The only thing I’m really excited about is the integration of Flickr and Facebook with iPhoto ‘09.  That’s going to make my life a lot easier, since I use both services often.  Otherwise, the new iLife and iWork suites are pretty much a yawn.  I don’t really know anyone who uses iWork–I have to use Office (or Open Office) for work purposes.

The non-removable battery in the 17″ MacBook Pro is absolutely ridiculous to me.  $179 for replacement, though they claim it won’t need to be replaced for 5 years.  Apple has not figured out yet that non-removable batteries are a pain in the ass.  I can buy them on an iPod or iPhone (just barely) but on a laptop computer I think it’s the worst idea EVER.  Way to go for making sure I will never scrape up the $2700 for a giant MBP, Apple.  The new MacBooks are much more exciting to me anyway.

I expected to see a Mac Mini or Apple TV refresh during this keynote, and was sorely disappointed to see neither.  I was so upset that I had to drive straight to the Apple Store after work that night and buy myself an Apple TV as a consolation prize. 

More than 20,000 people are pissed off enough to join a group, have passive-aggressive discussions, and make lolcat-style protest pictures tagged NoVideo. There are also a few petitions going around requesting that Flickr remove the video feature and keep the site as a photography and photographer-focused community.

I really don’t understand. I’ve been a Flickr user since the very beginning–since before Flickr Pro Accounts were even available for purchase. I love Flickr’s ease of use, the community aspect of group pools and discussions, and the way I can interact with pictures from my friends and family. I think the addition of video is a great new feature–it’s not meant to be a YouTube clone for the latest in Internet video memes.

Videos are limited to 90 seconds, which is just long enough for a baby’s first steps, the highlights from a wedding dance, or a moment captured at a party. Videos can now sit alongside photo collections to help tell the story in a way still pictures cannot. What’s so wrong with that, fellow Flickrers?

I’m interested to see how Flickr responds. My hope is that they won’t cave and remove Flickr video completely, but I do understand that if people decide to be more active about controlling the situation, Flickr stands to lose a lot of business. I would like to see a way that users could opt-out of video if they really want to, although I really don’t see why that would even be necessary. If you don’t like a feature, just don’t use it. If you’re so opposed to a video being in someone’s photostream, just don’t click on it. Flickr, don’t let the haters win.