Turn Back The Clock: Magnetic Poetry At Apple Retail Stores

It was a simpler time.. Back in 2002/2003, (holiday season, I believe) the Apple store did something that might come as a surprise: They gave something away for free. (Technically, it was intended to be given with a purchase, but that was not always the case). Yes, it was magnetic poetry. Not just any magnetic poetry, mind you. It was Apple-themed magnetic poetry, surrounded by a design by Rex Ray. With the poetry removed, the resulting frame could also be used to hold a picture on the fridge at home.

Yes, what better way to welcome a new user to the Apple world, than to stuff something magnetic in the bag next to the hard drive. (No problems reported.)

It's interesting to look at the words chosen by Apple, as to what was important at that time. Notice the lack of "iTunes," and of course this was years before words/phrases like "iPhone," and "App Store" would enter the vocabulary. It's doubtful "iSync" will ever have this high of a profile with the company again, not to mention "Jaguar."

So what do you say Apple? How about bringing back the magnetic poetry for the next holiday season with all new apple buzzwords: "iTab," perhaps, or "iPad?" Maybe "Verizon," or "Blu-Ray"?

Quick Reminder: TDL Live Tonight

Yes, it's the rare Tuesday night show for TDL Live. Be sure to join us for our live weekly roundup of Apple news and lifestyle info. A little birdy tells me there might be a giveaway or two tonight. So join me and Adam Ford at 9:00 PM ET right here, and on twitter at TDLLive.

Oh, you mean there's a new phone coming?

I know someone's job at Apple is to make sure upcoming products are properly promoted to existing customers, but did I really just need the email telling me the iPhone is coming July 11th? Let's not go overboard with making demand for this thing higher. Who would've signed up for Apple email alerts, and wouldn't know the phone is coming? Plus I have a sneaking suspicion the media will remind us several times between now and then. It may have been helpful if the email included a time for launch though...

Quick Reminder: TDL Live Mondays @ 9:00 PM ET

I know it ca be hard to remember to sitdown in front of a computer at a specific time to watch something. We hope you will though. Each week on TDL Live we look at the latest Apple headlines, and technology news and rumors. And you never know what we might give away, or what might happen. It is, after all, live. And you can interact with us via iChat or email during the show. So I hope you'll get a chance to check us out this Monday.

Here's a look at what you missed last week: