CNET Accuses Apple of Over-Hyping Launch 382
An anonymous reader writes "A columnist at CNET is questioning whether Apple over-hyped last week's launch. From the article: 'Jobs' announcement of a new leather case for the iPod was especially ridiculous. Like the queen announcing a new toaster in Buckingham Palace. It seemed odd that Jobs was troubling himself to introduce fashion accessories to Apple's products.' Is Apple a victim of its own success? Can it hold a low-profile product launch anymore -- or do we inevitably expect too much?"
I didn't see much Apple hype... (Score:5, Informative)
The hype I saw was coming from media outlets like CNN, CNET, and all the Mac news sites; not from Apple.
No Webcast, No Mention on Apple's Page... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Amazing features - Yes (Score:5, Informative)
2. The Apple Remote can't be used without IR, which the old mini didn't have (nor did it have Front Row, and yes, that's just software, but still, Front Row can't be "officially" added to a computer without it without hacking it, and even then, technically "pirating" it - and you still have no way to control it via IR without adding third party products like an IR receiver)
3. The ability to play 1080-line HD (which the previous mini didn't have the horsepower to do), which is a huge step toward, oh, I don't know, using it as an HD media center
4. Optical S/PDIF audio input and output (huge addition - previous mini did not have)
5. The ability to actually do sharing with Front Row of music, photos, and video from other computers on the local network (a big functional improvement and almost a necessity for a "media center")
6. Less important: the fact that it has a dual core processor in a 6.5"x6.5"x2" form factor, the addition or 802.11a, and Intel HD Audio
So yes, it's a mini with amazing features, by most estimations. If *you* don't like it (and I'm not saying you do or don't), fine - don't get one. But that doesn't change the fact that it has an array of new features that make it dramatically more useful as a media center than it was before).
Re:Good morning!!! (Score:3, Informative)
PC Magazine gave it 4.5 stars [pcmag.com]. I guess they were not snickering huh?
Re:Amazing features - Yes (Score:3, Informative)
I just looked up the word, and it said: "inspiring awe or admiration or wonder"
Basically the new features are "we added some new but scarcely amazing features but most importantly, still managed to get it in the same size box".
Then again, another definition was 'overused as a hyperbole for "good."'
Regarding the Hi-Fi... (Score:3, Informative)
P.
Re:Downward spiral. (Score:3, Informative)
Not saying you're wrong from a consumer perspective (most neophyte mac users just chuck the old and buy the new) but it's not the only option available.
Re:Downward spiral. (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Downward spiral. (Score:2, Informative)