The iPad doesn't use a netbook processor. The Atom architecture is an Intel thing and their entry into this market (called "Moorsetown") isn't anywhere near ready.

Apple bought a company called PA Semiconductor, which specializes in low power, SOC (System on Chip) architectures. The result is the A4, and combines the video and the CPU onto one chip. The video portion of the A4 uses the ARM Cortex architecture, which is the same architecture used by the Google Phone and nVidia Tegra. nVida Tegra is what's used in the Zune HD player, so the architecture supports HD.

The real challenge is compressing the signal received by the iPad so HD streams will at least work over WiFi speeds. I'm not sure it's such a big deal though. The iPad resolution is something like 1024x720 @ 320ppi. That will deliver a great picture, but I'm not sure it's HD quality.

Doesn't matter. This is an oven. Nobody cares about the resolution of their oven.

So some interesting announcements today.

I think I'm most intrigued by Apple TV. Unbelievable price point at $99, and one of the biggest flaws has been cured: the addition of an HDMI output. Assuming it all works smoothly, that's a great price, even if only used as a media extender. The same-day-as-dvd rentals are an interesting add-on. The $5.00 rental price, well I need to know more, namely, how long do you have to watch the movie? Still, I'll probably pick this up if only for the music capabilities.

Ipod touch. No surprise that it's basically an iphone 4 without the phone. Cool that it has facetalk I guess.

Ipod nano. I think this is the only real misstep of the day. Not sure a device this size needs a touchscreen, and I don't like the square shape. Seems like the previous generation rectangles would be more comfortable to hold and control. Then again, I'd need to hold it to really judge it.

Ipod shuffle: this has to be a first for apple, taking a step back and using an old design. That said, I think it's a very smart move. This is basically an ipod for exercising, and the first/current generation design is a lot better for workouts.

the old Apple TV had HDMI out too...

my bad, for some reason I thought the original Apple TV didn't do HD.

The EOL of the ipod classic was a shock, especially since there's no ipod now with half of the storage capacity. I guess 128 GB SSDs were too expensive for the touch.

they haven't EOL'd it yet actually... they just aren't updating the Classic, but they still plan to keep selling it.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/09...no_changes.html

Steve did say they were updating all the ipod models today in his speech, so...read between the lines.

he misspoke about a number of things during his speech tho (ie: HDR for the iPad, etc.)

won't be surprised if/when it goes away, just that they won't stop selling them anytime soon. honestly as heavy and often as I had trouble with hard drive based iPod's vs. flash, i can't say i'll be too bummed. but yeah, hopefully they're able to offer a 128GB flash based player by spring.

I bet we don't see one until the next ipod event, next fall. Come to think of it, it'll be the 10th anniversary of the ipod next year, so maybe the classic goes out properly.

that kind of blows my mind...

granted i didn't buy into the iPod until the 4th gen in 2004

Yeah, it's pretty much impossible to beat--tiny, wearable, capacious.

I'm really disappointed. I thought for sure there would be a wireless data plan for the touch much like the Ipad. Looks like I wont be upgrading. Thanks Apple.

the cost is fine but keep in mind if you wanna watch tv shows you have to rent them...so itll boost your cost...the netflix stream though is nice