According to Engadget, the rumor is MS will sell Surface RT for $199. I find that a bit hard to believe but if they want instant market share maybe they're willing to take losses like they did with XBox.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/14/microsoft-surface-199/#disqus_thread
Wow did I hit a nerve or something? The Nexus 7 is nowhere near the ipad in volume, but it did prove that there is a market there for a quality tablet that gives access to an ecosystem in the 200$ price range.
Lets talk number. All the samsung tablets combine sold to date produce 2.5 net hits per 100 ipads. The Nexus 7 produce 0.3 hits per 100 ipads but it sold out. They resupply inventories last week so those numbers are going to be interesting to see in the next few weeks. Its possible the nexus 7 has lost momentum because of supply problems but estimates are in the "millions" sold in a very short time.
Apple may not need an ipad mini to "survive" but imo it would be a good addition to keep its lead in the tablet space. I think it would be a good idea to expand the ecosystem as much as they can because this is where the next war will be. The post above me talks about a possible MS tablet dump to gain market share so , again, if Apple has something in the 200$ price range it will prevent or slow down any kind dump attempts. I am assuming Apple still plans on dominating that market, not just "survive" in it.
Wow did I hit a nerve or something? The Nexus 7 is nowhere near the ipad in volume, but it did prove that there is a market there for a quality tablet that gives access to an ecosystem in the 200$ price range.
Lets talk number. All the samsung tablets combine sold to date produce 2.5 net hits per 100 ipads. The Nexus 7 produce 0.3 hits per 100 ipads but it sold out. They resupply inventories last week so those numbers are going to be interesting to see in the next few weeks. Its possible the nexus 7 has lost momentum because of supply problems but estimates are in the "millions" sold in a very short time.
Apple may not need an ipad mini to "survive" but imo it would be a good addition to keep its lead in the tablet space. I think it would be a good idea to expand the ecosystem as much as they can because this is where the next war will be.
How many units has Google/Asus sold? You can't say, you can only provide estimates. But estimates based on what?
iPad mini makes sense and will be produced because:
1. There is a need. It's not rocket science to realize that the iPad is too heavy/large to hold for prolonged periods of time (usually from a standup position) nor is it as mobile as a smaller device. And the iPhone is too small to read/manipulate for any considerable amount of time or for deeper productivity.
2. There is opportunity to make money. While there will be some cannibalization, it's better than competitors grabbing share/profits. Some of the cannibalization will be offset by consumers who will merely add to their Apple ecosystem, not substitute their purchases. And obviously, there will be many consumers who will buy the iPad mini rather than getting a competing mini-tablet.
3. Market dominance and critical mass is important to Apple. Don't mistake this for Apple's philosophy of not being overly concerned with market share (i.e. PCs). The iOS ecosystem is a critical piece of Apple's near and long term strategy...the more, the better. It's like crack cocaine, but better for society.
4. Cost to market is negligible (and so is risk of product confusion). I.e. the positives far outweigh the negatives. I would not be surprised if Apple has already created working hardware and software for iPad mini. Nobody really knows if it'll be rolled-out this quarter, next quarter, or next year...if not this quarter, Apple is ready at ANY time to produce. This is the advantage of a cash-rich company...to go "nuclear" when the time is right (sorry for the war-like analogy).
Is the timing right now? I say, yes. But I'd rather Apple not guess at this, especially with all the other product roll-outs this quarter.
There's also a need for chocolate covered rabbit meat. It's not a large enough need to mass produce, however.
You're kidding, right? I don't want to pull the "get stronger" card, but it's a frigging pound and a half at most.
2. There is opportunity to make money.
There's an opportunity to make money on a 17" laptop. Not enough for Apple to keep making one, though, even though they made money on every single one they sold.
3. Market dominance and critical mass is important to Apple.
Here come the cries of monopoly.
4. Cost to market is negligible…
I somehow doubt that.
Bla bla bla...
