Apple and Steve Jobs released a letter today, detailing for the first time the medical issue Steve has been suffering from this past year.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause—a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

As you would expect (at least for Apple, Inc), Apple (AAPL) is up over 5% as I type this post. At the very least, this has given Apple investors a boost of confidence.

I wish Steve a speedy recovery!

Update 1/5/2009 @ 14:38 EST: Apple also released a statement by the Board of Directors.

Apple will report their 2008 first quarter earnings report on Tuesday at 5:00 EDT. Analysts are estimating Apple will earn $1.62 cents per share on $9.47 billion. This quarter is Apple’s busiest since it incorporates the holiday season.

iPod sales are expected to take center stage in the earnings report. The first quarter is usually a strong quarter for the iPod based on strong holiday sales. In addition to strong iPod sales, analysts are reporting that the Macbook is also selling quite well. Interest in the iPhone has also remained strong. In fact, my father-in-laws’ girlfriend recently purchased an iPhone. I believe the iPhone is her first Apple purchase.

You can listen to the first quarter results conference call a number of ways.

Phone: (877) 879-6184 (toll-free) or (719) 325-4842.

Webcast: You can listen to the audio webcast here.

Disclosure: I own an insignificant number of Apple, Inc (AAPL) shares.

Anyone who has touched or owed an iPhone can tell you it’s an amazing little device. But I bet you didn’t know that iPhone could tell the future. Here’s a little iPhone bug that you can test yourself. Just open the Stocks application and select your favorite stock (AAPL right?). Now hit the “3m” option on the top of the chart. The chart shows data through February 2008! I hope the iPhone is wrong though, it would mean my stocks haven’t moved in the previous two weeks. I wonder if this bug will get fixed in a firmware update?

[Via Don MacAskill of SmugMug]

The stock market delivered a great post Christmas present to Apple Inc shareholders today. Just before 2:00PM EST, Apple shares hit $200 a share for the first time. With the Mac selling like never before, iPods continuing to sell like gangbusters, and the iPhone doing well, Apple stock has more than doubled in value this year. With the Stevenote just a few weeks away, there is no telling what the stock will do in the short term. For the past few years Macworld has brought a short term spike in the stock price.

If you are an Apple shareholder, Apple has definitely brought joy this year. 2007 has been a banner year for Apple and their shareholders. Who knows what 2008 will bring?

Disclosure: I own an insignificant number of Apple Inc shares.

The video is no longer available online.

Mac sales are expected to take center stage on the earnings report. The fourth quarter is usually a strong quarter for the Mac due to back to school sales. While the Mac may take center stage, iPod and iPhone sales will also be of interest to investors. During the quarter, Apple announced redesigned iPods (except the shuffle which only got new colors), a new iMac, iLife 08, iWork 08, and the price cut heard around the world.

You can listen to the fourth quarter results conference call a number of ways.

Phone: (719) 325-4745.

Webcast: You can listen to the audio webcast here.

Disclosure: I own an insignificant number of Apple, Inc (AAPL) shares.

Update: You can find a breakdown of the fourth quarter results here.