Apple's Answer to $500 Junk and Netbooks

There is a flurry of new Apple speculations with the Internet going wild as one blogger or analyst talked about the CPU that will like going into the coming netbook from Apple.

I don't know what it'll look like, what it can do, or what CPU will be powering it.  Suffice to say, Atom chips, from Intel and powers the millions of netbooks in the market, will not make it into Apple's answer to the netbook.

So, let's go this new exciting (potentially revolutionary) mobile device called Access.  I wanted to call it iLife but then you'll asking isn't a suit of Apple applications called iLife?  So, Access it is.  Access because of the following reasons:

• Fully integrated with iLife version running on the OS X.
• Fully integrated with MobileMe.
• With Wi-Fi access and may be offered with 3G access from ATT.  Now, it is also entirely possible this may be subsidized later on.  It's is also entirely possible we may see LTE, WiMax, white spaces versions.  Steve Jobs has indicated in recent memories that Apple should learn from Microsoft in forming alliances and partnerships.  
• This will help Apple sell more mobile devices, introduce more people to OS X, sell more Macs.
• This would go for $500. 

And how will Apple make something insanely-great at this price point without turning Access into another piece of $500 junk?  Stay tuned.  I've got more idle speculations to offer on that point.   And it's only Apple who will be able to pull it off.

MacBook GPU Debate

Well, not so much a debate but more about what to get.  Macbook with its integrated GPU but still much more powerful than anything we've seen for the Macbook line or go with the Pro version and the 9600 dedicated GPU.

I spent some time over the weekend with both units as I haven't decided which works best for me. And the GPU played a big part as I also considered future-proofing my mobile investment.  Here is a post from Linden LAN from October (not long ago) that discussed the 9600M, 8600M, and the 9400M.  As you may already know, the 9600M is the flagship GPU in the MBP, the 8600M was the GPU in previous iterations of MBP, and the 9400M replaced the underpowered Intel IGP x3100 (Apple has passed on the current generation, x4500).

There's a lot of debate over the Macbook with the 9400M, in good ways, not bad.  People generally love it and, yet, people also like numbers.  This GPU versus that GPU versus something else.

Based on LL's way of looking at it, the aluminum Macbook's GPU is 82% of the 8600M.  Not bad.

However, no matter what you go with, I have to say you can't go wrong with any of the selection on the market, from the new MBP and MB to the previous generation MBP.  I don't think you can go wrong.

As for me, I am still in love with my MacWind and I've yet decided when I'll pull the trigger.  Suffice to say, I am leaning towards the Macbook with the newer mobile system, GPU, and looks.

Source:  Linden LAN

Apple Is Not Scared of Storm

I'm sure Apple is always looking ahead but may be concerned whenever someone tugs at you trying to pass you.  But for CNet to say that Apple is scared, it's going a bit far.

There is definitely a lot to like about the Storm.  Here's a few that CNet listed that I agree:

• cut-and-paste - but by all accounts, it's not implemented with much grace.  But Storm has it and the iPhone don't.
• removable battery - I have an issue with this one.
• tethering - ATT said it's coming.  
• memory - I like the expansion slot.  

Now, I have some issues with how CNet spun it.  First, the battery.  I totally agree.  110% that the iPhone needs an user-replaceable battery.  One of two things has to happen.  Either the battery becomes user-replaceable or that Apple or the chip makers find a way to extend battery power by a lot.  Personally, I don't see that happen.  

Now, memory.  Please.  Totally ignore the fact that Apple has onboard storage.  So far as I know, only Nokia's N-series has similar storage capacity.  Now, would I like to have an additional memory slot.  You bet.  But it's not coming and the Storm has 1GB.  You'll need to put out additional $$$ for more memory yourself.  

Now, the clickable screen is pretty nice.  If I'm apple, I might be concerned about that.  But having used the G1 for a bit now and the iPhone's touchscreen keyboard, I don't care one way or another.  In fact, I'm able to lightly touch the iPhone's screen, thereby alleviating any kind of pressure I need to put on my hands and fingers.  Buttons or no buttons.  Clicking or no clicking.  It's a personal preference that the two camps will argue that till the end of time.  It's like Apple's one-button mouse thing that never dies. People grip about it but still buy Macs because they like the Mac as a whole.  And if they wanted a two-button mouse, they go and get one.  

You know, CNet has some good posts and articles but sometimes, they just come out of nowhere with something like this.  It's no wonder they're losing their traditional readers.  Seriously, Apple releasing an update on the day Storm goes on sale?  The writer is SO ready for the weekend.  

Now, to be fair, the article did point out something about the iPhone.  It's short-comings.  Well, for cynics and conspiracy theorists, it's Apple of adding features a little at a time to get people to upgrade.  Possible.  Or it could be that coming out with a mobile device and supporting a whole new platform is harder than it looks and Apple is just taking it one step at a time.  I think it's a little of both.  Look at MobileMe.  

