http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/analysis/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Festimated_apple_tv_sales_to_date_6.3_million%2F&seed_title=Estimated+Apple+TV+Sales+to+Date%3A+6.3+Million http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/estimated_apple_tv_sales_to_date_6.3_million/ Apple has been coy in the past about disclosing its sales of Apple TVs. Data has come out in bits and pieces.  However, to gain insight into the prospects for an Apple HDTV, it seems timely to estimate how Apple has done with the Apple TV over the years. Analysis Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:18 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors%2F&seed_title=Apple+Could+Use+7%26%238221%3B+iPad+Pricing+to+Punish+Competitors http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors/ Apple has gotten so good at manufacturing its devices, Bryan Chaffin thinks the company could use pricing to bludgeon would-be tablet competitors when it releases a 7.x inch iPad later this year. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 18 May 2012 19:41:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_stock_dips_to_80-day_low_of_530%2F&seed_title=Apple+Stock+Dips+to+80-Day+Low+of+%24530 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_stock_dips_to_80-day_low_of_530/ Shares in Apple Inc. closed at almost a three month low on Thursday, ending the day at $530.12, down $15.955. That’s the lowest close since February 28th, 2012, when the stock closed at $525.76. News, Analysis, Reports, Apple Stock Watch Thu, 17 May 2012 20:17:14 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnew_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security%2F&seed_title=New%2C+Surprising+Facts+About+iPhone+Security http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/new_surprising_facts_about_iphone_security/ With all the emphasis Apple puts on iOS security, one would think that it’s a backburner issue. But there are interesting new developments, and John Martellaro had a chat with Juniper Networks to find out more. Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPod Thu, 17 May 2012 14:45:32 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frumor_roundup_apples_new_products%2F&seed_title=Rumor+Roundup%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+New+Products http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rumor_roundup_apples_new_products/ Rumors are flying fast and furious about almost every major Apple product. Here’s a roundup of all the rumors and how good we think the rumors are. Analysis Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftime_warner_cable_ceo_doesnt_know_about_apples_airplay%2F&seed_title=Time+Warner+Cable+CEO+Doesn%26%238217%3Bt+Know+About+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+AirPlay http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/time_warner_cable_ceo_doesnt_know_about_apples_airplay/ Apple’s AirPlay technology allows users to wirelessly stream content from their iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches to their Apple TV (and thus to their TV). Despite its potentially disruptive nature, however, Time Warner Cable’s CEO Glenn A. Britt had never heard of it until asked by a reporter during a group interview. News, Analysis, iObserver, iOS, Apple TV Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_59_-_apples_valuation_is_unsustainable%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2359+-+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Valuation+Is+Unsustainable http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_59_-_apples_valuation_is_unsustainable/ Investment analyst Fred Hickey said in a newsletter that Apple’s valuation is unsustainable, and that the company is just another consumer electronics company with unsustainable margins subject to the whims of customers. Bryan Chaffin adds him to the Apple Death Knell Counter. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis Thu, 10 May 2012 17:31:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fatt_ceo_loses_sleep_over_apples_imessage%2F&seed_title=AT%26amp%3BT+CEO+Loses+Sleep+Over+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iMessage http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/att_ceo_loses_sleep_over_apples_imessage/ What keeps AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson awake at night? Is it war? Poverty? Hunger?  Nope, it’s Apple’s iMessage. Bryan Chaffin explains why AT&T is right to fear iMessage, but argues that fearing that kind of change is the wrong mindset for telcos. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS Tue, 08 May 2012 16:31:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fclaimed_apple_television_prototype_lacks_disruptive_character%2F&seed_title=Claimed+Apple+Television+Prototype+Lacks+Disruptive+Character http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/claimed_apple_television_prototype_lacks_disruptive_character/ Cult of Mac this morning published a mockup of a future Apple television based on a description provided by an anonymous source who claimed to have seen a prototype of the device in action. While the story quickly spread to other tech sites, Jim Tanous was not impressed. He breaks down why the design lacks Apple’s disruptive flair and why Apple will have to (and likely will) do better with the final product. Analysis, iObserver, Apple TV Mon, 07 May 2012 17:34:38 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnpd_predicts_apple_ipad_to_lose_tablet_share_towards_2017%2F&seed_title=NPD+Predicts+Apple+iPad+to+Lose+Tablet+Share+towards+2017 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/npd_predicts_apple_ipad_to_lose_tablet_share_towards_2017/ Apple’s iPad dominates tablets today, but growing competition and even a diversity of operation systems is going to somehow lift Android and Windows tablets in the future, according to research firm NPD. The company released a report on Thursday predicting that Apple’s share of the tablet market will slip from 72 .1 percent in 2012 to 50.9 percent in 2017. