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The attitude on the show floor remains subdued, but generally positive. You really can tell, however, that there are fewer companies here than last. There are large areas at the back of each room that are obviously empty, whereas last year only one room had unused space. Apple has compensated somewhat as their display area is massive. Perhaps it was last year as well and I just didn’t notice because of their layout, but this year there’s a huge area in the middle for their presentations. It’s bigger than some actual movie theaters to which I’ve been lately, and it‚s almost always full.

Nothing has yet blown me away, so I’ll be curious to see what Macworld deems Best of Show. A lot of companies are showing off the same things they did last year, albeit with smaller booths. Aladdin Systems, for example has greatly reduced the size of their booth from last year’s “.sit happens” display.

ProCreate, on the other hand, has gone all out. They‚ve driven an 18-wheeler into the Javitz, and their main display is inside. I haven’t gone in yet...too many bad memories of those tractor trailer haunted houses at the county fair, perhaps? I’ll hit it today.

The gaming area seems to be the most popular outside of Apple’s. There’s an arcade of dozens of iMacs set up, and it’s always full of adults and kids alike trying out the new (and some not-so-new) games.

Outside the Javitz, you can see plenty of Apple bills promoting their Switch campaign. These seem to be more permanent fixtures, though, unlike last year when a lot of the promotion was just for the Expo.

But, they’re about to open the the exhibit floor so I’d better grab my pastry and head upstairs. Watch this space for more news.

Charles W. Moore

Cool Mac Gear