Just as we are unwinding after the iPhone 5 announcement last month and playing with our new toys, we have another big event to look forward to. On October 24th at 6am New Zealand time, Apple will be having another keynote presentation.
The iPad Mini is widely rumoured to be the major product announced but there is more! New Versions of the iMac, Mac Mini and the 13inch retina display MacBook are also rumoured to feature at the keynote.
Read on to see the details.
Above is a copy of the invitations that were sent out for the keynote presentation, Apple is always very clever with these invites. The statement saying “a little more” clearly links to the iPad Mini.
The Mini has been the top subject of my writing recently so to see of all my opinions and details about the possible product, check out this. But the main point to note is that it will most likely have a 7.85inch screen.
Because the iPad Mini will be targeted towards the e-reading market, ibooks will most likely be a big focus of the presentation. The super-cool kiwi designed e-reading App called Booktrack that I wrote about earlier this year will be loving the prospect of a huge increase in potential customers.
The launch date of the iPad Mini is said to be November the 2nd, obviously it will take another few weeks to hit the New Zealand shores.
The Mac mini has been around for a while but has not been updated recently. The design of the Mac mini has not been updated for over a year now so this is a very welcome announcement. 9to5Mac is reporting that:
Mac minis will come in two standard configurations, with different storage and processor options, and a third model that runs OS X Server.
It looks like it will keep the same design, just with internal updates. The Mac mini will be available immediately after its announcement
Another exciting thing that we might see at the presentation is the 13-inch MacBook Pro with retina display. Earlier this year Apple released the 15-inch Pro with a retina display, the 13-inch will follow the same design. MacBook Pros with retina display are slightly thinner and lighter than the older versions, check out the following picture for a comparison.
Why it took so long to bring out a 13-inch version, I have no idea, maybe they just wanted to save something for this presentation.
In terms of the difference between the retina display screen and the normal display, I’m undecided so far. I have never had an issue with the clarity or resolution of the Macbook screens but I suppose its worth it. Any comments from Macbook retina display users would be appreciated.
Lastly, a new version of the iMac is rumoured to feature at the presentation as well. 
MacRumors is saying that the design will be a significant upgrade and it will be thinner than the current model. Some may be released as early as the following day.
The iMac has carried virtually the same design through from 2007 so it will be interesting to see what they have done.
So there you have it, at 6am on November 24th (NZT) you can expect to hear about the iPad Mini, the Mac mini, the 13-inch retina display MacBook and the new iMac.
Personally, I’m most excited about the iPad mini but a newly designed iMac sounds great to, I’ve always wanted one, the new design might be enough to force a purchase.
Which product or update are you most looking forward to? comment below.
Something everyone seems to be forgetting but probably is assumed – will we see the launch of iTunes 11?? Also will they dedicate a section of the announcement to it again? I know apple loves to repeat the good things they release:-)
(jeffwk has made 19 comments)
If they are focusing the ipad mini at e-book reading, it would be nice to have full access to ‘iTunes Books’ here in NZ.
What are the reasons for it not being available here as it is in the US?
(ventura has made 12 comments)
We’re all playing with our toys, now, are we? Nup. Still waiting!
iPhone 5 64GB White & Silver (GSM)
Ships: 3 – 4 Weeks
Delivers 29/10/2012 – 02/11/2012 via Standard Shipping
Meanwhile, I’m not really in the market for anything new (other than getting my bleedin’ iPhone 5!) so am not too fussed about whatever they announce. I (will) have a brand new iPhone and an SSD-powered MBP of the pre-Retina generation.
I am looking forward to the reboot of iTunes and, as @ventura says, finally getting a proper iBooks store in NZ would be very much appreciated. Publishing houses aside, two people I know have published iBooks directly and I cannot buy them, there is no sensible reason why not.
(zkarj has made 48 comments)
Oops. I should add, I have an iPad 2 and although the Retina display is very appealing (I currently have an iPhone 4) I’m not rushing out to spend the money yet. Maybe the new, new iPad will be on my shopping list with next year’s bonus.
(zkarj has made 48 comments)
Paid iBookstore Content Going Live in New Zealand and 17 Latin American Countries YAY!
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/22/paid-ibookstore-content-going-live-in-new-zealand-and-17-latin-american-countries/
(Foose has made 18 comments)