With the annual Macworld Conference & Expo beginning today in San Francisco, plenty of new products will be unveiled. But in a time of belt-tightening, what do Apple products -- which are often pricier than those that are Windows-based -- have to offer small and midsize companies? And what else can growing businesses get out of Macworld?
When Apple announced just a few weeks ago that this would be its last appearance at the annual Macworld Conference & Expo, the company stated that trade shows were no longer its most innovative way to reach out to potential customers. If even Macworld's core company can't manage to find relevance in attending the expo, what is there for the rest of us?
Apple's retail stores have been gaining popularity, with 3.5 million visitors each week, according to Apple. But for those people who don't have an Apple retail store in their area and who actually want to see the products rather than just view them online, the Macworld -- going on through Thursday -- is the place for small and midsize companies to check out the latest offerings, including products that are compatible with Apple's, such as printers and cameras.
New Stuff At MacWorld Expo
What's anticipated at Macworld this year? "We're not expecting anything major," Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, told me. Bajarin is a consultant and analyst who covers technology. He noted that in previous years he'd be inundated with advanced briefings of new products and solutions, and this year he's received "almost none."
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"We'll see the latest printers, cameras, really good home servers," Bajarin said, "but nothing groundbreaking."
Next Page: What To See At The Macworld Expo
