Orange to sell iPhone in Middle East, Africa, other European countries
Dennis Sellers 
May 16, 2008 at 10:16am
Orange, the official operator partner for the Apple iPhone in France, has announced a new agreement with Apple to bring the communications device to customers in Austria, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and Orange’s African markets later this year.
Macsimum Migration Kit: Exercise & fitness software
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 7:36am
In this week’s Macsimum Migration Kit, we’re looking at exercise and fitness software for the Mac. For those new to the column, Macsimum Migration is our term for companies moving from Windows machines to Macs—or at least adding or increasing the number of Macs they use. A Macsimum Migration kit is an overview of Mac OS X products for a particular occupation, such as dentistry, accounting, etc.
MacOSG: iPhone usage stats problem
Dave Merten May 17, 2008 at 1:22am
Recently, we ran a story on optimizing an iPhone’s battery life. One of the tips was to monitor your battery usage. I went to check mine the other day and all I could see was ”-” for readings, as in the picture below. Underneath it reads, “Usage times will be shown after iPhone is fully charged.” Well, I had just got done charging my iPhone and it was fully charged. So why wasn’t I getting any readings?
MacOSG: May Apple User Group Bulletin
Dave Merten May 16, 2008 at 5:11pm
May’s news includes Averting Digital Disasters, Jim Heid presents at Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group, Dave Hamilton at New Hampshire Seacoast Mac, Kansas Fest 2008 and Apple User Group Milestones.
Apple UK cancels ‘processing fee’ for returning unwanted goods
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 5:11pm
Apple UK has cancelled the “processing fee” it’s been charging consumers who want to return unwanted goods bought online under consumer protection law, following a campaign by Computeractive.
May 16 ‘Macsimum Podcast’ now available
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 5:10pm
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The Macsimum Podcast for May 16 is now available here and the RSS feed is here. Today’s sponsor is SoftPress Systems, maker of the Freeway line of web creation tools.
Freshly Squeezed Reviews: the ol’ rooSwitch-a-roo
Frank Petrie May 16, 2008 at 5:00pm
OK. The Situation. You have hundreds of addresses in your Address Book that are personal. You have at work an Address Book with hundreds of contacts. Now, you have just purchased a MacBook Air (you lucky dog, you).
Apple sues Atico over iPod accessories patent
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 5:00pm
Apple has sued Atico International USA claiming it infringed five patents for accessories used with the device, reports Bloomberg News. Apple wants a jury trial and an order to stop Atico from selling infringing products in the US, according to papers filed yesterday in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.
How to use the Apple TV as a sales tool
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:59pm
Joe McManus of Red Orbit has a good article on using the Apple TV as a sales tool. He says that the device has a small footprint (8×8 inches) and is a “great way to present HD-quality videos to your clients.”
FastMac announces universal battery charger for Apple laptops
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:59pm
FastMac has announced U-Charge, a universal battery charger for multiple Apple laptops including iBooks, MacBooks and PowerBooks. The new U-Charge works externally and connects directly to the battery’s terminals to recharge the batterywithout the need for a laptop.
ezGear ships Video Cable for new iPods
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:58pm
ezGear has introduced the US$39.99 ezGear Video Cable for new iPods. Due at the end of June, it takes advantage of Apple’s Authentification chip, allowing you to play video stored in your iPod on any video display device.
Sonnet cuts prices on Fusion F2 portable RAID system
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:57pm
Sonnet Technologiesal has cut the price on the F2 portable RAID storage system, which provides 640GB capacity in a low-profile design. It’s now available at US$695, a savings of $200.
‘Macsimum Recommended Reading’ for May 16
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:56pm
“Will Apple Be Dragged Kicking and Screaming to the Business Market?”—Seeking Alpha
What’s up with the iPhone ‘shortages’?
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 4:49pm
After only one day with a limit of one iPhone per customer, AT&T, the exclusive iPhone seller outside of Apple in the U.S. says the restriction has ended, reports Information Week. Hmm, as the kid i the commercial says, “Something’s up.”
O’Reilly Media releases issue 8 of ‘Release 2.0’
Dave Merten May 16, 2008 at 3:45pm
One year ago, Release 2.0 set about determining where Wall Street and Web 2.0 would ideally come together in a way that would magnify the strengths of both. That exploration inspired O’Reilly’s Money:Tech conference this past February, and it continues in the latest issue of Release 2.0, which covers best practices on both sides of the line as leading experts outline steps for how Wall Street and Web 2.0 can work together and succeed.
Agatha Christie: Peril at End House available at Macgamestore
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 12:40pm
Agatha Christie: Peril at End House is now available from the Macgamestore. Developed by Oberon Media, it’s the first game in the Agatha Christie games to make it to the Mac.
PhoneView 2.0 adds searching, contact list access, more
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 12:30pm
Ecamm Network has released PhoneView 2.0, an update of the Mac desktop companion for the iPhone. Formerly called MegaPhone, the Mac application gives iPhone and iPod Touch users access to iTunes media, photos, notes, contacts, SMS and call history data stored on the communications device.
