As in today's computing, real life has its binary system of zeros and ones, of positives and negatives, downtimes and uptimes....and all the various modes in which we are either on or off. This summer is going to be a very binary experience for me, purposely. After three and half long and hard years of mixing near full time practice with running Architosh, it's finally time for me to say, "Hey Anthony! you need to stop and take a break...you need a beach day or two, or four or seven."

So I will be in "off mode" off-and-on during a good portion of the summer. The summer of 2002 is going to be the first time in over four years where I actually don't interface with the Mac world every day, via the Web. I'm even canceling my trip to New York next week. No expo coverage from the show floor this year.

Where's the Dream in That?

Some of you might be thinking this isn't a good thing. Beach, sun -- these are the anti-forces of cyberspace. Maybe! but rest assured, I live in New England! You cannot become a true beach bum here. At least if you want to live through the Winter.

Rest assured that Architosh will get its full share of attention this summer despite the change in heart. In fact, there are some good things around the corner (but I know I say that quite a lot so I won't go there).

The Dream involves more than just sun and sand. This midsummer, I'm hoping that Apple finally dazzles us with something in the Pro categories.

A Midsummer Dream - New York Style

It has really been quite some time since Apple has delivered something awesome in the professional categories. The last awesome machine for pros was the introduction of the Titanium PowerBook G4. Prior to that, the original introduction of the G4 Power Mac served up some great hope and jazz for Mac users everywhere.

But the harsh truth is, Apple has been letting us Mac pros down each Macworld with wimpy updates to the pro models. "Skip the wimp" is what I say. So this summer I'm dreaming of something very special from New York, despite the fact that I'm pragmatically expecting to be disappointed come Expo next week.

Still, if something could really surprise me, just emerge, be a real stunner, a total shock and a delightful one at that. Sort of like when Daryl Hannah (as Madison) came onto shore in the movie Splash...right there in the middle of the Big Apple, completely naked!

Yes, I',m obviously thinking beach....and blonde, golden and beautiful is nice but it doesn't really go with Apple's latest color scheme.

So here's to Apple really shocking us. Let's hope it happens this time. --- AFR, Ed.