As the words of this article are reaching the screen I, like many likely will, am wondering why HP, a company of such vast resources, would buy Palm, a company that has been floundering in recent years. Their last big success, the Treo, has been replaced many times over and their recent products were met with harsh criticism from even the staunchest Palm supporters. Hopefully they know better and we can all sit back and watch what they turn out of this acquisition.

~geek

Additional information can be found on the AT&T site here and of course all the Apple related information can be found here.

~geek

Unfortunately for most Americans, Sunday won’t be the day that they can run out to Target and grab their Kindle as the initial launch (in store and online at target.com) will be limited to Target’s Minneapolis store and 102 stores scattered throughout South Florida. Why Florida, I’m not sure, but it would seem like there are areas more likely to buy high-technology products. Current pricing on the Kindle will remain competitive with Amazon at $259.

As this is a purpose built device – reading books, magazines, newspapers, etc. – I believe that ultimately this represents a much better opportunity for Amazon than it does for Target.  What was once something that had to be thought through and ordered will quickly become something that for many could be considered an impulse by.  After all, why buy three hardbacks for $70 when you could buy those same three books on Kindle for $30?  Sure, fuzzy math, but over the life of the product it’s a good deal for Amazon and a good deal for the consumer.

Unfortunately, as is so often the case, there might well be a loser in this story, too, and at this point that sounds like Sony might be the biggest loser here. Why Sony, you may be wondering? Well, if you haven’t already noticed, Target has been selling the Sony Reader ebook for some time now and some might say that the Sony product offers less functionality at a sometimes more significant price. Will Target be phasing out Sony from their offerings?

~geek

Based on what Apple is leaking, applications submitted now will have a shot at being reviewed and approved before the iPad launch next month, but I would expect, since almost all apps have been developed with only the simulator, that many apps will experience problems on day/week one. Only time will tell, but I am hopeful that some good will come out of this and not a new round of fart and beer guzzling parodies.

~geek

I’m sure that this proved to be a very exciting Christmas bonus for the early adopters, with the only good news being that you might not know what you spent because Quicken, Money and Outlook are on the list of products likely to experience corruption when edited on the Microsoft Home Server share.

~geek

December 20, 2007 – PRESS RELEASE: Apple and Think Secret have settled their lawsuit, reaching an agreement that results in a positive solution for both sides. As part of the confidential settlement, no sources were revealed and Think Secret will no longer be published. Nick Ciarelli, Think Secret’s publisher, said “I’m pleased to have reached this amicable settlement, and will now be able to move forward with my college studies and broader journalistic pursuits.”

My thoughts are pretty simple – someone gave him some information that they shouldn’t have and pissed off Apple.  He lost.  Too bad, so sad.

 Geek

Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen have announced a “creative and strategic partnership” that is set on revolutionizing luxury automobiles. The press release states that designers, engineers and specialists from both companies will be working closely together in the future.

This could mean a variety of things, but I suspect what it means is that B&O will be putting their sound technology and aesthetics into the Aston Martin product line.  Not sure how I feel about this, but it will be be very interesting as both companies are already well known for their high-priced eye-candy.  And, of course, if they would like me to demo and review any of their products, I would be more than happy to do so.

~geek

Sorry to see this group go, but it’s difficult to compete as number three and their advertising, customer service, and management haven’t matched the competition in recent years.

More information at Bloomberg.

~geek

Therein lies the rumor – will CompUSA be closing the rest of their stores and logging out of the marketplace?  I suspect yes, but only time will tell.

~geek

Of course, for those of you that have hacked your iPhone… expect the usual problems.

Geek