Real Kato Blog: Apple Watch: The Announcements

The Intel Mac Mini, leather iPod cases, the iPod Hi-Fi. Meh.

The Intel Mac Mini. Yeah, it's got a remote control and Front Row software. And outputs for the TV and digital audio. So it's kind of a living room device. But really, it'll only shine if you've got another computer somewhere serving up all the iTunes content (Front Row can now look for shared iTunes music), because trying to run non-Front Row stuff while sitting in front of your TV seems like a nightmare. So it's also kind of like a glorified Airport Express, with a DVD player, and way more expensive. Apple, I think you need to stop trying to combine two different products into one here. A true living room device should have: simpler controls, a lower price, component video output, iPod integration, and maybe DVR functionality. Here's a good place to start: you could make it so I can perform common administrative tasks (software upgrades, network and other system preference settings, etc.) via the remote control.

The specs: $599 for a 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo with a combo drive, 512MB RAM, 4 USB ports, 1 FireWire 400 port, Intel integrated graphics (which is yucky because it consumes system RAM for VRAM, but it might actually outperform the Radeon 9200 for many tasks), built in Airport and Bluetooth. $799 bumps you up to a 1.67 GHz Intel Core Duo and a SuperDrive.

Leather iPod cases. $99. Really? And no access to the screen or controls? Umm...

The iPod Hi-Fi. $349. This is a direct shot at Bose and Harman, it seems. Kind of a cross between a boom box and a home stereo unit. It's an all-in-one speaker system with an iPod dock built in. It's supposed to be engineered for superior stereo imaging and distortion-free sound. It's got two 80mm drivers and a 130mm woofer; that's pretty powerful stuff. The speakers are suspended and sealed to avoid vibration. It's got built-in carrying handles. It'll run off AC (built-in power supply, no external brick needed) or 6 "D" batteries, and it'll charge the iPod too.

Amy: "What does this mean to Bose?"
Ken: "Yeah, this competes directly with things like Bose's WaveRadio. Interestingly, there are rumors that Bose is going to make an iPod competitor (their own portable music player)."
Amy: "Good luck with that."

It has an audio-in port so it can connect to the Airport Express, but you know, it would have been nice to make that function built-in. A wireless speaker system for iTunes; that would have been slick (and it would have fit nicely with the Mac Mini). Also, it'd be nice if the iPod could sit flush and secure in the unit, rather than sticking out of the top.

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I'm kind of meh on all these announcements. They seem like evolutionary steps, not the end goal. I'd hold off until the next revision comes.

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