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 04 May 2012 18:49:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frim_claims_responsibility_for_aussie_wake_up_stunt%2F&seed_title=RIM+Claims+Responsibility+for+Aussie+%26%238220%3BWake+Up%26%238221%3B+Stunt http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rim_claims_responsibility_for_aussie_wake_up_stunt/ Research In Motion confirmed on Tuesday that it, not Samsung, was behind the “Wake Up!” stunt staged outside an Australian Apple Store in April. Bryan Chaffin scratches his head and looks for meaning in the stunt. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 01 May 2012 20:27:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Findustry_analyst_predicts_apple_wireless_service_we_doubt_it%2F&seed_title=Industry+Analyst+Predicts+Apple+Wireless+Service%2C+We+Doubt+It http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/industry_analyst_predicts_apple_wireless_service_we_doubt_it/ Apple will go into direct competition with iPhone carriers AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint by launching its own wireless service, according to wireless industry strategist Whitey Bluestein. Bryan Chaffin argues that this isn’t likely. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 01 May 2012 18:01:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_58_apple_sony%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2358%3A+Apple+%3D+Sony http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_58_apple_sony/ Apple = Sony. So spaketh George Colony, and so landeth Mr. Colony in the Apple Death Knell Counter as entry #58. Writing for Forrester Research, Mr. Colony said that without a new charismatic leader to take over Apple, the company will go the way of other once-great companies like Sony, Polaroid, and Disney. Bryan Chaffin argues that Forrester is missing the boat. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:40:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_in_the_classroom_how_a_school_got_into_app_development%2F&seed_title=Mac+in+the+Classroom%3A+How+a+School+got+into+App+Development http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_in_the_classroom_how_a_school_got_into_app_development/ As schools integrate emerging technology into the classroom, a challenge emerges to properly leverage the technology without sacrificing the educational merits of the curriculum. In this installment of Mac in the Classroom, Jeff Butts looks at how one school dealt with these challenges by getting into the app development business. Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iOS, iPad Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:49:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_ever_happened_to_microsoft%2F&seed_title=What+Ever+Happened+to+Microsoft%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_ever_happened_to_microsoft/ In the spring of 2012, there’s a lot of talk about Apple, Google, smartphones, Facebook and the iPad. Yet, quietly, Microsoft plods along with MS Office and Windows 8 in a Post-PC era. What’s Microsoft really up to these days? Where are they going? Analysis Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:25:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwindows_8_to_launch_in_3_versions_to_compete_with_os_x_10.8_and_ios_6%2F&seed_title=3+Versions+of+Windows+8+to+Compete+with+OS+X+10.8+%26amp%3B+iOS+6 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/windows_8_to_launch_in_3_versions_to_compete_with_os_x_10.8_and_ios_6/ Windows 8, Microsoft’s forthcoming OS X and iOS competitor, will come in just three versions — Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT — and is expected to launch this fall, placing it in direct competition with Apple’s OS X Mountain Lion and the yet-to-be-announced iOS 6.  News, Product News, Analysis Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:04:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fconservative_activist_accuses_al_gore_of_apple_conflict%2F&seed_title=Conservative+Activist+Accuses+Al+Gore+of+Apple+Conflict http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/conservative_activist_accuses_al_gore_of_apple_conflict/ The National Center for Public Policy Research is accusing former Vice President Al Gore of a conflict of interest concerning Apple’s plan to build a fuel cell power generator for its North Carolina data center. Bryan Chaffin analyses the accusation and believes it has little merit. News, Analysis Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:36:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnetflix_forms_political_action_committee_flixpac%2F&seed_title=Netflix+Forms+Political+Action+Committee+FLIXPAC