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Help, Guides, and News on making the Switch To Apple Macintosh Computers
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News Topic
Sites including Engadget and Arstechnica indicate that Apple has sent out invitations for a media event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco scheduled for 10:00 AM Pacific Time on January 27th. Below the invite graphic the tag line reads "Come see our latest creation."
AdweekMedia, in their "Best of the 2000s" advertising awards, gave Apple top marks in six categories including "Brand of the Decade", "Marketer of the Decade", "Campaign of the Decade", and "Product of the Decade".
In case you didn't know, Apple turned 33 years old today! Apple was established by Steve Jobe and Steve Wozniak in Cupertino, California on April 1, 1976 and was subsequently incorporated as "Apple Computer, Inc." on January 3, 1977.
An Associated Press report released on March 13, 2009 indicated that the U.S. state of Maine is expanding its program to provide Apple laptop computers to students. The program will seek to provide a laptop to every public school student enrolled in graded 7-12 by this fall.
Apple has announced that iLife '09 will be available tomorrow, January 27, and features major upgrades to iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand, with breakthrough new ways to organize and manage photos, create movies and learn to play music. iLife '09 is included with every new Mac and is available as a $79 upgrade for existing users through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple announced and demonstrated iLife '09 at Macworld on January 6, 2009.
Apple released their fiscal 2009 first quarter earnings on Wednesday January 21 during which they reported record revenue for a quarter of $10.17 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.61 billion. This compares to revenue of $9.6 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.58 billion in the year-ago quarter (Q1 2008). These results mark Apple's best ever quarterly revenue and earnings numbers. Apple shipped 2,524,000 Macintosh computers during the quarter up from 2,319,000 in the year-ago quarter.
Apple has issued a support article titled 'Mac OS: Antivirus utilities' in which they recommend the use of antivirus software on Mac OS. Here's what Apple states:
Apple released their fiscal 2008 fourth quarter earnings on Tuesday October 22 and reported that profits rose more than 26 percent to $1.14 billion on sales of $7.9 billion for the three-month period that ended on September 27, 2008. Apple shipped 2,611,000 Macintosh computers during the quarter.
At Apple's 'Let's Rock' media event today, a revamped iPod lineup was unveiled by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. A new version of the popular iTunes software (iTunes 8) was also unveiled.
News on Wall Street today hints that Dell Inc. the second largest PC manufacturer is planning to sell its worldwide manufacturing plants within the next 18 months in an effort to cut costs.
Apple today announced in an email that it is offering an additional 60 day extension to current MobileMe users due to issues with the service.
U.S. retail chain Best Buy Co. has announced that it will start selling the Apple iPhone 3G on Sunday September 7. Best Buy is the first U.S. retail chain authorized to sell the device outside of Apple retail and AT&T stores. Best Buy operates as a specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related merchandise.
Following several months of anticipation and widespread rumors, Apple announced "iPhone 3G" iPhone was during the Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference Keynote. The new iPhone combines the revolutionary features of the iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast as the first generation iPhone. It will be available for purchase on July 11, 2008.
Apple has announced the 2008 Back-To-School promotion. Qualified students, faculty, and staff can get a free iPod touch or iPod nano when they purchase a new MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac (17" model excluded) or Mac Pro.
In the June 2008 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, Apple ranks high in several areas of the laptop and desktop ratings and is the clear winner in the tech support category.
Take that Michael Dell. Following the close of the US Stock Market on Thursday May 1, 2008 the market cap of Apple is now four times that of Dell. Apple is worth $158.66 billion vs Dell's measly $38.97 billion.
The long rumored ultra-portable (also called sub-portable) MacBook Pro appears to be heading our way next month at MacWorld 2008. CNBC is reporting that the 12-inch model will be 50% thinner than the current MacBook Pro models and will sport flash based storage instead of a hard drive.
Bloomberg is reporting that AT&T Inc. CEO Randall Stephenson has stated that Apple will release an updated version of the iPhone next year that will be able to download content from the Internet at a faster rate.
Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs has posted an open letter on Apple's Hot News page indicating that Apple will be releasing a 3rd party Software Development Kit (SDK) for iPhone and iPod Touch third party applications. The SDK is scheduled to be released in February 2008.
On October 16, 2007 Apple Inc. announced that the company's new operating system Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) will go on sale on Friday, October 26th at 6 p.m. at Apple retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple's online store has is now accepting pre-orders.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple CEO has written a letter to iPhone customers apologizing for the $200 price drop. He personally received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who voiced their feeling about the iPhone price drop two months after it went on sale.
At a special event at San Francisco's Moscone West called "The Beat Goes On", Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs unveiled revamped iPods with new features, colors, software, and a new version of iTunes that brings ringtone capability to the iPhone. Overall the event marked the next stage in Apple's Digital lifestyle strategy and product roadmap. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new iPod Touch, Apple's first touch screen iPod and a Wi-Fi version of the iTunes store specifically for the iPod Touch and iPhone.
Apple has released an update to iPhoto for iLife '08 that upgrades the version to 7.0.2. Apple provides the following description for the update:
In his August 28, 2007 Computerworld article Gregg Keizer describes how NPD data demonstrates that Apple now sells more than one in six laptops in the United States. A simple calculation of that statement would mean that Apple sells at least 17 percent of the laptops in the U.S. The exact number is detailed below.
In his August 21, 2007 article Jonny Evans of InfoWorld details how a ChangeWave survey describes how Apple laptop sales have surged since the release of the iPhone. The loser is Dell.
On Tuesday August 7, 2007 Apple unveiled its redesigned line of 20 and 24-inch widescreen iMac all-in-one desktops with each featuring a sleek aluminum case and glossy screen. All new iMacs ship with built-in wireless, Mac OS X, and iLife ’08.
Apple will be holding Mac-centric event today for analysts and the media. The event will likely see the unveiling of redesigned iMac models as well as an update to the .Mac online service. Buzz around the web indicates that Apple may also use the event to add a smaller model to the MacBook Pro line.
It appears as though Apple's online store is currently unavailable. The following image is posted on the online Apple Store:
In July 12, 2007 article, Thomas Claburn details how Apple site traffic surged 5% to a record 121 million unique viewers during the month of May. In fact, Apple demonstrated the most growth among tht top ten sites on the web.
Apple has announced the 2007 s Back-To-School promotion. Qualified students who buy an iPod at the same time they purchase either a MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Pro can get up to a $199 rebate. The promotion runs through September 16, 2007. This is a great deal for students because they can get the rebate on top of the education discount. It's a great way to save.
Apple has re-branded the "Special Deals" section of the online Apple Store to the new and improved "Apple Outlet". The outlet is the place to shop for certified and refurbished Apple products at discount.
Marketwatch's John Shinal reports that Apple's Steve Jobs and Microsoft's Bill Gates, will have a public conversation at the fifth annual "D -- All Things Digital" conference in Carlsbad, California on May 30, 2007.
On Tuesday May 15, 2007, Apple announced updates to the company's MacBook line of portable computers. The new MacBook models ship with faster Intel Core 2 Duo Processors, 1GB of Memory and Larger Hard Drives in each model
Numerous Online Apple Stores are down across the globe. Expectations are that Apple will release updates to their portable line of Mac computers. There have been rumors over the past few days that Apple would release updates to the MacBook line. The MacBook was last updated in November 2006.
In a May 3, 2007 blog post, Philipp Lohmann of Sun Microsystems states that Sun engineering will add it's support to the ongoing Mac/Aqua porting effort currently underway for OpenOffice.
On Wednesday May 2, 2007 revamped it's ProCare retail offering by splitting it into ProCare and a One to One. The company also unveiled the Personal Shopping retail service.
In a May 1, 2007 press release titled "Steve Jobs to Kick Off Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2007", Apple confirmed that its CEO Steve Jobs will initiate the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007 at San Francisco's Moscone West conference center.
