“For those used to big announcements from Apple, the company’s media event at its headquarters here on Tuesday might have been a disappointment,” Troy Wolverton reports for TheStreet.com. “Apple CEO Steve Jobs promised some ‘medium-scale’ product introductions and delivered along those lines, introducing a new version of the company’s low-end computer and an iPod-powered boom box. But if the actual products were underwhelming, the company’s vision is becoming clearer — and bolder. The product announcements indicate that Apple is clearly trying to establish itself as a player in the battle for the digital living room, where computer and networking technology is married with consumers’ traditional entertainment systems.”
“The updated version of the company’s Mac mini computer, for instance, has sophisticated audio-out jacks, a remote control and Apple’s Front Row software, which allows users to access digital video, pictures and music using the remote,” Wolverton reports. “With the Mac mini, the company is releasing an updated version of Front Row that allows the software to connect with other computers on a user’s network, meaning that consumers will be able to watch video or listen to music stored on computers other than the Mac mini… But the Mac mini and Front Row are just part of the company’s new advance into the living room. The company’s iPod Hi-Fi is the other. Essentially a speaker box that connects to an iPod, the Hi-Fi represents Apple’s first effort by itself to transform the iPod from a personal music device to a home audio device.”
“That lack of a ‘wow’ product rollout was seemingly reflected in Apple’s stock price, which began slipping Tuesday after the products were announced; the shares were recently off $1.77, or 2.5%, to $69.22,” Wolverton reports. “Still, the products did represent important steps. The new Mac mini will include Intel processors, marking the latest models in the company’s Macintosh computer to make the transition from PowerPC chips. As Jobs noted, the company has now moved half of its Macintosh line over to Intel chips since the start of the year.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Note: The stock price slip is more likely due to the Google mess than today’s product announcements.
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Its funny how everyone was so overexcited about the rumors of an Intel mini and iPod Hi-Fi thing, only to now see everyone dissapointed over the speculated products being released.
Granted, the mini has it’s here-and- there spoofs, but it’s soooooo earlyyyy in the transition to really see top of the line hardware in the new machines. If you don’t like it, dont buy it and wait for the Rev B or the next generation. The boombox, well I wasn’t really interested in it, but hell, if someone was planning on buying the $300 Bose boombox, but now can get this for $50 more (with more features), then I don’t see a problem with that.
Stocks shmocks- their stock won’t be down forever just because of this.
I forsee something coming on April 1st and WWDC. I think this was more of an event geared toward getting another Intel machine out there, but the bigger events are still yet to come.
oh and Good & Bad the mini always had 1 FW Port.
I would rather have the more USB however,
What? No Intel-powered Orgasmatron? What a Sleeper!
That boombox thing is bloody ugly. Ugliest product I’ve seen in a long time. Can’t believe its an Apple product.
Very underwhelming announcement from Stevie boy today. That wasn’t the reason AAPL shares slipped. The sector is becoming nervous particularly over GOOGLE.
Steve, get a 17″ laptop and Shake UB out the door and all will be forgiven…..
Jobs did not force Gates to play his hand first I think the knock on effect of the Intel move is to delay other gadgets. Whatever we might think they are.
Remember Everyone,
The 30th anniversary is coming up in a month and I’ll bet Steve is holding on to the really big news for that event.
I actually like the ipod HiFi thing, it’s beautifully understated, but not beautiful enough for $350 @ least not for me.
mw “purpose” The new mac mini actually has a purpose I might just have to get rid of the dvd player & the vcr!!
Today, I sold my my 120 AAPL stocks for $68.49 as I’m expecting the price will fall soon to below the 50’s.
Today’s disappointment will hurt the Apple-brand enormously. Form now, journalists will think twice before attending Apple’s announcements. Even Dell updates its computers every day. And, look at that stupid design of that expensive speaker set iPod Hi-Fi. It’s ugly. I repeat: UGLY.
If the new Intel Mac Mini still has the crappy two channel audio, I will have to pass on this Mac Mini.
