Catching Up on EMC, NetApp, Apple and the Lakers

Sorry, took a few days off there. But now we have lots of items stockpiled on which to report.

–The discussion from smartphone users about their early takes on the new Apple iPhone 3G S and its AT&T telco plan is taking a life of its own. Go here to read that often crusty conversation. Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs, due back on the job in Cupertino soon following a health-related timeout, may be in that mix, too, although we can’t prove it.

–We’re waiting for a new development in the EMC-NetApp-Data Domain love triangle. Will it be that EMC ups its $1.8 billion offer by another $100 million or $200 million? Or will DD shareholders vote to stay with NetApp’s $1.9 billion cash-and-stock offer?

–Oracle CEO and founder Larry Ellison insists that his company will continue to invest in Sun Microsystems software — mainly the Java franchise — after the acquisition is completed later this year. But he’s not talking in specifics as to whether Oracle will put time and money into Sun’s hardware properties, which are extensive.

More info is definitely to come on that score, because an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 jobs may hang in the balance.

–And how about those Los Angeles Lakers? In his sportswriting days, The Station covered that team for a season for the L.A. Daily News, so we can’t help but keep track of how they’re doing. Kobe Bryant & Co. appear to have it in the bag against the Amway — er, Orlando — Magic.