From a price/performance perspective, the Mac mini is an amazing computer; maybe the most amazing computer Apple's ever made. It's like a full-featured demo of a Mac: giving you access to all the features, and maybe leaving you hungrier for more. Picture a tray of minis at a supermarket, with little toothpicks sticking out of them.

No dual-core processors, and still short of 3 GHz, but there's some good stuff

Tiger is just a couple days away from being released into the wild, so everyone will finally get the chance to see all it can do. Developers inspired by what they see will now have the chance to take that inspiration to WWDC 2005 and continue through May 6th to save $300 off registration.

It's the little things that make the 4G iPod better than its predecessors. There's the capacity, of course, and the improved battery life, the slim shape...all the obvious things they've improved. But use one of these devices and you'll appreciate some of the less noticeable improvements.

Apple Computer has posted information regarding the Hands-on Labs scheduled for this year's WWDC. The hands-on labs provide powerful opportunities to work one-on-one with Apple engineers to get your problems solved and your questions answered. Bring your laptop and consult directly with the Apple engineering teams that created Mac OS X.

This year's WWDC includes a new feature called "Brown Bag Lunches with O'Reilly," a series of lunchtime sessions moderated by some of the hi-tech industry's most notable celebrities. There's something here for everyone, from the high end software developer to those simply interested in podcasting. And here you thought the WWDC was just for the pros. Check out the Brown Bag schedule to learn how the WWDC can help even novice Mac users get the most out of their computers...and learn new ways to make money doing what you love.

With the purchase of a new 4G iPod 20GB for my wife, I also found myself in need of a new case. Because while the iPod may be many things--elegant, easy-to-use, and quite possible Apple's greatest product ever--one thing it is not is scratch resistant. So without further ado, we present the contenders...

Learn from the pros with the WWDC 2005 Student Program. Worldwide Developers Conference 2005 is taking place June 6-10, and all ADC Student members are eligible to apply for a scholarship to participate in the WWDC 2005 Student Program. WWDC scholarship recipients enjoy a unique learning experience with full access to WWDC sessions and events, as well as exclusive student activities.

More moaning and grumbling that iPods are ruining city life by creating barriers to communication and blah blah blah. But is it just sour grapes?

The copyright wars revisited

Apple has announced several price breaks for those who register early for the 2005 Worldwide Developers Conference . Those who register online before April 22, 2005 can save hundreds of dollars on the price of admission to the premier Mac programming event.