Here's a few headlines from the last few days:

"iPhone 3G overtakes theRAZR as bestselling… ]]> 2008-11-12T07:59:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apple-to-spend-even-more-on-rd-continue-to-scare-piss-out-of-competition/ In 2008 Apple spent over $1 billion on R&D, a %40 increase from the previous year. And I don't expect 2009 will be any different. Adding to my amazement was the realization that software development was not included in that figure. That means that Apple is spending a billion dollars… Opinions In 2008 Apple spent over $1 billion on R&D, a %40 increase from the previous year. And I don't expect 2009 will be any different. Adding to my amazement was the realization that software development was not included in that figure. That means that Apple is spending… ]]> 2008-11-10T11:21:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/november-10-1983-gates-announces-microsoft-windows/ Bill Gates took one look at the Mac and knew the future of computing was the GUI interface, and he wanted Microsoft to be a part of it one way or another. So Gates agreed when Steve Jobs pressured him not to make any business programs until… ]]> 2008-11-10T11:26:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/november-7-1980-apple-files-paperwork-to-go-public-sorry-massachusetts/ Apple became a partnership on April 1, 1976. Success came rapidly and soon the company began passing out shares to valued employees and founders. A lot of shares went to the founders.

Apple IIs were selling well and Apple decided to raise cash (and personal net… ]]> 2008-11-07T14:42:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apples-finder-remixed/ After the review I wrote about Path Finder, I started thinking more about how Apple could possibly enhance the Finder in the next version of OS X. Of course it could use a lot of what Path Finder has included, especially tab browsing and increase customization.  But I'm thinking why… Opinions After the review I wrote about Path Finder, I started thinking more about how Apple could possibly enhance the Finder in the next version of OS X. Of course it could use a lot of what Path Finder has included, especially tab browsing and increase customization. 

But… ]]> 2008-11-07T08:36:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/november-6-1997-jobs-eyes-dell/ There is no small amount of drama to be found when recalling the public comments of Steve Jobs and Michael Dell.

Michael Dell quipped that if he were President of Apple he would close the company and give the money back to the stockholders. Steve Jobs… ]]> 2008-11-06T16:36:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/iphone-showcasing-apples-new-flexibility-or-what-apple-learned-from-the-ori/ You remember when the iPhone was first announced amid the hype and excitement there was also a ton of people complaining that the iPhone was making all the mistakes of the original Mac. Those people had a point. The iPhone was closed off, Apple expected people to write… Opinions

You remember when the iPhone was first announced amid the hype and excitement there was also a ton of people complaining that the iPhone was making all the mistakes of the original Mac. Those people had a point. The iPhone was closed off, Apple expected… ]]> 2008-11-06T14:30:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/november-5-2004-jobs-itunes-honored/ It isn't surprising when Apple's iTunes is named "Brand of the Year" and Steve Jobs is named "Visionary of the Year" by Billboard's Digital Music Awards. What would be surprising is if Apple didn't sweep the awards altogether.

In fact, Apple didn't. "Download Service of the… ]]> 2008-11-05T16:21:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/apple-consistently-makes-a-difference/ As I write this, it just a few hours after the election victory of Barack Obama, one of the most significant events in modern American history. Consequently anything I write feels somewhat trivial and insignificant. And I can't imagine reading Apple Matters will be on anyone's list of things to… Opinions As I write this, it just a few hours after the election victory of Barack Obama, one of the most significant events in modern American history. Consequently anything I write feels somewhat trivial and insignificant. And I can't imagine reading Apple Matters will be on anyone's list… ]]> 2008-11-05T14:18:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/path-finder-a-browser-for-mac-power-users/ The Finder is probably the most often used application of any computer. But many of us, our relationship to the Finder can be sometimes maddeningly annoying. It's not uncommon to get bogged down be several browser windows and endless searches to find one document. It seems like you have to constantly click… Reviews The Finder is probably the most often used application of any computer. But many of us, our relationship to the Finder can be sometimes maddeningly annoying. It's not uncommon to get bogged down be several browser windows and endless searches to find one document. It seems like you have… ]]> 2008-11-04T13:07:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/november-4-1997-store-within-a-store-program-begins/ Apple's relationship with retailers has always been tenuous. Macs have been sold (and subsequently pulled from) Circuit City, Sears and Best Buy, to name a few. One chain reseller Apple has gotten along with a little better than others over the years has been CompUSA.

