Macworld 2007 -- Engadget

Apple Macworld booth tour

by Ryan Block posted Jan 11th 2007 at 2:22PM

It's kind of weird to think that Apple had a booth at Macworld just the same as HP or Toshiba had at CES -- well, ok, theirs was very Apple, and absolutely mobbed by throngs of Mac-faithful waiting to catch a glimpse of the iPhone (and to a lesser extent, the Apple TV). We know not everyone can be there, so peep the booth gallery.

XtremeMac HDMI switch and cables for Apple TV

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jan 10th 2007 at 5:10PM

Apple accessories are big business, and the Apple TV is no different. Apple has teamed up with XtremeMac to help you get your Apple TV connected, and they seem to have every option covered: HDMI, Component, HDMI>DVI, Toslink -- even analog audio, (no ATV doesn't support composite or S-Video). This takes care of most sets, but many TVs only have one HDMI input, so XtremeMac is also offering a HDMI 4-port switch. You can use the supplied remote or the button on the front, but there's no auto switching, which would have been nice. The surprisingly delightful part is the price; while many major retailers charge as much as $150 for a HDMI cable, this one is only $19.99. No word on the price of the switcher, but all will be available by the ATV's launch in February.

[Via iLounge]

ModBook photo gallery, look but don't touch ... wait, you can touch

by Christopher Grant posted Jan 9th 2007 at 11:56PM

We're guessing the singular product shot of Axiotron's ModBook wasn't enough to sate your insatiable appetite for all things Apple and all things tablet. Our friends at The Unofficial Apple Weblog were on hand for the product's official unveiling at MacWorld today and they've got the photo gallery to prove it. They've even got a box shot so you can imagine getting your own in the mail.

Apple confirms: Macs already shipping with 802.11n

by Thomas Ricker posted Jan 9th 2007 at 10:52PM

No surprises here, but following the launch of the Airport Extreme this morning, Apple came clean about the existence of 802.11n draft-spec hardware in their iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro lineup of computers. So just like we thought, Apple will indeed provide a software update for your Mac. Only thing is, you'll have to purchase their Airport Extreme first, since the "enabler software" ships with new base station. Now that you know for sure what your hardware could do (with compatible draft-n hardware), we wonder if you can really wait until February for your update?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iPhone vs. iPhone: Cisco and Apple play nice

by Thomas Ricker posted Jan 9th 2007 at 10:37PM

Apple "iPhone," huh? As we're all aware, that's the name of the new Linksys VoIP phone which Cisco (Linksys' parent company) owns the trademark to. So what's next? Another protracted legal battle for Apple? Oh hells no, son. After Steve dropped their latest i-bomb, Cisco told MarketWatch that they've been in "extensive discussions" with Apple recently and "it is our belief that Apple intends to agree to the final document. We expect to receive a signed agreement today (Tuesday)." Sweet.

Macworld 2007 keynote photo gallery

by Ryan Block posted Jan 9th 2007 at 10:19PM

Relive moments at the Macworld 2007 Steve Jobs keynote from earlier today -- from the final time we'll ever see "Apple Computer, Inc." displayed to the first moment the world set eyes on Apple's new cellphone hotness. Fanboys: indulge yourselves.

The iPhone is not a smartphone

by Ryan Block posted Jan 9th 2007 at 9:41PM

And the reality slowly sets in about what the iPhone is and is not. Noted analyst and Engadget pal Michael Gartenberg stated that the iPhone is first party software ONLY -- i.e. not a smartphone by conventional terms, being that a smartphone is a platform device that allows software to be installed. That means hungry power-users -- you know, those people ready and willing to plunk down $600 for an 8GB musicphone -- won't be able to extend the functionality of their phone any more than Apple (but thankfully not Cingular) dictates. Other unfortunate realities about the device:

No 3G. We know you know, but still, it hurts man.
No over the air iTunes Store downloads or WiFi syncing to your host machine.
No expandable memory.
No removable battery.
No Exchange or Office support.