With that said, go read it and see if you agree with CNet that Apple is scared of a storm.  

Source:  CNet 

Ads Targeting iPhone Users Booming

Ads for mobile devices in general are booming.  But ads specifically targeting iPhone and iPod Touch users are growing even more.

According to Silicon, iPhone specific ads more than doubled in October from the previous month.  236 Million in October from 103 million in September.  That is like due to the massive increase in iPhone user-base now numbering over 10 million, and will likely increase to 16 million by the end of the year (not to mention the millions more in iPod Touch owners).

Here are some quick facts:

• The iPhone ads account for 4.1% of AdMob Network's ads requested.  37% Of requests came from the US, 17% Europe, 8% Asia.  Asian requests will likely increase as Taiwan start to get their iPhones at the end of the year.  China will likely follow in 2009.
• AdMob accounted for 5.8 billion ads, growth of nearly 14% - we think that will increase as more smartphones like Storm, Windows Mobile devices, and iPhones get into user hands.  That will drive up demand for ads as users use their smartphones and mobile devices to surf the Internet.
• Mobile advertising will increase to $19 billion a year by 2011 cared to $3 billion last year.

So for mobile warriors who are interested in providing mobile contents, know that the opportunity is there for you.  Something to consider in the current economic slowdown if you want to make extra cash.

Source:  Silicon

Note:  I'm going to be surprised if the iPhone ad requests doesn't increase even more as more folks use it to browse the Internet.  Also, I wonder how much ads are being provided for games. 

iPod Touch Will Have A Mic

The current generation of the iPod Touch has been greatly improved.  Lower prices.  Updated OS.  It even has a stealthy way that will eventually allow users to use the Touches with VOIP via the mic headset (please, let no one buy the "voice recorder" feature. 

And eventually, the iPod Touch will gain a mic as well.  Why do I think that?  Well, it doesn't make sense that you are forced to use a headset every time you want to make "a recording" (or a call).  And it would make sense to be able to use apps that require a mic but won't work well with a headset.

What game or app needs a mic?  I'm glad you ask. 

The app is Ocarina.  It turns the iPhone into a something like a flute.  I nearly missed work this morning after spending hours last night blowing into my iPhone (that didn't come out well, did it?).  Anyway, I'm pretty good with Amazing Grace now. 

The millions of iPod Touch users would be missing out on such apps.  In fact, we may safely go a step further and say that the iPod Touch will eventually gain parity with the iPhone.

Office on iPhone

You can do it on Windows Mobile, Palm, and Blackberries.  What is it?

Edit Office docs.  I'm a bit torn on this issue.  There are certainly limitations to working with documents on a small mobile device.  I've tried it before, and perhaps I should have given it more of an effort, it was not really my cup of tea.

However, of all the Office applications I want the most has to be Word or Page.  I've sent megabtyes upon megabtyes of text already.  I can see myself sending more be it attachment or something else.

Editing spreadsheets?  Not so much.  I've used DocumentsToGo to create workout schedules and expense trackers but nothing really elaborate.  And in the end, I hardly used either.  But that has nothing to do with the spreadsheet app but more with my routine.

I don't even want to get into a Powerpoint-like app.  I find the need for a presentation app rather than one that allows editing.

Like to hear what you think about this issue and what your experiences has been.

iPhone Updates: What Happens After Year Two?

How do you like them iPhones?  Pretty good?  With each OS update, we get more features.  And for free.  Gotta love that.

What happens after the second year of ownership?  What about it, you ask?

If you're an iPod Touch owner, you know that each time Apple comes out with a major upgrade, you're forced to pony up $10 a pop.  For iPhone owners, there is no cost associated with upgrades.  This is because of the difference in how Apple chose to account for sales of the iPod Touch differently from the iPhone.

For the iPod Touch, sales are recorded in the financial quarter sold.  However, the iPhone sales is spread over two years.  I appreciate anyone to correct me if I'm wrong on this.  Anyway, this is why there is no associated upgrade cost for the iPhone OS.

But what happens after two years of ownership?  Suppose Apple releases iPhone 3.0 after two years of ownership or for reasons related to accounting, will I, as a first generation owner be forced pay up for the upgrade costs?

If so, it'll be interesting to see how Apple is able to make the distinction between those who own their first generation iPhone for two years versus someone like me who will have owned it for 14 months if Apple does release version 3.0 in June of 2009.  

Come on, let's not kid ourselves.  Apple is out to make great products we all love.  They are also out to make money as well.  At time point, iPhone upgrades will cease to work for early adopters or they will be forced to pay for upgrades.  At some point, upgrade fees will be irrelevant because upgrades will require newer hardware.  

That day will come.  It's just a matter how Apple will handle this.  What do you think?