USB Fever releases Universal SIM Unlock Card for iPhone
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 12:28pm
USB Fever has released the Universal SIM Unlock Card, an US$22.99 card for unlocking the iPhone.
Apple tops customer satisfaction survey of computer, electronics e-tailers
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 7:37am
According to “The State of Retailing Online 2008,” a study conducted by Forrester Research for ForeSee Results, which specializes in online customer satisfaction measurement, Apple, Newegg, and HP provide the most satisfying online experience in the computer and electronics market.
‘setteB.IT’: Apple wins D&AD Awards
Dennis Sellers May 16, 2008 at 7:37am
By Fabio M. Zambelli
Apple has won three 2008 D&AD Awards in London. The company was among six Black Pencil awards (the top price) assigned this year, Apple got two for the iMac and iPhone. Among 64 Yellow Pencil awards assigned this year, Apple got one for the iPod touch.
Macsimum Opinion
Apple-HBO announcement will shake up the iTunes Store
By Dennis Sellers 
May 16 at 7:47am
This week it was announced that programming from HBO is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes Store. However, in a major change, the HBO shows will have flexible pricing. And I’m afraid that, though it may be a necessary evil, it’s going to mar the simplicity of the online store.
Macsimum Poll
Recent Articles
- Saturday 17, 2008
- MacOSG: iPhone usage stats problem
- Friday 16, 2008
- MacOSG: May Apple User Group Bulletin
- Apple UK cancels ‘processing fee’ for returning unwanted goods
- May 16 ‘Macsimum Podcast’ now available
- Freshly Squeezed Reviews: the ol’ rooSwitch-a-roo
- Apple sues Atico over iPod accessories patent
- How to use the Apple TV as a sales tool
- FastMac announces universal battery charger for Apple laptops
- ezGear ships Video Cable for new iPods
- Sonnet cuts prices on Fusion F2 portable RAID system
- ‘Macsimum Recommended Reading’ for May 16
- What’s up with the iPhone ‘shortages’?
- O’Reilly Media releases issue 8 of ‘Release 2.0’
- Agatha Christie: Peril at End House available at Macgamestore
- PhoneView 2.0 adds searching, contact list access, more
- USB Fever releases Universal SIM Unlock Card for iPhone
- Orange to sell iPhone in Middle East, Africa, other European countries
- Apple-HBO announcement will shake up the iTunes Store
- Apple tops customer satisfaction survey of computer, electronics e-tailers
- ‘setteB.IT’: Apple wins D&AD Awards
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
Damian,
These “CONFIRMED”, I know somone that knows what Steve is going to announce stuff is, well, to put it lightly, a load! Everyone knows someone inside Apple who has his/her hands on EXACTLY what is coming out. I think it’s just a way to get attention. The ONLY one that REALLY know is Steve himself. I’ve read about his “announcement days” and he sometimes doesn’t know for sure what he will be able to announce until the last minutes before he gets on stage!
As to my WWDC speculation it is based on previous announcements and what’s in the news. For example, we’ve all read the current iPhone is HARD to get, (BTW if you really want one now, order from ATT, they have some current models as of yesterday, but only 1 per customer)! So with current iPhone’s running out, and Steve, ATT and Walt Mossberg all pretty much saying new iPhones around June, it doesn’t take much to figure new iPhones at WWDC!
As to Macbook / Macbook pros Apple get’s something updated in the portables just about every summer (July/August), this isn’t speculation just past Apple history.
Ben,
There’s no one “GREAT” source for the WWDC announcements. Anything you read about that “WILL” be announced is rumor and speculation. Steve will announce what Steve announces and that’s that! That being said you can get some pretty good speculation by reading several web sites. Macworld, Apple enthusiast, Apple rumors, this site, etc.! NOTE: BEWARE of CONFIRMING reports! Often the Apple news sites FEED off each, confirming themselves when in reality they are just re-reporting what another site reported.
So take with a grain of salt what you read that WILL be announced. Remember Steve won’t announce that one thing that you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want (1/2” 8x12” Mac Tablet) so don’t be disappointed by what’s NO announced as there will be some cool stuff that will be announced.
Summery of iJavaJoe’s “speculation” of WWDC:
new 3G iPhone, iPhone software update, Pre 10.6 announcement, .Mac update.
VERY Speculative:
Mac Mini, Portable updates,
In my Wildest Dream:
Mac tablet (please, steve, please!)
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
Where does it say on the apple website that they will honour a 14 day return on bringing out a new model and where is the best place to look for news on June 9th?
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
Ok I am now confused. iJavaJoe and El Jabon are saying conflicting things, but who is correct? iJavaJoe you seem to know what you are talking about but El Jabon you say you have a friend at apple? So when are the new Macbooks coming out? WWDC or later?
Freshly Squeezed Reviews: the ol' rooSwitch-a-roo
Said:
Hi,
For mailing lists try Direct Mail. A GEM. You will think how you lived without it.
Apple-HBO announcement will shake up the iTunes Store
Said:
I don’t know where this idea that price uniformity or simplicity is one of the big attractions of iTunes came from. Breadth of selection and ease of purchase/download is the big attraction of iTunes --that you can find everything you want without having to shop other websites. Customers will not be driven away because there are no longer three standard prices in iTunes. As long as prices are competitive, people won’t mind, they’re not that stupid. If they were, people would be running out of supermarkets screaming their heads off in panic and confusion over the thousands of different prices that confronted them there.
'Usual Suspects' is iTunes 'Movie Rental of the Week'
Said:
Thanks for the weekly heads-up on the 99 cent movie! Keep up the good work!
Apple-HBO announcement will shake up the iTunes Store
Said:
I actually support variable pricing for video and static pricing for music. And there is the reason why. Production costs. A Bare Bones production is multiple millions of dollars. The typical music production now probably doesn’t crack $200k for 70% of all artists. The equipment costs are massive for video and the level of involved personnel. If you want good quality video it’s going to cost you.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
OK how’s “Kitty” Cat! Stupid auto word changer; The word was not meant to be dirty and is NOT when used in context. Silly…
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
As I thought the “reported” MacBook, MacBook pro update did not happen, it would have been WAY, WAY to soon.
The “NEW” upgrade rumor: http://9to5mac.com/macbook_upgrade_schedule has things posted for July-September. Steve “might” pull something at WWDC, but probably not. At WWDC You will see iPhone (if not sooner), and possible MacMini updates, perhaps even an iPod (iPod Touch?) as well as PRE announcement for 10.6 “##### Cat”! The Warmest, fuzziest, friendliest OS ever built; “It purrs when you use it!”
Apple tends to make updates in a 4 to 6 month increment. The last Macbook updates were Feb 28th; Given 4 months, start looking early-mid June. This also co-insides with BackToSchool, Apples favorite time for Notebook updates!
For the Apple computer update schedule (when they last upgraded this Mac) checkout : http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
This site has been the BEST indicator of Apple upgrade/update trends. Note the Mac Mini, if they don’t phase it out this would be RIPE for an update at WWDC!
Apple-HBO announcement will shake up the iTunes Store
Said:
Well, not all pricing was $1.99. NOVA from PBS costs $4.99. Some of the History channel specials cost $3.99. Back in the day, and unsurprisingly (given NBC/Universal’s...greed), short clips from Sataurday night live cost $1.99, just like music videos.
So variable pricing has been going on on iTunes for a while, just not in a high profile way.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
El Jabon Said:
Maty,The screen is going to 14 inch.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
And the LED display?
Thanks.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
El Jabon Said:
Jared,
No they will not just the MacBooks.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
Said:
are the macbook pros going to be updated?
The Mac Night Owl: 'Apple begins to succumb to entertainment industry demands'
Said:
Bandwidth, and storage both cost money. To say that a television episode or movie should be priced the same as a song, is to say the least naïve.
New MacTech DVD available
Said:
$29.95 + $20 “handling” charges… Course, you can’t find that out until you get all the way to end of the ordering process…
Donovan's views: Apple Retail -- talk the talk, walk the walk
Said:
It’s not surprising that the US was the primary target for the Apple stores. There is a huge population in the US, a lot of towns and cities that can support an Apple Store, easier distribution through the supply channels and, most important, Apple has a good understanding of the various employment laws and regulations.
The next easiest markets would be the UK and Australia/New Zealand - mainly because of the common language. I worked in retailing in Australia for 8 years and found it very similar to the US, leaving me to believe that it will be an excellent market for Apple. It’s after the UK, however, because of the population differences. The Aussies, however, are very quick to pick up new technologies and I think that they will do well.
As for other countries, Apple will need to establish a local corporate structure, requiring a significant investment, as well as determining how business is done in each of the countries. Other facets, such as developing a customer support structure, also takes time. I therefore see Apple taking their time in order to “do it right” - which is a good thing.
Donovan's views: Apple Retail -- talk the talk, walk the walk
Said:
Just a quick note:
““Today, Apple is about 50 percent international revenue and about 50 percent in the U.S. We increasingly want to get our retail presence out in the other countries.”
Magic word in that sentence: Revenue
So what’s interesting is that 13% of Apple Stores generate 50% of the revenue.
New Apple laptops tomorrow?
El Jabon Said:
J.B,
No the prices will not change. Well, not on apple.com/store but from other websites and bestbuy will have the old models for a couple of days before apple ships the new models to them.
Donovan's views: Apple Retail -- talk the talk, walk the walk
Said:
The first 71 stores opened were in the U.S, and 96 of the first 98 stored opened were in the U.S (the other 2 were in Japan). But 6 of the last 20 stores opened were not in the U.S. So Apple’s made a lot of progress in opening non-U.S. stores.
Apple thinks long-term, so I wouldn’t expect the numbers to even out quickly, as there are still many more places to put stores in the U.S., and Apple may still choose to heavily use reseller stores, in order to provide better localization in non-English speaking cultures/nations.