I feel that the iPad is the perfect platform for textbooks. Let’s look at this from a financial standpoint, and from the standpoint of having the most up to date information.  Schools will no longer have to purchase physical text books that tend to cost more than their digital counterparts. So the school districts will be saving money in the long run. In addition, Steve Jobs mentioned in his biography that the textbooks would be free with the iPads. Now that might, or might not come to fruition, only time will tell.

If you remember back to when you where in K-12 you generally had textbooks that were out of date when it came to certain subjects. Think of how convenient it would be to simply download an update to your textbook, and not feel like your learning something that is five to ten years old. This is something that happens now with eBooks. If a correction needs to be made; you receive a notification and then an update is performed.

One other key point I didn’t mention was that now kids will only need to carry an iPad instead of three to four heavy books. My daughter is in the fifth grade and she carries at least five to eight pounds of books in her backpack. With textbooks on an iPad she would no longer need to haul around that extra weight.

What do you think Apple will announce?  An update to iTunes U? Textbooks for the iPad?  Let us know what you thinks Apple will be announcing in the comments below.

Gerard Lagana

I'm a husband, dad of two great kids, and I have a passion for Apple products. I got my first Mac in 2005, and I haven't looked back. I like the simplicity of the Mac, and how does the motto go, oh yeah, It just works. I think that's the great thing about Macs how the hardware and software work harmoniously together. I've also been in the IT industry for over fourteen years. I've worked with everything from Windows computers to Mac computers. I can say I thoroughly enjoy working with Macs. I can also be found on Twitter, where I continue to geek out on Apple products.

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One, Apple published the video of the Apple employee celebration of Steve’s life that was held on October 19th at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino.

Two, The much anticipated biography by Walter Isaacson was made available for download through the Amazon and iBooks stores

Three, Walter Isaacson was on 60 Minutes and spoke about that biography and gave us some more contextual insight into the life that was Steve Jobs…

In case you missed it, below is that 60 Minutes episode for your viewing pleasure.

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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Tim Cook said in an email to staff that the event, was meant “to take time to remember the incredible things Steve achieved in his life and the many ways he made our world a better place.”

The Journal is also reporting that Apple plans to close some of its retail stores for at least an hour Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the matter, a gesture that coincides with the company’s planned celebration of co-founder Steve Jobs’s life at its headquarters.

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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Check out this cool data visualization showing Bill and Steve as it compares to their early days, schooling, entrepreneurship, and even marriage and children (great work putting this together WebDesignShock)

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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It is with an incredibly sad heart to report that Mr. Steve Jobs has lost his battle with cancer

Reports are coming with from this brief release:

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct 05, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

SOURCE: Apple

As this terrible news continues to unfold we’ll report more.

Jobs was 56, and leaves behind his wife Laurene, and numerous other family members. Apple has posted a page in his memory, along with an email address for condolences here.

Tim Cook

“No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a letter to Apple employees. “We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.”

Bill Gates

“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”

President Barack Obama

Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.

Remembering…

[SlideDeck id='24535' width='100%' height='300px']

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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By the way – if you want the song that this based on, check out Jay-Z’s “What More Can I Say“

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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Yes, you read that correctly. Steve Jobs has resigned. It is not that he will no longer be involved in Apple, but he is endorsing the Apple succession plan and passing the reins over to Tim Cook to take over control of Apple as CEO. Jobs will still remain on the Board of Directors at Apple as well as on the Board of Disney.

Many speculated that Tim Cook would be the successor as CEO since Cook became acting CEO during each of Jobs’ medical leaves. The first medical leave occurred in 2004 after Jobs underwent a ‘Whipple Procedure’. The second medical leave occurred in January of 2009. The last medical leave was in January of 2011. It has not shocked many that Tim Cook has been named as the next CEO at Apple.

I fear there will be major speculation within the blogging community regarding the future of Apple and how this spells the end of Apple as a company. I am not one of the nay-sayers. It seems like The New York Times has already I firmly believe as though Apple will be around for a very long time.

It is my belief that Apple has a product roadmap that extends out five years. Yes, five years, not 18 months nor 3 years, but a full five years. We can all guess that Apple will release new iPads, iPhones, and iPods over the next five years, along with new Macs and presumably Apple TVs (the set top boxes) but what about after that time frame? That’s where the outcome for Apple’s ultimate future truly lies, but we will not be able to see the results for many years.

As an Apple user and enthusiast, I have every confidence in Apple’s Management team to produce, manufacture and market the best products and services in the personal computing mark. Not just now but also for the foreseeable future. Apple is a juggernaut in many respects. On the personnel front, Apple has 30,600 full time equivalent (FTE) in the retail section of Apple alone. In order to get the company to move it away from its current trajectory, it would take a massive effort, and I do not see that happening. This is not a bad thing in the slightest.

There is one peculiar fact about the choice of date to announce his resignation. It comes exactly 56 years and 6 months after he was born. This may just be pure coincidence but it is rather strange none the less.

Apple is on a trajectory that will continue to make them money in the future. Apple has a management staff that will maintain the quality of products that Apple has become known for. The ultimate test will be in the next few years to see how well Apple maintains their premium status.

[image via Diana Walker]

Wayne Dixon

I'm into anything technology related. I do some HTML/CSS/PHP development. I like to follow things that most people would find annoying or not worthwhile. I follow Apple, Microsoft, Google, The Cloud, cell phones and even programming. By Day I'm a Systems Administrator for a Library, which has it's own set of issues. Follow me on Twitter.

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Steve Jobs and his small circle of trusted executives and advisors have taken Apple to the top of the pile, and there’s no site of them slowing down.

Check out this interesting infographic showing the methodical planning and forward-thinking that has taken place in terms of innovation, education, and product introduction since that April Fools Day in 1976.

Research and design by Online Colleges Resource

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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