AppleInsider has a very exciting rumor about the iPhone roadmap including two lines by the holiday season in 2007. According to their sources, the so-called iPhone nano will have iPod and phone functionality and its own revolutionary user interface, but will lack web browsing, email, and other resource-intensive abilities. Though it’s not mentioned, it seems likely that at least some camera functionality will be included, as so few phones these days don’t have at least a basic camera.

Prices are expected to fall between the iPhone and iPod nano, with the goal being to avoid cannibalization of either line and maintain clear distinctions in their market. Count us as excited.

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If you’ve been wondering why you can’t seem to find a 15-inch MacBook Pro with LED-LCD in stock, AppleInsider has the dirt. While it’s not clear whether the supply problem is the result of a simple shortage of necessary parts or a more significant problem with the LED-LCDs employed by Apple in the MacBook Pro, the bottom line is that something to do with the display is creating a massive shortfall of supply of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. While Apple has been able to satisfy some orders, many third-party vendors have no stock and a long waiting list. Any hints from readers on who might have some in stock?

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The perspicacious Jason D. O’Grady has a review of the not-coincidentally futuristic-looking Futura Laptop Desk. The versatile accessory can lie flat for a lapdesk or fold into a stand for use at a workstation. While the impressively-designed laptop desk looks like it might be heavy for transport with its metallic appearance, Jason notes that he loves the fact that it folds so compactly and weighs very little–only a bit over 16 ounces–for easy portability.

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PC World has interesting news on the iPhone development front: Apple will be taking their show on the road, offering mini-conferences for developers working on iPhone applications. The events will be taking place next month across the country, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York being the sites. The workshops and presentations are for members of Apple’s Developer Connection and don’t cost anything, though registration is required.

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John C. Welch at InformationWeek has quite a good review of the iPhone after two weeks of use. The detailed article covers just about all functionality offered by the iPhone, with a discussion of integration for business users covered as well (for those of you dependent upon Entourage, Exchange, etc.). The review ends with this nice summary:

It’s not the perfect device for every human being on the planet, nor is it perfect for every situation. In fact, it’s not perfect at all. However, it is the best phone I’ve used, or even played with, and with the sole exception of Exchange/Domino-style connectivity, it is the best smartphone I’ve ever used. I’ve been using it heavily since it came out, and it’s done everything it’s supposed to do better than anything else I can think of. It’s not the cheapest smartphone I’ve ever had, but it is, by far, the best value in a smartphone I’ve ever had, and I’ll take value over low price any day.”

Highly recommended.

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Deciding that enough is enough, Apple has finally decided to hold an intervention and get the size and weight of MacBook Pro’s generously-proportioned 85W AC adapter under control before it ends up on Dr. Phil asking for gastric bypass. For those of us tired of our AC adapters breaking chairs in restaurants or forcing us to spring for an extra seat on the airplane, this is most welcome. The new MacBook Pro adapter will be approximately the same size as the MacBook’s svelte 60W model, and will be shipping from Apple in a few weeks for $79. For those of you who have just recently ordered an MBP, it sounds like it’s a bit of a tossup which model AC adapter you’ll be receiving or whether Apple will allow exchanges of the older AC adapters for the new model.

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Though not, strictly speaking, directly related to Apple portables or the iPhone, we can’t resist mentioning this auction. Apple reseller Mac Resource is moving to a new location, and as part of that move, they’re looking to sell their old neon sign of the classic, multi-colored Apple logo, which just happens to be six feet high.

As of this writing, bidding is at $2850.99, with eight days and four hours to go. Shipping and handling could be a bit costly on this item, but if you want to show your dedication to Apple–or ward off airplanes at night–there’s nothing like it.

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Those sick and tired of iPhone fawning won’t get their much-coveted schadenfreude, despite early allegations that major network issues at Duke University were caused by the iPhone’s wifi. The original accusation was that iPhones on campus were periodically flooding the wireless network with MAC requests, taking down the wireless network. This quote in particular, from Duke’s Assistant Director of Communication Infrastructure, is pretty much solid gold:

I don’t believe it’s a Cisco problem in any way, shape, or form.”

