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Weekly Recap: Macworld 2008 Madness

geeksugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:11:47 -0800

This week was definitely devoted to the MacBook Air and the hype-filled annual keynote of Steve Jobs at the annual Macworld event in San Francisco. In just four days, the world's littlest laptop managed to spawn controversy and carrying cases, and steal the thunder of everything else that happened this week in the tech world. If you got caught up in the MacBook madness, check out our slideshow to see what else you missed!

Macworld 2008: Would You Tattoo Your Tech?

geeksugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:00:48 -0800

We've all seen engravings on iPods and laptops, but I don't think I've seen them look quite so tattoo-like as I did at ETCHamac's booth at Macworld. ETCHamac does custom engraving exclusively for Apple products (which you can now purchase new from their website and choose a design), and is newly engraving iPhones as well. I would definitely have a hard time choosing a design to tattoo on my body, but maybe it could be a low-commitment substitute to put it on my laptop instead?! Then again, Apple's products are so well-designed that I would have a hard time messing up their pristine surfaces. Have any of you engraved your gadgets, or would you?

Macworld 2008: Would You Tattoo Your Tech?

Yes, I would engrave my laptop/iPod/iPhone.

No, it's unnecessary.

I think it's too ___________. See my comment below.

Macworld 2008: MacBook Air Cases Are Already in Full Swing

geeksugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:15:29 -0800

No sooner had Steve Jobs announced his tiny treat during Macworld keynote did companies and designers put their noses to the grindstone to pop out cases for the forthcoming MacBook Air. How bummed would you be to get your new Air in a couple of weeks and not have anything to put it in? Of course, that thing's so teeny and my purses are so big, I'd have no trouble at all finding a spot for it, but I'd want my little Mac baby to be well protected. My favorite new case has to be the riff on Jobs' manila envelope bit — you can literally (ok, so it's not exactly literally) stuff your new MacBook Air in a manila envelope. See the slideshow for more brand spanking new MacBook Air cases.

Will Apple's $229 TV Change the Way You Rent Movies?

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:06:34 -0800

Let's face it, Apple could be selling an actual apple and the keynote would still be exciting. So I'm cautiously optimistic about Apple TV and its new enhancements; Steve Jobs certainly made it sound cool and revolutionary, but how welcome is it in the world of movie rental? I'm all for renting movies in the most convenient way possible (hence my love for Netflix), but I'm not sure I want to put down $229 for the box and then $3 to $5 each time I rent. Rental prices are equivalent to those you would find at brick-and-mortar stores, but I feel like a monthly flat fee (in Netflix's case, under 20 bucks for unlimited three-at-a-time rentals) is more reasonable, even with snail mail factored in. I have to admire Jobs's tenacity, though — the man has been riding high on knowing what people want. It seems as though Apple didn't announce the release of an e-book reader because, in his words from yesterday's New York Times interview, Amazon's Kindle won't go anywhere because "people don't read anymore." I have to assume that based on that, he thinks people are not only renting movies more than ever, but they want a better way to do it.

Will Apple's $229 TV Change the Way You Rent Movies?

Absolutely. I'm heading down to the Apple store and canceling my Netflix subscription!

No, I like the way I'm currently renting movies.

No, I don't rent movies.

No, because I think the prices are too high for the ATV and each rental.

I think it's ________. See my comment below.

Macworld 2008: Skullcandy Brings the Party to Macworld

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:15:22 -0800

There was a party happening at Macworld yesterday, and it was in the Skullcandy booth! A live DJ was spinning some tunes while I checked out their large inventory of hip and edgy products which not only included their signature headphones, but mp3 players, iPod Docks and backpacks as well! I have to say that there was one MP3 player in particular that instantly caught my eye. Appropriately dubbed "The Macgyver", this baby stores up to 1G of music in—wait for it—a watch! This may be old news to some of you, but this watch is totally stylish and comes in two flavors, pink and black, so it's sure to suit everyone's tastes. But dual functionality watches were not the only products being offered up from Skullcandy, there were many other items I wanted to take home. Have a peek at my slideshow to see what else I was pining over and more!

Macworld 2008: The iPhone Firmware Update Exposed

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:05:21 -0800

I couldn't be more stoked about the MacBook Air, Time Capsule, and the new capabilities of Apple TV, but what I was unreasonably excited about was the firmware update to the iPhone. It puts a stake through the heart of iPhone critics who have been waiting for "the next version of the iPhone" — this is it! Though it was arguably the smallest reveal of yesterday's keynote (and confirmed those prior firmware update rumors) , it was both something for my beloved iPhone and the first thing I could get my hands on. After updating my phone, I instantly added geeksugar to my home screen, so I am always one step closer to you!

