Apple Bytes: Today - January 2006

Last updated: 6/10/08

• 4/28/08 revised iMacs released
• 3/28/08 Aperture 2.1 released
• 3/17/08 Airport Express with 802.11n WiFi
• 3/6/08 Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta
• 2/26/08 new MacBook and MacBook Pro models introduced
• 2/19/08 2GB iPod shuffle released, 1GB model price reduced to $49, Xsan 2 introduced
• 2/12/08 Apple releases Aperture 2

Higher storage capacity iPhone and iPod touch models were announced by Apple on February 5, 2008.

iPhone

iPod touch

The pink iPod nano was released by Apple on January 22, 2008.

iPod nano

The Pink iPod nano has a capacity of 8GB and costs $199.

The Macbook Air, Time Capsule Wi-Fi backup unit, revised Apple TV, iTunes 7.6 and movie rentals, iPhone firmware 1.1.3 update, and five iPod touch applications were announced at the Macworld Expo on January 15, 2008.

Macworld 2008 Keynote Address: streaming QuickTime or download in iTunes

MacBook Air

Time Capsule

Apple TV

iTunes 7.6 with standard and HD movie rentals

• Studios: Touchstone, Mirimax, MGM, Lionsgate, Newline, Fox, WB, Disney, Paramount, Universal & Sony
• Over 1000 movies: available 30 days after the DVD release of the film
• Watch anywhere: Macs, PCs, all current iPods and iPhone
• Watch instantly: 30 second delay with modern broadband
• Rules: 30 days to start watching, 24 hours to complete once started
• Pricing: $2.99, new releases $3.99, High Definition (HD) rentals are $4.99

iPhone firmware 1.1.3 update, the update is free.

New applications for iPod touch, iPod touch firmware update 1.1.3 is free but the applications cost $20 for current owners.

The Macbook is updated with Core 2 Duo processors running at 2 and 2.2GHz on November 1, 2007.

• Apple's Macbook

Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" goes on sale 6 p.m. October 26, 2007 for $129.

The Mac OS X 10.5 Finder

• Mac OS X 10.5
• Mac OS X 10.5 press release

iTunes Plus songs were reduced to $.99 each (down from $1.29) on October 18, 2007.

• iTunes store

Apple's new lineup of iPods was announced (shuffle, nano, classic, and touch), as well as the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store and iTunes 7.4 were announced at a special event on September 5, 2007.

iPod touch

iPod classic

iPod nano

iPod shuffle

It was also announced that the iPhone will now only come in the 8GB model with a lower price of $399. After public outcry of the price reduction just two months after it went on sale, Apple will issue a $100 Apple store credit to iPhone buyers.

• Apple Special Event video
• New iPod comparison chart
• New iPod photo, from iLounge

The new iPod touch looks similar to the iPhone and works the same way. It has Wi-Fi browsing on the embedded Safari Web browser, has Google and Yahoo! search, a YouTube application, and browsing/buying from the new iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store. The iPod touch comes in two models (black only): 8GB for 299 and 16GB for $399. The iPod touch will go on sale September 28.

• iPod touch
• Press release
• Guided tour
• iPod touch ad
• iPod touch take-apart, from AppleInsider

The iPod classic replaces the previous iPod with video model and comes in an aluminum front and stainless steel back. The classic has a revised interface with motion graphics in the background, coverflow, and new included games (iQuiz, Vortex, and Klondike). Models: 80GB (silver, black) for $249, 160GB (silver, black) for $349.

• iPod classic
• Press release
• Unboxing the iPod classic, from AppleInsider
• iPod classic review, from iLounge

The iPod nano is now smaller but wider to hold a larger 2 inch display, and has a case with an aluminum front and stainless steel back. The nano has a revised interface with motion graphics in the background, coverflow, new included games (iQuiz, Vortex, and Klondike), and is available in new colors. Models: 4GB (silver) for $149, 8GB (silver, blue, green, black, red) for $199. A portion of sales for the (PRODUCT) RED model will be donated to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa.

• iPod nano
• Press Release
• iPod nano ad
• Unboxing the iPod nano, from AppleInsider
• iPod nano 3G unboxing, from fosfor gadgets
• iPod nano take-apart, from news.com

The revised shuffle comes in new colors. Models: 1GB (silver, blue, green, purple, red) for $79. A portion of sales for the (PRODUCT) RED model will be donated to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa.

