hansmixer's Profile

While most of the features highlighted at the two most recent Apple events were somewhat blase, I think there were some interesting developments "under the hood" that aren't so in your face. I'm a soon to be switcher and some of the new announced features really intrigue me: 1) Time machine This one sounds like it *could* be a very useful innovation. Having automated back-up software that is functional for average users sounds like it's a wonderful idea. I'll have to try it out before passing judgement 2) Core animation This could be a great tool-kit for developers to build new features and interfaces. 3) Improved Finder Some of the developments in the Finder seem great, especially the part about searching other computers on your network. 4) Integration with .mac Steve Jobs announced a cool feature where you can access files on your home computer from anywhere in the world via .mac services. I thought this was a cool idea, but I haven't heard much about it since. The other features didn't really do anything for me, but I got the sense that there was quite a bit of improvement and innovation to the back-end code. My guess is that these improvements will be the foundation for future product development and integration. That's just my opinion based on everything that I've heard and read. But, we'll have to see and try it all out once Leopard is finally released.

I agree with almost all of the 14 items on the wish-list: #8 EVDO and #11 GPS are definitely nice to have, but not absolutely necessary. #12 light, light, light <3lbs, please! Unfortunately, I think for this type of laptop, some people will lament leaving out some features. To get the unit lighter and thinner, the optical drive will probably need to be removed (I don't mind because I rarely use CD/DVD any more except to install). #15 - dedicated video card ala Macbook PRO series. Please don't cripple the unit with an integrated video card. The docking station is an interesting idea even though most other laptop manufacturers seem to be moving away from this idea. What I would suggest as an alternative would be an external battery charger so you can swap batteries in and out. What's the point of having a 2nd battery if you can't charge it when it's not in the laptop?