Speculation suggests that Facebook could be valued at around $100 billion, which is huge beyond all imagining. If this valuation really occurs, but is inflated, it would spell distaster for Facebook’s investors and stock holders.  If it’s undervalued, it will make millionaires.  But who exactly will be able to purchase the stock?  Let’s take a look at this infographic to see how an IPO would play out at that valuation, and who would be given the opportunity to buy into Facebook.

Google is mad.  What was it thinking coming up with this crazy idea only a year or so after the failure of it’s previous “almost a social network” sharing sort of thingamabob, Google Wave?  What ever gave Google the idea that something like that would fly, especially against such a well situated company as Facebook?  Did they honestly think people would come rushing over to make some kind of PC-to-Mac-like “switch” and leave Facebook behind, the way My Space people left that for Facebook?  No, of course they didn’t.  And neither did you, if you’re completely honest with yourself.  Google didn’t design Google+ to be a Facebook Killer.  People have found some complimentary ways of using both social networks harmoniously.  Here’s a graphic showing how:

Many start ups design media campaigns every year hoping to capitalize on the viral nature of sharing on the Internet, in order to solidify a brand presence.   Here is an infographic that breaks down how viral marketing works, and what makes it such a sought after prize by companies the world over.  This attempts to explain what makes that elusive viral video so unique.

Still, some of you might be wondering how this new tablet/e-reader from Amazon compares with the iPad 2.  Are they even comparable?  Would Steve Jobs have scoffed at such as question?  Probably so, and with many good reasons.  For one thing, while the price of the Kindle Fire is very low at $199 — well below the $499 entry level iPad 2 price — when comparing the two devices you soon begin to notice at least $100 worth of differences right off the bat, with maybe more to come with heavier use.

Here is a great video of one guy’s comparison of the Kindle Fire to the iPad 2:

Gates also mentions that stock prices are not a good indicator of how well one tech giant stacks up against another, and insists that Microsoft and other companies are still so intertwined that Microsoft products literally power most of the technology people still use.  Could he be in a bit of denial about the dawning of the post-PC era?

Apple also announced that Sprint will finally get the iPhone for its struggling network, which has lagged behind AT&T and Verizon for years, partly due the absence of the iPhone, according to some. But, is the iPhone 4S different enough to warrant an upgrade from an iPhone 4?  For me, the answer is going to have to be no, for now.  iPhone 4S just isn’t what I know will be coming next, when iPhone 5 really arrives — and since that’s probably going to be this summer, I’ve only got to be patient for a few months.  I certainly don’t want to lock myself into a two year contract with AT&T again and use my upgrade discount on the iPhone 4S.  Having trouble making your decision?  Check out this infographic that compares all the features of the two phones:

Now, China has a whole new twist on the fake Apple phenomenon — this time, featuring an obviously fake Steve Jobs endorsing a popular Chinese beverage in ads. (see photo, above)

Anyone who knows the illustrious Mr. Jobs can spot this phoney from a mile away, but to our friends in China, he must look just enough like the former Apple CEO to sell a few bottles of…whatever that is he’s holding.

For those of you who might have missed out on the fake Apple store drama over the summer, I invite you to watch the video below.  You’re probably going to be surprised at the lengths the store owners go to in order to give their customers the full Apple retail experience: