Is an iPad mini coming soon?

Apple

Apple's long-rumored 7-inch iPad might be more than just a rumor, according to Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes.

Discussing the iPad in a research note yesterday, Reitzes said the investment firm is still holding out hope that Apple will add a 7-inch tablet to its lineup.

"Our global research team still sees some evidence of this product in the supply chain--and we wouldn't be surprised if it wound up in the iPod touch category if it indeed sees daylight," the analyst said. He did not provide any further details in the research note.

Given some uncertainty on the part of Barclays, an iPad mini doesn't factor into its sales forecasts for the tablet. But either way, Apple is on track to have more bang-up quarters thanks to its current iPad lineup.

Reitzes estimates that 14.2 million iPads will ship in the second quarter, a 20 percent jump over last quarter. And another 15.9 million will ship in the third quarter.

Apple will be counting on strong sales from the iPad over the next couple of quarters as the company transitions to a new iPhone, according to the analyst.

Last year, iPhone sales fell to 17 million in the quarter ended in September from 20 million the previous quarter. Potential buyers held off purchases in anticipation of the new iPhone, which made its debut in October. Several reports have pegged this October as the launch month for the next-generation iPhone.

The iPad will also continue to cannibalize PC sales, Reitzes added. As such, he sees little need for Apple to create a "hybrid" Mac with a detachable screen, believing that iPad users will increasingly dock their iPads to keyboards.

Looking at the market among tablet makers, Apple stayed on top in the first quarter with a 68 percent share. Samsung took back the No. 2 spot, while Amazon dropped to No. 3 as Kindle Fire sales dropped. The analyst expects Apple to hang on to its top market share over the near term as the Android tablet landscape becomes even more fragmented.

Apple is also expected to do well with this year's new lineup of MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.

More rival ultrabooks will launch this year, but Apple should be able to retain its grip on the market with new Airs and a new OS.

"We are very upbeat about the prospects for new MacBook Pros and iMacs to be launched this June quarter--and even more optimistic about a new line of MacBook Airs to likely ship in the September quarter at more attractive price points," Reitzes said. "With new software (OS X Mountain Lion) and new Airs, we believe that Apple will effectively counter any perceived 'threat' from Ultrabooks."

iPad mini may be in the pipeline, says analyst

Apple's long-rumored 7-inch iPad might be more than just a rumor, according to Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes.

Discussing the iPad in a research note yesterday, Reitzes said the investment firm is still holding out hope that Apple will add a 7-inch tablet to its lineup.

"Our global research team still sees some evidence of this product in the supply chain -- and we wouldn't be surprised if it wound up in the iPod Touch category if it indeed sees daylight," the analyst said. He did not provide any further details in the research note.

Given some uncertainty on the part of Barclays, an iPad mini doesn't factor into its sales forecasts for the tablet. But either way, Apple is on track to have more bang-up quarters thanks to its current iPad lineup.

Reitzes estimates that 14.2 million iPads will ship in the second quarter, a 20 percent jump over last quarter. And another 15.9 million will ship in the third quarter.

Apple will be counting on strong sales from the iPad over the next couple of quarters as the company transitions to a new iPhone, according to the analyst.

Last year, iPhone sales fell to 17 million in the quarter ended in September from 20 million the previous quarter. Potential buyers held off purchases in anticipation of the new iPhone, which made its debut in October. Several reports have pegged this October as the launch month for the next-generation iPhone.

The iPad will also continue to cannibalize PC sales, Reitzes added. As such, he sees little need for Apple to create a "hybrid" Mac with a detachable screen, believing that iPad users will increasingly dock their iPads to keyboards.

Looking at the market among tablet makers, Apple stayed on top in the first quarter with a 68 percent share. Samsung took back the No. 2 spot, while Amazon dropped to No. 3 as Kindle Fire sales dropped. The analyst expects Apple to hang on to its top market share over the near term as the Android tablet landscape becomes even more fragmented.

Apple is also expected to do well with this year's new lineup of MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.

More rival ultrabooks will launch this year, but Apple should be able to retain its grip on the market with new Airs and a new OS.

"We are very upbeat about the prospects for new MacBook Pros and iMacs to be launched this June quarter -- and even more optimistic about a new line of MacBook Airs to likely ship in the September quarter at more attractive price points," Reitzes said. "With new software (OS X Mountain Lion) and new Airs, we believe that Apple will effectively counter any perceived 'threat' from ultrabooks."

Apple ready to settle in 'iPad' trademark dispute?

Apple's Sanlitun store in Beijing

Two weeks after a Chinese court proposed a settlement between Apple and Proview over a disputed trademark, a Chinese government newswire report suggests Apple is pushing for its own settlement in a bid to close the complaint.