For… ]]> 2008-11-04T12:16:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/how-far-can-apple-take-a-laptop/ Recentliy I had a chance to toy with Apple's latest 15" MacBook and let me say that I was suitably dazzled. The new track/click pad works amazingly well and is definatley the "next big thing" in laptops. Expect some variation on it from Dell, HP, Sony et al in the… Opinions Recentliy I had a chance to toy with Apple's latest 15" MacBook and let me say that I was suitably dazzled. The new track/click pad works amazingly well and is definatley the "next big thing" in laptops. Expect some variation on it from Dell, HP, Sony et… ]]> 2008-11-03T09:48:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-30-2002-ipod-availability-increases/ When the iPod debuted in October of 2001 few imagined what a hit the diminutive player would become propelling Apple's profits and stock price into the stratosphere.

There were several key moments along the way that moved the iPod from trendy Mac add on to must… ]]> 2008-10-30T07:26:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/its-not-the-shiny-box-that-costs-extra/ Everyone wants a cheaper Mac right? You never hear someone say "Man, I bought this Mac for $2500 but I really wanted to spend $2700. I'm feeling a bit disappointed." Of course the same thing can be said about any product. No one walks out with a bottle… Opinions

Everyone wants a cheaper Mac right? You never hear someone say "Man, I bought this Mac for $2500 but I really wanted to spend $2700. I'm feeling a bit disappointed." Of course the same thing can be said about any product. No one walks out… ]]> 2008-10-30T07:14:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/is-apple-conning-consmers/ You can argue many things about Apple under the direction of the reincarnated Steve Jobs, but one thing that is clear is that Apple is always cutting technology before its reached its use-by date. Apple likes to force its customers along technology paths long before they are ready. Opinions You can argue many things about Apple under the direction of the reincarnated Steve Jobs, but one thing that is clear is that Apple is always cutting technology before its reached its use-by date. Apple likes to force its customers along technology paths long before they are… ]]> 2008-10-29T08:23:01-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-iphone-without-carriers/ When the rumors first began oh so many eons ago that Apple was going to release a cell phone, I scoffed. In fact, I scoffed quite heartily. I dare say that my disdain for the very notion was so contemptuous, my behaviour so arragont that I would have fit in… Opinions When the rumors first began oh so many eons ago that Apple was going to release a cell phone, I scoffed. In fact, I scoffed quite heartily. I dare say that my disdain for the very notion was so contemptuous, my behaviour so arragont that I would… ]]> 2008-10-27T11:35:01-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-27-2003-itunes-for-windows/ The iPod had been Windows compatible already. The fact that users could plug the iPod into a Windows machine was great but Windows users weren't getting the entire Apple iPod experience because they were forced to use the comparably clunky MusicMatch software instead of iTunes.

While… ]]> 2008-10-27T09:39:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-24-1985-sculleys-biggest-oops/ Nine months after the release and, despite what some call the best commercial ever, the Mac wasn't selling well, In fact it was selling at a rate less than a fifth of the projections.

The Mac was in danger of dying and Sculley knew he… ]]> 2008-10-24T05:24:01-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/5-reasons-to-try-aperture-20/ I've been a big fan of iPhoto since its inception. In fact, I would say that iPhoto and the first edition of Derrick Story and David Pogue' first missing manual book about iPhoto were the two reasons I got interested in digital photography. But in the last few years I've… Reviews I've been a big fan of iPhoto since its inception. In fact, I would say that iPhoto and the first edition of Derrick Story and David Pogue' first missing manual book about iPhoto were the two reasons I got interested in digital photography. But in the last… ]]> 2008-10-24T05:18:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/microsoft-selling-macs-with-latest-ads/ Mac users are a shaudenfreud motivated bunch, the hard core would just as soon see Microsoft make a huge blunder as see Apple create something supremely useful. It would be a safe be to say that there are folks out there that would happily trade the revolution that…