On Sunday April 15, 2007 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada Apple Inc. announced Final Cut Server and Final Cut Studio 2. Apple introduced a new application in the Final Cut Studio suite called Color. Also making thier debut were ProRes 422 and a hardware device called IO-HD.
On Thursday April 12, 2007 Apple Inc. released a statement announcing the delay of the company's next generation operating system Mac OS X Leopard until October 2007. From the statement:
As a follow-up to yesterday's Adobe Creative Suite 3 announcement from Adobe, Apple has posted a dedicated page for CS3.
In a March 21, 2007 press release titled "Apple TV Now Shipping", Apple indicated that Apple retail stores will offer customers hands on workshops and demonstrations of the Apple TV.
Chalk up another U.S. government agency banning Microsoft Windows Vista. InformationWeek reports that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has banned Windows Vista the agency's internal networks.
On Tuesday October 3, 2006 IDG World Expo announced that Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2007 Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco California on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at Moscone West.
Chalk up another US retailer that Apple has partnered with to sell its Macintosh computers. Those interested in purchasing a Mac can now go to their local Circuit City (select locations) or navigate their browser to Circuit City's website.
At its special media event on Tuesday September 12, 2006 termed "It's Showtime", Apple Computer's CEO Steve Jobs unveiled revamped iPods with new features and software, a new version of iTunes that lets users purchase music, music videos, television shows and at last, movies. The company also announced that it will be releasing a Mac mini like set top box codenamed "iTV" that is slated for release in the first quarter of 2007. The event was conducted at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater. The event marked the next step in Apple's Digital Lifestyle strategy and product roadmap.
Apple Computer's special media event which the company describes with the phrase "It's Showtime" occurs today, Tuesday September 12, 2006. The event has been the subject of a lot of buzz especially after last week's updates to the iMac and Mac mini computers.
Apple Computer Inc is recalling 1.1M batteries plus 700K sold outside U.S. due to risk of overheating. Products cover the iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptop models sold from October 2003 through August 2006. The battery packs were made by Sony Corp.
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group has announced an iPod trade-in program at their retail locations. The company will use the NextWorth “iPod Calculator” to offer customers credit towards the purchase of a new iPod or other products at Tweeter stores.
Apple has released a redesigned version of the .Mac Learning Center. You can check out the details by logging into your .Mac (pronounced "Dot Mac") account or by reading the .Mac blog.
Apple has released and update that upgrades iTunes to version 6.0.5. Apple states the following:
"...allows you to sync your Nike + iPod workout data to nikeplus.com, where you can easily track your progress, set training goals, challenge others, and much more. Visit the Nike Sport Music area on the iTunes Music Store to download workout mixes, Athlete Inspiration playlists, Nike podcasts, and more.
A short but sweet read at Yahoo news. David Morrish, Best Buy's Senior Vice President for Merchandising is quoted as stating the following at the Best Buy annual meeting on Wednesday June 21, 2006:
Apple has added a new feature to the iTunes Music Store. A new area has been established that allows the purchase of a Music/Video combo for $2.49 US or either a song for $0.99 US or its video for $1.99 US. When purchased as a combo, you can save $0.50.
Today's Universal Binary release of Shake demonstrates that Apple is vigorously working to transition their entire product line to support the Intel based Macs. Apple has now transitioned to Universal Binaries, its entire line of professional software that includes Final Cut Studio, Apeture, Logic Pro, and Shake.
Apple is currently running a promtion for full and part-time college/university students in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. Contestand must be over 16 years of age and can only enter the contest once. From Apple's site:
Apple has announced this year's Back-To-School promotion. Qualified students who buy an iPod at the same time they purchase either a MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, or PowerMac can get up to a $179 rebate. The promotion runs through September 16, 2006. This is a great offer to students because they can get the rebate in addition to the education discount.
At a NY event attended by Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Nike CEO Mark Parker, Apple and Nike announced a product called the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. The kit integrates an iPod nano, Nike+ shoes, a in-shoe receiver and sensor, and software that convey the following information to runners:
Rumors are that Apple and Nike will be announcing some sort of deal tomorrow. I just saw the news on CNBC's "On The Money" television program. They also mentioned that Lance Armstrong is scheduled to be at the news conference tomorrow.