Macworld 2008: Vestalife Ladybug iPod Dock

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:03:50 -0800

There was a semi-dearth of crazy and creative iPod docks at this year's Macworld event, which, whatever their functionality, are usually great eye candy. Good thing I spotted this adorable iPod dock by Vestalife that is named for exactly what it resembles — a ladybug! Its two wings collapse when it's not in use for easy portability, and they expand when you're ready to rock.

There are a few solid, bright colors, but I really like the Ladybug that's hiding a design inside its "wings." I can't wait to toss this in my bag for a weekend away or set it on my desk to gaze at . . . I mean, listen to!

Gilty Couture iPhone Case: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Not to be confused with Gucci Couture, Gilty Couture creates fashionable luxury lifestyle products for tech savvy consumers. As I was cruising around Macworld yesterday, I got the chance to examine Gilty's 14k gold iPhone case that can also come adorned in Swarovski crystal accents. So maybe it's not exactly like Pharrell's 18k solid gold case, and maybe you can't dock your phone when it's on, but it is gold plated and includes 138 hand set Swarovski crystals. All of this for only $125, which I have to say is quite reasonable for the additional bling. On that note, love or leave this one?

Gilty Couture iPhone Case: Love It or Leave It?

Love It

Leave It

It's totally _________. See my comment below!

MacWorld 2008: Belkin's Tune Studio

geeksugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:00:09 -0800

My alter ego must be an audiophile, because when I saw Belkin's new portable mixing board called the Tune Studio at Macworld, I totally geeked out. A full-on, four-channel mixer that records right onto iPod classics, second and third gen Nanos, and fifth generation iPods to capture jam sessions, podcasts, and of course, tinkerings from the garage in 16 bit, 44kHz quality.

To demo the mixer, Belkin recorded a live band earlier in the day via Tune Studio. From the playback, my ears couldn't even tell that it wasn't a professional studio recording! I was impressed to say the least. Believe it or not, it seems really simple to use: Plug in up to four different sound sources, attach your iPod and computer, pump out some tunes and you'll end up with some pretty impressive high-quality digital recordings. High-quality jamming by band mates, however, is not guaranteed.

Macworld 2008: Griffin's RocketFM Transmitter

geeksugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:11:30 -0800

The "Something Is in the Air" Apple theme made its way into the Griffin booth during Macworld yesterday. At first glance I thought these rockets were small radios or even shuffle docs, but it turns out they have a much geekier purpose.

The RocketFM transmits music from apps like iTunes or Garage Band, and it can even stream Internet radio to any FM receiver within 30 feet. Totally useful if you have a Mac or PC in one room, but need to rock out in another. Since it's open to just about any FM frequency from 88.1 to 107.9, you are sure to find a signal all to yourself — just plug in and choose your station! Plus the design is oh so geek chic, I almost can't resist getting one for myself!

Macworld 2008: Case-Mate's $20k iPhone Case Giveaway

geeksugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:02:12 -0800

I usually prefer diamonds bedazzling my body parts — you know, in my earlobes or around my neck and fingers. Well Case-Mate is hoping that you will want some gold and diamond bling to add to your other appendage: Your iPhone. The design is, um, a little over the top for everyday use, but perhaps you could use it for a more formal event, say where your basic leather case would be too dressed down?

The other reason you may want to open your arms to this outrageousness is that it's free. That is, it's free if you win Case-Mate's giveaway at Macworld this year. Yes, the butterfly and polka-dot diamond-clad case can be yours if you happen to check out Macworld this week in San Francisco and swing on by the Case-Mate booth for your chance to win!

Macworld 2008: Melissa Beth Laptop Bags Are a Breath of Fresh Air

geeksugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:03:58 -0800

I seriously thought I would have been spoiled with some new flashy and fun laptop bags at Macworld this year. . . Not so much. Thankfully when I found the Melissa Beth Designs booth, I started getting giddy again. Created by women for women, Melissa Beth Designs offers a collection of laptop totes and laptop sleeves as well as other great lifestyle products that are fashionable and durable. Since most of you weren't loving Built's laptop backpack, have a peek at the purple laptop backpack below. If you like a style, keep in mind that they are also available in a variety of colors!

The Lapdome: Geekish or Freakish?