Mac users are a shaudenfreud motivated bunch, the hard core would just as soon see Microsoft make a huge blunder as see Apple create something supremely useful. It would be a safe be to say that there are folks out there that would happily trade… ]]> 2008-10-23T12:18:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/what-would-you-pay-for-a-low-end-mac/ In days of yore, last century, last millenium, Apple had a reputation of selling expensive computers that were out of reach of the budget of the common man. Even the early iMacs were no gimme for the low end. However, early this millenium Apple finally satiated many folks' desire for… Opinions In days of yore, last century, last millenium, Apple had a reputation of selling expensive computers that were out of reach of the budget of the common man. Even the early iMacs were no gimme for the low end. However, early this millenium Apple finally satiated many… ]]> 2008-10-22T05:24:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-20-1997-last-newton-introduced/ For those still addicted to the Newton the most desirable model is the Message Pad 2100. The handheld (not pocketable) PDA was leaps ahead of most other Newtons. It features support for an Ethernet card (a first). Users also loved the expanded memory of the 2100. 2008-10-20T08:11:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/firewire-we-will-miss-you/ I was both amazed and disappointed to find that the new MacBooks no longer sport a FireWire port. I can't help but feel that this was a serious mistake on Apple's part. Firewire was both an unique add-on for new users and a beloved feature for those who've long since… Opinions I was both amazed and disappointed to find that the new MacBooks no longer sport a FireWire port. I can't help but feel that this was a serious mistake on Apple's part. Firewire was both an unique add-on for new users and a beloved feature for those… ]]> 2008-10-20T07:06:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/dropbox-vs-drop-box/ I've been a .mac/MobileMe user for about five years now. I've primarily used the service because of course it's networking features, and its integration with with other iLife application. I've tolerated over the years its inadequacies, such as, until recent updates, its low storage space, the troublesome Backup features, it's… Reviews I've been a .mac/MobileMe user for about five years now. I've primarily used the service because of course it's networking features, and its integration with with other iLife application. I've tolerated over the years its inadequacies, such as, until recent updates, its low storage space, the troublesome… ]]> 2008-10-17T08:01:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-17-1998-system-85-released/ System 8.5 was Apple's first system that would run only on PowerPC hardware, instantly forcing obsolete status on all 68030- and 68040-based machines.

The wow factor of 8.5 centered around the inclusion of Sherlock, a search everywhere application that could find a file by name, by… ]]> 2008-10-17T07:10:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-16-2003-apple-and-pepsi-announce-plans-to-give-away-1-million-songs/ In conjunction with a Super Bowl ad, Apple and Pepsi announced that certain Pepsi products would come with a chance to win a free song. The drinks that could get you free iTunes music were Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Sierra Mist--provided that said drinks were purchased in… ]]> 2008-10-16T07:47:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/why-you-didnt-see-an-800-macbook1/ Apple is worse than ever at keeping what is coming next a secret. This inability to keep a secret is counterbalanced by a rumor mill that churns out more inaccurate, yet almost believable rumors, than ever. Thus while it was widely suspected (and accompanied by pics) that Apple… Opinions

Apple is worse than ever at keeping what is coming next a secret. This inability to keep a secret is counterbalanced by a rumor mill that churns out more inaccurate, yet almost believable rumors, than ever. Thus while it was widely suspected (and accompanied by… ]]> 2008-10-16T07:29:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/will-apple-ever-give-us-what-we-know-we-want/ Up in Cupertino way, a little company you might have heard of has been quietly gnawing away at various consumer electronics markets. Once a niche player in a Windows dominated computer landscape, it was like one lonely Apple tree in a forest of oaks. Okay, maybe not oaks. But now… Opinions Up in Cupertino way, a little company you might have heard of has been quietly gnawing away at various consumer electronics markets. Once a niche player in a Windows dominated computer landscape, it was like one lonely Apple tree in a forest of oaks. Okay, maybe not… ]]> 2008-10-15T10:12:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-15-1990-mac-classic-introduced/ Old school Mac fans can instantly conjure up an image of the original Mac in there minds. The small, boxy machine was regarded at the time as "cute" or "toylike" is now seen as the start of something big.

For all the waves the original Mac… ]]> 2008-10-15T08:13:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/october-14-1998-apple-releases-results-early/ Apple generally waits until after the market closes to announce results but there were a few exceptions. The most notable came right before Mac OS 8.5 was to be released.

In the middle of the day, Apple announced that demand was extraordinarily high for Macs (specifically… ]]> 2008-10-14T07:48:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/the-399-macbook-mini/ Ever since the development of the Mac Plus there has always been a tension at Apple between the desire to innovate and be the computer of the everyman. This desire to innovate almost always means that we Apple users have to accept higher costs. But we often do it willingly,… Opinions Ever since the development of the Mac Plus there has always been a tension at Apple between the desire to innovate and be the computer of the everyman. This desire to innovate almost always means that we Apple users have to accept higher costs. But we often… ]]> 2008-10-14T07:42:00-05:00 http://www.applematters.com/article/10-mac-power-user-apps/ If you're new to Mac computers or if you want to accomplish more as a Mac user there are an handful of applications, plug-ins, OS X features that will get on the road to becoming what is called Mac power user. These applications, though not all free,are guaranteed to save… Opinions If you're new to Mac computers or if you want to accomplish more as a Mac user there are an handful of applications, plug-ins, OS X features that will get on the road to becoming what is called Mac power user. These applications, though not all free,are… ]]> 2008-10-10T13:14:00-05:00