What could the two companies do to leverage each other's unique capabilities? Apple's strength is in the portable music device and music sector, specifically the iPod and iTunes. Nike is a leader in the sports sector with products that range from shoes to apparel. What could the two companies have planned? If the news from CNBC is accurate, we’ll know tomorrow.
On Tuesday May 16 2006, Apple released the much anticipated MacBook consumer level notebook based on Intel's Core Duo microprocessor. The MacBook replaces the iBook, which was based on the PowerPC microprocessor. The new MacBook provides Apple with a full line of notebooks powered by Intel Core Duo processors.
News is just hitting the wires that Apple and Softbank will work together (or are currently working together) to develop an iPod based cell phone.
My view is that a single device that can work as both a cell phone and an iPod will drive iPod adoption because people will prefer to carry around a single device. Greater iPod adoption will drive more sales at the iTunes Music Store and it should add more momentum to the "Halo Effect". All in all, increased Mac adoption should result.
Check back for updates.
Apple has posted a page with a countdown to the opening of the new 5th Avenue Store in New York city. Apple will be offering prizes and a commemorative t-shirt. The store is located at 767 Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.
Apple has added 16 series from News Corp.'s Fox television network to the iTunes Music Store, specifically content from FOX, FX, SPEED, FUEL TV and 20th Century Fox Television.
Some of the 16 series include: "24," "Prison Break", "The Shield", "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Stacked", "Black White", "30 Days", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Firefly", "Lost in Space", "Pinks", "Unique Whips", and "First Hand."
Some of the 16 series include: "24," "Prison Break", "The Shield", "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Stacked", "Black White", "30 Days", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Firefly", "Lost in Space", "Pinks", "Unique Whips", and "First Hand."
Apple released new television ads geared towards highlighting the Mac during last night's primetime commercial slots. There are a total of six ads that show discussions between two men, one represents a Mac and the other a PC. The ads share the same white theme that Apple used during it's "Switch" television ads that aired in 2002.
A few observations about the ads:
A few observations about the ads:
According to a story from CNEt Apple will be unveiling a new advertising campaign next week focused on the Mac. The following are quotes from the CNet story:
- "Apple Computer is planning on hitting the airwaves with ads geared around the Mac next week, CEO Steve Jobs said Thursday at the company's annual meeting."
- "Jobs expects Mac sales to grow"
Apple has added new video content to the iTunes music store. New to iTunes is season five of NBC's "The Apprentice" which includes a free 42 minute recap of the current season, season four of ABC's "Alias", and additional Disney short films.
Apple has posted information about this year's Worldwide Developer's Conference 2006, scheduled to take place August 7 - 11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco California. The following quote is taken from the ADC site:
"Join the thousands of Mac developers who will be attending WWDC 2006, and be one of the first to preview Mac OS X Leopard. You’ll get the chance to explore the latest Mac tools and technologies, and to learn the advances that are keeping Mac OS X far, far ahead of the competition."
"Join the thousands of Mac developers who will be attending WWDC 2006, and be one of the first to preview Mac OS X Leopard. You’ll get the chance to explore the latest Mac tools and technologies, and to learn the advances that are keeping Mac OS X far, far ahead of the competition."
Thursday April 13, 2006, Apple released Aperture 1.1, an update to the professional post-production image tool for photographers. Apple has also made changes to the application but most importantly, the update brings support to Intel-based Macs. According to Apple, Aperture 1.1 "delivers impressive speed gains on any Mac".
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a new e-filing system on March 17, 2006 offering support for Mac OS X. The system allows patents to be submitted online via the USPTO website. Prior versions of the system were not OS X compatible which made it difficult for patent applications to be submitted by Mac users. The revamped system allows Mac users to submit their applications directly from OS X instead of having to submit them from a Windows based system.
Apple's iTunes Music Store has more content to sell to a larger base of consumers thanks to an extended partnership with The Walt Disney Co.