Proview lawyer Xie Xianghui told China's government newswire: "We feel that the attitude of Apple Inc. has changed. Although they expressed that they were willing to negotiate, they have never taken any action before."

"But now, they are having conversations with us, and we have begun to consult on the case," he added.

The wire report claims Apple had offered a settlement figure to end the litigation, though Proview did not disclose the amount and is not yet agreeing on a deal.

This comes only a few weeks since the Guangdong High Court in southern China pushed for the two companies to settle the ongoing dispute. A Proview lawyer said at the time it "expects" the company to reach a settlement with Apple.

Proview sued Apple for $1.6 billion over its use of the "IPAD" trademark, claiming it had registered the stamp in a number of countries including China as early as 2000. Apple claims it was sold the trademark for $55,104 years earlier and had rights to the "IPAD" name in 10 different countries, including China.

Proview disputes the claims and says the trademark was not included in the deal, reserving the "IPAD" name for its own in mainland China.

The Shenzen-based company, which makes LCD and computer screens, suffered in the past few years to deal with its 400 million yuan ($64 million) debt. Proview filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009.

Apple threatened to sue Proview for defamation over the trademark claims. A letter to Proview's chief executive Yang Rongshan said that Apple's lawyers may pursue a case based on "unlawful actions intended to wrongfully interfere with Apple's business and business relationships."

But Proview brought the trademark dispute to Apple's front door by submitting a complaint to a California court.

Apple was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.

However, if Apple decides to settle it would force the company to change the name of the iPad in China. It would be a clean resolution, but the company would also take a hit for admitting its fault in the dispute.

Considering how far Apple is willing to go in a bid to protect the worldwide rights to the names of its products -- particularly in the case of the latest iPad and the company's bid to define '3G' as '4G' to circumvent legal challenges -- it seems unlikely the tablet maker will settle.

But as ZDNet's Hana Stewart-Smith explained, China's protectionism towards trademarks, patents and other intellectual property "is deliberately designed to favor Chinese based companies," leaving Apple potentially fighting a no-win battle. "This has resulted in Chinese versions of Western brands being protected by patent law, such as Weibo in place of Twitter, and Baidu in place of Google," she said.

If Apple settles in China, there is no guarantee that it would not have a knock-on effect in the case in Santa Clara County court.

Apple iPad 64GB 3G unboxing pics

Apple iPad 64 GB 3G unboxing pics.

Verizon iPhone 4: What does it really mean?

The hype is all over the place, the Verizon iPhone 4 is really happening.  (Yawn!)

What does this mean:
* After all the years of speculation and waiting, Verizon finally gets the iPhone 4 which is 6 months old (this is a long time in Mobile years)
* iPhone 4, despite the "4" in reference is only 3G, Verizon is launching a 3G device amidst the 4G storm right after CES 2011
* Verizon's 3G apparently does not allow you to take voice call and surf the web at the same time
* Verizon's CDMA network limits their version of iPhone 4 to be used within the USA only, although ATT's iPhone 4 uses the micro-SIM standard, you still have some options to run another SIM card if you really wanted to (albeit ATT's iPhone is locked to itself making this point a wash, but there are other countries selling GSM iPhone 4s unlocked)
* The only improvements I see are better Antenna design (avoid the antennagate mess) and ability to run as a mobile hotspot up to 5 devices

In short, the announcement is much needed for both Verizon and APPLE to maintain/grow market share but disappointing as far as it being practically the same thing we've seen with lesser features.

Apple iPhone 3G 8GB : new technology with great features

Apple latest offering proves that revolutionary tech products do not have to be that revolutionary. This brand is quite popular among their products like PC, I-pod, and now new version of mobile series. It provides all latest features and a very loyal customer base. Every Apple product is starry with all celebrity features. It is the first that gains worldwide popularity within a shorter time span. It has seen that it attracts business professionals as it favors the business world as it is very effective in surfing web and other web activities. Apart from this, it offers you many finger print safety mechanism so that one can store its important data in it without any worries. Now, this technology has launched its new Apple iphone 3G version mobile product which their own fruitful unique features.

Apple iphone 3G cell phone is packed with 2.0 Mega pixels camera with auto focus, image stabilization and smart contrast. There are plenty of perky games, so can pass time better. There is also the option of downloading them. Although, it also offers their user mp3 player, shake control, walkman player, Track ID music recognition, I-Pod etc which make it a highly usable phone.

Apple iphone 3G 8GB solve all your communication needs. Great style and attractive looks added factor in the phone. Make this great buy and you will always value the features and advantages of the phone.