iTunes 8 HD video - Requires Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz

Apple's new iTunes 8 has hefty requirements. If you want to watch iTunes HD on a Mac (or a PC), you need at least a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo CPU. That means that all Mac minis except for the latest top of the line model are excluded. In fact, Apple's entry level Mac mini being sold now doesn't even meet these requirements. Some older MacBooks, Intel iMacs, and even some MacBook Pros don't meet the requirements either.

Fortunately, I sold my old 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook (not Core 2 Duo) last month. I am using a G4 800 iBook for the time being. I'll probably buy a new MacBook in 2009, but I won't rule out buying a new one in 2008 should Apple release a super-duper new model this year.

Let's Rock - a letdown, but Jobs still alive

Apple's "Let's Rock" media event was a rare misfire for Apple. The press seemed universally underwhelmed by the event, as predicted by analysts.

Apple released a bunch of new iPods (including a volume button-endowed iPod touch... finally), iTunes 8 with HD media (including from NBC), ear canal headphones, and not much else. The markets were pretty much indifferent to the announcement. Yesterday AAPL dropped in anticipation of the event, the opposite direction of the general market. Today AAPL fell in-line with the greater market, and closed at 151.68, down almost 4%.

There was one highlight to the event however, and that was Jobs' succinct statement about his health: "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Bloomberg's obituary for Jobs was just a little premature.