Reporter's Notebook: Mini iPod prices and Mac BU's timeline
January 8, 2004 - 04:02 PST   by Dennis Sellers - The new iPod Minis are certainly cool, but the constant refrain I'm hearing around the Moscone Center is that they're just too expensive. Unless size is crucial, almost everyone with whom I'm spoken asked why they would pay $249 for a 4GB iPod when they can get a 15GB version for only $50 more. Apple's position, according to an article in yesterday's USA Today, is that the Mini's expensive components make it "tough" to sell for less than $249. That's Apple CEO Steve Jobs' take. However, tech analyst Michael Gartenberg told USA Today that he expects Apple to gradually lower the price, and I tend to agree.

Some other miscellaneous MWSF musings:

One of the coolest things about the Microsoft's MacBU booth at Macworld Expo this week is the "wall" showcasing the 20-year history of the Mac and Microsoft. For instance, did you know that Word 1.0 actually debuted on the Mac first before being offered on the PC? The wall at the MacBU booth shows such tidbits and others from Microsoft's 20-Year history of developing software for the Mac. In fact, if you're still at the show, you can visit the Microsoft booth to see the timeline and have a chance to play around with Word 1.0 on Macs of different ages. There's also an online story about this history.

It was great fun appearing in the User Group Lounge yesterday and spending an hour speaking with fellow Mac users. It gave me a chance to talk about MacMinute and what I'll be doing here. As usual, I had nothing in the way of a speech planned; I just chatted and answered questions. And, as always, Chuck Joiner, editor-in-chief of the MUG Center, rewarded me with a stash of Hershey bars (Chuck's from Hershey, PA).

I've also enjoyed my interviews for Inside Mac Radio (thanks, Scott Sheppard, for the invite). I certainly don't feel my voice, with its thick Southern accent, is well suited for radio. But perhaps listeners won't run screaming from my comments.

It's also been a pleasure seeing the Mac Design gang, including two folks whom I've known practically forever: Dave Moser and Scott Kelby.

One of the funkiest things I've seen is a USB powered, tiny massaging device at the MacAlly booth. However, I've been unable to get any information on whether it's available – and, if so, how much it costs.

I've also found another good place for expo attendees to catch some breakfast: the Mason Café between the O'Farrell and Geary intersection. Try the ham and cheese omelet. It's a winner.

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