iT’s a sad day for Mac-lovers and the generation-i. According to official reports [and a carefully worded letter], Steve Jobs has stepped down as CEO of Apple.

Will we see a plummet in stock values once the trading room doors swing open the morning after? Will university students find themselves inundated with discounts and bargains on Apple goodies, in a bid to secure the brand firmly in our hearts and pockets?

Will Apple be lost without Steve?

Steve’s resignation letter opens:

“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”

The mark of a good leader or someone who knows when to jump ship?… Either way, Apple must figure out how to maintain consumer and investor confidence in Steve’s absence if they are to continue as a dominant force. The next few months could prove to be very interesting – especially with the iPhone 5 still to be released.

The question every i-Student is probably asking: “Will my i[gadget] be as cool as the last?” – Only time will tell…

You can read Steve Jobs’ resignation letter in full at The New York Times: Letter from Steve Jobs