Stan's List

Quoting a just-released Gartner research report, ZDNet reports that the Mac’s share of the US market has shot up remarkably to 6.1 percent. However, perhaps the most-shocking bit contained in Gartner’s paper is their assertion that Apple should quit the hardware business.

“Apple should leverage its close relationship with Intel and team up with Intel’s closest ally, Dell,” the report states. “We recognize that this move would surprise and even shock many. We are aware that Steve Jobs cancelled previous Mac licenses when he took over at Apple and that he guards the Apple brand zealously.” More …

AppleInsider: Apple on Wednesday announced preliminary financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended September, reporting revenue of 4.84 billion and net quarterly profit of $546 million, or $.62 per diluted share. More …

Mac sales help boost Apple’s quarterly profit: Apple Computer Inc. on Wednesday posted a 27 percent rise in quarterly profit, buoyed by strong sales of its Macintosh computers and higher shipments of its iPod digital music players. More …