• iPod shuffle

• iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store
• iTunes 7.4
• iTunes 7 new custom ringtones

A new iMac, revised versions of iLife and iWork (with the new Numbers spreadsheet), updated Mac mini, and improved .Mac service were announced at an Apple special event on August 7, 2007.

the new iMac

iMovie '08

Numbers '08

• Apple Special Event video

• new 20 and 24-inch iMacs
• new iMac press release
• new iMac ad
• unboxing the new iMac, from Ars Technica
• disassembling the new iMac, from Kodawarisan

• iLife '08 with major updates to iPhoto and iMovie
• iLife '08 press release
• iLife '08 Guided tour

• iWork '08 with Numbers spreadsheet
• iWork '08 press release

• Mac mini

• .Mac service
• .Mac service press release

Safari 3 is now also available for Windows, as announced by Apple on June 12, 2007

• Safari Web browser

Revised MacBook Pros were announced by Apple on June 5, 2007.

MacBook Pro, Press release

Apple TV can now play YouTube videos and a 160GB model is available, the iTunes store now selling iTunes Plus songs (256 kbps AAC without DRM) is available (requires new iTunes 7.2), iTunes U is now in the iTunes store.

• Apple TV
• iTunes store
• iTunes U

Revised MacBooks were released by Apple on May 15, 2007.

MacBook, Press release

The 8-core and quad-core Mac Pro desltops were released April 4, 2007. Apple also lowered prices on its existing LCD monitors.

Mac Pro

Standard configuration:

• Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon "Woodcrest" processors
• 1GB memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
• NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 256MB memory
• 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive
• 16x double-layer SuperDrive
• $2499.00

Configuration options:

• Two 3.0GHz quad-core processors (8-core)
• Two dual-core processors up to 3.0GHz (quad-core)
• Memory up to 16GB
• Upgraded graphics cards
• Hard drive storage up to 3TB
• Up to two SuperDrives
• AirPort Extreme
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• More options

• 20" Cinema Display - $599
• 23" Cinema Display - $899
• 30" Cinema Display - $1799

The iPod shuffle was made available in five colors on January 30, 2007. These models have no new features.

• iPod shuffle
• iPod shuffle press release

iPod shuffle in five colors

The new iPhone, Apple TV, and revised Airport Extreme Base Station were announced (but not released) at the San Francisco Macworld Expo on January 9, 2007.

iPhone

Macworld 2007 San Francisco 2007

Macworld Expo San Francisco 2007 Keynote Address (streaming video)

Macworld Expo San Francisco 2007 Keynote Address Podcast from the iTunes Store Podcast directory

The iPhone is a handheld device containing the functions of a mobile phone, widescreen iPod, and Internet communications device (with browser, e-mail, Google and Yahoo searching, and Widgets). The top of the iPhone has a touch sensitive display. Inside are proximity, orientation, and ambient light sensors.

• runs a version of OS X
• phone service is exclusive through Cingular
• Quad-band GSM/EDGE + WiFI + Bluetooth 2.0
• 2 megapixel camera
• battery life: 16 hours for audio, 5 hours for talk/video/Web time
• ships in June
• 8GB model $599, 4GB model $499

Apple TV

• 720p HD video
• 40GB internal drive
• 802.11 b, g, and n compatible
• designed for widescreen TVs
• can stream from up to 5 computers
• ships in February for $299

Airport Extreme Base Station

• now supports faster 802.11n wireless standard
• has new enclosure to resemble the Apple TV
• ships in February for $179

Revised MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors were anounced by Apple on November 8, 2006.

13-inch: White 1.83GHz 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 512MB memory, 60GB hard drive, Combo drive - $1,099.

13-inch: White 2GHz 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB memory, 80GB hard drive, Double-layer SuperDrive - 1,299.

13-inch: Black 2GHz 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB memory, 120GB hard drive, Double-layer SuperDrive - $1,499.

8GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition was released on November 3, 2006.

• iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED
• iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED press release

• iTunes Latino press release
• Apple, Telemundo & mun2 press release

Macbook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo was released on October 24, 2006

• Macbook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
• Macbook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo press release

iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition

The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition is a standard 4GB iPod nano with a red casing. It will be sold for $199. Apple will contribute $10 from its sale to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

• iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition
• iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED press release

• News: iPod nano announced in red to fight AIDS, from ars technica
  
• News: iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED in stores now, from iLounge
  
• News: Red iPod supports AIDS charity, from News.com

• (PRODUCT) RED Website
• The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

iTunes 7

iTunes 7 and iTunes Store, Press Release
iTunes 7 and the iTunes Store now includes:

