Apple Computer was one of the pioneers of the PC industry and remains so today. It is one of the largest computer companies in the world, with sales of $6.2 billion in fiscal 2003. Apple designs, manufactures, and distributes a host of computer and related products, including desktop computers, notebooks, servers, and storage arrays, along with its own proprietary operating system and applications. In the past few years, Apple entered the music marketplace with its popular iPod music player and iTunes Music Store, which sells legally downloadable songs. Apple currently dominates the markets for both of these products. iPod Forum
Furthermore, Apple is scheduled to come to market over the next few months with several new products that should garner significant attention and drive incremental business. Apple also chose to control a greater percentage of its product distribution due to the differentiated nature of its products, a strategy that has been successful to date and may have played a key role in the company’s ability to hold PC market share in two of the past three quarters after consistently losing share in the marketplace for each of the past four years.
Our analysis indicates iTunes has the potential to be somewhat accretive to the overall business model if downloads continue to increase at their current pace and Apple can increase the number of songs downloaded per session, which would leverage the fixed credit check costs the company incurs per order. However, industry experts believe it will add only a few pennies to the bottom line as Apple continues to reinvest in the business. The main value iTunes brings to Apple’s business is increased awareness of Apple’s products and Web site traffic, which Apple can use to cross-sell its other products, especially iPod.
Understandably, Apple wants to avoid selling PCs at a loss, but unfortunately the growth prospects for $1,000-plus PCs are limited. This presents a conundrum for Apple longer term, but for now it maintains its current strategy. Incidentally, Apple’s revenue share has held much better, and while this is not an often-discussed topic, revenue share is probably more important than unit share. With regard to the compatibility of Windows and Mac OS X, even though Apple made a concerted effort to educate consumers about the ease with which these two products work together, it has fallen on deaf ears for the most part. Apple made some progress through its retail stores, where it estimates half of Mac purchases are from first-time buyers, but for Apple’s stock to work over the long term, the company needs to maintain share against Windows, at a minimum.
On a brighter note and possibly a sign of things to come, Apple reported strong Mac growth in its June quarter and held share. The June quarter is seasonally slow for most computer companies, but it is the education buying season, a market where Apple is regaining lost share. One quarter does not make a trend, but this may be a direct result of the increased awareness iTunes and iPod have brought to the Apple brand. http://www.ipodreviewforum.com
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/Ipod-and-MP3--Major-Players/3365
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
iPod Music, Movies and Downloads
The iPod has got to be one of the most trendy technological item on the market for a wide variety of age groups. Also known as an MP3 player, the iPod has taken the market with Apple’s newest iPods that allow you to watch movies right from your player. It is actually quite amazing technology. Originally, the iPod was a bit bigger than some of the other MP3 players on the market. But the benefit to the iPod was the fact it was hard drive based allowing the player to hold thousands of songs. One of Apple’s latest, the iPod Nano uses Flash based memory so it is quite smaller than the original iPod. In fact, it is so thin, like the new RAZR phones.
One of iPods high popularity is Apples music player, called iTunes. iTunes is the internets largest music store allowing iPod owners to download tracks directly to their computer or to their iPod.
iTunes, although very convenient, can be very costly to the teenager or smaller child as the music and movies are paid for on a per item basis. Most songs run around a dollar a piece with the movies being much higher.
During my research of this article I found several websites that allow you to pay a one time membership fee with unlimited iPod downloads. To me, if you download a lot of iPod music and especially iPod movies, would be a good investment. If you stop and total up the per cost, over time you may spend thousands of dollars.
Most of these websites I came across ran between forty to fifty dollars for a lifetime, unlimited membership.
The iPod is amazing, but it also is an expensive MP3 player. There are many different types of MP3 players on the market today that cost a lot less, but many of them do not have quite the technological features nor do they have iTunes capabilities. Before you decide to purchase, investigate thoroughly, the pros and cons, but in my opinion, the iPods are worth the money.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/iPod-Music--Movies-and-Downloads/23323
One of iPods high popularity is Apples music player, called iTunes. iTunes is the internets largest music store allowing iPod owners to download tracks directly to their computer or to their iPod.
iTunes, although very convenient, can be very costly to the teenager or smaller child as the music and movies are paid for on a per item basis. Most songs run around a dollar a piece with the movies being much higher.
