Apple stores coming to SW Fla.

New products make it even more exciting.

Fans of iPods and Apple computers will soon be able to buy the latest products right here in Southwest Florida. Although Apple will not confirm it, rumors have been swirling for months about two new Apple stores opening in the area. According to Diane Ganz, director of mall marketing for Coconut Point, an Apple store is expected to open there at the end of January. Another Apple store will open this year at Waterside Shops in Naples, according to Waterside Shops' Web site.

This week, Apple introduced two products at its annual convention that shoppers will be clamoring for: the iPhone (about $500) and Apple TV ($299).

Apple CEO Steve Jobs calls the iPhone a revolutionary product that will change the way we communicate much like the iPod changed the way people listen to music. The phone combines the features of a phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls and an Internet communications device. All wrapped up in a sleek Apple package that will be easy to use. Oh yes, I want one, but it won't be available until June.

The Apple TV will be available in February, and Apple is taking orders for it now at apple.com. This is a wireless device that allows people to watch movies, shows and videos on a widescreen TV from iTunes. It works with PCs and Macs.

I have a similar device that plays songs from iTunes on my stereo. Apple Airport Express with Airtunes ($99) is a wireless router that connects all the computers, printers and stereos in the house. It is available at CompUSA at Market Square on Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41 in south Fort Myers. Call 432-2592.

— Send news about store openings, sales and shopping events to The Artful Shopper c/o The News-Press, P.O. Box 10, Fort Myers, FL 33902; or e-mail theartfulshopper@yahoo.com.