I was unable to actually watch the streaming video of the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco today but I did constantly check the Mac sites and read about each new item as it was introduced. I’m not all that jazzed with the new hardware offerings but the software has me interested. Here are some highlights and if you are not a Mac fan you can skip this post.

Apple introduced the Mac mini today. It’s a basic computer that doesn’t come with a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. It also doesn’t come with the latest processor. It only has a G4. It has very little expandability as well. I guess that’s why it only costs $499. I’m not sure I know who this computer will be marketed to. Unless you already have the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you’ll be spending a lot more on this computer then you think. I like the small footprint and the cool style of it but I won’t be buying this anytime soon. I think it should have been built with at least a low-level G5 processor.

Apple introduced the iPod shuffle today, too. It’s a flash-based iPod that can hold either 120 songs or 240 songs. It has no screen to see what’s playing or anything for that matter. It is very light and does work seamlessly with your current iTunes. Besides being light, I can’t see why I would buy this either. It’s cool looking and has lots of accessories but just not for me. I like having my entire library on my iPod. I’m sure there are many people who will buy this and update it daily with their current favorite tunes to listen during the day but I’d rather have it all at hand to pick and chose as I wish. And I think it’s a bit pricey for the 1GB edition. They are asking $149 for that model. You can get the 512mb version for $99 though.

iLife ’05 was updated today. Each title in the grouping was updated to the ’05 version. Most got major updates but iTunes was only slightly updated. The new iPhoto looks really good as well as the new iMovie HD. I have used iPhoto since it was first released. I really like its organization and it’s exporting abilities. It looks like the new update is even better in these areas. Also, the book feature has been changed significantly with new sizes and soft cover options. I know I’ll be using this feature more. I already ordered my copy and it should be here by January 22nd. I can’t wait to update my current versions.

iWork is a totally new application that includes Keynote 2.0 and Pages. Keynote is a PowerPoint type program for presentations. I have used it before but very little. The new version looks to be much of the same with few additions. What I’m excited about though is Pages this is the replacement for Appleworks. I’ve used Appleworks for years and years and I have many, many files already in the Appleworks format. According to the web site, I should have no problem importing those documents and changing them to the Pages format. I like this feature. Also, this is a much more robust word processor then Appleworks ever was. I’m looking forward to using it and taking advantage of all its abilities. Of course, when I ordered iLife ’05, I ordered iWork too!