Some professional photographers have excoriated Apple for removing the Express Card. It provides a path to eSATA connections for higher speed data transfers as well as for things that are not presently foreseen. They most assuredly do not want to lug around a 17 inch laptop in the field to gain this feature. Additionally, Apple have failed to offer the matte/non-glare screens (even as an option) that are simply essential to use in the field. (Yes, I have seen some of the shades that companies are offering for sale to try to make the screens viewable in less than perfect viewing conditions, but that is a matter of making lemonaide when….

This is not very “Pro” at all.

Oh, when was the last time you heard someone complaining that Apple had provided too many ports?

Looking forward to this quarter’s numbers.

I just enjoy following Apple from news to rumors. An interesting, refreshing company that is truly innovative. I don’t follow Microsoft or Dell because they are just dull and besides, just wannabees. Oh yes, I wish I had bought Apple at $13 a share a long time ago. No guts, no glory.

I remembered all the happenings like it was yesterday.

When Apple opened their first retail store in May 2001.
I said to myself “But, why???”
When Apple brought out an MP3 player in November 2001.
“But, why???”
When Apple broke the rumor with a public statement that a plan is underway to move from the PowerPC to x86 in June 2005.
“But, why???”
When Apple introduced a cell phone in June 2007.
“But, why???”

My answers came as I watched Apple stock crossed the $100 mark and read about the “billions and billions” in the bank from the quarterly statements.

I vividly recalled the “gigantic howl” when the iPhone was reduced by $200 in 2007? OK, maybe it was a bit soon after the introduction a few months back.

It has been a heckuva decade for Apple. With six months to go, may we see an “xPad?”

Apple has always strictly controlled its pricing so as to entice buyers up to the next level when possible, but always providing an amazing experience even at the bottom. The recent price reductions and feature upgrades were just more of what Apple has always done.

Every point in the lineup makes perfect sense, and while some might wish for something a little better, its always just a $200 stretch away.