Jan 122009
I disagree with Gruber, who says “I see no reason to doubt what Phil Schiller told David Pogue last week: January is just a bad month for Apple and they just don’t care about trade shows any more.”
I think trade shows still are good press for Apple, and I think Phil Schiller was trying to soften the blow to IDG. But the real issue is, how much does CES want Apple and Steve Jobs? They had Bill Gates doing not-great presentations for a long time. These presentations were frequently overshadowed by Jobs within a few days on either side–although I think usually earlier.
So, I think it is probable Apple will be going to CES but Apple won’t be footing the bill for their presence there.