Mac Rumors & Macworld

With the iPhone, iPod Touch and now iPad, Apple seems to be larger than ever. Indeed, it was just in May 2010 that Apple’s worth/market share surpassed that of leading rival, Microsoft.

So where exactly is Apple’s hype in the Internet community, besides social networking?

Well, let’s take two websites for show: Mac Rumors & Macworld.

Here is the gist of what both of these sites are all about (at their cores):

Mac Rumors is essentially a site that focuses on all news and rumors surrounding Apple.

Macworld is a site that provides a number of different types of content. First, they are the website extension of the acclaimed Macworld Magazine. They run news stories, reviews, consumer assistances, etc. While the focus is primarily on Apple product, they also cover non-Apple consumer electronics.

In connecting both sites - obviously, both sites are themed around Mac/Apple (a clear over arching theme in their names).

While they may brand themselves in two different arenas (via their mission statements), they provide extremely similar content that isn’t necessarily advertised in their respective mission statements.

For example, a la Mac Rumors, Macworld partakes in the predicting future Apple technologies (more than the average user would think from their core branding).

On November 29, Macworld ran a piece entitled “The Mac of the future." The post essentially predicted upcoming technologies on future Mac computers. It essentially contrasts their core assets of serving as an “all news & consumer product reviews site.” It follows in the footsteps of Mac Rumors.

Mac Rumors does not solely post news and rumors regarding Apple. They, in addition to Macworld, have a Buyers Guide to assist consumers in providing information on Apple products.

While yes, both of these sites have various points of interest, the overarching theme on both of these sites is to provide information (news, rumors, reviews, consumer reports, etc) - a complete 360 degree package - on Apple products.

Has Apple hit a sweet spot?

So Black Friday has passed us. And we are officially in the holiday buying season.

In terms of consumer electronic devices, what do people want to buy? What kind of laptops?

I saw this article online that basically states Apple is officially playing hard ball with competitors. The once underdog is now a consumer favorite - yes, it has been on the rise for several years. But now there are statistic to back up the claim.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20023909-64.html

This article states that of users planning to buy laptops in 90 days, 36% plan to go the MacBook route. Up 11% points since last month. Dell is down, HP is down.

Simply put - Apple is controlling over 33% of the market share within the next 90 days in the laptop category.

Don't forget, this does not include ultra-portable devices such as iPads or iPhones.

This can certainly be attributed to the new release of the MacBook Air - both 13" and 11" models, featuring .68" at its thickest point and complete flash storage.

The fact that these new MacBook Airs are classified in the laptop category, one would think it would not effect netbook market share (two different classifications, technically). But traditional netbook sales are down. Consumers realize that although the Macbook Air is technically classified as a laptop, it has the core features of a netbook - though much more advanced.

I'll be curious to see how sales ultimately pan out after the holiday season.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick is one of the comeback stories of the NFL.

Scratch that. One of the comeback stories in all of sports. History.

To think, two years ago, Vick was confined to a prison cell - solitary confinement, with only the thought of what he had been and where he wound up. And the accumulation of regret...inconceivable to me.

Well it is certainly a different picture for Vick, now.

While initially, it was the story that garnered attention - now it is his play. A quantitative look at Vick would not reveal any backstory or indefinite suspension.

Food for thought - here are stats for Vick's performance to date this season:

- 1,608 passing yards.

- 11 passing TDs.

- 5 rushing TDs.

- 375 rushing yards.

- 0 interceptions

- 0 fumbles.

- Quarterback rating: 108.7

All of this despite missing three games with a rib injury. Incredible.

He is statistically the best quarterback in the NFL at the moment. His story is the sweetener.

The Eagles took a leap of faith when they decided to sign him last year. But it payed off. Ultimately, they had nothing to lose and Vick had nothing to lose. He had seen the worst and could only go up.

That he did.

His work ethic improved. His attitude improved. His focus improved. He became lighter, more in shape, faster, leaner.

Overall, he is better than he had been in his "prime."

Regardless, the most important aspect of all of this - he is a leader.

His team is now first in the NFC with a 7-3. Poised to clinch a playoff berth.

Now, all we can do is wait and see the end result.

News

I own a MacBook Pro, iPhone 4, iPad 3G and iPad (and do not watch TV).

You would expect me to acquire almost 100% of my news online/digitally.

If so, you would have been right...6 months ago.

Recently, in effort to enrich my reading skills, I began picking up free papers in the lobby of my building. You know, the usual suspects: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today. I thought, hey, why don't give this little thing called print a try.

25 days later, I am still at it and can't get enough.

Most younger people do not realize - there is something about getting your news from the page - the ink, smudging on your hand, rubbing against your fingers. The precise turning of the page along the perforated edges...ok, now I sound like an english major ;)

No, all funny business aside, I have gathered that the content in the paper is just better.

First of all, in comparison to a paper's online site, there is more content in print (for the most part).

Second, there is a sense of legitimacy/representation in the fact that an article is in print (as opposed to solely online). The historical context of print is there back to the days of the printer press.

Third- tt can be archived and shared with all.

Lastly....it doesn't need a battery ;)

A recent trip

This past weekend, I took a business trip to Boston.

Three days, Two Nights and a whole lot of Jazz. Usually on business trips, I rarely have time for R&R.

I'm usually in meetings the entire time, smooth talking with clients and what now. On the go from one place to the next. And 99% of the time, this is in New York City.

However, there was something different about this trip. I could easily pin it on the environment.

I learned this weekend that Boston is one of the most underrated cities that aptly displays youth and culture in our country.

There I said it.

I could easily pin this on a variety of points:

1. College

Boston is the largest college town in the country. Featuring Harvard, MIT, Boston U, Northeastern, Emerson, Berklee, New England Conservatory, Boston College, Tufts, Brandeis among others- youth is everywhere. On subways, in bars, restaurants, stores, streets. You can feel the energy, hope and optimism when you set foot in the city.

2. Ice Cream

The best town for Ice Cream as I have ever seen one. I had the privilege of visiting a few of the hottest Ice Cream spots (pardon the pun). Toscannini ranks up there as arguably one of the best in the world. JP Licks is exceptional as well. All of these spots showcase homemade Ice Cream....out of this world.

3. Sports

Not quite on the same level as South Philadelphia. But up there in intensity. This city bleeds red (pardon the pun). Everywhere you turn, you can't escape Red Sox fever. Every bar, nook, cranny. Also Patriots fever. This city is serious.

4. Jazz

They say New York is the jazz capital of the world. True without a doubt. Philly has an international perception of being a strong jazz city (given it's rich history of producing some of the top jazz musicians in the world). However, Boston trumps Philly by miles in this department. With a strong base of jazz students (given the number of colleges), there is energy in Boston music audiences that I have yet to see in any audience in New York or Philly (or other cities for that matter). A true excitement about the music being present in said venue.

All in all, a trip and experience well done as far as I am concerned. I wouldn't mind living there...except for those brutally cold, winter days ;).

JF