http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/netflix_forms_political_action_committee_flixpac/ With online video increasing in popularity and issues like the lack of net neutrality threatening to undermine online video efforts and harm consumers, video streaming king Netflix has arrived in Washington to form a political action committee called FLIXPAC. News, Analysis, iObserver, iTunes Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:24:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_4g_iphone_4s_truth_or_marketing%2F&seed_title=The+4G+iPhone+4S%3A+Truth+or+Marketing%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_4g_iphone_4s_truth_or_marketing/ Following the iOS 5.1 update, many AT&T iPhone 4S users saw their iPhone’s network status change to “4G.” Did Apple upgrade your phone’s bandwidth? Or is there some unholy marketing trickery going on? We explain what happened, and what it means for AT&T iPhone 4S users. Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:07:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fjeff_bezos_groks_tech_better_than_tech_companies%2F&seed_title=Jeff+Bezos+Groks+Tech+Better+Than+Tech+Companies http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/jeff_bezos_groks_tech_better_than_tech_companies/ Why does it seem that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos understands at least some aspects of technology better than the technology world, especially when it comes to tablets? Bryan Chaffin argues that PC and device makers are stuck in an open licensing mindset, while a retail mogul was able to grasp the value proposition of Apple’s whole widget model. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:53:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogle_hopes_co-branded_tables_will_compete_against_ipad%2F&seed_title=Google+Hopes+Co-Branded+Tablets+Will+Compete+Against+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/google_hopes_co-branded_tables_will_compete_against_ipad/ Google is planning to sell tablets branded with with the Google logo in an effort to better compete with Apple’s iPad. Bryan Chaffin thinks this is a step in the right direction, but that Google needs to do more to take ownership of Android tablets. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:09:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnokia_threatens_to_take_toys_home_in_apple_sim_fight%2F&seed_title=Nokia+Threatens+to+Take+Toys+Home+in+Apple+SIM+Fight http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/nokia_threatens_to_take_toys_home_in_apple_sim_fight/ The claws are out in Nokia’s fight with Apple over a new standard for the so-called nano-SIM card for smartphones. With the two companies championing competing proposals for a next-generation smaller SIM standard, Nokia has threatened ETSI with a promise to take its technology toys home if that body chooses Apple’s proposal. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:01:36 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmac_in_the_classroom%2F&seed_title=Mac+in+the+Classroom%3A+End+of+the+Encyclopedia+Era http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/mac_in_the_classroom/ Apple has had a place in the class room for years — even before the first Macintosh computer was released — and the iPad’s versatility has the company in an even stronger position in the education market. Jeff Butts is digging into the education options that go along with Apple’s products, and he takes a look at the end of Encyclopedia Britannica’s print era, too. Analysis Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:35:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwalter_isaacson_reveals_14_leadership_lessons_from_steve_jobs%2F&seed_title=Walter+Isaacson+Reveals+14+Leadership+Lessons+from+Steve+Jobs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/walter_isaacson_reveals_14_leadership_lessons_from_steve_jobs/ Writing for the April edition of the Harvard Business Review, biographer Walter Isaacson has penned a piece looking at the “real leadership lessons” of Steve Jobs. Mr. Isaacson, the author of Steve Jobs, used the 6,824 word essay to try and boil down that biography to the most essential and salient aspects of Steve Jobs as a leader for those who may have missed the message in the full book. News, Analysis Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:27 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fu.s._pays_up_to_250000_for_iphone_hacks%2F&seed_title=U.S.+Pays+Up+To+%24250%2C000+for+iPhone+Hacks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/u.s._pays_up_to_250000_for_iphone_hacks/ U.S. government agencies and contractors, as well as other foreign governments, are apparently paying up to a quarter of a million dollars (US) to get exclusive access to zero-day exploits for iOS. According sources inside the industry, iOS exploits command more money than those developed for Android, or even Windows. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:22:43 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fconsumer_reports_new_ipad_runs_significantly_hotter_than_ipad_2%2F&seed_title=Consumer+Reports%3A+New+iPad+Runs+%26%238220%3BSignificantly+Hotter%26%238221%3B+than+iPad+2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/consumer_reports_new_ipad_runs_significantly_hotter_than_ipad_2/ Consumer Reports (CR) has released a report finding that Apple’s new iPad ran “significantly hotter” than the iPad 2. While that makes for a fine headline, the magazine buried the key part of its report, which was that, “at its hottest, [the new iPad] felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period.” News, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:06:07 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fblu-ray_remains_noticeably_better_than_1080p_itunes%2F&seed_title=Blu-ray+Remains+Noticeably+Better+Than+1080p+iTunes http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/blu-ray_remains_noticeably_better_than_1080p_itunes/ Ars Technica took a look at iTunes 1080p early Wednesday and concluded that it “almost” matches the picture quality of Blu-ray. While content can vary wildly on both Blu-ray and iTunes due to source and encoding discrepancies, we show that quality source material remains significantly better looking on Blu-ray. Analysis Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:27:04 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fspec_comparison_new_ipad_vs._asus_transformer_prime%2F&seed_title=Spec+Comparison%3A+New+iPad+vs.+Asus+Transformer+Prime http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/spec_comparison_new_ipad_vs._asus_transformer_prime/ Our first spec comparison for Apple’s new iPad was between the front runners (such as they are), the soon-to-be-replaced Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Amazon’s popular Kindle Fire. In today’s comparison, we’re going to look at a device that was hailed as an iPad killer when it shipped in December of 2011, the Asus Transformer Prime. News, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:42:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_travels_with_lion_icloud_the_claws_come_out%2F&seed_title=My+Travels+with+Lion+%26amp%3B+iCloud%3A+The+Claws+Come+Out http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_travels_with_lion_icloud_the_claws_come_out/ In part II of John’s travelogue, he tells the story of his software upgrade extravaganza: the newest Parallels Desktop, Mountain Lion, the Messages beta and iCloud calendars. Analysis Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:01:25 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fspec_comparison_new_ipad_vs._galaxy_tab_10.1_vs._kindle_fire%2F&seed_title=Spec+Comparison%3A+New+iPad+vs.+Galaxy+Tab+10.1+vs.+Kindle+Fire http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/spec_comparison_new_ipad_vs._galaxy_tab_10.1_vs._kindle_fire/ The release of Apple’s new iPad mode, which was announced on Wednesday, means that it’s time once again to compare specs for the most popular tablets on the market. In today’s comparison, we’re looking at the new iPad, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1, and Amazon’s popular Kindle Fire. News, Analysis, iObserver, iOS, iPad Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:53:31 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnew_ipad_on_verizon_offers_best_mobile_hotspot_value%2F&seed_title=New+iPad+on+Verizon+Offers+Best+Mobile+Hotspot+Value http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/new_ipad_on_verizon_offers_best_mobile_hotspot_value/ The introduction of Apple’s new iPad opens up a new option for people looking to get a mobile hotspot, a feature supported in the device. While AT&T isn’t supporting it, Verizon is. Looking at the combination of flexibility and functionlity, Jim Tanous does the math and finds a Verizon iPad offers the best value for a mobile hotspot, better even than a subsidized MiFi. Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:37:01 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_travels_with_lion_icloud_purrs_and_bliss%2F&seed_title=My+Travels+with+OS+X+Lion+%26amp%3B+iCloud%3A+Purrs+and+Bliss http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_travels_with_lion_icloud_purrs_and_bliss/ One of John’s Macs had to stay behind and play lonely with Snow Leopard. Recently, that Mac Pro got upgraded to Lion, and John simultaneously made the leap to iCloud. Here is his travelogue. Analysis, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:05:53 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_ipad_3_event_may_also_drive_apple_tv_future%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPad+3+Event+May+Also+Drive+Apple+TV+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_ipad_3_event_may_also_drive_apple_tv_future/ The Apple TV hobby might benefit in unexpected ways from the iPad as well as new TV technologies.  