During my research of this article I found several websites that allow you to pay a one time membership fee with unlimited iPod downloads. To me, if you download a lot of iPod music and especially iPod movies, would be a good investment. If you stop and total up the per cost, over time you may spend thousands of dollars.
Most of these websites I came across ran between forty to fifty dollars for a lifetime, unlimited membership.
The iPod is amazing, but it also is an expensive MP3 player. There are many different types of MP3 players on the market today that cost a lot less, but many of them do not have quite the technological features nor do they have iTunes capabilities. Before you decide to purchase, investigate thoroughly, the pros and cons, but in my opinion, the iPods are worth the money.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/iPod-Music--Movies-and-Downloads/23323
About your Apple Ipods battery life
The Apple Ipod battery is made out of Lithium Ion. Lithium Ion batteries give out a lot more power than the basic nickel based batteries. They have a longer life span and they are used to give power to lots of different items, such as laptops and cellphones.
If you plan on going on vacation without your Apple Ipod or if you plan to be without your Apple Ipod for any kind of extended period, you should only store it at half charge. If you store your Ipod at full charge, it will lose about 20% of power per year. You will also need to store your Apple Ipod in a cool place during your vacation.
Lithium Ion batteries charge in two stages. During the first stage, the battery will be charged very quickly to about 80% capacity, then stage two will start, finishing off the last 20%. Stage two takes a lot longer to finish, because stage two will decrease the current while holding the voltage at a platue.
If you need to replace your Lithium Ion battery, the best place to do so is from the Apple company. This will run you to about $130.00. Apple will usually only have batteries for newer models of Apple Ipods. If you need to find a battery for an older model, you might need to look elsewhere.
If you are experiencing your Ipods battery charge indicator not working properly, like if its showing that you need to recharge your battery right after you have charged it, or if it shows that there are some time left on the battery, but stops working, then you should update your Apple Ipod by downloading all the latest software. This will ensure that your Ipod is up to date and is working properly.
With proper care, your Apple Ipod will last for many wonderful years.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/About-your-Apple-Ipods-battery-life/31931
If you plan on going on vacation without your Apple Ipod or if you plan to be without your Apple Ipod for any kind of extended period, you should only store it at half charge. If you store your Ipod at full charge, it will lose about 20% of power per year. You will also need to store your Apple Ipod in a cool place during your vacation.
Lithium Ion batteries charge in two stages. During the first stage, the battery will be charged very quickly to about 80% capacity, then stage two will start, finishing off the last 20%. Stage two takes a lot longer to finish, because stage two will decrease the current while holding the voltage at a platue.
If you need to replace your Lithium Ion battery, the best place to do so is from the Apple company. This will run you to about $130.00. Apple will usually only have batteries for newer models of Apple Ipods. If you need to find a battery for an older model, you might need to look elsewhere.
If you are experiencing your Ipods battery charge indicator not working properly, like if its showing that you need to recharge your battery right after you have charged it, or if it shows that there are some time left on the battery, but stops working, then you should update your Apple Ipod by downloading all the latest software. This will ensure that your Ipod is up to date and is working properly.
With proper care, your Apple Ipod will last for many wonderful years.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/About-your-Apple-Ipods-battery-life/31931
iPods – The King Of MP3’s
Do you remember the days when if you wanted to listen to music, you had to plug in your stereo and hope that the power didn’t go out? Those days are long gone and there are now tons of devices that make it easy to take your music with you. I’m sure that some people still prefer their portable CD players, but almost everyone nowadays either already owns or has their eye on those spanking new mp3 players that are all the rage.
