Friday, January 29, 2010 at 06:58 PM | Posted by howard
Brian Caulfield of Forbes writes this morning that, “The iPad sounds silly if you’re shopping based on features and specifications. So Apple will have to get the device in front of as many people as possible.”
Tim Gideon, the lead audio and video analyst for PC Magazine, got a chance to demo the device at the Buena Yerba Center this past Wednesday.
“Probably the biggest addition is iBooks, the eBook functionality we all knew was coming,” says Gideon. “Major book publishers have signed on for iBooks and this could spell some serious trouble for other manufacturers.”
Continue reading PC Magazine offers video of iPad features.
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Friday, January 29, 2010 at 01:21 PM | Posted by howard
During yesterday’s earnings report, AT&T announced that they activated 3.1 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The company generated a net gain of 2.7 million wireless subscribers and reduced churn levels to a record 1.19% postpaid and 1.44% total.
The number of Apple smartphones activated by AT&T in the quarter ending December 31st, 2009 nearly matched the record high 3.2 million devices activated in the previous quarter.
Continue reading AT&T activated over 3 million iPhones Q4 2009.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 06:56 PM | Posted by howard
Adding new carriers at existing cell sites and the launch of 7.2Mbps capability recently has improved the quality of AT&T’s network coverage in the past year.
Engadget reports that while the network’s dropped calls decreased from 1.41% to 1.05% in 2009, AT&T’s earnings call today indicated that they havn’t met “performance objectives” in high demand markets like San Francisco and New York.
This week, Apple COO Tim Cook expressed confidence in AT&T’s plans to fix traffic problems, but acknowledged that the company’s broadband network can be slow in areas with dense populations.
Last week, when Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeff Nelson questioned AT&T’s abiltiy to handle the data needs of the iPad, Mark Siegal, spokesman for AT&T responded with:
“AT&T recognized years ago that mobile broadband was the wave of the future. And we built our network on that fact.
We’ve also been aware of complaints and have been actively investing in our 3G network, installing new towers and continuing to provide the fastest 3G network in the U.S.”
Continue reading AT&T continues “aggressive program of network enhancements.”
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Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 04:03 PM | Posted by howard
BBC News reports that Gartner Research analyst Van Baker and others think the time is right for a product like the iPad.
Consumers have historically been reluctant to invest heavily in tablet devices, which according to Endpoint Technologies, will command just a 1% market share through the end of 2010.
“Tablets have been around for a long time and tablets have failed for a long time. [The iPad] is a winning product,” says Baker. “It’s hard to argue against. I can use it in the living room, the classroom, for light work and at the coffee shop.”
David Pogue of the New York Times writes “the iPad seems like a dream screen for reading and watching.” Judging by previous product launches from Apple, he expects to see “people lining up to buy the thing.”
Mike Gartenberg, vice-president of strategy and research company Interpret, beleives Apple has defined a need for the tablet categoy of machines with the iPad.
“Apple did what they needed to do,” says Mr. Gartenberg. “They gave this form factor a reason to exist.”
Continue reading Analysts call Apple’s iPad a “winning product,” that will “exceed expectations.”
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Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 12:53 PM | Posted by howard
A report by AppleInsider from people who have interacted with Apple’s latest creation say its the best internet experience they’ve ever had.
The article observes that “things that aren’t practical on the iPhone due to its small size are natural and almost magical on the iPad,” however the absence of carrier options other than AT&T is seen as disappointing.
Adam Frucci of Gizmodo specifies 8 shortcomings of the device, including a too-wide bezel and lack of cameras or multitasking.
MacNN reports that Chris Hazelton, research director at the 451 group, notes the lack of administrative options for the iPad like controlling messaging and implementing policy that locks the machine.
The price of the most basic iPad model ($499) could expand its potential market to those mildly interested, but not willing to make a heavy investment.
The bottom line is that the device is portable and performs well for things like reading e-Books, internet browsing, and games, but simply doesn’t offer anything new.
Continue reading Analysts underwhelmed by Apple’s iPad.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 12:37 PM | Posted by kazouz
Following the introduction of Apple’s long awaited iPad tablet device, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch has upped its Apple stock (AAPL) price target to $250.
The company also raised 2010 and 2011 Earnings Per Share estimates to $12.20 and $13.44, respectively while reiterating its “Buy” rating.
Goldman Sachs has boosted its estimates on Apple through 2011 and believes that 6 million iPad units could be sold this year. Goldman Sachs maintained its “Neutral” rating and set a new $240 price target.
Barclays Capital has increased its price target on Apple to $285. The firm’s analysts believe that the iPad has met expectations and that the pricing is much more attractive than analysts predicted. They believe the iPad adds at least $1.00 in EPS and more than $20 in value to Apple’s shares.
The company estimates that Apple will sell 2.9 million iPads in FY2010 and 7.3 million in FY2011 and reiterated its “Overweight” rating.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 01:21 PM | Posted by kazouz
As expected, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced a new tablet device called the iPad.
The tablet device is starting at $499 for a 16GB WiFi only model. 32GB and 64GB versions are available for $599 and $699, respectively.
Apple struck a deal with AT&T to offer 3G service for $14.99/month for up to 250GB of data and $29.99/month for unlimited data with no contract required.
iPad 3G models are available for $629, $729, and $829. All iPad models are unlocked and can be used with other carriers.
The WiFi only models will be shipping in 60 days while the WiFi+3G models will ship in 90 days.
Continue reading Apple unveils the iPad, shipping in late March.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 01:18 PM | Posted by howard
Several sources claim that Apple will be opening its first three retail outlets in Spain in 2010.
MacNN reports that one of these stores could open inside the Xanadu shopping mall in Madrid and another elsewhere in the Spanish capital.
Barcelona should also see an Apple Store sometime this year at 38-40 Passeig de Gràcia, a major shopping and business district in town.
Continue reading Apple opening first stores in Spain this year.
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