So what's new? Well, as usual, intricate accuracy of the rumors proved to be true: new iMacs with slight redesigns and brighter, larger displays, updated Mac minis (including a Mac OS X server option), a newly designed MacBook and a new multi-touch mouse (which was rumored early in the month) that will finally free Mac users from the Mighty Mouse's impossible-to-keep-clean clutches.
New iMacs
The new iMacs feature larger, 16:9 displays (previous displays were 16:10) in either 21.5" or 27" in size. The new displays are brighter and use high-end IPS panels and LED backlighting.
The new iMacs also feature faster processors (including the ability to use the Intel Core i5 or i7 in built-to-order models shipping in November), more RAM and better connectivity options.
The 21.5" iMac starts at $1199 US.
New MacBook with 7-hour Battery
Although the MacBook has had its share of hardware updates over the last three and a half years, the design for the entry-level white MacBook has remained unchanged. Today Apple has updated the MacBook from top to bottom.
The new MacBook features a built-in battery that last up to 7 hours on a single charge (the same technology is available in the MacBook Pro laptops) and now features an LED backlit screen and the glass mutli-touch trackpad also introduced in the unibody MacBook Pros.
The price is still $999, but it sports a faster processor and larger hard drive, in addition to the new design.
Magic Mouse
Apple bills the Magic Mouse as the world's first multi-touch mouse. It is included with every new iMac and available separately for $69.
The Bluetooth mouse has a multi-touch top surface and the mouse itself is the button. From the video demonstration, it looks like they've take then multi-touch gestures from the iPhone and the unibody MacBook Pros and translated it into a pointing device.
What Do You Think?
In yesterday's earnings call, Apple executives stressed that the new products in the pipeline would be value-driven and that gross margins were expected to be lower (meaning Apple would make less money on each item). The new products announced today have more features and newer technology, but remain priced the same as the older products.
As for me? I can't wait to see if this guy comes to Starbucks with a new 27" iMac.