It’s been a little while since I’ve discussed Apple which is one of my favorite companies and stocks. The Apple world has been pretty quiet since the iPhone 3g announcement. Recently, the stock has been teetering in the $170s range. Let’s look at some of the recent Apple news and what we can expect from the stock.

Touch Tablet PCs

While the tablet PC rumor has been circulating for some time, a new report has been released claiming the plans are in the works.  Apple hasn’t updated their laptop lines in some time.  I am hoping that a refresh of the Macbook lines coupled with an announcement of the tablet PCs is coming soon.  This would be a fantastic refresh and boost investor’s confidence in Apple’s ability to continue its product innovation cycles into the coming years.

A touch tablet PC could be an extraordinary product if Apple pushes the envelope like they have done with other products like the iPhone.  If they can extend the touch functionality to really ramp up a users’ productivity, we might see something special.

Steve Jobs Fake Obituary

This was completely weird.  Bloomberg accidentally released a Steve Jobs obituary to its readers and then retracted it.  Apparently, journalists often pre-write obituaries and it is expected than they were simply updated their Steve Jobs one.  Since the Steve Jobs health rumors have been going around the web, this is very unnerving for many investors.  Also, pretty irresponsible of Bloomberg.

Apple Stock

How do these factors impact the stock?  Well, for now the stock price has some pretty heavy resistance preventing it from crossing the $180 mark and upwards.  The long term story is still in tact, however, and a release of a new fantastic product such as a touch tablet PC would definitely solidify this long term story.

Steve Jobs health is a major concern.  As far as business leaders go, he is probably one that has demonstrated the effectiveness of having a great CEO better than anybody.  Apple’s direction is clear for a few years out.  With Jobs gone, I’m not sure what 5-10 years out looks like at Apple.  Technology is a fast moving industry!

I’m an Apple investor for the next 2-3 years definitely.  The near term is fairly weak unless a new product is announced.  2009 should be a better year for Apple as I expect some serious iPhone numbers to begin to be released to the investing public.  Also, product upgrades will continue the market share gains in the PC world.

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