Event of the Year 2005

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David M:

Definitely the various combinations. There were a few multi-faceted strategies that Apple set into this play this year.

1 : Video Strategy [>] Through the iPod with video and the TV shows and video support built into iTunes, Apple has started setting down a strong foundation for not only a whole new facet of technology, but also for the media center, discussed in strategy 2.

2 : Media Center Strategy [>] Apple has also started setting a strong foundation down for the integrated media experience throughout the home. The launch of the Mac mini started it out, setting Apple up with an affordable, yet relatively powerful computer. Then Apple came in with their video strategy, including photos, music, and dvds in Front Row. The next logical step for Apple is to push ahead boldly with a newer version of Front Row (possibly including DVR capabilities) bundled with the Mac mini.

3 : Intel and Xbox Presentation [>] This latest strategy is Apple's way of boldly pushing ahead. While Steve Jobs used to be much more conservative, he is now pushing forward. Using Intel is a greater move towards the rest of the computing move, as well as the Microsoft Xbox presentation running on a G5 Mac. Both of these are just the starting moves in a strategy towards the rest of the computing world.

Overall, these 3 strategies, represent Apple's core strategy for this year and the upcoming years.

Terra:
Easily scratched screens on expensive Apple toys.

Bernie Zenis:
Getting a 1.4 GHz upgrade for my old 400 MHz processor rocked my Mac world. Finally getting a copy of Panther (a month before Tiger was released) was pretty cool too.

Gino J. Piazza:
While I did think that Apple going the Intel route rocked the Macintosh world, I do think that the iPod Nano and the Video iPod were the two clear winners of 2005. I feel that the Macs that will be using Intel chips will be the winners for years to come.

Sinjin Purvin:
Two words: FRONT ROW.
A close second would of course be VIDEOS, whether on iTunes or video iPod, video podcasts or TV shows, this A/V push is a continuation of what started in iChat, and goes in the right direction for the future. They just need a personal DVR now..

Tad Mailander:
Momentum. Innovation. Savvy.
Apple's industrial design, combined with excellent marketing and business models in each product category, created a juggernaut in multiple market areas.

Deacon Nikolai Stanosheck:
iTunes supporting Podcasting made it go mainstream and has changed the world of the iPod with Pocasts and Videocasts now. While the other things are huge news, this has literally changed the world as we know it!

Ed Barnes:
Dropping Firewire from the iPod. Could be the beginning of the end for Apple Firewire support. The 'Apple goes Intel' is too obvious. The Firewire story is flying under the radar.

George Thayer:
It may not be the most influ for the masses, but it certainly was for me. Upgrades to Garage Band has upped the anty for my creative juices. I'm composing and recording a lot more music since the 05 update to GB.

Brady:
Even though the new iPods are a great invention and really do help Apple, Tiger I think, proves to everyone just how powerful a computer really can be, and I LOVE showing off to my friends, beyond not having my computer freeze up! Ha!

Betty Salmon:
Steve Jobs parody on Saturday night live, http://live.watchmactv.com/featured/snl/
So true. My iPod was obsolete as soon as I bought it—meaning that the price dropped. I still love it anyway.

Bogie:
The release of the incredibly bad and notoriously unfinished Aperture.

Jonny:
Either the original mac or the iMac of 1998, I think the latter of the two set a standard for where Apple was headed for the next 10 years. iTunes was also significantly important, because it could soon be a standard through the whole world. I told everyone it would happen eventually...

Tim Howey:
"Intel + Mac Mini =" If it doesn't backfire by allowing hackers to run OS X on cheapo PC's, I believe that Apple's embrace of Intel's power efficient processors will soon enable Apple to implement major changes in their line of professional level computers, potentially revolutionary machines with designs on par with the trend setting iMac and Mac Mini models. I'm picturing a Mac with the power of a G5 Quad in a form factor somewhat larger than the current Mac Mini - a product that will combine the shock of the switch to Intel with the "WOW - it's a real computer" reaction most folks have to the Mac Mini. Current "micro-tower" PC's are mainly low end machines, but I think that Apple may soon be changing that picture - I'm dreaming of a laptop sized Mac to take the place of my heavy & gigantic (but beautiful) G5, a computer small enough to integrate into almost any user environment, but one that can handle mainstream business & productivity applications with the same ease as multimedia & home theater duties...

Joey Stevens:
In my opinion, the introduction of Front Row on the new iMac G5s will turn out to be the most significant Apple event of 2005. Front Row is the first step towards the Mac becoming a digital media hub and has opened the door for future Mac computers (especially the Mac mini) to be marketed as all-in-one media solution to consumers. While the Mac as a Windows alternative is debatable by many users who have gotten comfortable with Windows over the years, the possibilities with digital media management could very well lead to Apple reclaiming the PC marketshare it held nearly a decade ago.

Dave Ulrich:
I believe the most significant event in the Macintosh world was the turning of the media tide. This year, Apple went from the scrappy innovator, to the industry leader... solely because the media declared it so. Apple continued doing what it has always done — create great must-have products. However, the media put it in a new light that changed everything from their stock value to their retail sales.

Edward Fuller:
I found Swift Publisher.... that was one solution I could not have done without. I was so tired of using Apple's Pages software, that I actually look forward to putting our newsletter together now.

Kurt Foster:
When Apple announced the switch from the classic OS to a Unix based OS. Caused a lot of anxiety in the Apple world.

Fausto Fernós:
PODCASTING!! This was the year of Podcasting. Podcasts will be and are considered by many a brand new medium, as well as decentralising the mainstream news media. It shows the power and influence of the iPod, and how's it's become a device that is bigger than apple itself.

Glenn Fisher:
Lack of viruses-spyware-adware etc. has caused the Macintosh world to be rocked by Windows users who finally "get it".

Ben Rosenthal:
Hell froze over. And the greater Mac community wonders when was the last time Steve thought he would never put an Intel processor in a Mac.

John Albert Reid:
"iTunes Upgrade" that included easy access to "Podcasting".

Blake Harris:
Apple is testing the waters regarding the iTunes store and video - this has huge implications for 2006 and beyond. Surely all the players in video markets are watching nervously - Tivo, Netflix, Blockbuster, etc., given Apple's success in reinventing the music industry for the digital era.

Mikael:
Aperture.

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