Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"Buyers at the show were eligible for a $30 discount on the original and newer 1800 models, but if you missed that opportunity you can still save: through the end of January, use coupon code 'Macworld' at checkout and get $20 off either product (usually $50US for the lower-capacity model and $70US for the 1800 model)."

I have yet to purchase a battery backup for my iPhone, I've always had a charging option available, but I can see the benefit of throwing one of these in my bag "just in case". The RichardSolo site has quite a few nifty gadgets available for the iPod Touch and iPhone. I guess that is to be expected from a company run by the founder of The Sharper Image (bankruptcy and retail store closure aside, you can still buy products on their web site).

"The Navigate may seem like just an ordinary iPod remote, and indeed it can be used that way. A nice bonus is that you can also use it with the iPhone, which could be a good thing if you're not crazy about the iPhone's touch screen controls (Also pretty useful when you're driving and need to not look at the screen)."

Photo Credit: Griffin Technology

Not another remote is what you might be thinking right now. However, Griffin has put a twist on it by adding an FM Tuner and OLED display. And for iPhone users, you can plug your favorite mic/headset combo into the remote so you can still use your phone. In addition, Griffin plans on releasing an iTunes Application called iFM in March 2009 which will work in conjunction with The Navigate. iFM will use a tuning menu based on geographic locations to list nearby FM stations, or you can select by city. iFM will be free download (the cost of the Navigate is listed at $59.99 USD on the Griffin site). Sounds like a nice remote, especially for commuters that have issues with the screen controls on the iPhone (like me).

"Just a reminder as Macworld Expo heads into the home stretch, the iPhone/iPod touch travel application HearPlanet is available for free this week only."

Interesting application that has audio tours of over 230,000 locations. Normally $3.99 USD from the iTunes Application Store, it's free at least until tomorrow, the last day of Macworld.

"Here's a shocker -- Apple shares slid 0.7 percent (as of this writing) after Phil Schiller concluded the company's last official keyonte address at Macworld Expo. Robert Francello, head of equity trading for Apex Capital hedge fund in San Francisco, blamed "...no true blockbusters" for the market's reaction."

It appears investors were also underwhelmed about the Macworld keynote. I'm with them, I expected more since it was the last time for Apple, here is hoping they will come up with some "knock it out of the park" announcements this year to make up for it!

"At the Macworld Expo on Tuesday, Apple introduced iLife '09, which features major upgrades to iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand, and includes iDVD and an updated version of iWeb."

This was an expected update, but even so, it offers some cool new features for each part of the iLife '09 package.

Read more...