The Buzz on Biz

Go, go, Gadget: Not that you could tell from the hype leading up to last week’s announcement, but now might not have been the best time for Apple to unveil its tablet computer, the iPad. Some wonder if most Americans haven’t reached a gadget overload of laptops, smart phones and mp3 players.

We’ll have a better idea ourselves once we’ve booted up our laptop to check with friends on Facebook, sent a tweet to our Twitter account from our BlackBerry and listened to the technology podcast on our iPod.

  • Step on the gas and pray: Toyota will have to work quickly to install new equipment in some 4 million recalled vehicles that have faulty gas pedals. Toyota owners may be interested in the Q&A.

    One bit of good news is that Toyota dealers should be able to offer car owners a loaner until the problem is fixed. The bad news? You’re getting back the ‘89 Chevy Astro van you traded in during Cash for Clunkers.

  • Things are tough all over: Because of the plunge in global oil consumption, oil giant Exxon Mobil managed to make only $19.3 billion profit in all of 2009, compared to the $14.83 billion it earned in just three months in 2008.

    The good news for Exxon Mobil is you’re driving the Astro van again.

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