• the download of Movies - $14.99 to $9.99
• Revised source list / playlist
• iPod Games
• Higher resolution 640x480 video
• Cover Flow album art
• Automatic album art import
• Multiple libraries
• Library backup
• Gapless Playback

the iPod, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle

the iPod nano in five colors

The new iPod nano has:

• a aluminum body in silver, pink, black, green, and blue
• same size dimensions as the previous iPod nano (but 1mm thinner)
• 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB flash memory capacities
• 24 hours of battery life

the iPod shuffle

iMac

The iMac family: 17, 20, and 24-inch models

The entire iMac lineup now includes Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors:

17-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 17-inch widescreen LCD, 1440x900 resolution, 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor1, 2MB shared L2 cache, 512MB memory (2x256MB SO-DIMM), 160GB Serial ATA hard drive2, 24x Combo Drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW), Intel GMA 950 graphics with 64MB of shared memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme - $999

17-inch 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 17-inch widescreen LCD, 1440x900 resolution, 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4MB shared L2 cache, 1GB memory (2x512MB SO-DIMM), 160GB Serial ATA hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL, DVD±RW, CD-RW), ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote - $1,199

20-inch 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20-inch widescreen LCD, 1680x1050 resolution, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4MB shared L2 cache, 1GB memory (2x512MB SO-DIMM), 250GB Serial ATA hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL, DVD±RW, CD-RW), ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote - $1,499

24-inch 2.16 Intel Core 2 Duo 24-inch widescreen LCD, 1920x1200 resolution, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor1, 4MB shared L2 cache, 1GB memory (2x512MB SO-DIMM), 250GB Serial ATA hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL, DVD±RW, CD-RW), NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT with 128MB GDDR3 memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote - $1,999

The entire Mac mini lineup now includes Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors:

1.66GHz Intel Core Duo: Combo Drive 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz Frontside Bus, 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM), 60GB Serial ATA hard drive, Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote - $599

1.83GHz Intel Core Duo: SuperDrive 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz Frontside Bus, 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM), 80GB Serial ATA hard drive, Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote - $799

The Intel-based Mac Pro

Mac Pro

Standard configuration: Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors, 4MB shared L2 cache per processor, 1.33GHz dual independent frontside buses, 1GB memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC), NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 256MB memory, 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive, 16x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) - $2,499
available now

All Mac Pro configurations include: two Dual-Core Intel Xeon microprocessors, eight fully buffered DIMM slots, one double-wide PCI Express graphics slot, three full-length PCI Express expansion slots, four hard drive bays, two optical drive bays, five USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire 400 ports, two FireWire 800 ports, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, optical digital audio input and output, analog stereo line-input and line-output, and a headphone minijack.

Base configuration: Two 64-bit 2.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors, 1.33GHz frontside bus and 4MB shared L2 cache per processor, 1GB memory (667MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM), 80GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, Built-in ATI Radeon X1300 graphics with 64MB RAM, Mac OS X Server 10.4 Unlimited-Client Edition. - $2,999
available in October

Mac OS X 10.5 Server

Cinema Display

• The displays have improved brightness and contrast ratios.
• 20-inch Cinema Display: $699
• 23-inch Cinema Display: $999
• 30-inch Cinema Display: $1,999

• Mighty Mouse

Initially released in October 2004, the iPod U2 Special Edition has been updated with 30GB of disk space and video playback capability--all based on the current 30GB iPod. Customers who purchase this iPod will also receive 30 minutes of U2 video, downloadable from the iTunes Music Store. $329.

• iPod U2 Special Edition

Selling for $29, a sensor placed in a Nike+ shoe transmits to a receiver connected a iPod nano. Information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on the iPod and displayed; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones.

• Apple NIKE+iPod Website
• Apple press release
• NIKE+ Website

the MacBook, which also comes in black for the 2.0GHz model

MacBook, Press release

• 13-inch White 1.8GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook: 13.3-inch widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo1, 512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs), 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW), $1,099

• 13-inch White 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook: 13.3-inch widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo1, 512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs), 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW), $1,299

• 13-inch Black 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook: 13.3-inch widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo1, 512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs), 80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW), $1,499

The 17-inch MacBook Pro is the same as 15-inch model but with a Firewire 800 port, three USB 2.0 ports instead of two, and an 8X Dual-Layer Superdrive.

