Apple announced some new products at today’s MacWorld. The highlights include Apple’s entry into the sub-$500 computer market, the Mac Mini, as well as a flash-based iPod, the iPod Shuffle.

The Mac Mini is a monitor-less desktop (unlike the iMacs, which included the monitor) and comes in 1.25GHz and 1.4GHz speeds for $499 and $599, respectively. This little thing is just 6.5 inches square, 2 inches tall. It has all the necessary connections, such as USB, Firewire, DVI, and Ethernet.

From Apple.com:

Get a Mac for Less

The modular design of Mac mini lets you upgrade your current system to the elegance, simplicity and reliability of Macintosh. If you already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse, you can get up and running in minutes. Or choose any combination of new devices to meet your individual situation. And yes, Mac mini will take advantage of your two-button USB mouse with scroll-wheel and your favorite USB keyboard. Just plug them in.

The iPod Shuffle is about the size of a pack of gum and starts at less than $100. It comes in two sizes, 512MB for $99 and 1GB for $149. The big selling point that they are touting for the Shuffle is…um…the Shuffle capability.

From Apple.com:

Random is the New Order
Welcome to a life less orderly. As official soundtrack to the random revolution, the iPod Shuffle Songs setting takes you on a unique journey through your music collection � you never know what�s around the next tune. Meet your new ride. More roadster than Rolls, iPod shuffle rejects routine by serving up your favorite songs in a different order every time. Just plug iPod shuffle into your computer�s USB port, let iTunes Autofill it with up to 240 songs and get a new experience with every connection. The trail you run every day looks different with an iPod shuffle. Daily gridlock feels less mundane when you don�t know what song will play next. iPod shuffle adds musical spontaneity to your life. Lose control. Love it.

I’m not really a Mac user, but I don’t “hate” them like many Windows users do (for whatever reason…) I have to hand it to Apple, though. They never cease to make cutting edge, top of the line products, that are unique and so different that everyone wants them, just because they are so different. I have a feeling that Apple will do well with these new products, especially the Mac Mini.