There also remains Windows 8 Surface. A lot of people don't get the actual implications of that tablet. (and a lot of people won't get Windows 8 Surface) The fact that it has two models - one consumer, one enterprise (tablet/notebook) is what will essentially cut Apple off from the enterprise and meet consumers head on. (MS and you seem to forget that people want to use their "consumer" devices at work -- one to rule them all) (Also, I'm unconvinced that MS will actually build both models they announced)
Microsoft coming in "late" to the game isn't a bad thing. (I'm sure MS is enjoying being outside of a red-hot market year after year where BILLIONS of dollars are being spent) It allowed them to observe the market, let it react... get tired of iOS and come in with what very well could be, a better product. (The market reacted and consumers, business, education, government, and people around the world have embraced the iDevices and iOS. The battery-burning Intel version of Surface (the one with the gap around the edges to let the hot air out) is also an ergonomic disaster, even with an upgrade from the rubber keyboard. Risk management won't let this propped up, non-adjustable joke into the building.)
So on the tablet side, Apple will have to fend off the 7" side with Amazon and Google... and the 10" side with Microsoft.
Bla bla bla...
Comments buried within quoted post above.
Thanks! I was without internet access for a few weeks.
Whoa... where were you, climbing the Everest?
Wait, even that has internet access now: http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-205_162-7003581.html
Thanks! I was without internet access for a few weeks.
In what situation these days does one not have net access for a few weeks??!
Quote:
Not quite yet. I'll be back in the states in a few days time.
How was my absence noted? Were the fandroids given free reign or something?
Your posts have convinced me that you're a hate-filled asshole, but yes, it was noted. I kind of missed your biting posts during the recent troll/new registrant infestation
iPad mini makes sense and will be produced because:
1. There is a need. It's not rocket science to realize that the iPad is too heavy/large to hold for prolonged periods of time (usually from a standup position) nor is it as mobile as a smaller device. And the iPhone is too small to read/manipulate for any considerable amount of time or for deeper productivity.
2. There is opportunity to make money. While there will be some cannibalization, it's better than competitors grabbing share/profits. Some of the cannibalization will be offset by consumers who will merely add to their Apple ecosystem, not substitute their purchases. And obviously, there will be many consumers who will buy the iPad mini rather than getting a competing mini-tablet.
3. Market dominance and critical mass is important to Apple. Don't mistake this for Apple's philosophy of not being overly concerned with market share (i.e. PCs). The iOS ecosystem is a critical piece of Apple's near and long term strategy...the more, the better. It's like crack cocaine, but better for society.
4. Cost to market is negligible (and so is risk of product confusion). I.e. the positives far outweigh the negatives. I would not be surprised if Apple has already created working hardware and software for iPad mini. Nobody really knows if it'll be rolled-out this quarter, next quarter, or next year...if not this quarter, Apple is ready at ANY time to produce. This is the advantage of a cash-rich company...to go "nuclear" when the time is right (sorry for the war-like analogy).
Is the timing right now? I say, yes. But I'd rather Apple not guess at this, especially with all the other product roll-outs this quarter.
Great post. Extremely rational, well thought out, and reasoned, looking at the situation objectively from all angles. Ignore Tallest Ski's sarcastic, mocking reply. He's an incredibly rigid ideologue, the type that isn't affected by rationality, and will keep parroting the same line 6 ways to Sunday. Tallest, what will you do if they decide to call it the iPhone 5 AND release an iPad mini at the same event? Will you write-off Apple forever? Self combust? Meltdown? Ban yourself? (yeah right) Or forever troll every thread from there on out about how Apple is officially in a doomsday spiral, regardless of how successful both products turn out to be, and regardless of how epically wrong you are? I'm honestly curious.
Just shows you the power of having a vision, the confidence to believe in that vision, and the guts to execute it regardless of all the naysayers around you telling you you're destined to fail.
