F. J. Taylor

Trade Apple Like a Fool

Mr. Bass is right about the state of the market in general, and the deteriorating economy being unfavorable for any non-essentials.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Apple continues to slide during this market - but not because it is over-valued or any of the other usual reasons.

However, if it slides, it will mainly be because "the market" seems to be composed of manic-depressives who practice voodoo instead of looking at fundamentals, and because of articles slighting Apple stock, not because of any weakness in the company or products.

Obviously the market is down, and we are in a depression IMO (which, BTW, I saw coming over two years ago and cashed out of a lot of my holdings while they were high - except for half my Apple, which I kept -and so I am now playing with "house money")

However, Mikey is incorrect to state that the iPhone is a "trinket" of "jewelry" - while its usual superb Apple styling may give it that appearance, it is actually one of the most remarkable electronic devices in modern times - far from being a mere "smart-phone" or glorified MP3 player (which it is), it is the first true MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and a hell of a lot more besides. With the native apps, and the burgeoning third-party apps, it has an enormous amount of potential to become one of the greatest mind-tools ever developed.

It is truly astonishing - so much so, that even I, a long-time Apple user and booster, was amazed when I finally got my 3G recently - I knew of some of its capabilities, but was blown away when I finally got into the workings!! I don't have time to detail the device and all its capabilities here, but go to the Apple site and take the tour - or better yet, walk into an Apple or AT&T store (or your local Walmart or Best Buy) and get a demo.

I have also purchased one for my step-daughter (my step-son got one of the first ones), and am planning to get one for my wife shortly as well. I will be switching our lines to AT&T from my long-time favorite Verizon (albeit reluctantly, as I have been with them for over 12 years), and that means AT&T (and Apple) will be getting monthly income of about $125 for two years. I am not the only one I know who is doing this.

Apple has enormous potential to revolutionize the entire phone AND computer industry (they are already inspiring iPhone wannabees from all the major and many minor players) - and I believe they will.

While I agree not everyone will be able to afford one, especially now, that has always been the case with Apple products - though I personally wish everyone could have them - they are such a pleasure to use!!

And of course, these are only one product - there also are the iPods (especially the brilliant Touch, which was my "gateway drug" into iPhones), Air, the MacBook line, the iTunes music and video business, and all the marvelous hardware and software they are so justly famed for - far easier to use, superbly styled, and with killer customer service and support - and a lot more besides!

My own intention is to hold my remaining Apple stock - and buy more when I think it has hit bottom. Of course, this is only my take and strategy - everyone should think for themselves and do what you need to for your individual circumstances.

As to the economy and society in general - I hope we will all be around to see a better time and place than that which is currently shaping - but knowing people and history, I am always a bit dubious. Good luck to you all.