Apple: America's Best Retailer

At $3 a pop, 30-day movie loans will pit computer giant against cable, satellite

(NEWSER) - Apple is buttering up top movie studios as it prepares to launch a video-on-demand service to contend with cable and satellite companies. Apple plans to offer each movie as a 30-day rental for $2.99, and it's telling studios the term of lease means they won't take a hit on DVD sales. More»

Mac will release feverishly anticipated super-gadget—but will the hype ring hollow?

(NEWSER) - The wait will be over for millions of tech groupies on June 29—when the iPhone, the highly anticipated device that merges web browsing, music playing, and telephoning, will hit Apple and AT&T stores worldwide. But the hype over what some call "the God machine" has already reached hysterical proportions, according to the Times. More»

...but just barely, according to new ranking

(NEWSER) - Tim Cook had some big shoes to fill as Apple CEO, but it looks like he's managing. According to a poll on Glassdoor.com, some 97% of employees approve of the new boss' work over the past year—an even higher proportion than the 95% who approved of Steve Jobs the year before. Of course, Cook is probably benefiting from a "honeymoon period," GigaOm notes. Cook leads tech CEOs with the highest approval rating on Glassdoor; Paul Jacobs of Qualcomm and Larry Page of Google round out the top three. More»

The iCEO is going for $60

(NEWSER) - Cuddle up with your favorite CEO: A 15-inch plush stuffed doll of the late Steve Jobs is now for sale. The "iCEO," released by pillow company Throwboy , will set you back $60. It features removable glasses, a black turtle neck, and real denim jeans, reports Mashable . The toy is limited-edition, with only 1,200 being made. No word yet on whether Apple will try to stop the doll, as it did with an action figure earlier this year . More»

But remember, with Apple, nothing is certain: Mashable

(NEWSER) - Apple is holding another one of its big events today, expected to be the unveiling of the iPad 3. Mashable runs down 11 things to watch for when it begins at 1pm ET:

• Tim Cook will be "the main attraction." He may not be as theatrical as Steve Jobs, but he's definitely Apple's biggest gun.
• There will be a lot of buildup. Before answering all your burning questions, Apple will have to build up to the big reveal by hyping its "dazzling" sales and download stats.
• Get ready for Mountain Lion. Apple's new Mac OS won't go on sale until the summer, but its new features will most certainly be previewed.