Great post. Extremely rational, well thought out, and reasoned, looking at the situation objectively from all angles. Ignore Tallest Ski's sarcastic, mocking reply. He's an incredibly rigid ideologue, the type that isn't affected by rationality, and will keep parroting the same line 6 ways to Sunday. Tallest, what will you do if they decide to call it the iPhone 5 AND release an iPad mini at the same event? Will you write-off Apple forever? Self combust? Meltdown? Ban yourself? (yeah right) Or forever troll every thread from there on out about how Apple is officially in a doomsday spiral, regardless of how successful both products turn out to be, and regardless of how epically wrong you are? I'm honestly curious.
And I would have thought about responding to Tallest if his remarks had, at least, some content. Not sure why his ridiculously staunch position either...what a turn off.
Tallest, what will you do if they decide to call it the iPhone 5 AND release an iPad mini at the same event? Will you write-off Apple forever? Self combust? Meltdown? Ban yourself? (yeah right) Or forever troll every thread from there on out about how Apple is officially in a doomsday spiral, regardless of how successful both products turn out to be, and regardless of how epically wrong you are? I'm honestly curious.
My vote is his robotic head starts spinning around as smoke pours out and he keeps repeating "ILLOGICAL!!" :)
Great post. Extremely rational, well thought out, and reasoned, looking at the situation objectively from all angles.
Except the only ones that matter.
Tallest, what will you do if they decide to call it the iPhone 5 AND release an iPad mini at the same event? Will you write-off Apple forever? Self combust? Meltdown? Ban yourself? (yeah right) Or forever troll every thread from there on out about how Apple is officially in a doomsday spiral, regardless of how successful both products turn out to be, and regardless of how epically wrong you are? I'm honestly curious.
Probably the latter, minus the "trolling". Even the worst product in the world based on the most idiotic decision in the world can make money. That doesn't make it a good product and the right decision. Look at Microsoft. Look at what the Web is still rebuilding after.
Just shows you the power of having a vision, the confidence to believe in that vision, and the guts to execute it regardless of all the naysayers around you telling you you're destined to fail.
And yet when I do the same, you say it's the worst possible thing in the world.
Funny how that works. Almost makes me think you've no objectivity at all.
That's for when Apple hires Ballmer as a creative consultant.
"Get on your feet… get up… and make it happen…"
Only saw it once, but that edit still rings in my mind…
I don't think they need to do it to either survive or maintain leadership/ But Apple could make more money by releasing one.
Not sure why the press or fanboys feel the need to paint this as a "X company released an iPad killer" or "Apple's going out of business" or "iPad sales are X more than _____ so there!!!"
iPad leads the market. No question. But millions of people bought 7" tablets at a cheap price without the Apple brand on it to suggest that it's probably worth considering.
Except the only ones that matter.
You're right, none of what he says matters. None. You know we're talking about a global, multi-billion dollar company here, right? How can you say none of that matters? You think all that shit doesn't factor in? Of course, it will have to be a fundamentally good product in addition to all that, which for some insane reason you don't believe Apple is capable of pulling off, after all they've done in their history.
You admit that you plan to shit up every thread here even if the products are insanely successful, are loved by consumers, and get extremely high critical reviews, because YOU believe it's an idiotic decision based on your irrational world view and criteria. Wow. The sad part is, there's no chance in hell you will actually asess the product by its actual merits when its released, then reasees your opinion. No, the product itself will be irrelevant, the only thing relevant is 'sticking to your guns'. And then a nonsensical comparison to Microsoft, just because it sounds cool or something, right? Comparing a potential iPad mini with Microsofts web standards? Right.. Gotcha!
I was talking about SJ and having a vision. You're comparing yourself to him? Since when is being insanely close-minded and staunchly stubborn equal to having a vision? SJ changed his tune all the time, and let others convince him that something is a good decision EVEN while he was originally against it. It's the hallmarks of a great leader, someone always willing to reasess his opinions based on changing variables, and not stuck to a rigid ideology for the hell of it. Something you clearly lack, yet it's cute that you seem to think that your attitude constitutes a vision. Very cute.
