Apple Announcments: First Impressions

(Also posted at abrickoncesaid.blogspot.com)

Steve Jobs, in a black turtleneck and jeans, made a number of big announcements today. Being the fan-boy that I am I thought I would give you my first impressions

• iPod Shuffle - Nothing really big here... no real feelings
• iPod Nano "Fatty" - I think this is pretty cool, but the form factor to me does not make nearly as much sense as the original Nano. Here is the thing, the Nano was small, really really small. It was also long, rather than wide. I think the new fatty leave an opening in the iPod lineup. I honestly do not expect this version to do nearly as well as the previous Nano. Time will tell.
• iPod Classic (aka the old iPod) - This was a nice refresh. I still think Apple should follow their other products in the line by adding colors. The bigger hard drive is always nice (though I still have not filled my 30gig, so 160 is just insane). As for the Name, I am ok with it.
• iPod Touch - This was the announcement that everyone was waiting for. The interface for the iPhone is great, so this was a no brainer for Apple. The fact that they included safari and WiFi are nice touches. I think this is going to be the default iPod for alot of people. I think the amazing part is the thickness. I would actually worry about snapping this in half.
• iTunes WiFi - This is a HUGE deal. It looks like the integration has been done very well. Hearing something on the radio, or seeing something, and then being able to get it pretty quickly from the store will be great. I think this is going to be a killer app for the iPhone and a nice inclusion for the iPod Touch
• Apple + Starbucks - Yeah.... don't really care.
• IPHONE FOR $400 BUCKS - This is actually the biggest announcement made today, and it got the shortest amount of time. It makes me wonder a couple of things. First, is the 4GB version cancelled. Second, is there a major revision coming. If they are selling so well why would Apple drop the price. It makes me feel good about waiting until version two before I get mine.

Overall I think this was a pretty big day for Apple. Good Job Steve (see the pun).

Think I am right, think I am wrong, let me know. Post a comment.

An Interesting Start to the Week

Hello Folks,

Let me start by saying I have a brand new favorite Pizza. My sister works at Bertucci's and I went there for lunch yesterday. I had the Lestina pizza. Mushrooms, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. It was amazing. Plus my sister was serving me, which is kinda nice after years of personal annoyance she put me through. I did tip her very well.

I also rocked my fantasy baseball league this week. I don't normally toot my own horn, but I scored a league high in points for the year... but we will see what happens in the long run.

Monday has brought some interesting news as well. The things that has hit me the hardest is that one of the members of the Sogeti team is leaving the company. Our Delivery Manager is moving on after about 10 years of service. It was a little bit of a shock to me, and the other person I told about it. This is the second person of our management team to leave since I came on in March. I really like Harold and am hopeful that he has greener grass ahead of him.

Well, I am hoping that work will pick up beginning tomorrow morning, we will see.

UPDATES: Dad is doing really well. She is coming here. Janice and I are talking. My commute is great. I think I am heading to DC for the 4th, and I WANT AN iPhone