Mp3 players are much more lightweight than CD players, because they don’t require CDs. In fact, most of the top mp3 players allow you to download music directly to your mp3 players’ hard drive. This has drastically reduced the space requirements and today’s mp3 players can easily fit into a shirt or pants pocket. While many brands have their own versions of mp3 players, by far the most popular is undoubtedly the Apple iPod. Here’s why the iPod is so much ahead.
Mp3 players can be put into two categories; those which use flash memory and those which have a hard drive. The iPod Nano boasts an amazing 2GB of storage space, which translates to over 500 songs. The accompanying software is upgradeable so you don’t need to change mp3 players to keep up. You can fine tune the sound quality by using a number of equalizer presets and the device is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
You really see the iPod’s popularity though when you consider hard drive mp3 players. These typically have a much higher storage capacity than flash memory mp3 players and the iPod is no exception. Although much of the features are the same as its flash memory counterparts, iPod hard drive mp3 players top the scale with a whopping 30 GB of storage and the ability to recognize and play video files as well.
The amount of space offered, and the accompanying features, have put Apple’s mp3 players at the top of many consumers’ wish lists and the iPod continues to hold off challengers. High sales of Ipods have led to a jump in the associated market of iPod accessories. Think of a possible accessory, and it’s probable been made. Today’s iPod accessories comprise the typical headphones and rechargeable adapters, but there is some more creative fare. These iPod accessories include docking stations, speakers and LCD displays. Even the garment industry has jumped on the bandwagon and created iPod accessories in the form of special pockets for your iPod.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/iPods---The-King-Of-MP3-s/30195
Mp3 players are much more lightweight than CD players, because they don’t require CDs. In fact, most of the top mp3 players allow you to download music directly to your mp3 players’ hard drive. This has drastically reduced the space requirements and today’s mp3 players can easily fit into a shirt or pants pocket. While many brands have their own versions of mp3 players, by far the most popular is undoubtedly the Apple iPod. Here’s why the iPod is so much ahead.
Mp3 players can be put into two categories; those which use flash memory and those which have a hard drive. The iPod Nano boasts an amazing 2GB of storage space, which translates to over 500 songs. The accompanying software is upgradeable so you don’t need to change mp3 players to keep up. You can fine tune the sound quality by using a number of equalizer presets and the device is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
You really see the iPod’s popularity though when you consider hard drive mp3 players. These typically have a much higher storage capacity than flash memory mp3 players and the iPod is no exception. Although much of the features are the same as its flash memory counterparts, iPod hard drive mp3 players top the scale with a whopping 30 GB of storage and the ability to recognize and play video files as well.
The amount of space offered, and the accompanying features, have put Apple’s mp3 players at the top of many consumers’ wish lists and the iPod continues to hold off challengers. High sales of Ipods have led to a jump in the associated market of iPod accessories. Think of a possible accessory, and it’s probable been made. Today’s iPod accessories comprise the typical headphones and rechargeable adapters, but there is some more creative fare. These iPod accessories include docking stations, speakers and LCD displays. Even the garment industry has jumped on the bandwagon and created iPod accessories in the form of special pockets for your iPod.
http://www.articlebliss.com/Article/iPods---The-King-Of-MP3-s/30195
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The New Wide-Screen iPod Touch
Each year there is a gadget that everyone simply must have in order to survive. This year look for Apple to attempt to fill that coveted spot with the new iPod Touch media player. Like its scroll wheel namesake, the iPod Touch will hold all of your music and movie files, but the most incredible improvement is not what is included on the player. Instead the most impressive addition is something that is missing entirely. Gone is the classic iPod scroll wheel and in is the cool glass touch screen of its iPhone cousin.
Touch Screen iPod Provides Wide Screen Wow!
With the loss of the click wheel Apple has opened the door to wide screen media content on the new iPod Touch. Able to play your favorite YouTube videos via its built in Wi-Fi capabilities, users can switch from vertical to widescreen mode simply by rotating the Touch to its side. The iPod senses the change in orientation and flips the image to make best use of the 3.5 inch display. Users will be able to flip through their music collection visually by looking at images of their CD collection in a jukebox style layout. Add to this that the new iPod Touch is supposed to have a battery life as high as 22 hours with normal use and one wonders when the lines will begin to form outside the local Apple store. Many existing iPod accessories should also work with the new iPod Touch, but specifics are not yet available.
