In yet another flurry of Apple updates, perhaps well-timed to synchronize quite nicely with the Windows 7 launch, numerous hardware improvements and additions abound. Here's the synopsis and some opinions from a fellow Mac geek.
iMac
The iMac lines got one of the most extensive overhauls, with an new, slicker all-aluminum design, LED backlit displays, higher resolutions, and similar pricing. These new models are a much better value than the older ones, due to beefier performance as well as the wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse being included. You can pick from two models: a 21" version at $1199 and a huge 27" version for $1699.
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini series is considered by many to be a "niche" product, but I'm not quite sure why. It's a great, low-cost way to get into desktop computing with a Mac, and they're pretty powerful in their own right. As usual, there are two standard configurations: a $799 premium version with 4GB of RAM, a 2.53 gHz Intel Core 2 Duo, and a 320GB HDD, as well as a $599 version with 2GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, and a 2.26 gHz Core 2 Duo. Not bad! Apple's even introduced a $999 Mac Mini server, which will probably appeal to a limited audience, but still cool. These new Minis are significantly faster and more decked out than mine! Time for an upgrade?
Unibody MacBook
Apple also decided to upgrade the MacBook with a new, glossy plastic unibody shell. For just under a grand, you get an LED backlit display, a multi-touch trackpad, a battery with a purported 7 hours of life, 2 gigs of installed RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 gHz processor. Definitely a nice improvement, but I question why most users wouldn't upgrade to the slightly more expensive but way better 13" MacBook Pro.
Magic Mouse
Let me get one thing straight. I love Apple, their software, and their accessories. But I HATE the Mighty Mouse. It is one of the most overpriced, crappiest mice I have ever used. Don't get me wrong, I liked it... when it actually worked. The design was so flawed, even the tiniest pieces of dirt would gum up the little BlackBerry style scrolly-ball and bork it. It was impossible to disassemble. I ended up completely destroying it out of anger, and am now using a $7 Dynex two button mouse.
Maybe, just maybe, the Magic Mouse will right these wrongs. At $69, it ain't cheap, but at least there's no scroll ball to get coated with schmutz and break. Rather, it utilizes the same beloved multi-touch interface ala iPhone and the new trackpads. It's reported to work pretty well, and I might just pick one up after giving it a test at the Apple Store...
Other Minor Updates - Time Capsule, Apple Remote, and AirPort Extreme
Amidst all of the hubbub, the folks at Cupertino managed to squeak in a few smaller things. First, both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule get performance boosts, with backups to the Time Capsule (reportedly) up to 60% faster.
In what I consider to be the smallest update by far, the Apple Remote has been given a brand new aluminum shell. Looks kinda like the Nano only smaller and less cool. Personally, I wouldn't ever have one unless it was given away for free. It can be yours for only $19.