The only problem? It was a Cisco problem. You’d think that Duke would have learned by now to save the finger pointing until they actually know something.

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ZDNet blog Between the Lines has an interesting story on research notes from a financial analyst on how much AT&T is paying Apple for iPhone customers. The analyst believes that AT&T is paying Apple $3 per iPhone customer each month, and perhaps just as significantly, $8 per month for customers new to AT&T who buy an iPhone. Considering estimates have said 700,000 iPhones sold within a few days of launch, that’s a pretty decent monthly take.

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If you’re looking for one of the first iPhone cases available, site sponsor BOOQ has this entrant:

SIERRA MADRE, CALIF. June 28, 2007 — BOOQ, a fast-growing, premium brand of performance-driven laptop carrying cases for creative professionals on the move, announces Anaconda 5, a rugged accessory case perfectly fitted for the iPhone.

Anaconda 5 is crafted from the toughest ballistic nylon, the softest
neoprene, and is lined with a scratch-resistant material developed to
protect your iPhone against scratches and excessive wear.

Designed to attach to your belt or a BOOQ laptop bag or backpack, Anaconda 5 has a convenient Velcro and is available for $44.95. It is also bundled with BOOQ bags, backpacks, and laptop sleeves for exceptional value.

With the addition of the Anaconda 5 iPhone case, BOOQ brings another premium product of the highest performance to the next generation of creative professionals. Customers who have come to expect fresh and innovative design solutions love the exceptional level of quality and functionality of BOOQ’s products. The privately held company is based in Sierra Madre, California.
The Anaconda 5 is in stock and ready to ship.

For more information, check out the Anaconda 5 product page.

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Here’s the good word from prominent accessory company Griffin Technology:

Nashville, TN - July 2, 2007 - Griffin Technology today unveiled its PowerJolt® Car Charger for iPhoneTM, the company’s first accessory for Apple’s new revolutionary device. Recently updated specifically for iPhone, Griffin’s PowerJolt has long been a best selling car charger solution for iPod.

“We applaud Apple for its continued innovation, from iMac to iPod, and now iPhone,” said Paul Griffin, founder of Griffin Technology. “We expect this to be another market-changing moment and we look forward to supporting Apple’s vision with innovative accessories.”

PowerJolt for iPhone

Plug PowerJolt into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or accessory power socket, and connect your iPhone to charge even during use. PowerJolt’s charge indicator glows green when it’s powered up and ready to go, amber while it’s charging, and green again when it’s finished charging your battery.

PowerJolt sets itself apart from its imitators with features like built-in power management. The in-line 2 Amp automotive fuse ensures you need not be concerned about power surges affecting your iPhone. And should the fuse ever need replacing, it’s easily obtained at any auto-parts or hardware store.

PowerJolt’s usefulness is not limited to iPhone, it’s also backwards compatible with iPod models that use the full-size Apple dock connector, and with first-generation iPod shuffle. The new PowerJolt ships with a high-quality detachable dock connector cable that can be used separately for charging and syncing to your computer; and with a separate USB mini-B cable that allows Griffin iTrip users to charge through iTrip’s pass-through USB port.

PowerJolt is ready to use right out of the box, and comes with everything you need to travel and arrive with a fully-charged iPhone and iPod.

PowerJolt Features and Benefits

- Works in car cigarette lighter or 12V accessory socket
- Charge indicator changes color to show charging status at a glance
- Comes with detachable dock connector cable that can be used separately
- Includes USB mini-B cable for charging while in use with Griffin iTrip or other devices
- Protects against power spikes with replaceable automotive 2 Amp fuse
- Can be used with other USB-chargeable devices

The PowerJolt is available for $19.95 at Apple and AT&T retail locations

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