"Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook reportedly informed employees this week that later this year they will be able to buy an iPad with a $250 discount, while Macs will be available for $500 off."

Pretty nice benefit, even for part time workers, although it will only be once every three years. But to be honest, that is about right I think based on my experiences. I usually hang on to a laptop 2.5 to 3 years before I think about getting another one. This will also be on top of the existing 25% discount they get, according to some sources inside Apple.

"So you're walking with your iPhone in one hand, and a Starbucks latte in the other, and granted it is possible to use the iPhone in one hand, it could prove to be "fatal" since one hand tends to offer less support compared to two, and we all know that heart wrenching feeling when your brand new gadget slips out of your hand and onto the hard pavement."

Basically very simple, as all this does is attach to the iPhone case or the iPhone itself and you slide your fingers in and can start using your iPhone one handed without fear of dropping it. I can also be attached to the back of your iPad, or any other tablet for that matter. As you can see from the photos, it doesn't have to be an Apple product to work. Three sizes (small, medium and large) depending on the finger size and you can get them for $29.95 USD each from the Flygrip store located here. That seems a bit spendy to me, and I think I would rather just spend that on a better case. What are your thoughts?

"Mark/Space has released an update to the Mac version of GoGadget -- and introduced a Windows version. It connects media players, mobile phones, tablets, GPS navigators, gaming systems, digital picture frames, and more for synchronization of media files and documents with computers."

Mark/Space has been around a long time (I remember using versions with my Palm devices) so they usually do a pretty good job with their product if you are trying to sync dissimilar systems to exchange information. Now they have updated the Mac version and come out with a new Windows version to expand the device selection compatibility. You can get it now for $19.95 USD for a limited time direct from Mark/Space.

"I'm sure by now most of you have read Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs. If you're still hungry for more information on Apple, then you should pick up a copy of Adam Lashinsky's Inside Apple book."

It's available in hardcover for $16.19 USD, or if you prefer to read it on your iPad (and why wouldn't you?), get it here.

"Anyone who's purchased anything from Apple in the last decade knows how beautiful an experience unboxing their products is. In fact, there's a small team at Apple who take the subject very, very seriously."

Attention to detail is one thing, but this takes it to another level! I love how Apple packages their products, and I guess it's because they want it to be a special experience. One thing is for sure though, I couldn't do the guys job that tests each of these boxes. Ugh, how boring!

"Following Apple's incredible sales numbers from yesterday's quarterly earnings report, the iPhone has taken the number one spot in U.S. market share from Google's Android OS, according to the researchers at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech."

Pretty impressive, especially when you consider the number of different Android phones out there in the marketplace isn't it?

"The Magnus iPad stand works with magnets designed for the iPad 2 to create an almost gravity-defying minimalistic design."

I really like the clean look of this, as it almost makes the iPad appear to be floating in air when in use. It is a bit pricey at $50.00 USD, but not outlandish. Besides, it sure goes well with the form factor of Apple products doesn't it?

"Apple's record quarter is prompting a lot of analysts and Wall Street watchers to up their estimates for the stock's performance."

Well, maybe love story is too much but they certainly do like what Apple is doing and have increased their estimates regarding the stock's performance projection. This was in response to yesterday's financial report by Apple. Lots of good news in that report too including:

• iPad sales up 111% to 15.4 million units;
• iPhone Q1 sales were 37.04 million units;
• Apple retail sales up 43% from last year at the same time;
• Apple has $97.68 billion cash on hand;
• Apple's Q1 revenue topped $46 billion.

Lots to digest for sure, including the news that Apple TV sales were 2.8 million units during the last fiscal year ending in September of 2011, but the little device that would not die set Q1 sales record with 1.4 million units sold. So 50% of last years total in the first quarter of this fiscal year is nothing to sneeze at, although it certainly doesn't reach the numbers of the other devices in the lineup. But then, why should it when it really isn't being pushed by Apple, and when it is still considered a "hobby" device in Tim Cook's words. What does give me hope that it will continue is that he said he couldn't live without it. What are your thoughts on the Apple fiscal report?

Product Category: Camera Bag

Manufacturer: Manfrotto

Where to Buy: Best Buy, Amazon

Price: $50 - $99 USD

Holds: DSLR with lens attached as well as 1 to 2 other lenses, 17" Macbook (15.4" laptop) and personal effects.

Specifications: Product Height 12.2", Product Width 7.5", Product Depth18.9",Product Weight 2.2 lbs.

Pros:

• Lightweight;
• Cost Effective;
• Lots of Storage Space.

Cons:

• Shoulder Pad is not Comfortable;
• No Regular Tripod Attachment;
• No Easy Access Side Pockets.

Summary:The Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag is a great camera bag for photographers on the go or who travel frequently. It is stylish and has an easy access top zipper that lets you get to all your gear in a hurry. That same zipper makes it easy to grab your laptop out for airport security checkpoints and yes, the whole bag is carry-on friendly for both domestic and international flights.

The ability to carry a pro body with a battery pack attached and a 17 inch laptop along with other lenses and equipment without weighing a ton or requiring you to stop and find a place to sit your bag down in order access your equipment is a lifesaver. The messenger bag style of it makes it easy to carry around all day and doesn't scream "I have an expensive camera in here!". The price point on this can't be beat, at $50 - $100, it easily compares to bags twice the price.

A Camera Bag and More

No matter what your level of expertise, if you have spent good money on a nice SLR or DLSR, you are going to need a decent camera bag. I've been shooting professionally for 27 years and I feel like I have spent half that time just trying to find the "perfect" camera bag. Of course, there is actually no such thing as the "perfect" camera bag. it is as elusive as Big Foot or Nessie. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if you just need one camera body with you, the Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag comes pretty close.

In theory, the purpose of a camera bag is the ability to carry around your camera, lenses and other gear in a protective case. In real life, that purpose includes accessibility. Buying an expensive camera doesn't help you at all if you miss "the shot" because you were trying to get your gear out of the bag. The beauty of the Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag is that it does both and it does it well, all while looking stylish and remaining compact.

Read more...

"AT&T is at it again. In June of 2010, AT&T pulled the plug on its unlimited data plans and switched to tiered bandwidth plans. Now, AT&T is switching things up again-giving customers more megabytes per dollar, but charging more money in the process."

Call me paranoid, but whenever I see this stuff happening I instantly get a feeling like I'll be getting screwed over if I change, but that I'll miss something if I don't. So this article does a pretty good job of explaining just what the changes are and how you will benefit, or not benefit from switching. Worth the read if you are thinking of changing, but as is always the case with these situations, once you switch you cannot go back to your old plan. For me, makes sense to keep my 4GB with tethering plan, for you it might make sense to get something else. Just make sure you read and understand them before switching. What are your thoughts? Do any of the new plans make sense for you?