Bryan Chaffin, editor-in-chief of Mac Observer, has just written a column that asks a question we were already asking ourselves. Namely, now that the iBook has arrived, what's Apple to do for an encore? For Bryan and a number of others, awaiting the iMac and the iBook has been about as good as it gets, anticipation-wise. The introduction of these two products has improved Apple's bottom line and laid the foundation for increased market share. Are there any other developments on the horizon that might carry as much or even more weight?

This week's deal with Samsung might be one example. Apple is investing $100 million in the Korean company to help Samsung boost flat-panel monitor production. Since Apple Computer can hardly produce more Macs by itself, this is seen as an emminently sensible and forward-thinking move on Apple's part. But even more such arrangements will be required if Apple is to produce all the computers it can sell, and Bryan doesn't expect the Samsung deal to be the last.

The MacObserver editor sees signs of life in the instant messaging collaboration with AOL, and so do we -- it feels like being invited to a big party from which one was previously excluded. (And any enemy of Microsoft. . .)

While Bryan may not have any huge new announcements to look forward to, this is only a temporary situation. In the meantime, won't it be satisfying to be "wowed by something that is not crucial to Apple's survival"? He places the expected Apple-branded Palm device in this category. But hey, it might come with AirPort! The adrenalin level starts rising again. . .take a look at "ACK! The iBook Is Here, What Can I Look Forward To Now?" and see what you think. Apple has accomplished a lot in the last year and a half. Now that the air of immediate crisis has passed, it's time for following through on execution and implementation. We think Bryan's 100% right to think that this will be just as exciting as the "big things." [And only a little harder to put on a poster! -- JHF]

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July 05, 2009