That’s right… no new iPhone models, not even a new Mac Mini. Today’s announcements given by Steve Jobs fill-in Phil Shiller, amounted to a new iWork, iLife and a new 17″ Mac Book Pro. Oh, and lower prices for songs purchased on iTunes, that is if they are DRM songs of lesser quality than the DRM free versions: $.69
The iLife, iWork, Leopard box set $169
Specs on the Enviro 17″ MBP
Well, ok there is an update to the iPhone… or an app. You can now access iTunes Store directly from the iPhone on the cell phone network! Big deal.
All in all this MacWorld was a downer as far as the Keynote is concerned. The big releases will be given likely in February or later by Apple from the Apple campus in Cupertino, CA.
Until then… when AT&T is in Vermont, gut off your lazy duff and go get an iPhone… IMHO you will not regret it.
The closing act, Tony Bennett
January 6, 2009 at 6:08 pm |
how much is your plan a month with all taxes?
January 6, 2009 at 9:09 pm |
I know, I must say I was a little disappointed with this years (and last) Mac World. No new iPhone, no new Mini, no new iMac, just two pieces of software.
There wasn’t even an update on Snow Leopard (10.6)!!
January 7, 2009 at 7:27 am |
This is why it’s in Apple’s best interest to not participate in Macworld Expo. Everyone’s expecting a big announcement at each Expo and when it doesn’t come, there’s big disappointment.
Letting Apple announce new products and upgrades on their own schedule is much better for Apple and its fans.
January 7, 2009 at 7:40 am |
Yes, slightly underwhelmed here as well. I understand that they don’t want to time their BIG launches with a tradeshow (in early january), but i hoped for a bit more. 8hr battery in the new 17″ MBP is nice. No more drm is nice. The software updates are OK but far from revolutionary. Some great stuff – don’t get me wrong – but nothing unexpected.
Off topic, has anyone received an official date of availability for the iphone? I’ve heard the 13th mostly, but others have said 15th or 16th. Worth noting all rumors from unreliable sources.
January 7, 2009 at 9:20 am |
So now I’m on the fence about getting an iPhone as soon as ATT is officially open on VT. I really want the 32GB capacity, I have about 12GB of music and I know I’ll be adding to that in the next 2 years (contract length) AND with the large iPhone display and camera, we’ll, I’ll be taking and storing more phones and may even have some video to on there. Plus, I’m sure I’ll be downloading and using a lot of applications. I’ve always thought the right sized iPod for me was 30GB, so when the iPhone first came out I thought that when the capacity got to 30GB plus, that’s when I would buy. I really want the iPhone and I already have some apps I’ll be buying right off the bat, but I have waited this long. So I think I’ve decided to wait until the next update, the only thing is, can I hold out? The guessing game with Apple can be frustrating, but the one thing that stays in the back of my head is this is the iPhone I’ll have for two years.
I just saw that Apple may be changing to a different wireless chip, and I think it’s commonly accepted that that next iPhone revision will include the bump in storage to 32GB. There are bound to be a couple of other improvements as well, such as a better camera and native video support. Apple has seen a lot of competition come to play since it’s last update, so Apple being Apple will probably have some notable improvements. ATT is here, it’s not like they are gonna leave just b/c I don’t buy an iPhone on opening day.
January 7, 2009 at 12:16 pm |
I think you can drive yourself nuts waiting for the next big thing to arrive. With electronics…computers, phones, iPods, etc…there’s always a new feature on the horizon that may be worth waiting for.
Sometimes you just need to bit the bullet and make the purchase. In six months, Apple may announce a 32BG iPhone, but by then everyone will be talking about the feature that didn’t make it.
As for me, I’m still planning to use my 80GB iPod for the bulk of my music, podcasts, etc. I may set up a few playlists for my iPhone. I can’t fit my library on a 32BG iPhone so why even try?
I’m ready to buy an iPhone now. When my contract is up in two years, I’ll buy the latest version with bells and whistles we haven’t even thought of yet.
January 7, 2009 at 12:27 pm |
Anyone heard if AT&T will be rolling out the 3G network in VT, or are we stuck with EDGE for a while>?
Is it a hardware issue (new cell phone towers) or does AT&T just flip some switch?
I’ve been waiting for the iPhone in VT, but not so sure if I want to deal with the slow network….. Will the iPhone automatically switch to use wifi if it can (or if it recognizes a hotspot it has access too?)
January 7, 2009 at 12:43 pm |
Oh trust me, as a long-time Apple users I’m very aware of there waiting game. Best rule of thumb is if you “need” it get it, but if you can wait and are willing to, wait. So for me the issue is “can” I wait since I don’t really “need” this, but I really want it. I would be very surprised if I have to wait until July or August for an updated iPhone. Then again, it’s not the first time I’ve been surprised in a bad way while waiting for Apple to release a product. I think I would definitely buy one as soon as it was available if I had a music library of 80GB, your right Lew, at that point……
But in my case, I don’t have that much and I can store everything on one device, so it makes more sense for me. We shall see if I hold on until the 32GB or if I fold citing some other logical reason to just get it
January 7, 2009 at 9:49 pm |
wait until you can afford it (spring)
TO R: 3g has been in VT for over a year.
January 8, 2009 at 10:42 am |
Hey Folks:
I am currently with US Hellular, which has terrible Vermont coverage. I did get a temporary Unicell phone to check with and it was much better at my house.
So my question is, how is that changing now that At&t has taken over? If I get an iphone (or any At&t phone) will the coverage be like it was with the Unicell phone or is a totally different network? Thanks!
January 8, 2009 at 11:19 am |
ATT has purchased the assets of Unicel in Vermont. This would include cell towers. Initial coverage with ATT should be comparable with Unicel’s.
January 8, 2009 at 11:22 am |
I apologize for my ignorance, but does the iPhone use the same frequency and technology as the basic unicell phone I was using?
I guess I really need a primer on how many layers of wireless coverage there are (GSM variations, Edge, G3, etc) in Vermont, who provides them, and what phones they work with. Anyone know a good source for this info?
January 8, 2009 at 2:27 pm |
iPhone 3G uses 850/1900 MHz for GSM/EDGE/GPRS/UMTS in the USA. GSM/EDGE (data)/GPRS(data) is 2G technology. UMTS (data+voice)/HSPA+ (data) is 3G technology, this is what AT&T has been deploying for the past 4 years in certain areas and what AT&T hopes to do in Vermont.
A basic Unicel phone post 2005 should be at least GSM/EDGE/GPRS on the 850/1900 MHz bands.
Some people will be picky and use terms like 2.5G/2.75G/3.5G, bur for the purposes of this conversation lets keep it simple. Wikipedia is your best friend.
Verizon Wireless is 850/1900 MHz CDMA/EVDO and Sprint is 1900 MHz on CDMA/EVDO and 800 MHz iDEN. Unicel/AT&T phones won’t work on either Sprint/Verizon.
January 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm |
I can’t believe you guys didn’t think Macword was awesome. They introduced Tony Bennett for the Iphone. I am totally getting that app.