Apple Releases Everything

Apple held an event today and released a new version of everything they make. Well, not quite, but pretty close. This year has previously seen the release of iBooks Author, OS X 10.8, iOS 6, the 15" Retina MacBook Pro, new AirPort Express, updated AppleTV, iPad 3rd Generation, iPhone 5, new iPod nano and new iPod touch. I might even be missing something.

Today Apple added the 13" Retina MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Retina iPad 4th Generation, iBooks Author 2.0 and the all new iPad mini to the list. This product list is really crazy and it leaves almost nothing in the line untouched for 2012.

Anyone who reads this blog has probably already seen a link to a favorite post of mine from Asymco showing Apple Capital Expenditures for 2012. The last chart in the post is particularly mind blowing. I think we're getting a sense for what that extreme level of spending is enabling Apple to build.

I'd encourage you to visit Apple and just look around a bit.

October 23rd

Apple will hold an event on October 23rd according to ​Jim Dalrymple at The Loop. With additional rumors of a revised iPad, Mac Mini, iMac, 13" Retina MacBook Pro and further information about iBooks, it's shaping up to be a very busy fall for Apple.

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone paying attention to Apple and the final chart in this analysis by Horace Ded​iu. Apple is going to be building a lot of stuff.

The Best Computer Ever?

Marco Arment writes about his experience using the Retina MacBook Pro while on vacation from his beloved Mac Pro.​

I'm dying to get a Retina model Apple computer, but seeing as my 15" MacBook Pro is only a bit more than a year old, it will be a little while. I think it will work out great in the end. By the time I'm ready to pull the trigger, SSD storage in usable capacities will fall drastically in price and the UI lag will disappear.​

Progress.​

Something's Missing

Apple has never been shy about eliminating technologies from their products they feel are obsolete, or soon will be. The list is long. The floppy disk, VGA ports, optical disks, replaceable batteries, and ethernet ports are but a few.​ There was much gnashing of teeth when each was eliminated. In most cases, the function of each was replaced by a superior technology or an available adapter. I've had little sympathy for the complainers.

There is however a missing feature on the new Retina MacBook Pro that escaped my attention, and I've never heard it mentioned elsewhere. Scott Kelby blogs about the missing feature today. It's a 0.275" x 0.125" slot in the casing of computer, and it can be all that prevents your MacBook Pro from walking away if you turn your back on it for a few seconds. It's a Kensington slot.

Apple made a terrible decision to omit a necessary​ security feature present in every computer available on the market. It's a decision that needs to reversed immediately. Until it is, there will be no Retina MacBook Pro in my future. No matter how large the puddle of drool gets below my mouth.

The Price of Progress

There has been a lot of complaining about the lack of upgradability with Apples recent products. It began with batteries in the iPod, iPhone and Macbooks. It arose again when the MacBook Air was launched. The most recent target is the new retina display MacBook Pro. iFixit really doesn't like the new design, in part no doubt because Apple's choices directly affect their bottom line.

Nick Chaves takes to his blog to lend his voice to the issue. I'm inclined to agree with his opinion even though part of me will miss the ability to upgrade components later. I've done it numerous times with hard drives, RAM and most recently by removing the optical drive in my MacBook Pro to add an SSD. Most consumers however, will never undertake such a task.

Apple is once again catering to the 80%. Take an extra minute before you order your new laptop and be sure to order it the way you want to use it. Then just use it and enjoy all the benefits Apple's current design decisions yield.

Hat tip to Daring Fireball.