Apple

Apple is rumored to be working on something bigger than an iPod Touch, but smaller than a MacBook. Past patent applications filed by the company and whispers from contract manufacturers point to a midsize gadget with a screen of 7 to 8 inches in the works, perhaps scheduled to debut early next year. It's been variously described as a tablet-like device, a "media pad," and an iPod Touch on steroids.

But the middle ground between handheld device and traditional laptop has historically been a hard sell to mainstream consumers. Apple has some experience reinventing what were thought to be staid or failed product categories, and is known for its stringent product review process, so if anyone has potential to make something compelling for this "tweener" category, it's the company to do so.

For Apple, this could be its answer to the Netbook craze--20 million of those scaled-down PCs will be shipped to retailers this year, doubling last year's output. Apple has been fairly clear in its distaste for them, using descriptors like "junky," and the average selling price of around $400 wouldn't allow Apple to keep its margins as high as it's used to.

But there is clearly a market, particularly given the current state of the economy, for a device in that middle range between a smartphone and a laptop. Interim CEO Tim Cook recently admitted that Apple has "some interesting ideas in this space."

Let's say it does make one. What exactly should a tablet from Apple do and what kind of features does it need to sport to avoid the pitfalls of every other failed tablet PC, ultramobile PC, and mobile Internet device now gathering dust in the basements and desk drawers of early adopters?

Some suggestions: … Read more

Update: June 1, 2009: UMPCFever has removed the blog post from its Web site.

A Chinese-language blog UMPCFever posted pictures recently that its claims are the first ever photos from a functioning next-generation iPhone. The Web site, translated through Google, displays images of iPhone OS 3.0 running some of the rumored new iPhone features we covered here, here, here, and here.

According to the report, the new iPhone contains an auto-focusing camera that uses an onscreen square that can be moved around with a combination of taps and dragging to choose the object to focus on. The rumored digital … Read more

Update at 2:58 p.m. PDT: Launch date for The Sims 3 corrected.

Apple is using its retail stores to demo one of the most anticipated games on the Mac in recent memory, The Sims 3.

The Electronic Arts game doesn't go on sale until June 2, but Apple stores are offering a sneak peek. The game is running on every Mac in the store, so you can try out a few of the features before you buy it.

The Sims 3 gives you tools like "Create a Sim" to customize your Sim more than ever … Read more

The idea of creating a Mac clone complete with Mac OS X is not a new concept. However, one company is taking its entry into the clone market a step further by opening a retail store in the Los Angeles area.

Quo Computer plans to open its first retail location, selling Mac clones, on June 1. This is the first time that I'm aware of that a clone maker will have a storefront to sell its wares. Mac clone companies, to this point, have chosen to sell their systems exclusively on the Web.

"It's exciting. We are … Read more

The recession has been difficult for every segment of the economy, from tech companies to the retailers, but Apple plans to spend its way through the downturn, according to USA Today.

Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of retail, was brought into Apple by Steve Jobs to start and build the company's retail store strategy. And he has done just that, very successfully.

While many companies have been forced to cutback on their investment or close their doors completely, Apple is expanding its retail presence. Not only is the company building new retail stores, it is also renovating … Read more

Lawmakers in North Carolina on Wednesday voted in favor of proposed changes to the state's tax laws, clearing the way for large investments from companies like Apple.

The House passed the bill 80-34, according to a report by the Charlotte Observer. While it was a healthy majority, some lawmakers protested vehemently about being forced to offer huge tax incentives to big businesses.

The bill, modified by the House, is set to go back to the state Senate on Thursday for a vote.

As reported on Tuesday, North Carolina is hoping to lure Apple by offering the company $46 million … Read more

As Palm readies the Palm Pre for release next month, another interesting tidbit of information has been discovered about the device. It is recognized by Apple's iTunes.

In fact, the Palm Pre is not only recognized by iTunes, it also syncs seamlessly with iTunes, according to a report on Forbes.com. There is one caveat: The Pre cannot handle Apple's DRM protected songs. Still it's quite a nice feature to have if you plan to purchase a Pre and have all of your music in iTunes.

One of the features that Apple has long touted about its … Read more

With a little more than a month to go before he is scheduled to return to Apple, Steve Jobs sounds "healthy" and "energetic," Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak told The Wall Street Journal.

Speaking to the Journal at the D: All Things Digital conference, Wozniak said that Jobs didn't sound sick or appear to be in any kind of a health crisis.

The news from Wozniak is the first tentative confirmation to the public that Jobs' health is improving. Concern grew for Jobs last year after public appearances at which he seemed gaunt.

Speculation was that … Read more

It's been a busy day for Apple.

In addition to quietly updating the consumer-friendly MacBook, Apple on Wednesday also launched an iPod promotion targeted to students.

With the promotion, students, faculty, or staff members can buy a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or iMac and get a free iPod Touch. Of course, students and educators can also see if they qualify for additional savings through Apple's education store.

There is a bit of a catch. You have to buy the iPod Touch at the same time as the Mac to qualify for a rebate. After the purchase, you … Read more