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:00:20 -0800

As attached as I am to my laptop, when I imagine myself lying in the sun poolside, I can't seem to envision myself glued to it. Nonetheless, the good folks at LapDome made sure that those of you who suffer with GSA (Gadget Separation Anxiety) are good to go, even when you're on vacay. Spotted at MacWorld, the LapDome acts as the ultimate bodyguard for your laptop:

This laptop computer carry case transforms into a sheltered, darkened work environment. It offers privacy, security, and protection from the elements, but most of all, computer screen visibility outdoors in the daytime.

Maybe it's just me, but something tells me that the laptop would be forgotten as soon as I see the pool! Would you pick up the LapDome for your next outdoor adventure? But more importantly — is it geekish or totally freakish?

The Lapdome: Geekish or Freakish?

Geekish!

Freakish!

Something else. See my comment below!

Macworld 2008: The MacBook Air in Mid-Air

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:33:09 -0800

When the "There's something in the air" posters went up this past weekend, I didn't think that Apple would literally be suspending notebooks from the ceiling of the Moscone Center! Appropriately named the MacBook Air for weighing in at only three pounds, this laptop is super-thin and extremely portable. Here are some more up close and personal shots of it "hanging out," so to speak, at Macworld today.

Macworld 2008: The World's Thinnest Notebook Is Here!

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:37:17 -0800

The wait is over as Steve Jobs has just confirmed the rumors during his keynote speech at Macworld—The MacBook Air is here! The super-thin silver device comes with an LED backlit display, a 13.3-inch widescreen display, a built-in iSight camera, a full-sized keyboard, and a trackpack that supports multi-touch gesture support. The best part: The MacBook Air has an aluminum case, a mercury-free and arsenic-free glass display, and the circuit boards are BFR free and PVC free—making it environmentally friendly! Thanks to Gizmodo and their minute-to-minute reporting from the keynote, we were able to learn about the MacBook Air and more! Check out the slideshow to see what else Apple announced!

What Will Be Unveiled at MacWorld 2008?

geeksugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:05:49 -0800

This week marks the yearly MacWorld Conference and Expo in San Francisco. You better believe we will be there checking out the new goodies, meeting up with fellow geeks, and of course, paying close attention to whatever product (or products) Steve Jobs unveils. Clearly, last year was all about the "revolutionary iPhone" (I'll admit, I love my iPhone, but those are Jobs' words, not mine) and the pretty, but less than revolutionary Apple TV unit. What will it be for 2008? An update to Savvy's beloved MacBook or a new "it" device?

What Will Be Unveiled at MacWorld 2008?

Another update and or price drop for the iPhone.

A new nifty laptop to go along with the new Mac Pro desktops.

Touchscreen desktop and laptop computers.

An update to Apple TV.

Yet another iPod.

Touchscreen monitors inspired by the iPhone.

A surprise device!

Macworld 2008: Is There Something in the Air?

geeksugar — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 07:16:14 -0800

Before I get the chance to absorb all of the tech treats from CES, I'm already gearing up for another massive expo—Macworld! I'm certainly not expecting Steve Jobs to top last year's iPhone announcement, but I still can't wait to hear about the latest and greatest products coming from Apple in '08, as well as check out a bajillion other amazing new products!
The AppleInsider has already snapped a few pics of the Macworld banners which have gone up around San Francisco's Moscone Center. The banner hanging above the entrance to the south hall reads: "2008. There's something in the air." Ahhh the suspense is killing me — Two more days! In the meantime, you can have some fun getting Jobs ready for the expo by playing this fun game!

Is Apple Introducing an Inexpensive Laptop at Macworld?

geeksugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 06:45:24 -0800

The rumors are still swirling, but I think it's safe to say that Apple will be revealing an ultra-portable laptop at Macworld this January. According to CrunchGear, these new sub-notebooks will be super affordable while The Boy Genius Report claims that they will go on sale a week after Macworld. I doubt that it will give the OLPC XO laptop a run for its money, as it will most likely be priced around the $1000 mark. . .Which may be a good thing since it will boast more features and functions than the basic $100 laptop. Stay tuned for further revelations in this story. Source

Macworld 2008: What Can We Expect From Apple?

geeksugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:35:15 -0800

We're already gearing up for Macworld '08, wondering what surprises Steve Jobs will have hiding up his sleeve this time around. With all the craziness surrounding the iPhone last year, I'm not expecting any major, life-altering announcements this year, although you just never know with Jobs. According to MacRumors, a new 3G iPhone is expected to hit store shelves by May or June, which I'm sure we'll get a sneak peek of at Macworld. They have also speculated that the rumored ultra-portable laptop, which is said to be priced around $1,500, will also be revealed at Macworld. Stay tuned my friends . . .Source