Apple launches Web movie rentals, thin laptop

By Scott Hillis, Tuesday Jan 15, 2008


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) unveiled a lightweight laptop about three-quarters of an inch thick on Tuesday and said it would rent movies over the Web, moving the iPod maker into a very competitive market.

Shares of DVD rental rival Netflix Inc (NFLX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 2.5 percent to $22.20 and Blockbuster Inc (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research), the largest video rental chain, dropped 16 percent to $2.72.

But Apple shares also fell, by more than 6 percent to $167.64 in afternoon trading, as investors had expected both developments after widespread speculation.

"There wasn't the 'wow' factor from anything that Apple had to say today," said Michael James, senior trader at regional investment bank Wedbush Morgan in Los Angeles.


More at: Reuters.com

At this rate we'll all have to "go Apple Mac" if we're really into movies

Quote:

News Corp's 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Co, Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros, Viacom Inc's Paramount, General Electric Co's Universal, Sony Corp's Sony Pictures, Lionsgate MGM and New Line have all signed on to Web rentals

Steve Jobs looks quite smug and satisfied with his new notebook

SWEET

Makes ya want to get rid of all your computer and buy one right.....
I probably would have to sell all 8 of my computer to afford one....

I'm really not impressed with the Macworld showing, and I doubt that many people are. Some are probably more disappointed than anything since EVERYONE wanted to see a 3G iPhone and a small laptop that would replace the 12" Powerbook of yesteryear, but neither was fulfilled really. The new notebook is nice, but I'd probably stick with a Lenovo if I wanted portability as their X series is better IMO due to expandability.