The screens on those consumer MacBooks are so bad this is not a surprise. I love my Air.
I remember you.... I'm still waiting for the type of pistol that was pointed to your head forcing you to buy an Apple product. You were really ranting on Apple in a previous thread...
Of course the FW port has nothing to do with it, 99% of consumers don't care about that. The reason the white Macbook is such a success is it offers nigh on exactly the same features of the unibody 'books for less, not because it has firewire.
Yes, but it's still uncomfortable for me to look at for some reason, even if I play with the brightness setting. On the other hand I really like the IMac, MBP, and ACD panels.
Umm... Okay so the MacBook Pro is making up a larger percentage of sales, but what are the sales revenues and gross profit for each store, for Apple as a whole, in the US and Global? Those are the more important numbers.
I may have missed it, it's well and good to sell a lot of MacBook Pros but if your total units moved and revenue and gross profit decline from the year-ago quarter, that *is* of some concern.
Okay, I went back and read some more,
"Asked whether Mac sales were up during the month of February, 33% of stores said yes while the others said no."
"Piper Jaffray, a firm that analyzes monthly retail sales data from market research group NPD, recently crunched figures for the month of January and estimated that Apple would sell 2 to 2.2 million systems during the three-month period ending March, representing a mere 6 percent decline from the year-ago quarter."
So a 6 percent decline in unit sales, does that mean a 5-10% decline in revenue and 5-10% decline in gross profit from the year-ago quarter?
If looking at Macs alone we're seeing up to 10% decline in revenue and profit from the year-ago quarter, this is something I would consider serious and would need to be addressed with either price cuts on the Alu MacBook line, and just for f*ks sake update the gawdamn iMac and Mac Mini, and put out a fresh LED-backlit pro-level matte 30" or larger Cinema Display.
Maybe it's just me but for Apple to now face 10% lower units, sales and profit on the Mac side, even if other areas of business are growing, is actually quite a concern and we've yet to see Tim Cook bring his A game (I'm sure he has it, but post-Macworld we really need to see it). Things are a little too quiet on the Mac front.
Remember that these sexy MacBook Pros have been in development for a long time, and the models are now 4 months old, iMac and Mac Mini, Mac Pro staggeringly more.
There better be some serious sorting out going on at Apple. I think there is, but let's not take this too lightly. Sure the analysts will spin things positive because they need to stop the stock from dipping ever further. But let's look at the real Mac situation here.
I mean, iTunes side of the business is definitely growing, iPhone3G... what are the numbers on that... Overall Apple is healthy financially, more so than many other Tech companies, but if they rest too much on the iTunes and iPhone legs of the chair, things will get wobbly. They need to shore up the Mac scene soon. iLife'09, iWork'09, excellent, but the consumer/prosumer is like a rabid dog looking for a juicy leg to chomp on. We need more from the Mac business. Not saying more sales, we need more real *value* in there.
...The analyst's report came just hours after the aforementioned survey provided evidence that sales at Apple's retail stores are shifting to the company's most profitable products. Outside the Mac Pro, Apple's MacBook Pros generate the heftiest of Mac profit margins, suggesting the Cupertino-based company could make up in revenues some of what it loses in unit sales during the traditionally subdued March quarter...
Finally, I would say that this is a stopgap strategy, to make up lost profit in "shifting sales to more profitable products". Remember the traffic, interest and mindshare that Apple has globally is on a well-rounded, if sometimes limited, though I would say well-focused, portfolio of products.
Shifting too heavily to more profitable products means moving in a more-niche direction which is really not where the momentum is and could undo years of work getting Switchers, and so on. Going niche to "survive" the recession is a very risky move and I hope Apple is not doing this.
It could lead to a vicious-cycle of ever more finely-targeted Macs which cater to only certain demographics, possibly a downward spiral of lower number of units but higher profit margins, resulting in fewer units sold, etc.
Sales may be up in some stores, not up in others...That does not mean they are down.
Even if they were down somewhat (as compared to last year, when we had no financial meltdown to slow spending), that's to be expected in a depressing recession...
The meaningful way to gauge Apple sales is to compare it's sales to the rest of the computer industry's. That's the story.
WHile computer industry spending shrinks - BIG TIME, Apples sales grow. Statistics also show that more than 50% of Apple's computer sales are 1st time Mac buyers and previous Windows users...
Of course the FW port has nothing to do with it, 99% of consumers don't care about that. The reason the white Macbook is such a success is it offers nigh on exactly the same features of the unibody 'books for less, not because it has firewire.
So you categorically state that as fact with absolutely no supporting evidence.
I will only speak for myself but Apple lost a planned MacBook Christmas sale when it left FW off the unibody MacBook. In fact it was worse for Apple because my money went to Panasonic (rather than just holding off on the purchase). By your calculations I'm in the 1% as my decision not to buy was 100% firewire related.
However, 1% means very little to me. Could you please convert that 1% into an absolute figure?
This article just goes to prove the old adage of, "There are lies, damn lies, and statistics."
Bluntly, this is all useless jibberish and questionable statistics.
So what if the MacBook Pro is the best selling computer. What is the rest of the story? Have the sales of MacBook Pros gone up or have the sales of the MacBook went down since they raised the price of the unibodies?
Also, at this point in the game what is more desirable increasing profits or increasing market shares?
See, to me this is the golden opportunity that Apple is squandering as they thumb their elitist nose. The economy is faltering and Micorsoft is struggling with Vista (good or bad consumer perception is generally that it is not good). Come next year Microsoft will be releasing Windows 7, possibly shutting the door on the opportunity that Vista presented for Apple to grow their market.
Right now if people are looking to by a computer the majority are going to be looking to buy an economical computer. Sure, there are always going to be those for whom the economy doesn't dictate, but Apple needs to decide if that small niche percentage is what they are going to be happy with or if they want to be the computer of the masses. My point is that if Apple wants to be more than "the rich man's" computer they are being dumb.
Dropping the price even as little as $100 and revamping the Mini would make an affordable Mac computer which people could buy now while the economy is poor. This could possibly create a customer for life. A person whom, when the economy gets better would have a vested interest in buying a better Mac. Dropping the price of the MacBooks back down to something even close to competitive could make the difference between that cash strapped student becoming a Mac user for life or another Windows drone.
I could be wrong, and I am not some super successful CEO, but then again I also haven't run a computer business with such an elitist air that they niched themselves virtually out of business. Steve Jobs might be a savvy businessman, but he has a past of NOT getting what is required to be successful. NEXT anyone? Apple is not infallable, and the old song and dance of "they know better than you" might be right, and it might be wrong. After all we are the ones coming to a Mac forum and we are their customer base.
So when a number of your customer base keeps saying that they want a more economical computer is it really foolish to expect that it would sale?
... as to WHY the MacBook Pro is outselling the MacBook?
FIREWIRE.
If this doesn't make Apple rethink crippling the MacBook, I don't know what will.
Apple, put FireWire back in the MacBook where it BELONGS!
Don't kid yourself
Go on any college campus and ask the 50% of users whether they've ever used FW, or even noticed that funny connector. The answer will be no, 100% of the time.
Right now if people are looking to by a computer the majority are going to be looking to buy an economical computer.
If people are worried and hunkering down, the SMART thing to do is to buy the MOST computer you can, hoping it will outlast the recession.
A MacBook Pro has all the features you'll ever need. You may not need some of them now, but what if you need them in the future and they're NOT there? Trying to add them later is EXPENSIVE or impossible.
It's the kind of rationalization that helped SUV sales take off...
What if I ever need 4-wheel drive? It's there if I ever need it.
Also, something that is expensive is something that is unreliable or you're forced to replace.
For instance: I bought a Miele vacuum cleaner back in the mid-80's for $300. At the time $300 was a LOT for me to spend for something like that, it cost about half a month's rent... New York City rent!
20+ years later, the thing still works and it's NEVER needed a repair! That was an economical purchase.
Buying a cheaper computer with fewer features is not economical, if your intention is to keep it for the long haul.
I concur. The Macbook panels are almost as bad as the previous gen. Macbook panels. Otherwise I would probably own one. It's too bad that most people don't notice the difference, but for me the difference is striking. The Macbook Air is better, but too it's too bright. The MBP screen is great, but I'd much better prefer a smaller, lighter, cooler running, and cheaper Macbook, if not for the screen issues. I'm currently looking at netbooks..
Man, what a great post! I had to register just to complement you.
Allow me to paraphrase:
"I am a hardcore computer guru, unlike the teeming masses. Using my hardcore guru-ness, I can tell the difference in the quality of these screens, nothing but the best is good enough for me. Oh, by the way, what I really want is a cheap piece of crap which probably can't accurately show more than 16 colors"
Haha, the first thing I noticed too. I suppose in the Jobs distortion field it's Yes, sales are up or No sales are not down
Also concur on the sales, the items that are newest are selling the most, no shocker there.
