3x3 mystery apple screen

Is this screen for a new remote? 

handle for the iPad

I've been waiting to see if a third-party flip-down handle will be released for the iPad (or if the next generation will have one) because I can't yet see a comfortable way to hold it with one hand.  But I do like the thumb-hole idea.

iPhone 4 pre-orders

The press release indicated that more than 600,000 iPhones were pre-ordered on June 15.  Will be interesting to learn how many more (and if 600k was understating or about right).  Given the difficulties of ordering, assuming that it wasn't due to the rumored AT&T security changes the weekend before, perhaps it was far higher?

Note that the iPad sold about 300,000 on its first day (I know this includes both walk-ins and pre-orders but I have to believe that for iPhones, pre-orders largely substitute for walk-ins) Which makes 600,000 seem somewhat unimpressive and, in fact, low.

cloud computing and iPhone pre-orders

How is cloud computing really supposed to work if Apple can't even get pre-orders to work for iPhone4 - a PLANNED surge for something relatively simple (no streaming, etc.).  If it turns out the problem is simply with the AT&T account confirmation (which it might be), then less of a concern.  But if it is a broader problem, work needs to be done on the cloud.  Or at least Apple's implementation of its cloud efforts.

Separately, I did find out how to order the iPhone.  Although it seems like the ordering process dies midway (after confirming the selection of a phone), the order has actually made it to the shopping cart at this point.  One can't change the account plan but, at worst, this is a one-time $15 cost (or perhaps no cost if one were planning on keeping the unlimited data plan).  So mine is schedule to arrive on Thursday!

iPad video mirroring

Why isn't there video mirroring on the iPad?  All I want is to be able to plug the iPad into a monitor and see the same thing on the monitor and the iPad's screen.  For me, it's for the kids (they can watch the same programming in the car using the existing screen).  For others, it's for academic efforts (electronic whiteboard).  Or for business presentations.  Etc.

This must be trivial to program but, unfortunately, isn't susceptible to third-party app solutions because it has to be part of the OS.

This is a real stumbling block to buying an iPad...

webapps

Why is anyone (outside a few isolated examples like the google voice app that were rejected by the app store) still making webapps for the iPhone?

2010 iPhone grooves

Lots of reports today of the discovery of a future iPhone (gizmodo, engadget, etc.).  There's been a lot of discussion on the authenticity of the photos and the likelihood that the device really is the next iPhone.  With extra focus on several grooves on the case.  My guess:  this will make it easier to mount accessories to the bottom.  And, for those accessories that need a little more security, there is a groove on top.  I guess we'll see in a couple months...