Stan's List

Apple introduced a new AirPort Extreme Base Station based on the 802.11n draft specification, scheduled for release in February at $179. The company notes that all Core 2 Duo and Xeon-based Macs (except 17-inch iMac 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo) support 802.11n using enabler software included with the AirPort Extreme. More …

Steve Jobs started off by saying that half of all Mac buyers are now new to the Mac and that 2007 will be a terrific year for the Mac. But, he then announced that was all he would say about Macs in this year’s keynote. Very disappointing to those expecting “one more thing”.

After running through some often heard data on iTunes, including announcing that Paramount Pictures has come onboard offering great new movies through iTunes, he announced Apple TV, the device formerly known as iTV. It provides 720p high definition video. The connectors are FireWire, Ethernet, HDMI, video, audio and opitcal audio (digital). AppleTV uses the new (actually draft) super-speed Wi-Fi standard 802.11n to stream media from up to five computers to a TV.

AppleTV syncs with one computer just like an iPod and with a 40GB hard drive it stores up to 50 hours of video. Tunes detects Apple TV and walks you through the setup process — from pairing your computer to setting your iTunes syncing preferences. It costs $299 and will ship in February. It can be ordered today.

iPhone:

Steve Jobs then introduced the iPhone and it is named iPhone. Apple would had to cut a deal with Cisco/Linksys to use their iPhone trademark.

The iPhone is three devices in one. It is a widescreen iPod, a “revolutionary” mobile phone and a “breakthrough” internet communications device. It runs on Mac OS X and is controlled with an Apple-patented 3.5″ revolutionary touchscreen that accommodates multiple fingers and gestures as well as a simple touch. The screen has 160dpi resolution and the iPhone is about a half-inch thick.

The iPhone syncs automatically through iTunes. It can sync contacts, calendars, images, notes, songs, bookmarks and even e-mail. Jobs called it a smarter smart phone.

It operates on GSM and EDGE networks so it doesn’t yet have the broadband capability of EVDO but Jobs said that was coming in the future. The iPhone has Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi capability so it can switch to Wi-Fi when a network is near. It has HTML email, a Safari web browser and Dashboard Widgets. Jobs quipped that it is the Internet in your pocket.

The CEO of Google, Yahoo and Cingular all came on stage and fawned over the iPhone and Apple’s relationship with them. Google map use was demoed.

The battery will last up to 5 hours while using video or talk and 16 hours while listening to audio.

The iPhone is $499 for a 4GB model and $599 for an 8GB model with a 2-year Cingular contract and it will ship in June.