You can spin it any way you like but when you look at Apple's success compared to everyone else in this market it is obvious they are doing something right.
Funny thing about a tough economy is it makes people spend their money more frugally. Overall everyone does cut back but on what they do buy they often buy they tend to care more about quality than before (at least on big items). This is because most rational people look at the cost more in terms of "if this computer only lasts through it's warranty can I afford to buy a new one in a year or 2?" Apple has repeatedly shown it's value here as there is still a healthy market for used PPC Macs.
Please, no one get me started on NetBooks. I know many will disagree with me but they have all the signs of a fad & are unlikely to continue their growth for much more than a year or 2. Fads are quick money, but then they often drop off rapidly taking whole companies with them.
Go on any college campus and ask the 50% of users whether they've ever used FW, or even noticed that funny connector. The answer will be no, 100% of the time.
Yup, in fact I bet you could drop by a few 3rd party Apple retailers & more often then not have a sales guy tell you that the pros can't do firewire 400. I got the 15" Pro for several reasons but one of them being firewire. Now that I've seen the capabilities of the 9400M (I likey very much) I now find myself wishing I'd gone 13". I just never use Firewire & so I don't think I'll miss it.
I seem to remember you lambasting it to hell and back.
Sure, but I have version two. And yes, I still find the pop-down door a dumb idea. Case in point; the Apple headphones don't even go in flush, fully, and yes, that's not on just on my Air, I've tested this. So yeah, the door is a stupid idea, I'd love more ports, but this version Air it just powerful enough. I like the screen and the weight of it, that's why I bought it. Oh Walter, you're such a cool guy.
If people are worried and hunkering down, the SMART thing to do is to buy the MOST computer you can, hoping it will outlast the recession.
A MacBook Pro has all the features you'll ever need. You may not need some of them now, but what if you need them in the future and they're NOT there? Trying to add them later is EXPENSIVE or impossible.
It's the kind of rationalization that helped SUV sales take off...
What if I ever need 4-wheel drive? It's there if I ever need it.
Also, something that is expensive is something that is unreliable or you're forced to replace.
For instance: I bought a Miele vacuum cleaner back in the mid-80's for $300. At the time $300 was a LOT for me to spend for something like that, it cost about half a month's rent... New York City rent!
20+ years later, the thing still works and it's NEVER needed a repair! That was an economical purchase.
Buying a cheaper computer with fewer features is not economical, if your intention is to keep it for the long haul.
And what would you have done if you didn't have that $300? What if all that you had to spend was $100? My guess, you would have bought that $75 0r $100 vacuum and used it as long as you could. The most relevant point that you made, but seem to not grasp is "that you can".
My parent's eight year old computer is on its last leg. They are going to have to get a new computer soon. They do not have $2000 to spend on a computer. Period. It doesn't matter if it is the best damn thing in the world. It could make their beds and butter their toast, but the economics of the situation dictate that they cannot spend $2000 on a computer.
Hell, they can't even spend $1000. Times are tough, and comments like yours show that they really haven't affected you yet, which is good, but simply goes to demonstrate the complete disconnect between some computer company CEOs, the people who frequent this board, and the vast majority of the rest of the world.
So, I am praying that Apple pulls their head out of their ass and updates the Mac Mini soon. If they lower the price all the better. I really want to get my parents moved over to a Mac. It would make life simpler for all of us. However, if by the time my parents are ready to buy a computer Apple still insist on ignoring the majority of Americans who need to buy computers then I will buy another Windows machine for my parents. I can get twice the hardware for half the price and it will likely last them another six to eight years.
This is the opportunity that Apple is too proud to take advantage of. They could have a Mac in people's homes. They could be selling software updates to them for the next half decade. Then when they are ready for another computer if the people are in better financial straits maybe they will want to upgrade to that better system.
The simple matter is that right now, the MOST computer that many people can afford is below the price point that Apple offers. (At least that they offer on anything newer then two year old hardware.)
I agree entirely with nvidia2008 and mknopp. The premise of this article is Apple is doing strong, people are eating up the MBPros, etc. but I think it's BS. Apple has become the rich person's computer, and in this economy, that's not a good status symbol. "Hey 99% of the US who is struggling. I'm rich and buy overpriced, outdated Apple products because I'm not suffering like most of you." The Mac backlash keeps growing, and continuing to show a complete disconnect from the uncertain economic situation most average people are in is only making it worse. I love OS X, but hate Apple's computer hardware strategy. I think many people feel the same way, and just can't come up with the money to buy the only Mac products worth purchasing, the high end Pro models. People who are rich, who can afford Macs, are just going to buy the Pros anyway because they have that kind of money to spend.
