Returning To My Vomit

No, it's not what you think. Although, as happens at many trade shows, I was over SERVED a couple of times I'm not talking (this time) about "riding the porcelain bus." What I mean is: "As a dog returns to his vomit - so have I returned to MacWorld."

Ah, MacWorld - it's one of THE most "interesting" people watching shows I've attended. It's also one of the only places in the US you can see people using a computer while wearing a kilt.

A leather kilt.

With a talking sign belt buckle.

Not kidding.

Welcome to MacWorld - take your fan and leave! The show itself was OK. There was new technology and software, and some of the same old crap with a new version number.

To say the attendees were all in a titter about the iPhone would be an understatement. That thing does do a great demo. But it doesn't exist. You can't buy it. You can't touch it. In fact, Apple only had ONE in a circular glass case that you could look at. Even then there was about 150-250 people around that display at any one given time.

I didn't understand that until I went to the web site and it says: "This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained." Hmmmm.... interesting.

I tried to track down the product marketing manager, and lead developer - to ask them if the phone would have a JVM (Java Virtual Machine) - because if it did - and the phone really WAS a "full version" of OS X - that would mean that Servoy would run natively on it.

Which would be cool - to say the least. The answer: "No comment." When asked if it is really a "full version" of OS X they said "As far as I know... probably... no comment." You have to keep in mind these guys probably:

• Haven't slept in 4 days
• Have had the same questions asked 4,000 times
• Have been told to keep their mouth shut
• Have been told to not speculate on non-shipping hardware
• ETC

We'll just have to wait and see on the iPhone. I may just buy one when they come out - you never know.

The next big thing - besides iAnywhere bringing out SQL Anywhere 10 for MacIntel - was the Apple TV appliance. OK, so it's a Mac Mini with wireless that lets you stream stuff to your TV. Nice, but something that only a true hard-core Mac person would love. I liked it, not loved it. There won't be one in my house any time soon.

The BEST part of MacWorld was hanging out with the iAnywhere guys - and going to the Backbeat Media party in style. It was, well... ummm... no comment.

Thought For Today: What happens in San Francisco, stays in San Francisco... and Brenda, that Henna tatoo will wear off in a few days...