Michael Doan

A pretty darn good theory about where Apple is headed from Gruber:

Apple now owns and controls their own mobile CPUs. There aren’t many companies in the world that can say that. And from what I saw today, Apple doesn’t just own and control a mobile CPU, they own and control the hands-down best mobile CPU in the world. Software aside (which is a huge thing to put aside), it may well be that no other company could make a device today matching the price, size, and performance of the iPad. They’re not getting into the CPU business for kicks, they’re getting into it to kick ass.

Tomorrow is a big day for all the Apple fanboys (me included) as we await for Apple’s newest creation. There are many rumors and predictions on what it could be, what it’ll look like, and its capabilities. Steve Jobs never fails to surprise, so tomorrow I expect to be surprised. At this point, I don’t think anyone thinks that this device will be a one trick pony. That is, it is not simply a reading device because we all now what Jobs thinks of Amazon’s Kindle:

“It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore,” he said. “Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people don’t read anymore.”

Its a device that will live somewhere between an iPhone and a notebook. Currently the iPhone packs just enough computing power to to get you through your day (or at lease it gets Steve Rubel through his day), but the computing power is not enough to do some serious work. The notebook on the other hand can handle every computing need you have but its still too clunky (think notebook bag, power cords, mouse, etc).

So, I think the tablet will be somewhere in between as far as computing power is concerned and ultra-portable but not pocket size. My prediction:

1. The form factor will be much like the iPhone. Glass top and almost button-less.
2. It’ll have wireless connectivity (cellular and Wi-Fi)
3. No stylus, of course. Mutlitouch only.
4. Storage capacity will be limited because there’s no hard drive. Only solid state memory.
5. They will tie in cloud computing somehow. iWork.com will play a role.

Whatever it is, be prepared to drool.

Back in 2008 I decided that I would one day start my own CPA firm. By the end of September 2009, I had that opportunity. So, it seems ironic, that after only three short months of running my own firm, I am announcing that I’ve joined McKennon, Wilson & Morgan LLP as their audit partner.

I was recently asked, “why the change in direction?” My response: “it isn’t”. I’ll be responsible for re-establishing the MWM’s audit practice, much like I was doing with Doan + Associates (except that at D+A, I was starting one for the first time). One added advantage I do have now is that I don’t have to build my own infrastructure because there is one already in place, but the existing infrastructure is a minor convenience. The real value here is walking into a firm that has a great tax practice with professionals who care about their clients and a firm that has a well-deserved and well-established reputation for providing excellent client service.

I am on the same trip as before, but now with an upgraded vehicle.

I just finished reading Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk. It was a quick read. If you’ve been following Vaynerchuk’s career then you know his mantra and you’ll soon realize that the book doesn’t offer anything new. But, that’s okay. Vaynerchuk has a good story to tell and valid points about building a brand and its worth having all of his tips and tricks consolidated in one place. Sure, you can find everything Vaynerchuk discusses in the book for free on his website, but as Vaynerchuk points out, we are in the “thank you” economy and buying his book is a way of saying “thank you” for all the years of free, but valuable, content he has pushed out.

Conan O’Brien from his last Tonight Show:

I hate cynicism, it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.

Do you like jazz? You should. It’s one of the greatest American art form. Here’s a playlist of some of my favorites to get you started.

I’m going to have a Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell tomorrow to honor this man. Its the best Mexican Pizza (seriously).

Glen W. Bell Jr., whose idea in 1951 to sell crispy-shell tacos from the window of his hamburger stand became the foundation of Taco Bell, the restaurant chain that turned Mexican fare into fast food for millions of Americans, died at his home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. He was 86.

via Glen W. Bell Jr., 86, Taco Bell Founder, Dies – Obituary (Obit) – NYTimes.com.