As for the rest of us, if Apple continues to focus on the rich, well, Windows 7 is not that bad and Ubuntu/Kubuntu Linux is actually beginning to look better, and is easier to use for common functions, than Windows. And there's the growing Hackintosh community (OS X on PCs).
Comments
The screens on those consumer MacBooks are so bad this is not a surprise. I love my Air.
I remember you.... I'm still waiting for the type of pistol that was pointed to your head forcing you to buy an Apple product. You were really ranting on Apple in a previous thread...
The Macbook Air is better, but too it's too bright.
You know there's a brightness control right?
Because the current Amazon notebook bestseller list tells a different story:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers...f=pd_ts_pc_nav
The only conclusion we can safely draw: The unibody Macbook didn't become a bestseller as expected.
But of course the missing FW port has absolutely nothing to do with it...
You know there's a brightness control right?
Yes, but it's still uncomfortable for me to look at for some reason, even if I play with the brightness setting. On the other hand I really like the IMac, MBP, and ACD panels.
I may have missed it, it's well and good to sell a lot of MacBook Pros but if your total units moved and revenue and gross profit decline from the year-ago quarter, that *is* of some concern.
Okay, I went back and read some more,
"Asked whether Mac sales were up during the month of February, 33% of stores said yes while the others said no."
"Piper Jaffray, a firm that analyzes monthly retail sales data from market research group NPD, recently crunched figures for the month of January and estimated that Apple would sell 2 to 2.2 million systems during the three-month period ending March, representing a mere 6 percent decline from the year-ago quarter."
So a 6 percent decline in unit sales, does that mean a 5-10% decline in revenue and 5-10% decline in gross profit from the year-ago quarter?
If looking at Macs alone we're seeing up to 10% decline in revenue and profit from the year-ago quarter, this is something I would consider serious and would need to be addressed with either price cuts on the Alu MacBook line, and just for f*ks sake update the gawdamn iMac and Mac Mini, and put out a fresh LED-backlit pro-level matte 30" or larger Cinema Display.
Maybe it's just me but for Apple to now face 10% lower units, sales and profit on the Mac side, even if other areas of business are growing, is actually quite a concern and we've yet to see Tim Cook bring his A game (I'm sure he has it, but post-Macworld we really need to see it). Things are a little too quiet on the Mac front.
Remember that these sexy MacBook Pros have been in development for a long time, and the models are now 4 months old, iMac and Mac Mini, Mac Pro staggeringly more.
There better be some serious sorting out going on at Apple. I think there is, but let's not take this too lightly. Sure the analysts will spin things positive because they need to stop the stock from dipping ever further. But let's look at the real Mac situation here.
...The analyst's report came just hours after the aforementioned survey provided evidence that sales at Apple's retail stores are shifting to the company's most profitable products. Outside the Mac Pro, Apple's MacBook Pros generate the heftiest of Mac profit margins, suggesting the Cupertino-based company could make up in revenues some of what it loses in unit sales during the traditionally subdued March quarter...
Finally, I would say that this is a stopgap strategy, to make up lost profit in "shifting sales to more profitable products". Remember the traffic, interest and mindshare that Apple has globally is on a well-rounded, if sometimes limited, though I would say well-focused, portfolio of products.
Shifting too heavily to more profitable products means moving in a more-niche direction which is really not where the momentum is and could undo years of work getting Switchers, and so on. Going niche to "survive" the recession is a very risky move and I hope Apple is not doing this.
It could lead to a vicious-cycle of ever more finely-targeted Macs which cater to only certain demographics, possibly a downward spiral of lower number of units but higher profit margins, resulting in fewer units sold, etc.
Even if they were down somewhat (as compared to last year, when we had no financial meltdown to slow spending), that's to be expected in a depressing recession...
The meaningful way to gauge Apple sales is to compare it's sales to the rest of the computer industry's. That's the story.
WHile computer industry spending shrinks - BIG TIME, Apples sales grow. Statistics also show that more than 50% of Apple's computer sales are 1st time Mac buyers and previous Windows users...
Who needs that explained?