MacBook Pro

17-inch MacBook Pro: 17-inch widescreen display (1680 x 1050 resolution), 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo, 1GB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory, One FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, and three USB 2.0 ports. $2799

Boot Camp

Mac Mini

Mac Mini, press release

The new models feature Intel-based processors, revised Front Row software, Apple Remote control, four USB 2.0 ports, two RAM slots with 2GB maximum RAM, analog and SPDIF inputs/outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and iLife 06. The new Mac Mini has an IR sensor next to disc slot and uses graphic chip that shares RAM instead of a dedicated graphics card.

1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo: 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz Frontside Bus, 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM), 60GB Serial ATA hard drive, Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote, $599

1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo: 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz Frontside Bus, 512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM), 80GB Serial ATA hard drive, Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, Apple Remote, $799

• Mac mini Core Solo review, by ArsTechnica
• Opening up the Intel Mac mini
• Mac Mini take apart guide

iPod Hi-Fi

iPod Hi-Fi, press release

The iPod Hi-Fi is a sterio with a built-in iPod dock, runs on A/C power or D-cel batteries, and comes with an Apple Remote. $349.

The cases are available for the iPod nano, amd 30GB and 60GB iPod video models. $99 each in mid March.

iPod nano (all come in black and white models)

• 1GB model $149
• 2GB model $199 (price unchanged)
• 4GB model $249 (price unchanged)

• 1GB model $99
• 512MB model $69

• San Francisco Macworld Expo
  
• Keynote video
  iLife and iWork run native on Intel Macs, pro applications (Final Cut, Aperture, etc.) will run native on Intel in March, can trade in current disc for universal disc for $49

  MacBook Pro

• MacBook Pro, press release
  replaces the Powerbook, is 4-5x faster than Powerbook G4, has a 15.4" LCD screen, internal iSight camera, IR sensor for Apple Remote, new MagSafe magnetic power cord that disconnects easily, ships in February

  15.4-inch: 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook Pro: 15.4-inch TFT display with 1440x900 resolution, 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB shared L2 Cache, 667MHz frontside bus, 512MB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), 80GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive, Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW), ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory, $1999

  15.4-inch: 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook Pro: 15.4-inch TFT display with 1440x900 resolution, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB shared L2 Cache, 667MHz frontside bus, 1GB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), 100GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive, Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW), ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory, $2499

Intel Core Duo microprocessor

• iMac with Intel processor, press release
  runs 2-3x faster than iMac G5, has dual core processors (Intel Core Duo), has built-in iSight camera, is shipping today

  17-inch: 1.83GHz Intel Cure Duo: 17-inch widescreen LCD with 1440x900 resolution, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB shared L2 cache, 512MB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), 160GB Serial ATA hard drive, Slot-load 8x double-layer SuperDrive, ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, $1299.00

  20-inch: 2GHz Intel Cure Duo: 20-inch widescreen LCD with 1680x1050 resolution, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor with 2MB shared L2 cache, 512MB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), 250GB Serial ATA hard drive, Slot-load 8x double-layer SuperDrive, ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory, Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, $1699

• iPod Radio Remote, press release
  is a remote control with FM radio tuner, works with nano and video iPod, $50.

• iLife '06, press release
  runs natively on Intel Macs, iWeb is new and included, iLife '06 is free on new Macs, $79 purchase
  • iPhoto 6: faster, full-screen editing, new cards calendars and books to make and purchase, "Photocasting": share photos with RSS notification and delivery of photos via .Mac

  • iMovie HD 6: animated motion themes, real-time effects, new audio tools, export to video iPod format

  • iDVD 6: widescreen menus, magic iDVD features, improved slideshows, 3rd party DVD burners supported

  • Garage Band 3: Podcast studio feature, Podcast track with chapters track (easily make enhanced Podcast with artwork, markers, Website links), 200 free jingles and effects, "ducking" effect for understandable voice over music, noise reduction, use and record iChat for remote interviews, new World Music Jam Pack now available

  • iTunes 6.0.2: receive "Photocasting"

  • iWeb: Create websites with photos, blogs and Podcasts and publish them on .Mac: browse media, one-click publishing to .Mac account, themes, RSS feed creation

• iWork '06, press release
  runs natively on Intel Macs, 30-day free trial version on new Macs, $79 purchase
  • Pages 2: mail merge with Address Book, new templates, image correction and editing
  • Keynote 3: 3D charts, new transitions, new themes, new mask shapes, cell formulas, new Light Table for organizing entire presentation

• Mac OS X 10.4.4 Update
  has more widgets, runs native on Inter processor Macs