Ricky Spero takes a look at the social impact of portable tech gear and smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone, and offers up his advice on balancing on the go technology with your life.

I’m the only TMO writer who doesn’t own an iPhone. Believe it or not, I actually don’t own a smartphone at all. But Apple’s iPhone 4 is the first phone that has me rethinking my prior always-get-the-free-phone-with-the-contract policy.

With Logic Studio, Apple shows that the magic is all in the software. But the most encouraging news about Logic Studio is the message it sends to artists.

Think you know Apple? Think again. The Apple of today is way smarter than it used to be, and so is Steve Jobs. The smarter Apple is a story about better ads, clever partnerships, and multi-touch iPods.

We spend a couple days at Macworld Expo's neglected younger sibling: the Conference sessions.

As HP strives to become a one-stop shop for imaging, TMO considers whether the company has what it takes to create a user experience that would impress even a Mac Observer.

2.1-style desktop sound system delivers on its promise of "In-Concert Technology."

Market analyst Michael Sager says increased retail visibility alone does not account for boosted sales down under.

HP has announced four new Photosmart digital cameras, and a special edition of an existing Photosmart product.

Microsoft has announced that it will enter the enterprise-level security market, and that it will bundle consumer-level anti-spyware software with Windows.

Alien's all-in-one system controls background music, lyrics display, MIDI effects, and light shows.

Expansion pack for C&C Generals costs $30.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs notifies record label execs of Napster-to-Go hack.

Pro-level camera will ship in March, 2005 with an MSRP of $3500.

Coolpix 4600, 5600, 7600 share a compact design.

AmTech analyst believes product demand is "better than expected," says Apple "remains among the best growth stories in technology."

Marketwatch commentator also argues consumers ignore competing products because of the brand's strength.

Major upgrade to cross-platform file server includes a completely new architecture.

Exilim Zoom EX-Z750 will be under $450. Casio also announces a large-display 5 MegaPixel camera.

Monochrome all-in-one costs under $300; ethernet-ready version is $50 more.

Deal is a new direction for old competitors; move mirrors Apple-Motorola partnership.

Fidelity Investments and Barclays Investment Funds have bought 5.6% and 4.87% stakes, respectively, in Apple stock, according to SEC filings announced Monday

Pixar and Apple CEO Steve Jobs calls Disney CEO Eisner a "loose cannon"

MSNBC has published an interview with Creative Technologies CEO Sim Wong Hoo examining the company's struggle against the iPod.

Apple opens Monday at over $83 a share; one analyst expects supply shortages to ease in the coming month, and software revenue to top $1 billion.

The San Francisco Chronicle rated the Creative flash player almost 20% ahead of the iPod Shuffle, citing screen, FM tuner, and recording among the bonuses.

European telecom firm signs Motorola-like deal for media distribution over cell phones.

We put Better Energy's solar-powered charger through its paces

Apple stock split helps lift the market at midday while S&P reiterates "hold" rating.

Updated collection includes 1000 new fonts.

C-Command brings the spam filtering software to version 2.2.4.

Aspyr expects its port of the LucasArts title to ship in June 2005.

TikiMac has announced the Mahana II external hard drive.

Freeverse Software has announced that it will port Enlight Software's X2 - The Threat to the Mac.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Last night, the Macworld All Star Band struck again. The Mac star-studded ensemble rocked out at The Park for Party 2.0: Cirque du Mac

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Exhibitors in the show floor's low-rent "Special Interest" area express satisfaction with the return on their investment.

Two four-man teams of the ultimate Mac Geeks faced off in the Mac Brainiac Challenge - The Rematch. Among them was TMO's own Editor-in-Chief, Bryan Chaffin and columnist Andy Ihnatko.

Better Energy System's founder and CEO Christopher Horner talks about the founding of his company, and the motivation behind his products.

We highlight a specials and sales in honor of MWSF. You need not attend the show to take advantage of most of these deals.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- If you play games, chances are you know about MacSoft. We sat down with the company's Al Schilling for a conversation about MacSoft, their upcoming title Close Combat: First to Fight, and the nature of the game industry.

Griffin Technology has released a desk accessory, the Xpress Stand, for Apple's AirPort Express base station.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- TMO was out in the halls following the keynote, and as always, attendees had a lot to say. We bring reactions to the Mac mini, the iPod shuffle, and some software offerings.

iTranslate is a new translation tool for Mac OS X.

Westciv has announced that its Complete CSS Guide is now available as a free "podGuide" for the iPod

The Australia-based Apple University Development Fund is seeking applications for its software development grants.

California fruit sellers are beginning a promotion with Apple's iTunes Music Store. Buyers of California produce, including nectarines, plums, and peaches, will earn free iTMS downloads.

Apple is now selling the two newest versions of the iPod in the Indian market.

The Macworld exhibit hall will include a games pavilion with exhibitors, an arcade, and a tournament area. Also, IDG is offering an all-day game industry tutorial.

TLA Systems has announced an update to DragThing, bringing the dock replacement utility to version 5.5.

Today BusinessWeek Online has published an interesting piece about the state of the Pixar-Disney negotiations.