I bet know one here remembers when Apple was nearly 20% of the market.
I do, and that's why I roll my eyes when people quibble over whether Apple has gained a percentage point or so in the low single figures.
However, anecdotally, I am constantly meeting new switchers or people who have come back or considering the next upgrade will be to a Mac.
So things seem to be on the up, just there keeps niggling in the back of my mind things are not what they seem. Apple is ignoring the Netbook market at its peril, my sparkle-arkely iMac has broken down on me twice in the 1st 6 months and I see very little innovation on the horizon.
Snow Leopard will be good but that is it. The Mac Mini was never what it could have been, the Mac Pro is way expensive and doesn't have a decent priced monitor to go with it, the laptops look like just about everything else on the market and there is nothing to fill the gaps, even the very obvious ones.
I hope that Steve Jobs' absence is taken not as a negative but as positive. An opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit and boldly innovate in areas Steve said no to, but in practice I think everyone will sit back and get on with tasks in hand not knowing whether the Great Leader will be back and put the kibosh on anything he didn't start.
In other words I see Apple being in Limbo at a very dangerous time, economically and technologically.
I believe that you are the user interviewed by the Onion, who said:
"If it's shiny and made by Apple, I'll buy it."
The fanatics in this thread who practically proclaim that they would lay down their lives for Steve Jobs and the incredible fanboishness of defending Apple at all costs really turn off other users from Apple.
Uh.. This is what alot of you people just dont get. The fanatics in this thread who would lay down their lives for Steve Jobs are alot of the same fanatics that have worked for the company and provide such innovative products, service and more because they believed in there leaders vision. The last 8 years is a great example of that. The US is one of the greatest places in the world, with alot of great people. But.... you take those great people, put a crappy leader in front of them look what happens.
Steve Jobs does not make Ipods. Nor does he sell computers. His character and vision lead the people that do it, thats what being a CEO and leading a company is about.
For the person who Mentioned Jim Henson. Jim died the vision was lost. Now we have crappy muppets, and vibrating Elmos.
After recent apple press releases and press speculation its is Steve Jobs has desided to hand the rains to Apple's Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook and he will be in charge until Steve Jobs' hopefully returns this summer
For the person who Mentioned Jim Henson. Jim died the vision was lost. Now we have crappy muppets, and vibrating Elmos.
Here, here! His son is just a waste of space and should go back to being a chartered accountant or whatever he did for thrills. Whatever Jim had it wasn't passed down in the genes nor the memes.
Companies who are very much centred on one strong father figure take a long time to prepare the successors but in this case Time is an issue. I would not like to be the next CEO of Apple because he will be blamed for every misfortune that will crop up from now on.
I am sure that the Cook/Ives team is more than capable of leading Apple to a bright future but nowadays perception is everything and I fear for the small shareholders. Apple shares will fall for a while and then rebound until SJ demise, then they will sink.
I second the opinion Mr. Jobs is Apple. Sure, he is not the only (may be, not at all) who generates ideas there. But remaining reasonably conservative is really worth perpetual attention and efforts. Otherwise, you're in the band speculating "zune - no zune" publicly and endlessly...
I thought AI of all forums would be immune to blatantly obvious "hurr durr lol ur all fanbois" trolls, but guess not. Even MacRumors learnt to ignore them.
I didn't read the whole thread so if this has been mentioned already, I apologize. Regardless of Job's health outlook for the long term, the big challenge at Apple is going to be teamwork among some very capable individuals. What makes a great organization is leadership that can direct people who otherwise would prefer to be running their own show. Apple has some of those kinds of people who have been working for Jobs. Can Apple with Jobs in the far background still have that teamwork or will the top management structure devolve with serious power plays? I think that's the issue Wall Street will be watching most closely.
Many here seem to not realize that if we talk about a second cancer onset, then this may be the end. It is a human life people; the rich and the poor are not equally treated before this fatal illness, but they equally end. Please keep this in mind before talking about stock and money.
At the heart of Apple is Steve Jobs. The company nearly died without him in the early 90's. It probably will die again if he is unable to return.
Steve Jobs is the only one that truly understands what Apple is all about. Its his gift. He has the unique ability to feel the pulse of both the Mac community (i.e., Apple fanboys) and the larger technology community.
I don't think anyone else at Apple (or outside Apple) has this gift. You can't break apart Steve into pieces and say that piece is covered now by someone else... You just can't.
Many here seem to not realize that if we talk about a second cancer onset, then this may be the end. It is a human life people; the rich and the poor are not equally treated before this fatal illness, but they equally end. Please keep this in mind before talking about stock and money.
I wish the very best for Steve Jobs.
I think he is an impressive and astute man, but I know he can't walk on water. He is a 'visionary', but has his vision always been for the best? For me the magic of owning a Mac was lost once HyperCard was dropped as a program free with Macs. I believe that was done on his watch. Also, I understand it took a great deal of convincing by other visionaries to convince Steve about the potential of the MP3 market and the iPod. So, it's not just Steve, there are others at Apple who have made Steve into a visionary, Steve has been the face of the vision.
