Today Apple announced the new Mac mini powered by the Intel Core processors. They released a model powered by the single core processor (Intel Core Solo) and one powered by the dual core (Intel Core Duo) which also powers the MacBook Pro. Since they are converting all lines to the Intel processors this announcement was really just a matter of time. The availability of FrontRow is a nice touch but again not a big deal in my eyes.

The other item announced today was the iPod Hi-Fi, which is being pitched as a replacement for your high-quality stereo system and of course driven by your iPod. At $349 it better deliver on its promise to deliver "crystal-clear, audiophile-quality sound in a clean, compact design." Being an Apple product, I am sure the design part will be well received by the public, the true music fan will decide on the quality of the sound. Can it replace my stereo system? I don’t think so mostly because my music collection is not that extensive and I would like to be able to listen to FM/AM radio stations (at least have the option).

So there you have it, the February 28th announcement is not going to create a lot of headlines for the products announced, if nothing else it may hit the news websites because of the lack of fun products. At least, that is how I am receiving today’s news from Cupertino.

I had enough of this Microsoft Optical Wireless Mouse 2.0, it works when it feels like working and even then I get a delayed reaction once in a while. It makes for a very unsatisfying experience and using the trackpad for extended periods of time is not the most productive approach either. So, if you are using a great wireless mouse that would work well with a laptop please let me know. I am researching more about this one in case you already own it.

Not long ago Tivo provided its users the ability to make a request to record TV programs over the web. I had not used this feature before and since I forgot to schedule our Tivo to record the Mexico game (in case that I could not make it on time this evening) this seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the feature. wow, this was great, specially for those mornings when we are in a hurry and forget to program it before we leave the house.

The process is pretty simple, you simply log into the Tivo website and select the show you want to record. Since you have to "register" each box with the company, you are given the option to select which tivo you want to record this program. We only have one so that was an easy selection to make. You can also select the default recording setting, just like your have the machine set up at home or record the show with custom settings. The process ends up with placing a request to record the program and gives you the option to receive notification emails.

The part that I was a little nervous was the fact that the request would get to our Tivo next time it "called home" and since the game was tonight, I was not expecting the request would get processed in time. I am still not sure how often the PVR calls home during the day but when I checked, the game had been scheduled to be recorded just as if I had done it with the remote. Regarding the email messages, I received a message letting me know the request had been made and a second one confirming the request had been actually scheduled.

We still don’t use our Tivo to its full capacity (mostly because we can only watch and record one channel — we have an old tv!) but this feature alone is great. I also downloaded the software that allows you to view your shows on the computer over the weekend so that will be the next feature I try out.

If you have Windows XP and spend a lot of time infront of the computer, you should enable ClearType to give your eyes a break. It does take some getting use to it but your eyes will appreciate the change after a few days hours. Check out the image I uploaded for a visual view of the checkbox you are looking for.

• Go Control Panel>Display>Appearance>Effects
• Check Use the following method to smooth the edges of fonts.
• Select ClearType
• Click the ok buttons to close down the display property windows
• You are done!

ClearType is a software technology developed by Microsoft that improves the readability of text on existing LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), such as laptop screens, Pocket PC screens and flat panel monitors. With ClearType font technology, the words on your computer screen look almost as sharp and clear as those printed on a piece of paper.

Steve Jobs is doing the keynote address at MacWorld this very moment. Some good updates on the software side of Apple and now getting ready to talk about the hardware updates. In the mean time, the Apple store is closed for updates and the iTunes store is also part of the buzz machine.

update: regarding the Apple hardware, Jobs indeed anounced the availability of the iMac powered by the Inter Code Duo processor as well as the Macbook Pro line which is the Intel-powered replacement for the Powerbook line. The new laptops can be ordered today and available in February. More details through Google