Steve Jobs, Co-Founder and CEO of Apple INC. 1955-2011

Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, has died, Apple said. Jobs was 56.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement by Apple's board of directors. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

The homepage of Apple's website this evening switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."

Clicking on the image revealed the additional text: "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 and, with his childhood friend Steve Wozniak, marketed what was considered the world's first personal computer, the Apple II.

Shortly after learning of Jobs' death, Wozniak told ABC News, "I'm shocked and disturbed."
Industry watchers called him a master innovator -- perhaps on a par with Thomas Edison -- changing the worlds of computing, recorded music and communications.

In 2004, he beat back an unusual form of pancreatic cancer, and in 2009 he was forced to get a liver transplant. After several years of failing health, Jobs announced on Aug. 24, 2011 that he was stepping down as Apple's chief executive

A sad day for all of us who are Apple product owners. May he rest in Peace.

Apple presents it's new product; The iPad!

At last the rumors can stop and the gripping can begin. Steve Jobs announced today the new member of the Apple family of computers and devices; The Apple iPad!

The unit is 10 inches in diameter, very thin, uses WiFi and 3G unlimited data plan from ATT from 29.99 monthly without a contract. And you can use ATT's Wi Fi hot spots to boot!
Will run apps like the iPhone and the iPod Touch. Some of the apps are; Brushes, a paint program with multi-touch, iWorks 2010, iBooks a mix between iTunes store and Barnes & Noble. This app offers more page control and capabilities than the Kindle. You can also read newspapers and magazines, which is a godsend for publishers, now they can go online or publish in an electronic way. It runs on the first use of the Apple A4 1ghz chip.

The Pad will come in a 16 GB ($499.), 32 GB ($599.) and 64 GB ($699.) versions. With additional Wi-Fi, 16 GB ($629.), 32 GB ( $729.) and 64 GB ($829.).

Accessories include a dock with a keyboard for easy typing, if you don't like the virtual keyboard included, and a kickstand, made from leather, that works as a case and a stand.
It goes on sale in 60 days.

It looks impressive, but it's not. My Asus, running linux, is far better, and cheaper too! The price is not that bad for the basic model, little expensive for the rest.. The name...NO! It sounds like a feminine hygiene product!!! They could have called it the iSlate or the iTablet. iPad sounds like iTampon!!! And no camera for photos or video to upload or to use Skype. Damn! It sucks!!!

It's a great entry. But I wouldn't buy one right now. I'll wait until later in the year, when they announce the new models and new lower prices for this device.

Hey! I waited 2 years to get an iPhone!

Images Apple / Gizmodo

Microsoft goes after Apple. Will open their own Tech stores soon!

Read on and ponder on this...

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp announced plans Thursday to open its own chain of branded stores as it looks to catch up with rival Apple Inc's successful move into retailing.

The world's largest software company, which also makes the Xbox video game console and the Zune digital music player, did not say how many stores it was looking to open, or when, or which of its products would be on sale.

That is to be decided by David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive, which Microsoft named as its new vice president of retail stores.

Turner, a former Wal-Mart Stores Inc manager, will report to Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner.

The long-rumored move to open stores comes as consumer spending is under severe pressure due to the recession, which has already pushed electronics chain Circuit City into bankruptcy. A similar attempt by computer maker Gateway to open its own stores some years ago was not successful.

Microsoft, bruised by the poor reception of its latest Vista operating system, is facing increased competition from Apple, which is eating into the personal computer market and dominates the personal digital music player market with its iPod line.

Apple's stylish stores, now numbering more than 200 worldwide, have been crucial in attracting customers in recent years.

This sounds as a desperation move by Steve Balmer, the CEO of Microsoft, after Bill Gates. It's logical that Apple has stores because it's a hardware company. They sell computers, phones and iPods. Very sexy computers, phones and iPods. And they are not available everywhere. Microsoft, apart from the Zune and the XBox 360, are a software company! And their products are available everywhere!

This is a bonehead move! Balmer is watching too much "Simpsons"

The disintegration of Microsoft continues!

And while we were watching Omar...

The new Mac Books were unveiled by Apple.

The 13 inch Mac Book has a new NVIDIA graphics card, sleek metal casing and LED-backlit monitor and prices start at $1299.

The 15 inch Mac Book Pro, more power with all the goodies of the Mac Book, starts at $1999.

The old Mac books are now called Mac Book White, and will retail for $999.

The 17 inch Mac Book Pro will start at $2700.

Still pricey, but I think they are worth it!