Wireless Internet and Free iTunes While Dining at Starbuck's:
As mentioned, the new iPod Touch includes built in Wi-Fi capabilities to allow you to wirelessly surf the Internet while within range of a Wi-Fi signal. In an attempt to bolster their appeal even more, Apple has partnered with Starbucks to provide free access to their Wi-Fi music store while wait to order your morning latte. When not in line at Starbucks you can still view web sites wirelessly using Apple's own Safari browser. No word yet as to whether or not the problems that Apple had with their iPhone and certain aspects of Internet use have been fixed or not, but regardless of any minor quirks the device might have, the new capabilities of this next generation iPod make it one of the most attractive media players on the market today.
Release Date and Pricing For The New iPod Touch:
Set to be released in late September 2007 (exact date not available as yet), the 8gb iPod Touch model is slated for sale at $299. Users can double that capacity to 16gb for an extra hundred dollars. Within hours of the official Apple press release major retailers such as Best Buy were already posting photos and information but no order links as yet. One can almost anticipate a shortage of this new must-have media player as soon as it hits the store shelves. Will it live up to the hype? We'll have to wait and see.
http://ipod.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_new_widescreen_ipod_touch
Touch Screen iPod Provides Wide Screen Wow!
With the loss of the click wheel Apple has opened the door to wide screen media content on the new iPod Touch. Able to play your favorite YouTube videos via its built in Wi-Fi capabilities, users can switch from vertical to widescreen mode simply by rotating the Touch to its side. The iPod senses the change in orientation and flips the image to make best use of the 3.5 inch display. Users will be able to flip through their music collection visually by looking at images of their CD collection in a jukebox style layout. Add to this that the new iPod Touch is supposed to have a battery life as high as 22 hours with normal use and one wonders when the lines will begin to form outside the local Apple store. Many existing iPod accessories should also work with the new iPod Touch, but specifics are not yet available.
Wireless Internet and Free iTunes While Dining at Starbuck's:
As mentioned, the new iPod Touch includes built in Wi-Fi capabilities to allow you to wirelessly surf the Internet while within range of a Wi-Fi signal. In an attempt to bolster their appeal even more, Apple has partnered with Starbucks to provide free access to their Wi-Fi music store while wait to order your morning latte. When not in line at Starbucks you can still view web sites wirelessly using Apple's own Safari browser. No word yet as to whether or not the problems that Apple had with their iPhone and certain aspects of Internet use have been fixed or not, but regardless of any minor quirks the device might have, the new capabilities of this next generation iPod make it one of the most attractive media players on the market today.
Release Date and Pricing For The New iPod Touch:
Set to be released in late September 2007 (exact date not available as yet), the 8gb iPod Touch model is slated for sale at $299. Users can double that capacity to 16gb for an extra hundred dollars. Within hours of the official Apple press release major retailers such as Best Buy were already posting photos and information but no order links as yet. One can almost anticipate a shortage of this new must-have media player as soon as it hits the store shelves. Will it live up to the hype? We'll have to wait and see.
http://ipod.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_new_widescreen_ipod_touch
Apple Shakes iPod Tree
Apple today made several announcements which will impact the iPod family. Effective immediately the new basic iPod line, which combines the best of the iPod and the image friendly iPod photo, will feature two white models, each with color LCDs. Also on Apple’s radar are shuffle price drops, new iTunes software and greater support of podcasts.
New iPods
The new 20GB ($299) and 60GB ($399) models, which look like the iPod photo, replace all existing iPod and iPod photo units. The former will hold approximately 5,000 songs and the latter 15,000. As for photos, the 20GB can support 20,000, with the 60GB up around 25,000. Like the iPod photo, the simplified line supports the ability to directly import photos from a digital camera with the optional iPod Camera Connector. Users, as before, will be able to combine music and photos into multimedia slideshows which can be viewed on the iPod or displayed on a larger screen through a connector cable.
