I made the trek – not too far mind you – to MacWorld 2011 and found myself wondering whether MacWorld can survive another year and more importantly, after so many came back from CES disappointed, whether the technology trade-show itself can survive. Seriously, how many different iPhone cases does that average trade-show attendee really want to see? Considering how many Blackberry and Droid phones I saw, my inclination would be far fewer then were really there.

Of the products that were there, many seemed to be “coming soon,” and far less than ever before was really available to buy at the show. Overall, I walked away most of the cash that I came with, a couple of stickers, and a feeling of disappointment. I told my wife via text message that MacWorld was a lot like going to Fry’s, same size as the store, a lot of stuff that you would never buy, and shelf space showing stickers for stuff that you really wish you could buy.

I can’t be alone in thinking the iPod mania has gone on for more than the normal 15 minutes of fame, and while I do believe that the personal media player is the one of the greatest inventions of the last 50 years, I’m quite done seeing all the iPod docks and accessories that come across the wire every day.  And, now, moving the iPod accessories into “fine furniture” just seems to me to be over the top.

Pottery Barn (one of my favorite stores) is now selling the Piedmont iChair, which is being marketed as “one of life’s classic comforts.”  Come on, it’s a chair with some speakers built into the headrest.  Somehow I doubt that this is going to create the “first-rate listening experience” that is being claimed.  What I really think is that companies have gone too far followingthe fanfare that Apple has created with their star.

~geek