Brand: MacNews

The Mercury News is reporting that Apple is expected to spend at least US$500,000 a month rent for their new retail store, opening in McLean, Virginia on May 19. The article explores some of the reasons why Apple would spend that kind of money, not the least of which may be to strengthen their brand to consumers.

If you’re a business traveler and you miss getting your email and surfing the Internet while you’re on an Airplane, there may be hope on the horizon. SiliconValley.com reports that a handful of companies are trying to bring the Internet to travelers via satellite. A server on the plane will update email every five minutes and Web pages every 15 minutes.

Macworld UK reports that Douglas Adams, British AppleMaster and author of the popular science fiction novel “The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” has passed away suddenly at age 49 in Santa Barbara, California following a heart attack. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.

Peer-to-peer file swapping service Napster has posted an apology to its users for blocking songs that should be available as part of its service. CNN Europe reports that Napster admitted to unintentionally blocking songs that can legally be shared as they attempt to implement a filtering system.

Everyone seems to be weighing in with their views on Apple’s recently announced retail strategies in the United States, with the launch of Apple-branded stores, but what of other countries? The Times of India reports that Apple will continue to market its products through road show demonstrations, the standard retail channel, employee purchase plans in corporate offices, and student purchase plans in schools and universities.