I spent a few hours yesterday at MacWorld 2008 and wanted to quickly post some information about what I saw and who I talked to. Obviously, the hype is around the new MacBook Air. I must admit, it is a beautiful machine. However, it is probably a better device for someone who already has a Mac and simply wants something nice for on-the-go type of work. The upgrade of the Apple TV with video rentals really should prove to be great! But more about that later.
First, just for fun, some bad quality iPhone pics of Cali Lewis (http://www.geekbrief.tv) and Veronica Belmont (http://daily.mahalo.com/) that I snapped as they were doing a presentation on Xtrain:
Some of the Companies that I talked with (in no particular order) with some highlights:
Griffin Technologies – http://www.griffintechnology.com
- Lots of very cool products
- Hot product: Evolve Wireless Speaker System for iPod (Winner of iLounge Best In Show for 2007)
- Hot product: Evolve Extender Kit (Winner of iLounge Best in Show for 2008)
- Hot product: PowerDock – charging base for up to 4 iPod models (Winner of iLounge Best In Show for 2008)
Intuit – http://www.intuit.com
- Spoke with Product Manager there, highlights of TurboTax 2007 for Mac:
- TurboTax completely redesigned from the ground up for the Mac
- Unique features only to the Mac now, has leapfrogged PC version
- Flip to view forms as you go (very Mac-like)
- Free audit analysis – great wizard to step you though the process
- As you do Federal, State information is pre-populated on-the-fly
- More to come in a review
Logitech: – http://www.logitech.com
- Spoke to a Product Manager there about the relatively new MX Air (Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse):
- Pretty amazing product
- Works as mouse or in the air with motions
- Uses RF technology, not BlueTooth that gives better response and accuracy
- Sleek design
- More to come, potentially, in a review
Intego – http://www.intego.com
- Spoke with the Business Development manager:
- New versions of products (X5)
- All products being upgraded or have been upgraded
- Content Protection for Kids – potential review
- All in one security suite – potential review
Etymotic Research Inc – http://www.etymotic.com
- Demos of 3 products:
- hf2 Headset/Earphones – Winner of iLounge Best in Show 2008
- etyBLU Bluetooth Headset
- ETY*COM Mobile Headset
- Very interesting designs on all products
- Unique noise reduction and noise cancellation technologies
- Holder of 89 patents and 61 pending patents
- More to come, potentially, in a review
Contour Design – http://www.contourdesign.com
- This was the first case that I bought for my iPhone
- Will be reviewing the upgraded version of the iSee iPhone case (compared to my v1.0 one)
Also spoke with the makers of DiskWarrior, Kensington and a few others. I may head back over to MacWorld tomorrow. [Woops, this post was accidentally deleted. Sorry for any inconvenience.]
HTD says: Stay tuned for more MacWorld Expo highlights and product reviews.
