User Group iPod Tour

The Apple store in Palo Alto, which is always busy during its normal hours, was especially busy the evening of Sunday, Nov 11, from 7 to 9 pm. Apple invited members of Northern California Bay Area User Groups to the store for a special event featuring presentations on Mac OS X and the brand-new iPod.

Apple product managers Chris Bourdon and Stan Ng showed off the products and fielded questions during the evening. In addition, the full staff of the store was on hand to give demos and to help customers. Garr Reynolds, manager of worldwide user group relations for Apple, hosted the crowd.
  In addition to 250 members of area user groups, visitors included Bill Atkinson, who created HyperCard, MacPaint and big chunks of the original Mac OS. Atkinson, who is now a full-time nature photographer, spent much of the evening talking about photography and digital imaging with other Mac enthusiasts.

The event, the first of its kind in an Apple store, is one of a series of Apple presentations to user groups on Mac OS X and iPod.

Microsoft Office. Apple product manager Chris Bourdon gives the crowd a preview of Microsoft’s Mac OS X version of Office.
 
A Good Audience. In addition to listening to presentations on Mac OS X and iPod, the group checked out products and demos throughout the store.

Not Just for Grown Ups. While their parents browsed and listened, the kids kept enjoyed the store’s selection of games and education software.
 
Presenting iPod. Keying through a presentation on his PowerBook, Apple product manager Stan Ng gives the crowd a tour of the features of the iPod.

Checking Out. In the course of the evening, attendees purchased software and accessories, including the brand-new iPod.
 
Master Photographer. Bill Atkinson, who created MacPaint, HyperCard and graphics routines of the original Mac OS, points to the Apple Cinema Display.

More Questions. Apple product managers Chris Bourdon and Stan Ng continue discussing Mac OS X and iPod after their presentations.
 
Sharing a Laugh. Apple user group manager Garr Reynolds, wearing a red fleece, enjoys talking with participants in the Palo Alto Apple store.