Axiotron's ModBook: distributed by OWC, tolerated by Apple

by Paul Miller posted Jan 9th 2007 at 7:08PM

Since Apple is a bit too busy making teh sexay phones, OWC and Axiotron are taking up the slack with their new ModBook, which hacks up MacBooks and turns them into glorious slate-style tablet computers. The duo didn't cut many corners, either, since their MacBook mods hold onto most of those original specs, plus add in an optional built-in GPS module, and of course that Penabled Wacom digitizer. Pen input runs at 20x display resolution, with 256 pressure levels and zero battery use, and the MacBook's LCD is protected with some Chemically Strengthened glass, complete with a paper-like texture and anti-reflective coating. The ModBook is also shielded by aircraft grade magnesium alloy, with a copper and nickel layers for scratch resistance. Thanks to that slot-loading MacBook drive, the ModBook is apparently the only slate-style tablet computer with a built in CD/DVD drive, making it a nice option for portable DVD playback use. The ModBook is relying on Apple's Inkwell technology and other OS X enhancements for tablet functionality. Naturally, they're not exactly giving these things away, but the prices still seem reasonable for what you're getting: $2199-$2699 pre-order pricing for the "Good," "Better" and "Best" options. The latter two feature GPS, but if you pre-order now you can get it tossed into the low-end version as well. No word on an exact ship date, but it sounds like it won't be until March, April or later.

The genesis of the iPhone

by Ryan Block posted Jan 9th 2007 at 6:35PM

"Everybody hates their phone, and that's not a good thing. And there's an opportunity there." Jobs told Time for a rather interesting and revealing piece chronicling the genesis Apple's new iPhone. (We didn't realize for sure that the iPhone can't use its WiFi to download tracks over the air, for instance.) What started more than two and a half years ago as a foray into tablet computing to counter Microsoft's efforts (whodathunk, Apple really was thinking of building a tablet PC), which inevitably led them to creating the iPhone. If you're the type wondering things like why the new device doesn't have rubber feet, check out the piece, it's a good read.

[Thanks, Adhik]

Today's Apple announcements at Macworld 2007

by Ryan Block posted Jan 9th 2007 at 5:35PM

You want the goods? You got 'em. Check out all today's coverage of Apple's Macworld 2007 announcements:

iPhone
The Apple iPhone runs OS X
First iPhone pics!
Apple unveils Bluetooth headset, new headphones for iPhone
Apple iPhone sized up and compared to Treo 750, Moto Q, and BB Pearl
The game has changed
The genesis of the iPhone
The iPhone is not a smartphone
Nokia on iPhone: what, no 3G?
Video: iPhone in person, behind glass
iPhone vs. iPhone: Cisco and Apple play nice
How the iPhone avoided being leaked

Apple TV
iTV becomes Apple TV
First Apple TV hands-on pics!

Live coverage
Live from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynote
Macworld 2007 keynote photo gallery

Other announcements
Airport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supported
Apple drops "Computer" from name
Apple confirms Paramount and iTunes deal
Apple confirms: Macs already shipping with 802.11n

Apple confirms Paramount and iTunes deal

by Thomas Ricker posted Jan 9th 2007 at 3:59PM

It's official, Viacom's Paramount Pictures will indeed offer its movies for download over Apple's iTunes service. Some 250 titles in fact, including Tomb Raider, Italian Job, Wrath of Khan, Chinatown, Zoolander, School of Rock, and Sum of all Fears. The titles are currently being moved into the iTunes store and once available, should cost the same (no pricing was given) as the Disney films already available: $9.99 apiece for most titles, $14.99 for new releases and $12.99 for pre-orders.

Apple drops "Computer" from name

by Thomas Ricker posted Jan 9th 2007 at 3:12PM

Today Apple dropped the word "Computer" from their name. Now, known more simply as "Apple, Inc." to better reflect their steady but relentless move into the wider field of consumer electronics. With a portfolio now spanning software, retail, the on-line distribution of electronic media, home entertainment, digital audio players, cellphones and computers can anyone blame them? You paying attention Samsung, Sony, and Philips... Apple is serious about claiming your turf.

First Apple TV hands-on pics!

by Ryan Block posted Jan 9th 2007 at 3:01PM

Not a lot's changed here since we last saw the Apple TV in iTV form, but here it is, a gallery of hardware shots and menus. More information soon, but check out the gallery for now. (Please bear with us as this gallery continues to upload, pics will be done in just a sec.)

Airport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supported

by Thomas Ricker posted Jan 9th 2007 at 2:46PM

It may not bring the thunder like an Apple iPhone but the Airport Extreme does bring draft-N of the 802.11 WiFi standard. That means up to 5x the speed and 2x the performance of traditional WiFi networks which should deliver a bit of a rumble to the living room or office. It also support legacy 802.11a/b/g giving it full 2.4GHz and 5GHz coverage. It also features AirPort Disk, a USB host port around back allowing you to share an external USB hard drive over your wireless or wired network. Or just attach a USB printer and share that, your choice. Best of all, it should work with the unannounced, but apparently real, 802.11n draft hardware in your recently purchased Mac -- look for a software update to roll soon. By February anyway, when the Airport Extreme ships for $180.