Year of the Notebook:

Steve Jobs declared the year to be pivotal for Apple’s focus on notebook computers. He highlighted the company’s impressive market performance, stating that while the industry average for notebook sales stood at 24-25% of all PCs shipped, Apple outperformed with 42%. This indicates that Apple was leading the industry transition towards more portable computing solutions.

Innovation in Design and Features:

Jobs introduced two groundbreaking models: the 17-inch and the 12-inch PowerBooks. The 17-inch model was notably only one inch thick, a feat he emphasized was hard to achieve through engineering. This model also boasted a backlighted keyboard with ambient light sensors. Comparatively, competitors like Toshiba and Hewlett-Packard had thicker and heavier models.

Performance Upgrades:

Jobs unveiled new versions of both the 17-inch and the 12-inch PowerBooks. The 17-inch model now featured a 1.33 GHz G4 processor, 512K onboard L2 cache, up to 2GB memory, and a Radeon Mobility 9600 graphics chip. This was all while reducing the price. The 12-inch model was revamped to have a 1GHz G4 processor with 512K L2 cache, 1.25GB maximum memory, and NVIDIA GeForce FX GO 5200 graphics chip.

Customer-Centric Features:

The 12-inch model, in response to customer demand, now included a DVI connector. This allowed users to connect the notebook to Apple’s cinema displays and other DVI compatible monitors. Both the 12-inch and 17-inch models were also updated with USB 2 ports and had varying storage options, making them highly adaptable and user-friendly.

Immediate Availability:

Steve Jobs announced that the new and improved 17-inch and 12-inch PowerBooks were available for purchase immediately, indicating Apple’s preparedness to meet market demand swiftly.

This discussion underscores Apple’s strategy to lead the notebook market through continuous innovation in design, features, and performance, all while listening to their customer base.

Introduction of the 15-Inch PowerBook:

Steve Jobs announces the addition of a 15-inch model to Apple’s PowerBook lineup, describing it as a “great machine” with a 15.2-inch display. He emphasizes the slim design, measuring 1.1 inches in thickness and 5.6 pounds in weight. This makes it a middle option between the existing 12-inch and 17-inch models.

Technical Specifications:

The 15-inch PowerBook features a 1.25 GHz G4 processor with a 512K cache, up to 2GB of 333MHz DDR memory, and Radeon Mobility 9600 graphics with 64MB of DDR memory. The notebook also includes a 2X SuperDrive and a DVI connector for extended display options.

Connectivity Features:

The notebook is fully equipped with multiple connectivity options including FireWire 800 and 400, dual USB 2 ports, Airport Extreme, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 56K modem.

Price and Availability:

There are two models, one priced at $1,999 and the other at $2,599. The more expensive model comes with a lighted keyboard and Airport Extreme built-in, while these features are optional for the cheaper model.

Strategic Positioning:

Jobs emphasizes that this new 15-inch model completes Apple’s strongest notebook lineup in its history. With 12-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch options, he believes that Apple can soon balance sales between portable and desktop units, aiming to continue Apple’s industry-leading focus on notebooks.

Legacy of the Titanium PowerBook:

Jobs mentions that the Titanium PowerBook, introduced nearly three years ago, set a standard in the notebook industry that competitors have yet to match. It was the first widescreen notebook and remained a benchmark until the release of the new PowerBooks.

Year of the Notebook:

Jobs reiterates that this is “clearly the year of the notebook for Apple and its customers,” with the company offering a range of sizes to suit various needs. He believes that the strong lineup will help Apple maintain its lead in the transition to portable computing.

Introduction of Wireless Peripherals:

Steve Jobs announces Apple’s new wireless mouse and keyboard, fulfilling a long-standing customer request. The company took extra time to design these products to ensure they met quality standards.

Bluetooth Technology:

Both the mouse and the keyboard use Bluetooth technology, which is an industry-standard wireless connection. Jobs emphasizes that Apple deliberately avoided using a proprietary wireless standard, opting for Bluetooth for its numerous benefits.

Range and Interference:

One of the key features is a 10-meter range, which is longer than most other similar products. The devices use adaptive frequency hopping, making them resistant to interference from other wireless products, such as cell phones and microwaves. This makes the products ideal for crowded environments like classrooms and offices.

Security Features:

The wireless mouse and keyboard feature 128-bit encryption to ensure the security of users’ data. This ensures that what is being typed remains confidential, adding another layer of security for users.

Product Design and Battery Life:

The mouse has a switch to cover the optics and turn off the mouse to conserve battery while in transit. It uses standard two AA batteries, offering a three-month battery life with normal usage. The full-sized keyboard uses four AA batteries and boasts a nine-month battery life. Both devices have built-in software to notify users when the batteries are low.

Compatibility and Portability:

The products are compatible with Mac OS X 10.2.6 or later and integrate seamlessly with Apple’s new Bluetooth-equipped notebooks. They are particularly designed to complement Apple’s portable PowerBooks, allowing users to easily carry them along.

Pricing and Availability:

The wireless mouse and keyboard are priced at $69 each, aiming for aggressive pricing. They will be available for purchase in two weeks, aligning with Apple’s strategy to provide a complete and user-friendly ecosystem for its customers.