MacNotables #832 [40:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen tantalizes us with what he thinks we will and won’t see at Apple’s September 9 “Let’s Rock” special event in the way of iPods. A new widescreen iPod nano? An enhanced iPod Classic? New features for the iPod touch? Chris talks about the viability of all of these, why more features dictate performance compromises, and his thoughts on what should happen to iTunes to make it a bit more approachable. Not just an iPod guy, Chris also talks about his newest title from lynda.com that covers MacOS X 10.5 Leopard “Beyond the Basics,” and some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of producing a top-notch training video. On a more personal note, Chris also shares some news about personal acquisitions, and why we may soon introduce him as a banjo hero (yes, *banjo* hero).
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 MacNotables #818 [41:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Andy Ihnatko shares his experiences from the Conference on World Affairs in Colorado, ranging from his panel appearances with James “The Amazing” Randi discussing “bizarre beliefs” to why this is a very different kind of conference from every angle. Andy also discusses the Eee PC, how it compares with the MacBook Air and iPhone, what it offers and why it may be a viable mobile computing alternative…if you have the right expectations. We wrap up with some thoughts on the newest round of iPhone knock-offs and why Andy doesn’t feel they are relevant, no matter how pretty they look.

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 MacNotables #805 [26:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When he left Macworld Conference & Expo, Jim Dalrymple of Macworld was just getting started. Jim joins us from Hollywood (yes, Hollywood) to talk about his recent adventures, including spending time backstage with Ozzy Osbourne, hanging out with Slash at The NAMM Show backstage and partying with the stars at The Grammy Awards. But it wasn’t all fun and games: Jim talks about how Macs have an ever expanding presence at NAMM, and why, “Macs are it,” at the Grammys. Jim also discusses the reception he received at both shows as a Macworld editor, and why we may have to call him “Mr. Dalrymple” from now on.

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 MacNotables #804 [33:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Robin Williams stops by the Peachpit booth on the show floor at Macworld Expo to tape a live MacNotables session with Chuck Joiner. Robin provides some thoughts on Leopard and the fact that many vendors are writing programs and features into their products that are only for Leopard users. Robin chats about the different audiences for her two Leopard books, The Little Mac Book, Leopard Edition and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Peachpit Learning Series, both from Peachpit, why her mom should be doing Apple commercials, the challenges of upgrading computer books, and why she considers herself more a teacher than a writer.

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 MacNotables Listener Update - Macworld Expo 2008 [03:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

MacNotables’ host Chuck Joiner provides a brief listener update on the MacNotables’ schedule for Macworld Conference & Expo 2008, inviting friends and listeners to stop by any of the taping or presentation sessions, whether they are MacNotables’ functions or the individual sessions and presentations of the panel members. Chuck also invites everyone to the MacLevelTen Meeet-Up on Tuesday night at Expo.

 

 MacNotables #801 [14:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dennis Sellers starts the MacNotables’ New Year off with a discussion of his Macsimum Macworld Coupon Book, and how it can save money for Expo show-goers as well as those who have to stay at home. Dennis also talks about his approach to covering this year’s Expo and reveals why you won’t be able to miss him on the show floor this year.

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 MacNotables #777 [46:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Macworld Conference & Expo is the year’s biggest Mac event, and that means that it presents unique challenges for all Mac journalists, including the members of the MacNotables panel. Christopher Breen, Adam Engst, Dan Frakes, Ted Landau and Chuck Joiner discuss those challenges and provide an inside look at how they each approach the show. Submitting information early, demonstration copies, printed documentation, press conferences, scheduled appointments, stop-by meetings and more all get the MacNotables treatment, and the panel wraps up with some specific comments on how to get the most from each of them if your company is releasing a product at Expo.

Christopher Breen	Dan Frakes	Adam Engst
Ted Landau	Chuck Joiner

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 MacNotables #776 [43:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tonya Engst of TidBITS and Take Control delivers an inside look at the challenges of being an Apple-focused journalist, especially over the past few months. Tonya discusses the top 3 “time sinks” of that time period and the impact they have had on TidBITS, Take Control and even MacNotables. Keeping up on all the new products and upgrades from Apple can be difficult, but it is an even bigger challenge for those in the business of providing the references we all use. Tonya talks about why it is so hard to let opportunities to by, and starts the MacNotables’ discussion of how vendors can work with Mac journalists to more effectively cover their products in the information maelstrom that is Macworld Conference & Expo.

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 MacNotables #761 [38:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Adam and Tonya Engst provide some insight into Apple’s handling of the iPhone price drop controversy, citing examples from Apple’s past at how the company has handled similar situations. The couple go on to discuss the new iPod line-up and what they would like to see in the ideal iPhone/iPod device, the Wi-Fi Music Store, how the Starbucks connection may be the first example of location-based services and more in the “Get Off My Lawn” edition of MacNotables.

Tonya Engst	Adam Engst	Chuck Joiner

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 MacNotables #760 [48:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jim Dalrymple of Macworld checks in following Apple’s music event to share his insights into the latest product announcements from Apple, as well as some current events and where it all fits into the big picture. Jim discusses the importance of Apple’s new Wi-Fi Music Store in a market that is moving increasingly to instant gratification, and compares and contrasts the new iPod touch with the iPhone. Jim and Chuck take a couple detours on the costs of the Mac platform vs. others and how to save money when purchasing a Mac, then come back on track to discuss NBC’s decision to leave the iTunes Store in favor of Amazon in this, “The Way It Should Be” edition of MacNotables.

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