Oh, you mean there's a new phone coming?

I know someone's job at Apple is to make sure upcoming products are properly promoted to existing customers, but did I really just need the email telling me the iPhone is coming July 11th? Let's not go overboard with making demand for this thing higher. Who would've signed up for Apple email alerts, and wouldn't know the phone is coming? Plus I have a sneaking suspicion the media will remind us several times between now and then. It may have been helpful if the email included a time for launch though...

TDL Live This week: (6/30)

After a week off, last night's edition of TDL was particularly ridiculous, but we managed to cover all the important Apple news and rumors too:

Can Apple possibly meet day one iPhone demand?

Overlooked in most of the hoopla of the July 11th iPhone 3G launch is a simple question: Will you even be able to get one?

With a launch in 21 countries on July 11th, this could easily be the biggest hardware launch in Apple history. In Spain, there are already 300,000 pre-orders according to Telefonica SA. Apple could easily be looking at a million phone opening day. Are that many iPhones ready to go? Somewhere in China, iPhone 3Gs are being "assembled" (never "made" in China). How many of those units can possibly be in place for a 21 country launch, not to mention the other 49 countries Apple has announced will have the phone "soon." It's probably also worth noting the "rollout schedule subject to change" disclaimer on the bottom of the Apple launch page.

The bigger question is, does it matter? If Apple can't get enough phones in place for day one, will buyers patiently wait, or will they consider other options. How long can Apple afford to have a Wii-like shortage of phones? Unlike the Wii, it doesn't look like there will be an easy way for people to stock up on the devices for profit on eBay. Will that help supply get to those who want it, or will phones still make their way into "alternative" channels?

More questions than answers, but if Apple is to be able to sustain phone availability from day one, across the globe, it's going to take more than a few rumors of trucks moving to distribution centers. It will require an Apple product move, the likes of which we've never seen before. Maybe getting in line early isn't such a bad idea after all...

Patent Infringement? Clear With Computers sues Apple and HP re: Online Ordering Systems

            It seems yet another company is looking for a big payday from Apple.  This time it is a Texan company named Clear With Computers and they are suing regarding (any guesses?) patent infringement regarding two of CWC’s patents. 

            CWC claims that Apple infringed on their patents that allow for custom online ordering of products and parts.  CWC claims the dispute stems from Apple’s online store, their main website and relevant sales and supply systems.  The patents together allow users to sign in to the system and build a list of products and parts, which also includes descriptions (either text or visual) of the options.  Basically, the patented system allows for customized computer ordering, making shopping easier for the customer.  CWC has also joined HP as a defendant in the above-described action claiming HP also uses a system that is similar to the patented system for the selling of their computer products. 

            The ridiculous part of the entire lawsuit is that CWC’s patents vaguely reflect the systems that Apple and HP are using for ordering.  CWC’s patent does not include online transaction; rather the company would print out the custom offer and work to make the sale in person (antiquated, I know).  It seems to me that CWC’s case is more one of wishful thinking than a legitimate patent infringement.  Further, has CWC forgotten about other computer giants such as Dell?  They also use a similar system and have been using this system for over ten years. 

            Regardless of the seemingly different online ordering systems, CWC is pressing forwarded and seeking relief through damages for deliberate infringement and a permanent injunction on both Apple and HP.  Possible dismissal?  We’ll just have to wait and see how this one turns out!

This blog is based on an article from www.appleinsider.com

Attention Apple fans: See Wall-E

You might already know that Apple's Jonathan Ive was ased to help contribute to the design of one of the robots appearing in this Pixar flick. But beyond being a fine film, Wall-E holds many small surprises for Apple fans. See if you can find the sights and sounds of Apple in the movie. We won't give any away, but go and enjoy the movie. You'll be glad you did!