In Apple We Trust!

On Monday, something happened to me that I never experienced before. Due to a good friend's interest in the Apple company and its line of great (or not so great) products, I found myself following the keynote speech of the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference). I usually read about those events after the frenzy is gone, but this time it was different. I was actually captivated.

Perhaps it's the fact that I'm a new iPod Touch user and that I find myself appreciating some of Apple's products hands on and actually enjoying my experience? Or is it because I was simply sucked into the hype? I guess it's a bit of both. So now that the smoke has settled, I wanted to rant about the 3 main events that, in my opinion, dominated the WWDC!

First, the upcoming release of the iPhone 3G S and the iPhone 3.0 operating system. This is actually something that I'm looking forward to. For two very good reasons: First, the new OS should enable me to use a Bluetooth headset with my existing iPod Touch! This will enable me to use my iPod as a cordless phone in conjunction with my Skype subscription. So, in theory, as of June 17th, I will be able to vegetate on my couch and chat away on my Bluetooth headset. This means no more home phone! Ever! Second, ad this is equally enticing, Apple decided to continue offering the current 8GB version of the iPhone, with the 3.0 OS upgrade at no charge and with the now low price of $99 with a 2 or 3 year agreement! This means that just maybe I will get my hands on one of those, depending on my carrier's terms and conditions.

Second, there is the reorganization of Apple's notebook offerings. Now all but one model are labeled as Mac Book Pro and are all of the unibody, integrated battery type. Battery life has been pushed to seven hours per charge and 1000 recharges so even an extensive professional user should be able to last two and a half to three years prior to shipping his then obsolete Mac Book Pro for a battery refitting! This also allows Apple to restructure pricing and options, to the consumer's advantage might we add.

And last, but not least, the release of the new operating system, Snow Leopard! Unlike Miro$oft, which will charge hundreds of dollars for upgrades from one crappy OS to another, Apple actually charges ONLY $29! And it's for a bevy of great improvements that result in better productivity, security and reliability.

And that folks might be just enough for me to get excited and seriously think about acquiring a Mac in the Near future!