Massucci's Take: Seven points to ponder in Apple's earnings report

Can Apple carry the technology group on its back, and maybe move it higher even after its shares have rallied 44 percent this year? Is Steve Jobs coming back? Did he ever leave? How is he feeling? Will he make a surprise appearance on the company's earnings conference call?

Here are seven items to watch for when the company reports its earnings today for the three-month period ending March 31.

1. Jobs. Not layoffs, but Steve. Where is Steve? How is Steve?