Briefly: Apple iPhone; live band at 5th Ave store?

After meeting with Apple Computer CFO Peter Oppenheimer and VP of Product Marketing for iPod Greg Joswiak, analysts for Bear Stearns said they are optimistic about the company's outlook for the second half of 2006 and that an iPod phone appears to be in the works.

"We came away optimistic about Apple’s outlook for 2H06 with potentially a complete refresh of the iPod, 'true' video iPod and other new product launches, though timing is hard to call," analyst Andy Neff wrote in a research note to clients. "However, 'true' video iPod (if launched) is likely to be offered as a complimentary product to iPods."

Neff also acknowledged that investors are anxious about iPod data points, which appears to be causing some weakness in Apple's share price. "We would use the near-term weakness as a buying opportunity," he wrote.

Bear Stearns maintains a Buy rating on shares of Apple with a price target of $94.

Live music performance at 5th Ave store opening?

Will Apple surprise fans who show up for the 5th Ave. flagship retail store opening with a live music performance? The editors of Curbed seem to think so.

The New York City real estate publication has published a "rumor" from an unnamed tipster who claims that Apple has requested a street (presumably 58th or 59th) in Manhattan be closed for the "performance of a major live band" this Friday evening.

Get a MacBook for only $999

Amazon.com has extended its Mac rebate promotion to Apple's new line of MacBook consumer notebooks. The online retailer is offering shoppers a $100 rebate on each of the three MacBook models.

With the added savings, the price of the 1.83GHz 13-inch MacBook drops to $999, the 2.0GHz model in white goes to $1199 and the high-end black edition comes in at $1399.

The Amazon Web site lists the white 1.83GHz MacBook as being in stock and ready to ship.