MacRumors.com

TheStreet provides an analysis of Apple's current market position with respect to its recent popularity. TheStreet also weighs in on potential product releases at tomorrow's Media event. Despite most recent rumors that the event will simply introduce upgraded regular iPods and new PowerBook/PowerMac (dual Core PPC) configs, the article still speculates on the possibility of a video iPod.

That said, the article provides an interesting statistic from the NPD Group:

Through August, Apple's share of the U.S. retail market for computers, excluding online sales, grew to 6.6% from 4.3% in the same period last year, according to market researcher NPD Group.

While the absolute numbers may be up for debate, the relative increase year-over-year is certainly encouraging. Many analysts describe a "halo effect" surrounding the iPod which is said to drive iPod owners to also (or later) purchase Mac computers.

Readers are reminded that Apple will be broadcasting their 4th Quarter Financial Results today at 2pm PT/5pm ET. More details could become available at that time.