I gave my G4 Mini to my son, the sound that came out of my speakers was terrible.
Your kidding Bruce… right?
You mean that your $499 entry level starter Mac didn’t have a decent sound system… Sheesh.. The nerve of Apple..
MDN’s take is not entirely wrong. I too initially thought Apple’s price slip was in reaction to the announcements, and part of that is probably true. But you can’t ignore the 9% drop in Google price. That type drop in a high profile equity brings the whole market down, and more specifically the high tech sector.
Boy, I think some of you need to take some Xanax and calm down.
What were you expecting? An announcement for matter/anti-matter powered computers? Warp speed positronic CPU’s?
One step at a time people.
simple1 – you’re right. at $350 for a boombox SJ is taking the pi**. And a $100 leather ipod sleeve with no access to controls is an attempt to sell the logo for those that need to be seen to have the latest product rather than the one the really works (zcover)
I also don’t think the mini announcements idea is a good one. Macheads do tend to wait for big announcements – but then pile in when they see cool releases. Other companies would give their right arm to have so many customers drooling over new product releases.
When Creative announce a new product – who cares ? nobody.
If Apple drip a stream of less than impressive releases they will lose the interest of their fan base and that will cost them more than a slowdown of sales prior to macworld.
To everyone who sold their stocks over one announcement like this, then you are just the finicky types that makes the stock market so tough to play short term. Which is why I don’t. Apple will double it’s market share over the next year or two. Watch it happen. Not every Apple decision is a home run, but the batting average is extremely high ever since the return of Steve Jobs. I don’t expect that to change.
By the way, the “boombox” is a step in a wonderful direction for Apple. New revenue on a market they created. Hopefully we see more from Apple in this direction.
Also, if you think the iPod has topped out, you have another thing coming. Next Christmas will be as big as the last for Apple regarding iPods.
The Mac mini is headed in the right direction. I just think for $599 it should come with wireless keyboard & mouse standard (thereby making it even more of a living room machine). But other than that, this machine is a BIG upgrade.
Peace out…
“If Apple drip a stream of less than impressive releases they will lose the interest of their fan base”
ROTFLMAO!!!
Yeah right.
“look at that stupid design of that expensive speaker set iPod Hi-Fi. It’s ugly. I repeat: UGLY.”
I totally disagree. The design is very clean, very attractive, and will go well with almost any other hardware you might already own. It will look great on any shelf or counter.
Not all designs are pleasing to everyone..
In my opinion, the design of the boombox is very surprising..
It has a very mid-century modern look to it..
I guess I really need to see and hear it in person, before I make any judgements..
“Apple so way oversold this media event disappointment was certain.”
WHO OVERSOLD IT?? Apple sure didn’t. It invited a small group of people to a small venue to announce some small things.
All of us that linger on this and other rumor sites sure oversold it however. Many of my friends who don’t live here had no idea that Apple was announcing anything today.
Let’s put the blame where it belongs…on us.
Journalist: “Look – a new invitation to some hot products at Apple in March/April. I need to fly out to California and cover it.”
Editor: “Last time the Apple “big announcement” was for a cowhide iPod carrying case, a set of speakers and an update to their entry level computer. BFD! It was nothing – hell, they could have announced it at the January MacWorld and said its available in March.
I didn´t need to spend big bucks to schlep you all the way there to cover the announcement of a leather carrying case. Next time just read the Macfanboy sites and do your reporting from them.
And, no more, rumors stories about Mac products – got it?!”
“Apple so way oversold this media event disappointment was certain.”
ROTF! You simply MUST be kidding!! I recall just a scant one sentence from Apple regarding this event….. “Come see some fun new products from Apple.”
On what planet is that “overselling”?
Everyone is so used to being “blown away” by Apple announcements that smaller strategic moves “underwhelm”. The rumor blogs and anal-yts ranting about this “credible source” and that one, doesn’t help either.
Personally, I don’t believe anything until I see it. Called me jaded.