Of course the FW port has nothing to do with it, 99% of consumers don't care about that. The reason the white Macbook is such a success is it offers nigh on exactly the same features of the unibody 'books for less, not because it has firewire.
So you categorically state that as fact with absolutely no supporting evidence.
I will only speak for myself but Apple lost a planned MacBook Christmas sale when it left FW off the unibody MacBook. In fact it was worse for Apple because my money went to Panasonic (rather than just holding off on the purchase). By your calculations I'm in the 1% as my decision not to buy was 100% firewire related.
However, 1% means very little to me. Could you please convert that 1% into an absolute figure?
Bluntly, this is all useless jibberish and questionable statistics.
So what if the MacBook Pro is the best selling computer. What is the rest of the story? Have the sales of MacBook Pros gone up or have the sales of the MacBook went down since they raised the price of the unibodies?
Also, at this point in the game what is more desirable increasing profits or increasing market shares?
See, to me this is the golden opportunity that Apple is squandering as they thumb their elitist nose. The economy is faltering and Micorsoft is struggling with Vista (good or bad consumer perception is generally that it is not good). Come next year Microsoft will be releasing Windows 7, possibly shutting the door on the opportunity that Vista presented for Apple to grow their market.
Right now if people are looking to by a computer the majority are going to be looking to buy an economical computer. Sure, there are always going to be those for whom the economy doesn't dictate, but Apple needs to decide if that small niche percentage is what they are going to be happy with or if they want to be the computer of the masses. My point is that if Apple wants to be more than "the rich man's" computer they are being dumb.
Dropping the price even as little as $100 and revamping the Mini would make an affordable Mac computer which people could buy now while the economy is poor. This could possibly create a customer for life. A person whom, when the economy gets better would have a vested interest in buying a better Mac. Dropping the price of the MacBooks back down to something even close to competitive could make the difference between that cash strapped student becoming a Mac user for life or another Windows drone.
I could be wrong, and I am not some super successful CEO, but then again I also haven't run a computer business with such an elitist air that they niched themselves virtually out of business. Steve Jobs might be a savvy businessman, but he has a past of NOT getting what is required to be successful. NEXT anyone? Apple is not infallable, and the old song and dance of "they know better than you" might be right, and it might be wrong. After all we are the ones coming to a Mac forum and we are their customer base.
So when a number of your customer base keeps saying that they want a more economical computer is it really foolish to expect that it would sale?
FIREWIRE.
If this doesn't make Apple rethink crippling the MacBook, I don't know what will.
Apple, put FireWire back in the MacBook where it BELONGS!
... as to WHY the MacBook Pro is outselling the MacBook?
FIREWIRE.
If this doesn't make Apple rethink crippling the MacBook, I don't know what will.
Apple, put FireWire back in the MacBook where it BELONGS!
Don't kid yourself
Go on any college campus and ask the 50% of users whether they've ever used FW, or even noticed that funny connector. The answer will be no, 100% of the time.
Right now if people are looking to by a computer the majority are going to be looking to buy an economical computer.
If people are worried and hunkering down, the SMART thing to do is to buy the MOST computer you can, hoping it will outlast the recession.
A MacBook Pro has all the features you'll ever need. You may not need some of them now, but what if you need them in the future and they're NOT there? Trying to add them later is EXPENSIVE or impossible.
It's the kind of rationalization that helped SUV sales take off...
What if I ever need 4-wheel drive? It's there if I ever need it.
Also, something that is expensive is something that is unreliable or you're forced to replace.
For instance: I bought a Miele vacuum cleaner back in the mid-80's for $300. At the time $300 was a LOT for me to spend for something like that, it cost about half a month's rent... New York City rent!
20+ years later, the thing still works and it's NEVER needed a repair! That was an economical purchase.
Buying a cheaper computer with fewer features is not economical, if your intention is to keep it for the long haul.
I concur. The Macbook panels are almost as bad as the previous gen. Macbook panels. Otherwise I would probably own one. It's too bad that most people don't notice the difference, but for me the difference is striking. The Macbook Air is better, but too it's too bright. The MBP screen is great, but I'd much better prefer a smaller, lighter, cooler running, and cheaper Macbook, if not for the screen issues. I'm currently looking at netbooks..
Man, what a great post! I had to register just to complement you.
Allow me to paraphrase:
"I am a hardcore computer guru, unlike the teeming masses. Using my hardcore guru-ness, I can tell the difference in the quality of these screens, nothing but the best is good enough for me. Oh, by the way, what I really want is a cheap piece of crap which probably can't accurately show more than 16 colors"
Haha, the first thing I noticed too. I suppose in the Jobs distortion field it's Yes, sales are up or No sales are not down
Also concur on the sales, the items that are newest are selling the most, no shocker there.