I understand that most of the top 50 companies in the USA in 1900 didn't exist by 1950. Life will go on after Steve, even if he lives to be 80, though Apple may or may not be around when Steve is 80.
Actually, the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is infinitesimal. So is the 4-year. The fact that he has survived >4 years itself argues against this being either primary or a recurrence. It is not infrequent that p.c. patients die within mere weeks of diagnosis and some never even leave the hospital after the initial diagnostic tests. There are poor stats for recurrence because so few people survive the primary long enough to even have what can reasonably be called a recurrence. Jobs would have had to beat lotto odds to have lived 4+ years with it.
There are different forms of pancreatic cancer, and by all reports, Jobs didn't have the kind you are writing about.
Well, Steve has given us "mere mortals" indeed technologies and experiences far beyond an elite group of "pros". I, personally, am thankful for that. How many people could really have sat down in front of a nice fully-loaded PowerMac G5? Fast forward a few years, and the incredible experience of a MacBook Aluminium is available for many people. True empowerment and affordability and improvement in quality of life through technology. Fuck the bourgeoisie and their elitist toys.
Do people realise the impact of the iPhone and Mac on the developing world? How it has given hope and progress, strength and empowerment to individuals in countries not quite up to Western standards?
I'm not saying Apple has cured hunger and poverty, but an individual in a developing country that can afford a PC, can afford a Mac, and this individual, in the face of all his/her nation's problems, can at least sit down and enjoy the Mac experience. Happiness and fulfilment? If this is what the so-called Kool Aid brings, why would one not want to take a sip?
How wrong can you get!
Have you been anywhere in the "developing world"? Apple is practically non-existent and basically ignores the occupants. They don't have the readies, simple as that.
People buy what they can afford and have serviced and in these countries it is cheap clones.
Louis Vuitton has done an equally great job on the 3rd world (?Ruling Elite).
If it weren't for the rest of the post I'd think you were taking a massive rise out of us.
When did the Macintosh hold such a high percentage? Or are you going back to the Apple II days?
From the late 1980's till the mid 1990's. It took a real dive when Windows 95 came out.
Our local Apple office closed down and everything went into full retreat. Apple abandoned the government market (very big back then) and even alienated the education market.
The only ones who stood by Apple through thick and thin was the publishing industry. Even there many diverted to PCs running Indesign when that became viable and after Apple had forced one too many hardware/software switches on them.
Steve Jobs' reward to the print and publishing industry, since he came back, has been to sideline it and regularly screw up one or other of its key requirements.
Comments
I bet know one here remembers when Apple was nearly 20% of the market.
I do, and that's why I roll my eyes when people quibble over whether Apple has gained a percentage point or so in the low single figures.
However, anecdotally, I am constantly meeting new switchers or people who have come back or considering the next upgrade will be to a Mac.
So things seem to be on the up, just there keeps niggling in the back of my mind things are not what they seem. Apple is ignoring the Netbook market at its peril, my sparkle-arkely iMac has broken down on me twice in the 1st 6 months and I see very little innovation on the horizon.
Snow Leopard will be good but that is it. The Mac Mini was never what it could have been, the Mac Pro is way expensive and doesn't have a decent priced monitor to go with it, the laptops look like just about everything else on the market and there is nothing to fill the gaps, even the very obvious ones.
I hope that Steve Jobs' absence is taken not as a negative but as positive. An opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit and boldly innovate in areas Steve said no to, but in practice I think everyone will sit back and get on with tasks in hand not knowing whether the Great Leader will be back and put the kibosh on anything he didn't start.
In other words I see Apple being in Limbo at a very dangerous time, economically and technologically.
I believe that you are the user interviewed by the Onion, who said:
"If it's shiny and made by Apple, I'll buy it."
The fanatics in this thread who practically proclaim that they would lay down their lives for Steve Jobs and the incredible fanboishness of defending Apple at all costs really turn off other users from Apple.
Uh.. This is what alot of you people just dont get. The fanatics in this thread who would lay down their lives for Steve Jobs are alot of the same fanatics that have worked for the company and provide such innovative products, service and more because they believed in there leaders vision. The last 8 years is a great example of that. The US is one of the greatest places in the world, with alot of great people. But.... you take those great people, put a crappy leader in front of them look what happens.
Steve Jobs does not make Ipods. Nor does he sell computers. His character and vision lead the people that do it, thats what being a CEO and leading a company is about.
For the person who Mentioned Jim Henson. Jim died the vision was lost. Now we have crappy muppets, and vibrating Elmos.
I hope steve returns to health.
A copy of the letter send out to apple employees
Team,
I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.
Steve
This news has caused AAPL shares to be down $10 in the hours after this annoncement
Please see my earlier post regarding Steves Health http://tinyurl.com/7cyqz8
Has Steves illness come at a time when they need him there to manage the economical and financial diffucualties everyone is facing?
