Macworld San Francisco 2009

We already know that Steve Jobs is not planning to make an appearance and that Apple is not planning on participating in future events. This suggests that Apple is likely to save its most important announcements for 2009 for its own events, rather than Macworld. 

Here are the highlights of Apple rumors for MacWorld:

• New iMac and Mac mini - The latest versions of Mac OS X include references to NVIDIA-based iMacs and Mac minis. The NVIDIA chipsets were just introduced into Apple’s notebook line and promise faster graphics hardware for these new models. Rumor suggest that updated iMacs with Quad-Core processors are in the pipeline, and that updated Mac minis will support up to 4GB RAM and dual monitors. More powerful Mac minis would be welcome – but Apple doesn’t sell what you want, they sell what they think you will want in the future. 
• 17″ MacBook Pro – Fixed Battery - Aside from adopting the NVIDIA chipset and aluminum unibody design, the most notable change expected is the elimination of a removable battery. While most people may not have to replace their batteries, the change would be a real inconvenience for power users that do have to change or replace their batteries. 
• iLife ‘09. iWork ‘09 - Apple may make a major effort to turn portions of their iLife and iWork products into Internet services. This would allow some or all of iWork and iMovie to be accessed from your web browser and possibly your iPhone. 
• GarageBand – Apple may begin selling “celebrity music lessons” to GarageBand customers.
• iPhone and iPhone Nano – few expect major iPhone announcements at MacWorld
• Cinema Displays / Mac Pros / Home Media Server / Tablet or PDA – no confirmation on rumors for these items. 

All in all – it seems likely to be a fairly quiet MacWorld, with Apple saving its big ammo for its own events. 

I’d like to see updated minis, an Apple TV update that turns the system into an iPhone-like software platform, as Apple did and some sort of expandable media server. 

What do you expect from Apple at Macworld? Anything that will affect how you make music?

Macworld’s first-ever Music and Technology Symposium will bring together some of the most cutting-edge and multi-talented artists on the Mac, including producer COUNT (DJ Shadow, Radiohead, Halou), guitarist Joe Gore (Tom Waits, PJ Harvey), producer/composer Walt Szalva of Planet-3 Studios (Neil Young, Paul McCartney), and musician, circuit bender, and writer Chachi Jones (Robotspeak, TapeOp). The event will be hosted by Peter Kirn, editor of createdigitalmusic.com and contributing editor at Keyboard Magazine.

“This year at Macworld, we can do what we enjoy most as musicians: go beyond the technology and really talk about making music,” says Kirn. “We’ve got a group of unique artists who represent some of the endless diversity of musicians on the Mac. I’m excited to be part of the best Macworld yet for music lovers.”

The day-long symposium, from 9:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, will feature discussions, mini performances, live demos, questions and answers, and tips and advice for beginners and gurus alike. Five speakers have been confirmed, with some additional “surprise guests” anticipated. The Music Technology symposium is one event in a week packed with events for musicians, including live performances and demos onstage on the show floor and workshops from leading Mac experts.

To register for the symposium and learn more about the show at Macworld Conference & Expo.