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Mornin' folks...

Well, Apple really pumped up their iPod event yesterday, huh?

We're going to go out on a limb here and say that yesterday's announcement was exactly what they needed it to be: a safe, cost-effective update to move units for the holiday season.

Sure, the slick new interface in iTunes 9 is cool, and the DJ feature and Remote application to put in song requests are going to liven up many a party. Yes, the video capture on the nano is neat, and the new shuffle colors are bright and fun. Of course, the re-branding of the iPod touch as a gaming system is timely and should net Apple a bundle of cash from people who understand the beauty of the all in one device. And the release of OS 3.1 was good news to get as well. But what about what WE wanted?

Out of all the updates, the nano got the most love--with over 100 million sold it's quickly usurping the classic as the flagship product in the iPod lineup. We're pretty excited about the pedometer that syncs with Nike+, but other than that, they're clearly marketing this product to a younger crowd...the video camera, voice recorder and FM radio are all neat, but seem like add-ons that were just easy for Apple to install instead of being technologically advanced.

Maybe it was just that we wished for it so much, but the absence of the Beatles catalogue on iTunes hit pretty hard. We know. We can buy the remastered albums, and, darn it, they sound fantastic. But Apple Inc. and Apple Corps.? Can you please set aside your ancient legal differences and tight fisted management and think of your fans? We love both of you, we really do...but right now, we don't have to like you.

On a bright note, Steve Jobs was present at the event, and Mr. Reclusive managed to update us on his health and encourage everyone to consider being an organ donor. Very nice speech, and it was comforting to see him healthier and more vibrant than he's been since his medical leave. Apple was certainly well taken care of when he was in the hospital, but we're glad to see Steve back in the saddle.

We did get a little Beatles love yesterday with the landmark release of Harmonix's "The Beatles: Rock Band." The software just came in for us to review, so expect a slightly (who are we kidding, REALLY) nerdy diatribe on the virtues of three part harmony early next week on mactribe.com. We can't wait to see it, and we may not leave our living rooms this weekend except for food. And maybe not even that.

Let us know how you feel about the iPod event or anything Apple related onmactribe.com. And don't forget to follow us on twitter! We love getting your tweets.

'Till tomorrow, Newsies...