Kibbles & Bytes Blog

  • _Dear Friends,_

    This week it’s Edward Shepard, writing for Don who is back in the US, but currently away in Nevada celebrating his 42nd wedding anniversary. The remarkable thing about Don and Grace’s marriage isn’t its duration, but its health. I mean, they’ve been together for the equivalent of a geologic epoch, but you’d think they’re still dating. I’m glad to report that they’re having a nice time in the desert. Don will be back and writing next week.

    This was a huge week in Apple news. On Monday, Apple released its fourth quarter results, which came in above all expectations and truly rocked Wall Street. On Tuesday, Apple released newly redesigned (and amazing) iMacs, new Mac minis, a new white MacBook, new Multi-Touch Magic Mouse, updated the AirPort Extreme Base Station, updated the Time Capsule line, and introduced a sleek new aluminum remote.

    Next week will be big for Small Dog Electronics. On Monday, Kali and I will be at the Vermont 3.0 Innovation Jam. This event showcases some of the most innovative tech and creative-oriented companies in Vermont. It is also something of a job/career fair for tech-oriented industries. “Click here to learn more.”:http://www.vermont3.com/

    On Friday we celebrate Halloween with our annual Small Dog costume party. You’ll be able to vote for your favorite Halloween costume at “Blog.smalldog.com.”:http://blog.smalldog.com

    On Friday, we’ll also be picking contest winners of our fun, random “Facebook”:http://www.facebook.com/smalldogelectronics, “Twitter”:http://twitter.com/hellosmalldog and newsletter drawing.

    And this Saturday, 10/24, we’re participating in the International Day of Climate action, by helping at a “350 Vermont”:http://www.facebook.com/350Vermont event at Green Mountain Coffee Roaster’s headquarters in Waterbury, Vermont. This town-hall style event is sponsored by NRG, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and the National Wildlife Federation. Senator Bernie Sanders will be speaking. “Learn more about the 350 effort to tackle climate change.”:http://www.350.org/mission

    If you’re in the area, come Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to participate from 9:00 – 11:00! “Click here to learn more.”:http://www.facebook.com/350Vermont

  • All New Bigger, Better, Faster iMacs!

    Today Apple introduced new versions of its very popular all-in-one iMac desktop computer. The new models boast incredible 21.5-inch and 27-inch LED-backlit displays…

  • New Aluminum Apple Remote

    Apple’s new aluminum remote matches their aluminum iMac line, naturally. Still $19.99, the remote features the same four directional buttons along with the…

  • Even Mightier: The New Apple Magic Mouse

    Apple unveiled the successor to their Apple Mouse (née Mighty Mouse) today: the Magic Mouse. In keeping with Apple’s Multi-Touch technology on their…

  • Apple's Most Profitable Quarter Ever

    After the market closed on Monday, Apple announced fourth-quarter profits that were simply stunning. Net quarterly profits were up more than 46 percent…

  • Apple's Most Profitable Quarter Ever

    After the market closed on Monday, Apple announced fourth-quarter profits that were simply stunning. Net quarterly profits were up more than 46 percent to $1.67 billion, on revenue of $9.87 billion.

    Apple sold 3.05 million Macs (the most ever in a quarter) along with 7.4 million iPhones (up 7% from the year-ago quarter) and 10.2 million iPods. iPod sales were actually down 8 percent over the past year, but this was expected as people move from buying iPods to buying iPhones.

    Numerous analysts and commentators joked that someone forgot to tell Apple about the recession.

    “We are thrilled to have sold more Macs and iPhones than in any previous quarter,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’ve got a very strong lineup for the holiday season and some really great new products in the pipeline for 2010.”

    It’s interesting to note that Apple would have had even greater sales ($12.25 billion revenue and $2.85 billion of net income) if subscription-based accounting for the iPhone and Apple TV was eliminated. Subscription-based accounting is used to parcel out income from iPhone and Apple TV sales over a 24-month period from the date of sale.

    One chokehold on growth is that demand for the iPhone 3GS currently exceeds supply. “Apple can’t build enough phones to meet demand,” said Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.

    Analysts are quite bullish on AAPL stock, recommending investors buy in anticipation of a potentially strong holiday quarter. Gene Munster has maintained his overweight rating for AAPL stock and raised his price target to $277.