Apple should release a scanner.
Digital cameras, phones, and PDA's are all well developed, designed, and market-saturated, so Apple has stayed out of those areas.
MP3 players and webcams were pisspoor, so Apple stepped in and raised the bar.
I think scanners in the OS X world are pitiful, and therefore Apple should step up to the plate.
Maybe a consumer scanner that makes scanning pics directly into iPhoto a snap... automated scanning of CD covers in iTunes, an autofeed mechanism, integration with the fax capabilities of Panther, integration with Preview, etc. And Apple branded OCR software. Of course, this would be plug and play, right out of the box.
Or maybe people think that market for scanners for OS X is saturated?
MP3 players and webcams were pisspoor, so Apple stepped in and raised the bar.
I think scanners in the OS X world are pitiful, and therefore Apple should step up to the plate.
Maybe a consumer scanner that makes scanning pics directly into iPhoto a snap... automated scanning of CD covers in iTunes, an autofeed mechanism, integration with the fax capabilities of Panther, integration with Preview, etc. And Apple branded OCR software. Of course, this would be plug and play, right out of the box.
Or maybe people think that market for scanners for OS X is saturated?
Comments
I think I used it 5 or so times and sold it to someone else.
I don't know if Apple should necessarily make a scanner, but I wouldn't mind then seeing create some neat, universal driver/app (iScan?) that somehow worked with existing USB offerings from Epson, Canon, HP, etc. and - as the opening thread stated - gave the whole "Apple approach" to scanning: a simple, "don't need the manual" interface that tied in nicely with iPhoto and Panther's FAX.
Seems like everytime I turn around I get my wish, regarding software solutions that I wish Apple would tackle and apply their cool, legendary ease-of-use to (the iApps, iSync, the upcoming font and FAX features in Panther, Safari, etc.).
Maybe I'll get my wish? Seems like everytime I say it out loud ("I wish Apple would do a browser..." and the thread I started months ago about font management at the system level), within 6-9 months the product appears.
That's IT!!!
Oh, and digital cameras, phones and PDAs are all "piss poor" too. Just because a market is saturated doesn't mean the products are any good.
For what? Digital Photography is going to end wiht the scanners. Also there are some excelent scanners that run on Mac OS X.
Matt
Originally posted by Elric
MMM brushed aluminum all-in-one printer scanner copier
Excatly what Apple is not.
Step 1: Release scanner.
Step 2: ?
Step 3: Profit!
There should be a limit for 5-10 posts before the ability to make threads!
"Apple should make a scanner"
"Apple should make a DigiCam"
"Apple should make a Console"
"Apple should make a Bluetooth Mouse"
"Apple should make a PC"
Whine whine whine!! Learn some history and some sense before you post!!
Apple has done very well at diversifing their software business since Steve's tenure. There really aren't reasons why they couldn't have a small profitable peripherals partner/subsidiary, if they were very slow and methodical about rolling it out, even if it's just a nice profitable line to keep in their stores alongside third party stuff. And because they can get it cheaper than the 3rd party, they can periodically bundle it in to mac packages, or offer promotions that help pull people into the store.
Apple does have a presence with artists and printers and people concerned with imaging, if they offered products in that space they could sell well enough.
I do think, though, that for now they need to focus on getting "macs" to a faster/cheaper level.
2 things. Plasma displays are doing very well for Gateway. Apple could do one or two in a B&O style, but at a lower price, and a high res digital projector could go too. They don't have to make a lot of them, just eye candy for the stores/special order items.
"Apple should make a PC"
Originally posted by Moogs
Hey at least get the spelling right... it's "Foveon".
Um...'Fovean' must be the underwater version...yeah, that's it.
Awfully heated in here chaps - just thought I'd throw my thoughts in. Scanners in my opinion are dwindling. They used to be used by people scanning photos, and the odd document, but with the onward march of digital cameras, (now including professional digital SLRs and budget compacts) a lot of people who would once use scanners now just use digital cameras, saving on the loss of quality you get when scanning a photo. Basically, the scanner market is just too small for Apple to bother entering. The iPod was a success because that is a new and growing market - Apple is more likely to release a digital camera or camcorder than a scanner (and I don't think either of these are particularly likely)..
Just my thoughts, I'll leave you to your handbags at ten paces...
Originally posted by Ti Fighter
there is still a big market in scanners. You guys seem to be just thinking of the person who scans in there family photo prints. What about all the artists? We will alwase need scanners. Digital cameras will never replace them.
Sorry, I realise you guys still need scanners which is why I tried to word my reply quite carefully. You have to admit though, for the company that makes the iBook and iMac and eMac for home and education users, there just isn't that much demand for scanners nowadays compared with say digital cameras. I word in a high street electrical store, and we must sell around 50 digital cameras a week, about 10-15 MP3 players, and often no scanners. Just my thoughts...
Originally posted by G_Warren
You have to admit though, for the company that makes the iBook and iMac and eMac for home and education users, there just isn't that much demand for scanners nowadays compared with say digital cameras.
I completely agree.