While technological progress and the environment often seem to be at odds, many tech companies are working hard to lessen the impact their businesses have on the planet. Over the last several years, Apple has released an annual progress report about its environmental status, and this year is no different.

Some people have feared that Apple’s focus on mobile devices would leave the Mac gathering dust in a dark corner of 1 Infinite Loop, but 2012 has demonstrated that Apple’s longest-running product line isn’t out of steam yet. With some impressive product refreshes, a brand-new operating system for the second time in as many years, and the promise of more innovation to come, there has never been a better time to be a Mac user.

Hear the one about two guys who started a computer company in their garage? Of course you have: Today, one such company is estimated to be the most valuable one in the world (or pretty close to it, depending on the fluctuations of the stock market). And there’s a good reason for that, as I discovered recently on an Acela from New York to Boston: If you were an alien who just landed on our planet and somehow hopped on that train, you’d assume that all humans constantly consult some sort of oracle emblazoned with a fruit logo.

Maybe you’re a college student. Maybe you’re one of the world’s vast numbers of un- and under-employed workers. Maybe you’re simply frugal. Whatever the case, the situation facing you is this: You’re on a budget, you need a new computer, but even with limited cash you’d rather not buy an inexpensive Windows-based PC—you’re an Apple fan and don’t want to switch. What to do?

Apple has announced that Arthur Levinson has been appointed chairman of the company's board of directors. The role, which was previously held by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs upon his resignation as chief executive officer, has been vacant since Jobs died last month.

Steve Jobs was a brilliant-but-belligerent eccentric who transformed seven different industries, his biographer said in an interview that aired Sunday night on 60 Minutes.

I was scrambling to finish a column when I heard the news. One minute, I was trying to come up with a witty response for an Apple proof-of-concept video; the next, trying to come up with anything to say at all. As I stared in shock at my computer screen, I watched responses pour in from friends and Twitter compatriots alike. Some of them were Steve-isms; some, anecdotal tales. But within all of them, the message was essentially the same: "Steve Jobs has profoundly affected our lives."

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died Wednesday after a long illness. He was 56. Jobs, who reigned as Apple CEO for 14 years, resigned his post in August 2011 and was replaced by Tim Cook, who previously was the company's Chief Operating Officer. Jobs, in turn, was elected as chairman of Apple's board of directors.

Remember when Mac users were the fringe? The holdouts, the misfits, the ADB plugs in the USB holes? Don't look now, but everyone's found our party. That's awesome - but I'm still not totally comfortable with it.

Siri is, by far, my favorite recent addition to iOS. In an age when electronic devices keep getting smaller, faster, and thinner, the humble keyboard feels increasingly like a relic of a bygone era - an era when computers were designed to occupy entire rooms instead of the palm of a hand.

While I was visiting the Microsoft campus a few weeks ago--in suburban Redmond, just across Lake Washington from my beloved Seattle--I kept thinking of the old Vulcan proverb: "Only Nixon can go to China."

Here are the core comments from Apple CEO Tim Cook's 'state of the union' earnings address.

It’s the holiday shopping season, and if you’re reading this article, you’re thinking about buying a new Mac and in need of a little guidance. Fortunately, we’ve tested (almost) every standard-configuration Mac model currently in Apple’s lineup. We’re quite familiar with Apple’s Macs, and we’re happy to help you choose the right Mac for you.