3:01PM]

I didn't know the 'F-Word' was allowed on Engadget....

So many Apple haters, no wait... that's Microsoft. Go on, tell me, how much did MS pay you to make a post?

I'm excited about the news.

[d3 @ Feb 21st 2006 3:01PM]

Dave: I am crossing my fingers for the same thing, an intel-based mini with frontrow that I can use for an HD media center. (Coincidentally, my name is also Dave, wierd.)

Jared: I guess they don't have to compete now, clicking that link took me to a page that said "The requested product is no longer available"

[Azhar @ Feb 21st 2006 3:14PM]

Ummmm A launch in infinate loop seems a bit unusual, either everywheres booked, its not an important annocunement or its a VERY importnat announcement. I find chocolate fun when im hungray, so maybe a chocolate coloured ipod or new shuffles.

[JAdmiral @ Feb 21st 2006 3:21PM]

iJobs.

[benjibot @ Feb 21st 2006 3:28PM]

I wouldn't be surprised to see an AirPort update next week. I was at my local Apple Store this past Saturday and the "refreshed table" was full of AirPort Extremes, AirPort Expresses, and those Monster audio cable kits. Maybe someone bought 4 AirPort Extremes and a handful of Expresses and decided he didn't want them, but I'm just not feeling it.