You're a 'global' moderator. When the hell are you going to start acting like one? All I see you do here is let blatant trolls run free, revelling in the havoc they cause, and deride/mock the intelligent posters who put effort and thought behind their posts, because they might not share your black/white world view. Not once have I ever seen you have a 'moderating' affect on this forum. Clearly you got the title through post count only, which is sad.
Even Apple (Jobs) admitted they don't know how to design a $500 computer that doesn't suck. They know they have limits.
You admit that you plan to shit up every thread here even if the products are insanely successful, are loved by consumers, and get extremely high critical reviews, because YOU believe it's an idiotic decision based on your irrational world view and criteria. Wow.
You'll notice I did exactly the opposite.
I was talking about SJ and having a vision. You're comparing yourself to him?
So no one can have a vision except Steve Jobs, in your world. Got it.
Since when is being insanely close-minded and staunchly stubborn equal to having a vision?
Since I'm not, probably.
Note that when you decide to build a new type of boat, you don't waste your time figuring out how best to pour rubber for tires.
I've changed my mind plenty of times. I still hate the idea of a wider phone screen, but I'm open to trying out the 6th iPhone's orientation (even though I also hate 16:9). I abhor the idea of a 7.85" iPad, even though I think there's a strong possibility it could exist this fall. So because it exists, I'm supposed to start loving it unquestioningly? Or I'm supposed to suddenly understand why it exists at all?
Next you'll be telling me that I have always thought iPod socks were a good idea.
I swear these people are being paid by MS to spout this garbage, I swear these people are being paid by MS to spout this garbage,
You been around the past few years? Every single device that has gone against the iPhone/iPad has been pimped by the media as a potential 'X-Killer'. They need to create drama. Aknowledging that the iPad will probably stay dominant would be boring.
See, that's what I'd really like. Have the 6th iPhone be these cases we're seeing now and have the new iPod touch be the design that we saw for the "iPhone 5" last year. Same screen ratio, same resolution, thinner package, just like every iPod touch before it.
No, the sites that were certain there would be an iPad mini will simply ignore the fact that they have ever gotten it wrong before at any time in any capacity, delete all their old posts about it to hide the information, and say that they're certain it will be coming out the next time Apple has an event.
We saw it happen with the iPhone nano, we saw it happen with the Verizon iPhone. 😡
Bingo. The iPad is ONLY going to get bigger, and a big part of the start of that will be making the existing model even lighter. When the 9.7" model is just barely under a pound (let's say .95 lbs.), the fact that the 15" is 1.6 lbs. really does become less of a concern.
We've always been at war with Eastasia...
We've always been at war with Eastasia...
I swear these people are being paid by MS to spout this garbage,
The sole purpose of the Surface is to bully the OEMs into building a machine that could compete with the iPad. MS is saying that unless they step up then they'll do it themselves. This is fine until you look at the reason why the OEMs can't build something like an iPad: cost. By the time they've sourced materials (in supply chain stitched up by Tim Cook) and paid for the Windows license, then the price of the machine is heading towards 'unattractive.'
And MS knows this, which is why they're going to limit sales of the Surface as much as they can. I suspect they'll be making a loss on each one (I could be wrong though; the specs are still pretty much up in the air).
The x86 model looks good, but once you've attached the keyboard, it's about the same thickness as a Macbook Air.
And all the while, the older versions of iPad will be getting cheaper and cheaper. Next spring the iPad 2 will be $299. You can't top that, even with the other crap on the market brand new!
Sometimes, you just need to say "What the hell," and purchase it anyway. I think the sheer amount of fun you'll end up having with it will more than make up for any lingering doubt. :) (yes, I know it's easy for me to be glib - I have no idea what your personal financial is and I don't mean to make light of it.)
