http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/11/18/the-iphone-alone-is-worth-more-than-all-but-10-companies-in-the-world/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704462704575589600751766346.html

Right now Apple controls 95% of the tablet market with their iPad, only released earlier this year.  Analysts say that Android, which decreased from 2.9% to 2.3% market share this quarter, will gain market share in the upcoming quarter as new devices running their OS are released.  How long can Apple hold onto their lead in the tablet category?

I believe they will maintain majority market share of the tablet market for the foreseeable future as they continue to update and innovate their iPad lineup.  The new iOS 4.2 for iPad should be coming out this coming month and will add a bunch of new features such as AirPlay and wireless printing.  Apple will only continue to improve their iOS and the device itself, leaving competitors in the dust.

Long live the Apple iPad!

disclosure:  I am long AAPL and I own a 64GB 3G iPad.  =)

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/10/27/54-of-h-264-web-video-now-available-in-html5/

Now, a worker from Lens’ quality control department has allegedly admitted that the company’s screen-printing workshop may currently be dealing with some issues with the white iPhone 4 covers. Specifically, the factory’s still working out the perfect combination of paint thickness and opacity — the former to ensure the next sub-contractor has enough clearance for the digitizer overlay, and the latter for the absolute whiteness that Jony Ive and co. strive for. As we pointed out before, the prototype white covers we acquired appeared a touch darker than the iPhone 4 dock, so here’s hoping that we’ll see a better result when the official white phone comes out later this month.

The report seems to corroborate a claim made by a Gizmodo reader back in June when Apple announced that the white iPhone 4 models would be delayed until the second half of July.

I cannot say who I am as Apple does have a non-disclosure in effect for this, but: The color specifications for the white on the new iPhones are just crazy. The tolerances they are trying to achieve with the white really is the cause of the delay. As screen printing goes, it is somewhat controllable, doesn’t have the tolerance that Apple is wanting to hold the color specification of the white too. Talk about anal…

Apple CEO Steve Jobs confirmed at last Friday’s press conference that white iPhone 4 models will begin shipping in limited quantities at the end of this month.

From MacRumors 7/19/2010

White iPhone 4

Less than 1% of iPhone 4 calls have been dropped which is only slightly higher than the iPhone 3GS. Apple is also offering full refunds with no re-stocking fees for every iPhone within 30 days.

How do you feel about this solution to the “death grip” problem?

Between seven million and eight million iTunes users in the U.S. would have strong interest in one of the paid subscription options, according to the report. These consumers indicated a willingness to pay a minimum monthly fee of $10 — either for streaming music or access to their personal music libraries on multiple devices. NPD estimates that there are 50 million iTunes users in the U.S. According to NPD’s music industry research, a model that offers iTunes users free access to their own music libraries would attract in the range of 13 to 15 million subscribers.

The report notes that if the consumers indicating a strong interest in a paid subscription service were to sign for such a service priced at $10 per month, it would represent a $1 billion market opportunity in the first year. The market would be expected to increase as customers purchase Internet-connected devices in greater numbers and the benefits of a cloud-based service become more clear.

Rumors of cloud-based iTunes media content have been circulating for some time now, although reports have indicated that music labels are not yet on board with the idea.

From: MacRumors 7/14/2010

Christmas sales will go through the roof based upon the number of people clamoring to get their hands on new FaceTime capable devices. IPad and iPod touch with built-in camera and FaceTime support will greatly increase the number of available users able to do FaceTime chat. This willl make FaceTime much more relevant than it is today with the smaller number of iPhone 4 users compared to the vast number of total iOS4 for users by the end of the year. This is what we have been waiting for. Everyone on a new Apple device will be able to communicate face-to-face with FaceTime chat.

“The Jetsons” predicted years ago that we finally will be able to video chat with our friends and family. Last year a survey, cited in USA Today in an article from 3/31/2010, stated that 45% of people thought we would have video chat in 5-10 years.  Only 4% predicated it would be this year.  The time has come in 2010 to allow interactive face-to-face conversation with the ease-of-use of Apple devices. Mark my word, by the end of the year we will have multiple Apple devices to use on FaceTime chat.

