As Apple-watchers, we're pretty much compelled to keep an eye on rumors about future Apple hardware. That's why we're so indebted to Apple Insider for keeping us all up to date with their new report on internal Apple projects; much of the information we've seen before, but it's always nice to have all the data encapsulated in a neat little package. And at least some of the information is definitely news to us...

For instance, just yesterday we talked about a PowerBook 1400 that managed to survive a Kansas tornado, despite being "drenched in water;" when found, it was actually still running on battery power, and after being cleaned out and dried, it was as good as new. So was it a fluke that this seemingly ordinary PowerBook survived what should have been a short-circuiting watery grave? Maybe, maybe not. Apple Insider claims that one of Apple's current projects is a portable unit code-named "Dolphin," which is "rumored to be water resistant." Whether or not the ÜberBook that survived the tornado was a top-secret Dolphin precursor that accidentally got sold as a regular 1400 is, of course, purely a matter of speculation.

A water-resistant PowerBook... Wow, we've wanted one of those for years. Ever since we owned our first Duo, we lamented the fact that we couldn't use it while relaxing in the tub-- at least, not without risking a hefty financial investment and serious personal injury due to electric shock. We know, we know, the water-resistant Dolphin (if it's real at all) probably isn't meant to be submerged; it's more likely just to be resistant to accidental drink spills and the like. Still, we can dream, can't we?

Finally! "Redmond Justice" fans rejoice, as the show has officially scheduled a time slot for its return to the airwaves. According to a Reuters article, one of Judge Jackson's aides announced that, "barring some unforeseen delay," the show will resume with new episodes beginning on June 1st-- only two weeks away, and immediately following the three-day Memorial Day weekend. For those of us who have been waiting impatiently since the trial adjourned back in late February, it's like some sort of beautiful dream...

We're particularly excited about the June 1st date, because so many shows are just now airing their season finales, meaning that at least one kick-butt drama will be entertaining us with fresh material while everyone else commences the long, steady trek through rerunsville. For those of you who need a recap on the plot, both Microsoft and the government have finished with their twelve primary witnesses, and next up will be the presentation of three rebuttal witnesses for each side. Microsoft is calling AOL's David Colburn (as a hostile witness, no less-- oughta be some sparks flying there!), Gordon Eubanks of Oblix, Inc., and the ever-lovin' economist Richard Schmalensee. The government's line-up includes IBM's Garry Norris, "computer expert" Edward Felten, and another economist-- Franklin Fisher.

So that's that, and there's nothing left to do but wait. We're now seriously warming up to the theory postulated by many faithful AtAT viewers over the course of the past several weeks: "Redmond Justice" purposely extended its hiatus so as not to get drowned in the hype surrounding the Star Wars: Episode I premiere. By June 1st, the hullabaloo should fade to a dull roar and everyone's favorite courtroom drama can get the attention it so rightfully deserves. Is it any coincidence that the trial date was announced the day before the Star Wars premiere?

You know, here at AtAT we really think that Apple's hit on a very important concept in addressing the consumer computer market. There are many, many "normal people" out there who still don't own a computer, for whatever reason-- either they don't need one, think they don't need one, or are scared of them. It's those people that Apple wants to turn into iMac customers, and judging from these numbers that get thrown around about how a third of all iMac buyers have never owned a computer before, etc., it looks like Apple's succeeding admirably. Fundamentally, we think that what Apple's done is created a computer that shrugs off the traditional "I'm buying a computer" anxiety like it's a Teflon bathrobe on a greased pig. (Don't think about that analogy for too long, by the way-- we don't really know what it means, either.)

Basically, the iMac is an appliance. Lots of the fear-inducing factors inherent in buying a non-iMac computer go out the window; you don't have to choose what size hard drive, how fast a processor, how much RAM, or any of that stuff-- all you have to do is pick a color. It's brilliant. In that sense, buying an iMac is like buying a blender-- sure, it's an $1199 blender, but it's a blender nonetheless. Hassle-free computer purchasing: that's a big reason for the iMac's success among new buyers. This is why we were excited to see iMacs sold at Best Buy (shudder), and now Sears; the more the iMac shows up in the same stores where you can buy TV sets and food processors, the better it'll sell to all those people who still don't have a computer because "computers are too complicated."

What got us thinking about this was a MacWEEK article on the iMac's progress in Italy. There, fruit-flavored iMacs are on display in appliance stores like Mediaworld and Mondadori Informatica, which sell "vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, [and] refrigerators" in addition to consumer electronic gizmos. In that environment, the iMac's design makes it seem more like a futuristic television than a personal computer. The result? A whopping 40% of all iMac purchasers in Italy have never owned a computer before. And market share just keeps climbing...