I just ran across a fun Apple site called AppleFritter. Clinging to unusual and exceptional of all classic things Apple, it is a fun site for the nostalgic Apple enthusiast to peruse.

Check it out at: http://www.applefritter.com/.

They’re doing some pretty wild things! Especially make a point to check out the forums.

Among the new announcements at the MacWorld Expo, Apple released the Mac mini. I haven’t been able to read any professional reviews or even examine the specs in detail myself, but it seems like a brilliant idea.

The key, of course, to this new child in the Mac family, is the price tag. Indeed, the price tag is what drew so many rumors and the ThinkSecret.com lawsuit fiasco. By Apple’s response, you would have thought that ThinkSecret.com spilled all the beans. But one element of the release that may seem simple–although simplicity is not to be underrated with a company known for its powerful leverage over simplicity–is the name of this new product.

Yes, naming it “Mac mini”, akin to the iPod’s younger sibling, the “iPod mini” is simply genius. Apple’s family of computers and MP3 players hasn’t looked more handsome in years. Have you read any articles suggesting that Apple should find ways to emphasize the success of the iPod by drawing iPod fans to Apple’s computer line? For those that the price point doesn’t draw in, the amazing size and style of the Mac mini will seal their fate.

And why not release a headless and affordable Mac? After all, converted Windows users won’t need the Mac to come with a monitor when they can just use their existing monitor from their now-defunct PC. ;-D

It’s enjoyable to read news and opinions about Apple in IT magazines–whether they are amicable or not–because it confirms that Apple is one of the “big boys”, eligible for the same criticism that all the other major tech companies receive.

This week, Apple receives commendation and condemnation in the same week: Commendation from Tom Yager for his great experiences with Apple hardware and software, condemnation from Ed Foster for its recent lawsuit against ThinkSecret.com.

Being that Tom Yager is the technical director for InfoWorld’s Test Center, his praises are something for Apple to be proud of. Read his praises in the article, Ahead of the Curve: Try as I might, I can’t wreck a Mac.

I hope it is believable when I say I am a bit underwhelmed by Mr. Foster’s article condemning Apple for its lawsuit against ThinkSecret.com. While nearly no Mac enthusiast is happy when Apple lashes out like this–especially when it is against “one of our own” in a Mac enthusiast site–we ought to recognize the validity of Apple’s concerns especially in this instance. If ThinkSecret’s reported rumors rang far too true to simply be rumors, Apple is wise for taking action and defending itself against unscrupulous individuals. Since such individuals keep themselves thoroughly concealed from Apple’s view, it is understandable that Apple pursue these individuals by attacking the organization that openly cooperated with such unlawful individuals. Anyway, enjoy his article at The Gripe Line: Apple As Big Brother.

While many Apple fans have rejoiced over Apple’s smashing success with the iPod, many of us have been worried. As unbelievable as it may have seemed to suggest, some of us just couldn’t keep the nagging concern down: Is Apple becoming an entertainment company, rather than a computer company? Fortunately, recent developments have quieted these concerns.

First, and least impressive (but still impressive nonetheless), is the release of Apple’s new iMac G5. Think about the evolution of the iMac. It changes processors and styles as frequently as Madonna’s music style changes, and just like Madonna, it seems to be successful every time it does so. From the original pod-like iMac G3, which was the catalyst to Apple’s renaissance, to the awesome LCD iMac G4, to the new, still flat, iMac G5, the iMac has experienced big changes, inside and out. The iMac G5 is no exception; like their website says, “Where did the computer go?” Indeed, now the entire computer is wrapped up in the monitor, making it practically a tablet made for the desktop. It is very reassuring to see that Apple’s innovation still exists in the Mac division.

Meanwhile, and more importantly, it is very encouraging to see that the iPod is actually helping Mac sales, especially iBook sales. How is that? Please take note of the USA Today article: Students crazy about iPod follow the music to Apple laptops. The article reports that many college campus stores have found that the success of the iPod has led many students to the Mac as their laptop of choice for the new school year. This brand recognition is exactly what we hope to see when a company so diverse in innovation as Apple has success in a new industry, even though we fear it will not happen. Because the potential is always there for the up-and-coming to kill the older, less exciting product line. So really all Apple fans can now rejoice as we see the brand recognition beginning to reap the dividends.

The snare that Apple still should astutely avoid is that of distraction and division from multiple focuses. It hurt Apple back in the day of the Newton MessagePad, but of course, that was without Apple’s wonderboy, Steve Jobs. Yet, Steve Jobs himself has acknowledged that his focus is sometimes split due to his heavy involvement with Pixar. Let’s hope Steve et al can multitask as well as Panther can. ;-D