This Revolution will drive Apple sales for years to come. The analysts’ current numbers are no where near actual numbers for 2010 and 2011 and beyond. I estimate iPhone, iPad and iPod sales to be millions of units ahead of the analyst estimates. No analyst has ever got the Apple numbers right. I am striving to let the community know that the next few years are going to continue to be blowout years for Apple well beyond anyone else’s expectations. Apple stock is a buy.

The future of computers is literally in our palm. The iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad will continue to revolutionize the mobile arena and bring together users across the world in ways we only dreamed possible. Get your FaceTime device this year and start communicating with cutting-edge video technology.

Disclosure long AAPL.

USA Today article cited above: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2010-03-31-videochat31_CV_N.htm

When the iPhone 4 becomes available later this week, many folks will find themselves with two iPhones: one shiny and new, the other slightly less so. Those not donating the past edition to a relative or friend might want to sell it. Here’s what you can do to successfully and painlessly sell your “old” iPhone.

Pick a retailer

The most obvious choices are Ebayand Craigslist. Expect a flood of iPhones to hit their virtual shelves later this week. As of this writing, there are just over 1,700 16GB iPhone 3GSs available on Ebay and nearly as many listed on Craigslist for Boston. Remember that Ebay and Paypal will take a cut of your sales.

Another option is SellYourMac (SYM). The process at SYM is nearly identical. Describe your iPhone, send it off and receive payment once it’s been received and inspected. Both offer credit for accessories like a wall charger and earbuds.

If all that seems like too much work, you can take advantage of Radio Shack’s trade-in program. Here’s how it works. Complete the online form with details on your phone as with the other vendors. Or, bring it in to a Radio Shack store. They’ll accept it and give you a gift card for the value of your phone, which you can use towards the purchase of an iPhone 4 (or a huge bag of alligator clips and AA batteries).

Prep your iPhone

No matter which retailer you choose, you must prep your iPhone for resale. It’s a simple process, but it’s important. Here’s how to get your iPhone ready for its new owner.

Before shipping, you’ll want to wipe your iPhone clean. The first, crucial step is to sync with iTunes and backup everything. Once that’s done, click the Restore button (you’ll be prompted once again to create a backup). Continue and restore your iPhone to its factory settings. All of your personal data will be removed.

You can also perform a restore with the iPhone itself. Select general settings and then tap restore. Note that this will erase everything, so do a backup first. It also takes a long time, so be sure that your battery is fully charged or, better yet, just plug in.

If you’re super paranoid, you can do an iTunes restore followed by a general settings restore, but that’s probably overkill.

What about the SIM card?

The iPhone 4 uses a MicroSIM while previous models do not. Once your new iPhone is activated, the old SIM will be de-activated. You can safely remove and discard it.

Packaging

Your buyer expects his/her new iPhone to arrive safe and sound. If you don’t have the original packaging (you saved it, right?), there are a few options. The US Post Office sells a great variety of inexpensive materials. If that’s not enough, visit a UPS Store. They have a spray-in material that will conform to the shape of your item. It’s pricey, so figure that into shipping.

Avoiding scams

If you’re in the market for a used iPhone this week, you’ll want to be wary of scammers. They’re out there, but with a little diligence you can stay safe.

Be wary of transactions that require a money order or wire transfer. Secure methods of payment like credit cards are preferred. Also, question emails advertising a “free iPhone” or telling you that you’ve won one. Chances are you haven’t.

Also, there are many people who wait in line for new iPhones so they can re-sell them for a premium. If you plan on paying a “scalper’s premium” for an iPhone 4 (we suggest you don’t), at least ensure that you will receive the phone.

There you have it — how to successfully sell your old iPhone. Good luck, and have fun on Thursday.

Visit www.sellyourmac.com to sell your used iPhone and upgrade to the iPhone 4!!!

Sell Your Used iPhone to SellYourMac.com