During the past week, I saw the blogosphere freak out as everyone held their breath for one of the most awaited annual events to occur- the Apple Special Event, presented by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. iRumors spread like fire (my favorite being the Mac Tablet iPod Video rumor, check out this video of how the fake was made), and even got a few seats here on Tech#, and speculations as to what Apple would unviel was discussed all around.

Now, the hour finally came, and I, a PC user, sat glued to my seat and completely preplexed, and read every single word that was blogged live until the Apple Special Event was concluded.

So what was in Jobs and Co’s magic pockets at their Apple ‘Fun’ Special Event 2006? Just to recap:

• Intel Mac Mini. The base model features an Intel Core Solo CPU — a single-processor, single-core CPU, but they are also introducing a Mac mini that features Intel’s Core Duo processor — the same kind of CPU that powers the iMac and MacBook Pro. The redesigned Mac mini features gigabit Ethernet, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, analog and SPDIF audio outputs and more. It is 2.5x - 3.2x faster than the original Mac mini.
  The new Mac mini also features Front Row, an application that makes it possible to view movies, listen to audio, watch music videos and more from your Mac, in full-screen, using an infrared remote control from across the room, making it a better home entertainment integration system.
• iTunes: One Billionth Download. Jobs recapped a recent event of import to Apple’s iTunes Music Store: The sale and download of its billionth song, “Ok, a billion sold, so we beat McDonald’s.”
• iPod Leather Cases. Apple is introducing $99 leather cases for the fifth-generation “video” iPod and ipod nano. Made of fine Italian leather, they incorporate a clever black ribbon that makes getting your iPod out a breeze.
  
• iPod Hi-Fi: Home Stereo. Reinvented. A three-driver system in one unit featuring an iPod dock on top. An auxiliary input rests in the back of the iPod Hi-Fi if you have an iPod shuffle. The device also ships with inserts designed to accommodate virtually all of Apple’s dockable iPod models.The speaker system includes two 80 millimeter (mm) mid-range drivers with a sealed acoustic suspension and a 130mm dual voice coil woofer featuring a ported bass reflex design, inside a sealed resin enclosure.
  The iPod Hi-Fi goes on sale today for $349.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2006 at 9:19 pm and is filed under Events, Hardware, Mac. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.