3. Reviewing the iPhone Human Interface Guidelines

Since it is my goal to eventually get an application published on the Apple Store, I figured it'd be wise to read over what Apple expects from each app in terms of its design and user experience.

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/library/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/index.html

Time spent: 5 hours

2. Installing the iPhone SDK

Apple will require you to join the iPhone Developer Program first.

It's free and easy. Do it!

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/index.action

1. Purchasing the goods... and getting some frequent flier miles in the process :)

Today I bought a MacBook Air and got an 8GB iPod Touch for free by taking advantage of Apple's "Back to School" special.

* Buy a qualifying Mac and iPod with your Apple education discount from May 27, 2009, through September 8, 2009, and receive an online rebate up to $229, except where otherwise required by state law. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.apple.com/backtoschool for full details. Not all Apple products qualify for education pricing.

Details: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/back_to_school?cid=WWW-NAUS-BTS20090507-00029

On top of that, I got 8000 United Frequent Flier miles. United is currently offering 3 miles for every 2 dollars spent if you access the Apple store through United's Mileage Plus storefront. If you spend $500 between April 10 2009 and June 21 2009, United will reward with with an addition 500 miles on top of that!

Here's a link to the United Mileage Plus storefront: http://links.mponlinemall.com/a/v.x?Token=pjbigcdjnlknmejeealefcebfdhplgeopjjcnpbnheocekhbkmfjblogedgpmgmjoomp


My Purchase Summary:
iPod touch 8GB: $299.00
iPod touch 8GB (mail-in rebate): -$299.00
MacBook Air, 13-inch, Aluminum (1.86 GHz/128GB Solid State Drive): $2,299.00
Apple Mighty Mouse: $49.00
Tax: $238.37
Shipping: Free
Total: $2,823.37

This Purchase: $2,823.37 | Running Total: $2,823.37