MDN Magic Word: “weeks”, stop sobbing, your new “MacBook”, “VideoPod”, what have you, will be out in a couple
Wolverton has it essentially right. What you are seeing are pieces of the architecture being put in place for Apple to be at the controlling center of consumer electronics and strategic positions in the entertainment industry.
Movies, HiFi music and podcasts in the living room, in a car, at the beach and ….
Apple will, IMHO, leave the competition gasping as the pieces go into place and start playing together. Remember that 2009 is the switchover to HDTV deadline, so the sales prospects during the lead up time are huge.
I am not worried about trivial wiggles in the stock over news that really does not relate to Apple anyway. My time line is years, as I am an old fart. Most of you young guys should be looking at much longer time lines for investing. And finally, with Jobs at Apple, we have a sharp CEO not concerned with juicing up quarterly reports to earn a bigger bonus. This guy is fighting a strategic war and is winning. I’m long on Apple.
“Sold all my AAPL stock today! I’ll stay on the side lines for a while. Apple so way oversold this media event disappointment was certain. The market is getting less robust. I’ll buy AAPL when it drops to $52-$55 or when we see something that turns up the chatter.”<i>
Charlie,
Bzzzt. Wrong! But thanks for playing anyway. Guess what? You’re not a stock market expert. Do you believe in Apple as a business or not? If the answer is “yes”, then forget about the fucking stock price, that’s a meaningless index. The stock price is driven by day traders; people who believe that Apple’s Digital Hub strategy and domination of the living room will prevail could care less about the day to day fluctuations in the stock price. They believe that Apple’s value as a company will increase over the long term, and that the stock price only reflects the short term view i.e., those fixated on the stock price, not the potential of the business. For these folks, a drop in the stock price is a huge buying opportunity, as they believe that in the medium to long term, the price will continue to increase. Do you honestly think that the price will drop to your desired $52-$55 range? After a stock split maybe, by which time you’ll have been frozen out. Note the date: that’s when you made a huge mistake. Sucker.
I am so sick and tired of idiots fixated on a company’s stock price. Do you have any idea how institutional investors laugh at fools who care only about stock price and ignore a company’s business model? They’re not about to clue you in either; they’re too busy snapping up stock that you dump out of ignorance.
Here’s a clue, free of charge: the stock market is not a lottery. Quick money is only made by the astronomically lucky. Everyone else expects modest returns in the very long term, by solid companies with steady sales and revenues, and potential for longevity in their sectors.Think Gillettte. If you shave at all, you’ll have an inkling. Here’s another clue: generally speaking, tech companies don’t meet this definition. If Apple can conquer the living room, and they are leading the charge in this area, they’ll be the next Microsoft. Redmond made themselves indispensable to big business, but the average TV and music consumer is a much larger segment. If they move carefully, Apple could potentially become the most powerful company in history. Then you’ll be telling war stories about how you used to own Apple stock, but you sold before they hit the <i>REALLY big time. Your descendants won’t thank you.
The only people who oversold this announcement were the people who are now complaining about it.
I didn’t think cattle had such important opinions.
Apple just introduced the only Mac I need at home. And for those of you complaining about the price, do you think it is worthwhile to compare a 5 year old CPU based computer with a 1 month old one?
Why was the G4 mini so cheap? The G4 was 2 generations old!!!!! No Bluetooth No Airport! (on the base model)
Intel graphics are not bad. I could play Quake 4 on my 915 chipset Vaio with Intel graphics.
Some of you are just plain stupid. Or you are 15 year olds. Or ….
Have you seen the specs of the integrated graphics!
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/
Seems pretty good to me for HDTV!
You fanboys don’t realize that Vista will ship with Media Center installed. And that’s not some crappy front end of rotating shortcuts to apps, that’s PVR functionality with tuner card support with a boatlad of content providers to serve up music & video. Apple is so far behind it’s not even funny. And all I hear is crap like “coming up” and “next version”. Spit out the kool aid and look around.