Apple has been taking it on the chin for their lack of recordable CD-ROM technology in the Mac product line. The user-friendly computer maker has totally ignored the technology that is arguably most important to new computer users in favor of adopting DVD-RAM which is more of a storage and backup format – and a slow and expensive one at that. All you have to do is look at the success of Napster and the overall popularity of MP3s to realize that burning CDs is a mainstream phenomenon.
When Apple ignored CD-R technology, third party vendors were more than happy to satisfy the feeding frenzy in the market. PowerBook users were quick to gobble up MCE’s expansion bay CD-RW drive, an indispensable accessory for the road warrior on your list, and Apple is likely to follow suit with internal offerings in next month’s updates to the professional PowerBook and desktop G4 models.
MacDirectory looks at the implication of Apple’s new found focus on the CD-RW drive and what it means to consumers.
Apple is working overtime to get in tune with consumers. Stung by slow sales, the Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker is looking at options for incorporating the technology for recording CDs. To date, Apple has focused on putting DVD drives into its computers and giving people the ability to play or edit video. However, consumers are showing a greater desire for CD-RW drives, which let them burn music CDs.
