Apple's iPhone En Route for Wal-Mart

Analyst firm Morgan Stanley recently warned that plummeting consumer-technology sales could spell trouble for Apple's stock during the coming months. The tech giant's share price has certainly struggled and is currently trading well below its 52-week high of $202.96. Other analysts, however, feel that Apple remains better positioned than many of its rivals, largely thanks to the iPhone.

Clearly buoyed by the summer launch of the iPhone 3G, Apple's smartphone business has been growing rapidly. Third-quarter iPhone sales grew more than 327% year over year, according to analyst firm Gartner, while Nokia's fell 3%.

Apple also is said to be planning a low-cost netbook-style computer that will provide users with Web access and email, although the firm has not confirmed these rumors.