Jobs 2.0

Apple's Video Standard...

A lot of people have criticized apples various types of video adapters, after all, they have gone through a lot. Just in the past 10 years or so we’ve seen monitors and computers feature:

• DVI-D
• Dual DVI
• ADC - the Apple Display Connector (it was Apple’s proprietary form of DVI)
• Mini-VGA
• Mini-DVI
• Micro-DVI
• Mini Display-Port
• (any that I missed)

So basically, they’ve been through their fair share of video ports, and when Steve announced the “Mini Display-Port,” I joined the tech community in giving a great big sigh…

However, I’ve come to love the Mini Display-Port, and I thought that since I’m commenting on what Apple does wrong, and what they do right, etc, I should say why I love the Mini Display-Port.

Well, first off, Apple is switching over their computers to this new video standard as they refresh each line, and its bringing unity across the board, and it might just make it so I can stop buying a new _____ to VGA adapter with each new Mac. So overall, its a good thing.

Now, some criticize and say that Apple should just stick the native-port on their like most laptops, but here’s why Apple & I disagree with that: space. Most computer companies give their laptops native VGA ports, which means they have to cut down on ports or spread them out around the frame (ports on the left/right/back/etc). Overall, if I’m interpreting this correctly (I’m not claiming to be the next Ive’s here…) but spreading the ports out means you’re going to have to extend the logic board to wherever those ports are. For example, the previous MacBook Pro had ports on both sides, so the logic board had to extend across the entire body like shown below:

However, the Mini Display-Port has managed to help them save space even more because of its incredibly-small size. The new port is a remarkable amount smaller than the previous Mini-DVI and definitely smaller than regular DVI.

In addition to saving-space, the Mini Display-Port also puts out at higher resolutions which means they’re putting out better video in a smaller package.

In Conclusion, the Min Display-Port in itself is amazing, but it’s also ushered in a new form of Apple Design. Apple’s finally focused on getting rid of unnecessary ports, and giving you more of the ports you actually want, like USB.

So I think its a really cool new-direction that Apple’s taking, that not many have really thought about.

Planning for the Future...

As I’ve said on the podcast Equal Tech Weekly, I’ve laid out a strategy that I think Apple should take in order to continue growing at their current rate.

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• Desktop Event: This is something Apple really needs to do, after the MacWorld let-down, Apple needs to reassure the tech-community that they’re still doing things in Cupertino.

As expected, someone will come out and talk about how great their products are selling, how amazing the new iLife/iWork software is, ect.

First, the revamp of the iMac, which features a new processor/graphics chip/DDR3 ram/mini-display port/etc. As for pricing they’ll want to pull a “white macbook” with the 20” iMac, and price it more affordable at $999. Then the 24” iMac will be their primary line with 2 or 3 versions.

Second, the reveal of the new Mac Mini, I don’t want to go into the specifications, I have some drawn out very specifically, but trust me, its not this 5 USB crap. The New Mac Mini will be a complete re-haul. The Mac Mini will become more of a media-center friendly computer with the mini-display port. It’ll come with a mini-display to VGA for people using it as a desktop, but Apple will separately sell adapters from mini-display to DVI (obviously), HDMI, Component, and Composite.

(This one is more along the lines of wishful thinking - but it’d really help their Mobile Me sales….)

Finally, as a “One More Thing,” Apple will be launching a new Mobile Me feature “Mobile Me Fusion,” which allows for syncing across multiple (mac) desktops. Also, Mobile Me will drop from $99/yr & $149/yr to $49/yr and $99/yr respectively.

• WWDC - June 09
  • They need to show off Snow Leopard - and announce a launch date (probably october)
  • They need to reveal the new Mac Pro & Cinima Displays
  • They’ll be shipping developers a new iPhone SDK for an upcoming OS update…

• Mobile Event in Late-Summer 09
  • New iPhone - more storage - same price - in both black & white
    • 16GB - 199
    • 32GB - 299
  • Netbook
    • Very MacBook Air-like, except with a smaller screen.
    • OPTIONAL 3G Plan with AT&T

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Overall, I think these are all things that’d be smart moves which would really help Apple in sales and growth. I have a lot more ideas, but I’ll save them for another day.

Thanks for Reading,
Chris