There comes a point where eager anticipation turns into a level of hype that an announcement can't sustain. For me, that was the case with Apple's announcement yesterday.
As you probably know, Apple announced three "fun new products" yesterday: an Intel-based Mac Mini, the iPod Hi-Fi, and leather iPod cases.
Microsoft has traditionally been the company that builds the 60-80% solution and encourages the ISV market. Apple does not - they want the whole pie to themselves. So in that respect, I think it was an obvious and inevitable move for Apple to move into the premium accessory space.
I can't criticize Apple for wanting to take control of - or at least a major stake in - the that market, but as a consumer I also can't get too excited about either of these offerings. What do they offer me other than an official Apple logo and the corresponding pricetag? (Then again, that may be enough for some.)
The Intel-based Mac Mini is somewhat intruiging but certainly not surprising. It was, after all, inevitable.
I have a feeling we'll have a similar reaction when Microsoft "announces" Origami Project tomorrow. When the hype builds to these levels and we spend all this time imaging what might be, we're inevitably going to be let down. That said, I really hope I'm wrong!