AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the Cloud

Here, I’m going back to the last financial call between analysts and Apple executives. Specifically, the part about the December transportation cost being higher than normal. I visited this in past posts but I think it’s time to do it again since we have some new developments. The first likely theory is that the transportation costs to air freight products is related to the iMacs. Apple in its wisdom has anticipated the popularity of the iMacs. Hence, we’re seeing a 2-week delay in shipment. I did a couple of walkthroughs myself and haven’t seen one in stock. In trying to satisfy its likely high net-worth customers, Apple is shipping backordered iMacs by air. Okay, that was the more likely scenario for the higher cost associated to shipment. Now’s less probable scenario. Apple has been stocking up on the iTablets. And once that announcement is made at a time and venue of Steve Jobs’ choosing, which most people agree it to be in January, he will also say that you can rush ...

It's hard to imagine Steve Jobs doing what others want because of external pressure.  Well, that pressure was upped a couple notch as Apple became the punchline and punching bag of a SNL skit. But I think this kind of publicity isn't what Apple looks for and this is compounded by the fact that Apple is unable to control the message.  Suffice to say, the iPhone continues to outsell everyone else without the need for special deals like Blackberries, Pres, or Droids.  So that says a lot.  Nevertheless, any bruising of Apple's image as far as Cupertinonites are concerned is a worrying sign. So I wonder if this will put back on the table any works that Apple might have to to move the iPhone onto another network something that is now pushed to the forefront of the mobile agenda. I think more likely, any deal to have the iPhone on Verizon or T-Mobile has already been worked out long ago. Still, that can't come any sooner.  I think any debate about ATT's worth a...