All other features of the new iPod, such as the click wheel and playlists support, remain the same as the previous models.
Podcasting
The software used to support the iPod also got a facelift.
iTunes, now at version 4.9, exposes podcasting to more of the mainstream iPod audience. Podcasting, for those who don’t know, is a form of Internet radio in which listeners can subscribe and automatically download special audio files (usually free) from a single source (i.e. ABC News, Adam Curry, BBC, Clear Channel, The Dawn and Drew Show, Disney, Engadget, ESPN, Newsweek and NPR member stations, just to name a few). Think of it as downloading daily segments of your favorite radio talk show. Instead of listening to them on the radio or streaming them, iTunes (and software like it) pulls the segment off of the Internet and makes it available for you to listen to on your computer or iPod. In the case of iTunes, the software features a special directory built into it which allows you to subscribe to one of 3,000 free podcasts, which are downloaded automatically and auto-synchronized with your player., just like your music.
To better manage podcasts on your iPod, Apple has also released iPod Updater 2005-06-26. This new update for the player (which is already available on the new iPods listed above – existing iPod owners (all click wheel and mini models) will need to download it here) adds a Podcast menu to the existing directory structure. From this new menu, users will be able to bookmark within a single podcast and also display color podcast work.
"Apple is taking Podcasting mainstream by building it right into iTunes," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Podcasting is the next generation of radio, and users can now subscribe to over 3,000 free Podcasts and have each new episode automatically delivered over the Internet to their computer and iPod."
Price Drops
Apple also announced they were dropping prices on other models in the iPod line up. A new version of the iPod U2 Special Edition features a color screen and is priced at $329. The 1GB shuffle meanwhile drops to $129, while the 512MB unit stays at $99. Prices on the mini remain unchanged.
http://portables.about.com/od/mp3players/a/newipod.htm
New iPods
The new 20GB ($299) and 60GB ($399) models, which look like the iPod photo, replace all existing iPod and iPod photo units. The former will hold approximately 5,000 songs and the latter 15,000. As for photos, the 20GB can support 20,000, with the 60GB up around 25,000. Like the iPod photo, the simplified line supports the ability to directly import photos from a digital camera with the optional iPod Camera Connector. Users, as before, will be able to combine music and photos into multimedia slideshows which can be viewed on the iPod or displayed on a larger screen through a connector cable.
All other features of the new iPod, such as the click wheel and playlists support, remain the same as the previous models.
Podcasting
The software used to support the iPod also got a facelift.
iTunes, now at version 4.9, exposes podcasting to more of the mainstream iPod audience. Podcasting, for those who don’t know, is a form of Internet radio in which listeners can subscribe and automatically download special audio files (usually free) from a single source (i.e. ABC News, Adam Curry, BBC, Clear Channel, The Dawn and Drew Show, Disney, Engadget, ESPN, Newsweek and NPR member stations, just to name a few). Think of it as downloading daily segments of your favorite radio talk show. Instead of listening to them on the radio or streaming them, iTunes (and software like it) pulls the segment off of the Internet and makes it available for you to listen to on your computer or iPod. In the case of iTunes, the software features a special directory built into it which allows you to subscribe to one of 3,000 free podcasts, which are downloaded automatically and auto-synchronized with your player., just like your music.
To better manage podcasts on your iPod, Apple has also released iPod Updater 2005-06-26. This new update for the player (which is already available on the new iPods listed above – existing iPod owners (all click wheel and mini models) will need to download it here) adds a Podcast menu to the existing directory structure. From this new menu, users will be able to bookmark within a single podcast and also display color podcast work.
"Apple is taking Podcasting mainstream by building it right into iTunes," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Podcasting is the next generation of radio, and users can now subscribe to over 3,000 free Podcasts and have each new episode automatically delivered over the Internet to their computer and iPod."