For the person who Mentioned Jim Henson. Jim died the vision was lost. Now we have crappy muppets, and vibrating Elmos.
Here, here! His son is just a waste of space and should go back to being a chartered accountant or whatever he did for thrills. Whatever Jim had it wasn't passed down in the genes nor the memes.
I am sure that the Cook/Ives team is more than capable of leading Apple to a bright future but nowadays perception is everything and I fear for the small shareholders. Apple shares will fall for a while and then rebound until SJ demise, then they will sink.
Soignez-vous bien, M. Jobs! En espérant vous revoir bientôt ayant la Pêche Ã* la tête de la meilleure boîte du monde!
And, you've got Moron written all over you.
No personal attacks please
I knew this news would have some people salivating like dogs while others were more
normal and would treat it like the business news it is.
I hope Steve gets well and if I were him I'd concentrate on solely that.
He has every advantage, at this point, so I'm hoping he'll make it.
If not, remember they have Jonathan Ive as a designer who has a pretty good idea
of what Steve likes.
That's just one advantage they have.
(Good grief, have I only posted ONE message here in four years?)
Shit there goes my stock
Im glad you are not my doctor. Every seasoned investor does asset allocation.
Steve Jobs is the only one that truly understands what Apple is all about. Its his gift. He has the unique ability to feel the pulse of both the Mac community (i.e., Apple fanboys) and the larger technology community.
I don't think anyone else at Apple (or outside Apple) has this gift. You can't break apart Steve into pieces and say that piece is covered now by someone else... You just can't.
I do, and that's why I roll my eyes when people quibble over whether Apple has gained a percentage point or so in the low single figures.
When did the Macintosh hold such a high percentage? Or are you going back to the Apple II days?
Many here seem to not realize that if we talk about a second cancer onset, then this may be the end.
I wish the very best for Steve Jobs.
I think he is an impressive and astute man, but I know he can't walk on water. He is a 'visionary', but has his vision always been for the best? For me the magic of owning a Mac was lost once HyperCard was dropped as a program free with Macs. I believe that was done on his watch. Also, I understand it took a great deal of convincing by other visionaries to convince Steve about the potential of the MP3 market and the iPod. So, it's not just Steve, there are others at Apple who have made Steve into a visionary, Steve has been the face of the vision.
I understand that most of the top 50 companies in the USA in 1900 didn't exist by 1950. Life will go on after Steve, even if he lives to be 80, though Apple may or may not be around when Steve is 80.
Actually, the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is infinitesimal. So is the 4-year. The fact that he has survived >4 years itself argues against this being either primary or a recurrence. It is not infrequent that p.c. patients die within mere weeks of diagnosis and some never even leave the hospital after the initial diagnostic tests. There are poor stats for recurrence because so few people survive the primary long enough to even have what can reasonably be called a recurrence. Jobs would have had to beat lotto odds to have lived 4+ years with it.
There are different forms of pancreatic cancer, and by all reports, Jobs didn't have the kind you are writing about.
Well, Steve has given us "mere mortals" indeed technologies and experiences far beyond an elite group of "pros". I, personally, am thankful for that. How many people could really have sat down in front of a nice fully-loaded PowerMac G5? Fast forward a few years, and the incredible experience of a MacBook Aluminium is available for many people. True empowerment and affordability and improvement in quality of life through technology. Fuck the bourgeoisie and their elitist toys.
Do people realise the impact of the iPhone and Mac on the developing world? How it has given hope and progress, strength and empowerment to individuals in countries not quite up to Western standards?
I'm not saying Apple has cured hunger and poverty, but an individual in a developing country that can afford a PC, can afford a Mac, and this individual, in the face of all his/her nation's problems, can at least sit down and enjoy the Mac experience. Happiness and fulfilment? If this is what the so-called Kool Aid brings, why would one not want to take a sip?
How wrong can you get!
Have you been anywhere in the "developing world"? Apple is practically non-existent and basically ignores the occupants. They don't have the readies, simple as that.
People buy what they can afford and have serviced and in these countries it is cheap clones.
Louis Vuitton has done an equally great job on the 3rd world (?Ruling Elite).
If it weren't for the rest of the post I'd think you were taking a massive rise out of us.
When did the Macintosh hold such a high percentage? Or are you going back to the Apple II days?
From the late 1980's till the mid 1990's. It took a real dive when Windows 95 came out.
Our local Apple office closed down and everything went into full retreat. Apple abandoned the government market (very big back then) and even alienated the education market.
The only ones who stood by Apple through thick and thin was the publishing industry. Even there many diverted to PCs running Indesign when that became viable and after Apple had forced one too many hardware/software switches on them.
Steve Jobs' reward to the print and publishing industry, since he came back, has been to sideline it and regularly screw up one or other of its key requirements.
Excellent point.
To many, Apple has become a joke because of this. The poignancy of the "MacBook Wheel" from the Onion comes to mind.
Define ''many'' or do you mean the rest of your ilk who troll on the net?
And, you've got Moron written all over you.