In fact, the rumored next generation Apple TV may not be a set-top box at all, but rather something mind-blowing. Together, the iPad 3 and the Apple TV 3 could upset the balance of power in the TV industry. Analysis Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:13:33 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frepublican_santorum_channels_apples_1984_lemmings_ads%2F&seed_title=Republican+Santorum+Channels+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+%26%238216%3B1984%26%238217%3B+%26amp%3B+%26%238216%3BLemmings%26%238217%3B+Ads http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/republican_santorum_channels_apples_1984_lemmings_ads/ Rick Santorum, Republican candidate for U.S. president, has released a new commercial that borrows from both Apple’s 1984 and Lemmings commercials. The ad casts fellow Republican Mitt Romney in the role of IBM/Big Brother and a Rick Santorum supporter in the role of the proverbial hammer tosser/sign-holder who stops the line of zombie drones. News, Analysis Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:46:42 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthat_thing_youll_do_with_apples_ipad_3%2F&seed_title=That+Thing+You%26%238217%3Bll+do+With+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPad+3 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/that_thing_youll_do_with_apples_ipad_3/ If you’ve never before owned an iPad, but merely ogled other people’s iPads and wondered what all the fuss is about, John Martellaro has some thoughts on what you’ll be doing with a new iPad 3. Analysis Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:31:09 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_shareholder_meeting_politics-lite_laughs_tim_cook%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Shareholder+Meeting%3A+Politics-Lite%2C+Laughs%2C+Tim+Cook http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_shareholder_meeting_politics-lite_laughs_tim_cook/ Apple held its annual shareholder meeting earlier on Thursday—it was mostly a snoozer, but there were a few highlights to share. Bryan Chaffin was on hand for the event, and offer up the following observations for your enjoyment. News, Analysis Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:21:29 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmicrosoft_video_offers_hamfisted_attack_on_google_apps%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+Video+Offers+Hamfisted+Attack+on+Google+Apps http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_video_offers_hamfisted_attack_on_google_apps/ Microsoft has published a video called Googlighting to YouTube—that’s Google’s YouTube—that attempts to make the case that Google Apps are little more than a side project for the search giant, a flaky and unreliable side project at that. Bryan Chaffin thinks it’s a hamfisted and embarrassing effort. News, Analysis Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:05:51 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_wont_rule_out_macs_with_apple_processors%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Won%26%238217%3Bt+Rule+Out+Macs+with+Apple+Processors http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_wont_rule_out_macs_with_apple_processors/ Apple CEO Tim Cook isn’t ruling out the idea of using the company’s own processors to power its Mac desktop or laptop computers. Currently, Apple uses its own A4 processor to power the iPhone 4 and the A5 to power the iPhone 4S and iPad 2, and in an interview, Mr. Cook said his company is keeping its options open on what processors to use on its Macs. News, Analysis Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:36:28 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_makes_his_first_mark_on_apple%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Makes+His+First+Mark+on+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_makes_his_first_mark_on_apple/ During Tuesday’s Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook provided his first extensive, impromptu public appearance. He spoke from the heart about Apple, and John Martellaro thinks he’s made his first definable mark on the company. Columns and Opinions, Editorial, Analysis Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:45:15 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_speech_reveals_passion_for_apple_products%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Speech+Reveals+Passion+for+Apple+Products http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_speech_reveals_passion_for_apple_products/ We were expecting Tim Cook to talk about Apple’s financials and operations, but we weren’t expecting him to show us how much he cares about making great products. In this installment of The Back Page, Bryan Chaffin tells us why he thinks this is so important. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, Reports, Apple Stock Watch Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:34 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_we_have_more_cash_than_we_need_to_run_apple%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook%3A+We+Have+More+Cash+Than+We+Need+to+Run+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_we_have_more_cash_than_we_need_to_run_apple/ Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts that his company has more money than it needs to run the company on a daily business, and asked for patience from analysts and shareholder alike in giving the company time to figure out the best use for all that dough. News, Analysis, Reports, Apple Stock Watch Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:02:08 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcompetitors_size_up_apples_ibooks_author%2F&seed_title=Competitors+Size+up+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iBooks+Author http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/competitors_size_up_apples_ibooks_author/ In January, Apple released a new OS X app called iBooks Author. It’s designed to assist authors and publishers with the compilation of books, especially textbooks for Apple’s iBooks app. But how does it stack up as an author’s tool? Can it replace other writing