On-Scene Report--iPod Mini Debuts at Tysons Corner Apple Store

The line to buy an iPod Mini at the Apple Store in Tysons Corner Mall began at 2:30 p.m. ET yesterday. The Minis didn't go on sale until 6 p.m. so Mr. First-in-Line waited a whole 3.5 hours to buy pink and blue iPod Minis.

When we arrived at 5:45 p.m., there were over 50 people in line. Store manager, Eileen Magee, was walking up and down the line passing out revervation tickets for a specific color to those who wanted to buy an iPod Mini. Only Minis in blue, pink and silver colors were available for sale. All of the green and gold models had been sold already to those who pre-ordered.

When 6 p.m. rolled around, some 200 people were in line. At the rate they were going, Eileen forecast that she would be out of iPod Minis sometime on Saturday, so show up early today if you want one this weekend. It is likely that only the silver models will be available later on Saturday. Since silver is expected to be the most popular color, more silvers were received in the first shipment. If you want another color, Eileen said she expected another shipment early next week. For you trivia buffs, Eileen Magee is the first manager of the first Apple retail store--her 9 year-old daughter was helping bag the purchases.

We picked up a silver iPod Mini. Look for our "Hands-On" report!

[Update 9:30a ET 2/21] Aspyr Mac Game Development Status Report: Here is a list of all upcoming games from Aspyr for the Mac, including their status and expected release date:

1. The Sims™ Makin' Magic
   - Gold Master--February 2004
   
2. Command & Conquer™ Generals
   - Alpha--March 2004
   
3. 007™ Nightfire™
   - Alpha--March 2004
   
4. Medal of Honor Allied Assault™ Breakthrough
   - Beta--March 2004
   
5. The Lord of the Rings™; The Return of the King™
   - Alpha--April 2004
   
6. Call of Duty™
   - Alpha--April 2004
   
7. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®
   - Alpha--April 2004
   
8. Space Colony™
   - Alpha--May 2004
   
9. Delta Force®:Black Hawk Down®
   - Alpha--May 2004
   
10. SimCity™ 4 Rush Hour
    - Early Development--June 2004

The MoHAA Breakthrough expansion pack (#4) has hit beta and is on target for release next month. One of our favorite current games is MoHAA Spearhead, so we eagerly await the new expansion pack.

[Update 9:30a ET 2/21] Feral Interactive Mac Game Development Status Report: We received a note on the current status two of Feral Interactive's games for the Mac.

Worms 3D: Good news to report on Worms 3D. The Mac version is coming on a treat and the office is already echoing to the sounds of "Oi Nutter!" and "They'll be singing in the Valleys". Today we are kicking off the Worms 3D mini-site with the first screenshots from the Mac version, a trailer, and profile, features and links pages. Question of the week: Worms 3D - nematodes or annelids? Check back next week for the answer.