Price Drops
Apple also announced they were dropping prices on other models in the iPod line up. A new version of the iPod U2 Special Edition features a color screen and is priced at $329. The 1GB shuffle meanwhile drops to $129, while the 512MB unit stays at $99. Prices on the mini remain unchanged.
http://portables.about.com/od/mp3players/a/newipod.htm
Friday, October 26, 2007
How To Turn Your iPod Into TV
The Apple iPod is synonymous with mobile audio and music, and with the launching of the video-capable iPod, music lovers not only will enjoy the audio but also video.
Herein lies the problem - the apple iPod screen is only 2.5 inches, and there is no doubt that viewing pleasure can be increased when we can have a bigger video screen.
How then can the iPod have a bigger viewing screen - so as to be considered a mobile TV as well?
To convert your iPod into a Mobile TV, all you need to do is to get a MicroOptical Goggles.
You can wear this goggle over your regular spectacles or eyeglasses, and where you do not feel comfortable, you can do so over your contact lenses.
The goggles is fairly light at 70 g, with a belt clip that holds the iPod and the battery pack of 3 AAA-batteries. A cable connects to the iPod headphone port.
These goggles will deliver the image from two tiny LCDs through a series of lenses directly to the eyes so that you can watch video on what looks like a 27 inch screen TV!
Now, if you are always on the go and travelling, and you need to research or study or to get information from video clips, you can now enjoy 27" equivalency viewing with the apple iPod.
The only drawback is the cost of the MicroOptical Corp Goggles, which, however is expected to drop with demand. Without the goggles, you have to tolerate the viewing from the 2.5 inch screen from the iPod, or dish out around $269 for the Goggles and start to enjoy Mobile TV using the iPod.
With the development of technology, soon the battery pack consisting of the 3-AAA size batteries will disappear, making it more light weight!
Indeed, there is nothing to hold back the iPod from developing into the music player and mobile TV player if you can afford the cost of the goggles.
Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner who is amazed with the development of technology with the iPod and follow iPod trends. He shares his research findings and make available FREE resources to help others who are looking to buy their first iPod or those who need to get the latest information on iPods at his website http://apple-ipods-sale.revenuemonitor.biz
http://suappleipod.com/iPodArticles/tabid/683/Default.aspx
Herein lies the problem - the apple iPod screen is only 2.5 inches, and there is no doubt that viewing pleasure can be increased when we can have a bigger video screen.
How then can the iPod have a bigger viewing screen - so as to be considered a mobile TV as well?
To convert your iPod into a Mobile TV, all you need to do is to get a MicroOptical Goggles.
You can wear this goggle over your regular spectacles or eyeglasses, and where you do not feel comfortable, you can do so over your contact lenses.
The goggles is fairly light at 70 g, with a belt clip that holds the iPod and the battery pack of 3 AAA-batteries. A cable connects to the iPod headphone port.
These goggles will deliver the image from two tiny LCDs through a series of lenses directly to the eyes so that you can watch video on what looks like a 27 inch screen TV!
Now, if you are always on the go and travelling, and you need to research or study or to get information from video clips, you can now enjoy 27" equivalency viewing with the apple iPod.
The only drawback is the cost of the MicroOptical Corp Goggles, which, however is expected to drop with demand. Without the goggles, you have to tolerate the viewing from the 2.5 inch screen from the iPod, or dish out around $269 for the Goggles and start to enjoy Mobile TV using the iPod.
With the development of technology, soon the battery pack consisting of the 3-AAA size batteries will disappear, making it more light weight!
Indeed, there is nothing to hold back the iPod from developing into the music player and mobile TV player if you can afford the cost of the goggles.
Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner who is amazed with the development of technology with the iPod and follow iPod trends. He shares his research findings and make available FREE resources to help others who are looking to buy their first iPod or those who need to get the latest information on iPods at his website http://apple-ipods-sale.revenuemonitor.biz
http://suappleipod.com/iPodArticles/tabid/683/Default.aspx
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