You can spin it any way you like but when you look at Apple's success compared to everyone else in this market it is obvious they are doing something right.
Funny thing about a tough economy is it makes people spend their money more frugally. Overall everyone does cut back but on what they do buy they often buy they tend to care more about quality than before (at least on big items). This is because most rational people look at the cost more in terms of "if this computer only lasts through it's warranty can I afford to buy a new one in a year or 2?" Apple has repeatedly shown it's value here as there is still a healthy market for used PPC Macs.
Please, no one get me started on NetBooks. I know many will disagree with me but they have all the signs of a fad & are unlikely to continue their growth for much more than a year or 2. Fads are quick money, but then they often drop off rapidly taking whole companies with them.
Don't kid yourself
Go on any college campus and ask the 50% of users whether they've ever used FW, or even noticed that funny connector. The answer will be no, 100% of the time.
Yup, in fact I bet you could drop by a few 3rd party Apple retailers & more often then not have a sales guy tell you that the pros can't do firewire 400. I got the 15" Pro for several reasons but one of them being firewire. Now that I've seen the capabilities of the 9400M (I likey very much) I now find myself wishing I'd gone 13". I just never use Firewire & so I don't think I'll miss it.
REALLY?
I seem to remember you lambasting it to hell and back.
Sure, but I have version two. And yes, I still find the pop-down door a dumb idea. Case in point; the Apple headphones don't even go in flush, fully, and yes, that's not on just on my Air, I've tested this. So yeah, the door is a stupid idea, I'd love more ports, but this version Air it just powerful enough. I like the screen and the weight of it, that's why I bought it. Oh Walter, you're such a cool guy.
If people are worried and hunkering down, the SMART thing to do is to buy the MOST computer you can, hoping it will outlast the recession.
A MacBook Pro has all the features you'll ever need. You may not need some of them now, but what if you need them in the future and they're NOT there? Trying to add them later is EXPENSIVE or impossible.
It's the kind of rationalization that helped SUV sales take off...
What if I ever need 4-wheel drive? It's there if I ever need it.
Also, something that is expensive is something that is unreliable or you're forced to replace.
For instance: I bought a Miele vacuum cleaner back in the mid-80's for $300. At the time $300 was a LOT for me to spend for something like that, it cost about half a month's rent... New York City rent!
20+ years later, the thing still works and it's NEVER needed a repair! That was an economical purchase.
Buying a cheaper computer with fewer features is not economical, if your intention is to keep it for the long haul.
And what would you have done if you didn't have that $300? What if all that you had to spend was $100? My guess, you would have bought that $75 0r $100 vacuum and used it as long as you could. The most relevant point that you made, but seem to not grasp is "that you can".
My parent's eight year old computer is on its last leg. They are going to have to get a new computer soon. They do not have $2000 to spend on a computer. Period. It doesn't matter if it is the best damn thing in the world. It could make their beds and butter their toast, but the economics of the situation dictate that they cannot spend $2000 on a computer.
Hell, they can't even spend $1000. Times are tough, and comments like yours show that they really haven't affected you yet, which is good, but simply goes to demonstrate the complete disconnect between some computer company CEOs, the people who frequent this board, and the vast majority of the rest of the world.
So, I am praying that Apple pulls their head out of their ass and updates the Mac Mini soon. If they lower the price all the better. I really want to get my parents moved over to a Mac. It would make life simpler for all of us. However, if by the time my parents are ready to buy a computer Apple still insist on ignoring the majority of Americans who need to buy computers then I will buy another Windows machine for my parents. I can get twice the hardware for half the price and it will likely last them another six to eight years.
This is the opportunity that Apple is too proud to take advantage of. They could have a Mac in people's homes. They could be selling software updates to them for the next half decade. Then when they are ready for another computer if the people are in better financial straits maybe they will want to upgrade to that better system.
The simple matter is that right now, the MOST computer that many people can afford is below the price point that Apple offers. (At least that they offer on anything newer then two year old hardware.)
As for the rest of us, if Apple continues to focus on the rich, well, Windows 7 is not that bad and Ubuntu/Kubuntu Linux is actually beginning to look better, and is easier to use for common functions, than Windows. And there's the growing Hackintosh community (OS X on PCs).