tools for authors? TMO asked two developers of major writing tools to size up iBooks Author from a competitive perspective. Analysis Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:19 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmacworldiworld_2012_claims_25000_attendees_announces_2013_schedule%2F&seed_title=Macworld%7CiWorld+2012+Claims+25%2C000+Attendees%2C+Announces+2013+Schedule http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/macworldiworld_2012_claims_25000_attendees_announces_2013_schedule/ IDG World Expo announced on Tuesday that some 25,000 people attended Macworld | iWorld 2012. The firm said that 40 percent of those attendees were new to Macworld | iWorld, which used to be called Macworld Conference & Expo. Speaking of the conference side of the show, IDG also said that conference attendance, which is now called “Tech Talks,” rose by an impressive 145 percent. News, Analysis, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:59:06 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fday_one_of_macworldiworld_its_not_ces%2F&seed_title=Day+One+of+Macworld%7CiWorld%3A+It%26%238217%3Bs+Not+CES http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/day_one_of_macworldiworld_its_not_ces/ SAN FRANCISCO - It’s day one of the newly rechristened Macworld iWorld trade show, and Bryan Chaffin says thank goodness it’s no CES. He talks about the differences in the two hows and reports that Macworld|iWorld was packed. Columns and Opinions, Editorial, Analysis, Reports, Conferences, CES, Macworld Expo Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:57:04 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_chinas_laborers_the_heat_is_on%2F&seed_title=Apple+%26amp%3B+China%26%238217%3Bs+Laborers%3A+The+Heat+is+On http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_chinas_laborers_the_heat_is_on/ There is more and more discussion now about the working conditions in China, especially those workers that build consumer electronics. And especially Apple’s iProducts. Can any conclusions be drawn? Analysis Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:10:47 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_not_so_secret_war%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Not+so+Secret+War http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_not_so_secret_war/ Motorola has filed a new lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida, in addition to its previous complaint against Apple. Included in the new suit are complaints about Apple’s iCloud and the iPhone 4S that couldn’t be added to the previous suit. Why has this suit been filed along with so many others by other companies? What’s the end game? Analysis Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:12:24 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_fatal_flaw_with_ipad_textbooks_for_k-12_education%2F&seed_title=The+Fatal+Flaw+with+iPad+Textbooks+for+K-12+Education http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_fatal_flaw_with_ipad_textbooks_for_k-12_education/ When Apple announced Textbooks for K-12 in iBooks 2 this morning in New York, David Winograd believes the company forgot one major thing that will really prevent it from being sucessful. Analysis, iObserver, iOS, iTunes Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:36:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftmos_thunderbolt_roundup%2F&seed_title=TMO%26%238217%3Bs+Thunderbolt+Roundup http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tmos_thunderbolt_roundup/ Forget Lion, iPads, and iPhones; the feature that we’re most excited by (and thus far disappointed in) is Thunderbolt. The new technology developed by Intel and available on Macs since early last year, has the promise to revolutionize PC storage and connectivity. For all those excited by Thunderbolt, we take a look at what’s already available and what’s just around the corner. News, Product News, Analysis Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:34:21 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmy_k-12_wish_list_for_apples_education_media_event%2F&seed_title=My+K-12+Wish+List+for+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Education+Media+Event http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/my_k-12_wish_list_for_apples_education_media_event/ With the January 19th Apple Event just a few days away, David Winograd has some ideas he thinks could really make a difference in K-12 Education that go a lot further than just creating an iTextbook store. Analysis, iObserver, iPad Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:25:23 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fanalysis&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsome_thoughts_on_ibooks_and_education%2F&seed_title=Some+Thoughts+on+iBooks%2C+iPads+and+Education http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/some_thoughts_on_ibooks_and_education/ Apple is scheduled to make an announcement on January 19th in New York City having something to do with either iAds, iBooks, Education or some combination. The agenda hasn’t been anounced. We do know that Eddy Cue, who runs iCloud, the iTunes, iBookstore and the App store, will be there  Here are some thoughts, on what Apple could do to gain a ton of share in the education market.  Analysis, iObserver, iPad Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:15:35 -0500