Even if you knew nothing about the history or the products, you would only have to look at the Microsoft logo and the Apple logo to know which one is the quality company.
i hope they get sued and lose millions for copying
Its like telling a billionaire that he lose USD$10,000 in gamble, millions do not affect MS at all. Just look at the fines and lawsuits there had to pay in past.
Majority of companies have a war-chest for such issues, which is part of the overall operating budget for the company each year.
You may hate MS, but indirectly MS pushes Apple to provide us the most innovative product in market.
Teck, the copying going on here is blatant. MS' intent here is painfully obvious. MS has a massive inferiority complex when it comes to Apple, and it's affecting their every move. It's as if they've lost the capacity for original thought.
MS is absolutely obsessed with Apple's rise. Ballmer can't stop talking about them. It's going to manifst itself physically, and it ha been for years. This store is just another example of it, and a bizzarely obvious one at that.
Retail takes a big effort. We will see if MS has heart to carry it through.
Apple has the "all built in one house" advantage. All their products take design cues off of one another. Aluminum and glass is a big thing for them right now. Easy for them to get the whole experience thing going. MS has improved in that respect but they still do not really control the hardware.
They just cannot get that seamless experience. Makes me wonder if MS will try to design their own PC's.
That would be a real set of balls there. They know what their hardware partners margins are.
MS would not be able to continue to live off the fat of Windows and office if they did.
When you think "Premium", "desirable", "innovative", Apple comes to mind. And it's not by accident.
MS is just sad these days. Ballmer talks a big game about the R&D they're spending in the consumer sphere, but there's no evidence of it.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Nice to see you here, Steve Ballmer. Welcome to hell.
Teck, the copying going on here is blatant. MS' intent here is painfully obvious. MS has a massive inferiority complex when it comes to Apple, and it's affecting their every move. It's as if they've lost the capacity for original thought.
MS is absolutely obsessed with Apple's rise. Ballmer can't stop talking about them. It's going to manifst itself physically, and it ha been for years. This store is just another example of it, and a bizzarely obvious one at that.
Quadra,
Microsoft's attempt at copying the Apple Retail Stores will be about as successful as their Zune was at copying the iPod. It will be a sad failure that Microsoft never admits to. They will keep the stores open, even at a loss, because they can afford to lose a little $$$ here or there more easily than they can afford the perception of failure. This tendency will ultimately be their undoing.
Don't kid yourself. Apple is very scary. Nokia has noticed it. Google has noticed it. Microsoft finally fired back in commercials.
You may (correctly) point out that Apple's market share is very small in everything (except MP3 players). The reason that Apple is scary, even with a small percentage, is that it has an impressive acceleration in market share. If they reach a certain "critical mass", then things can change quickly.
You would be a fool not to consider Apple a threat, and that's why you are seeing the 800 pound Guerillas (Nokia, Google, Microsoft) behaving the way they are.
Thompson
Scared is not a real word in the business world. One business is not scared of another. The fact that MS, Google and Apple realize that they have good competitions helps the end user in the long run. You know the saying competition breeds innovation.
Its good business to realize when you have solid competition. Its not about being scared its about being smart. Its safe to say that all the companies above have lasted because they are smart not scared.
I understand that might be a little do deep for some to follow.
No need for the snotty attitude on Apple customers seeking assistance from the Genius Bar. Apple's solution for excellent, in-store support is now being copied by Microsoft's "Guru Bar". Both companies see that traditional over-the-phone support is often insufficient. I'm curious to see how many customers are turned away at Microsoft's "Guru Bar" due to 3-party software and hardware issues which the in-store techs cannot fix.
As far as Apple and the "It Just Works" slogan, many of the customers come in for general questions, or perhaps they dropped or damaged their equipment. Short of building computers made of concrete, electronics are inherently subject to damage.
Okay lets for a min say that are copying. Why do we care? If we like Apple products then we should simply use them. If like some of what MS does then we should use them. I don't see any benefit in bitching everytime MS does something. Its pathetic.
Microsoft's attempt at copying the Apple Retail Stores will be about as successful as their Zune was at copying the iPod. It will be a sad failure that Microsoft never admits to. They will keep the stores open, even at a loss, because they can afford to lose a little $$$ here or there more easily than they can afford the perception of failure. This tendency will ultimately be their undoing.
Thompson
We all look forward to seeing droves of upset PC fans bearing virus-laden computers lining up for a shot at the Gurus. It's gonna be one heck of a show.
Seriously, MS does not have an original thought in their collective noggins......if it wasn't so blatant, it would be commical....this truly is Ballamer's last stand (Sorry Custer!)
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
If you believe that the computer is nothing more than the sum of the hardware, then you are correct.
If you believe that the computer is the sum of the hardware and software, then you are sorely mistaken. I am definitely willing to pay more to run all platforms (Linux, MS, and Mac OS X) simultaneously, with the Mac OS as the daily interface. Can't do that on any hardware other than a MAcintosh. A premium experience, if ever there was one.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
You are one providing the BS, since MS, Dell, Apple, Lenevo etc., all talk about 'premium market' in their shareholder meetings and providing feedback to analysts and investors.
Additionally every Tech reviewer uses the same terminology. Do not hate the player, just hate the game!
And 90% of the food service market can likely be attributed to fast food chains. It doesn't make the quality of the food any better, it just speaks to people's desire for the cheapest products (and tendency to buy whatever they happen upon without any product research). No matter how much headache those products cause for them (long term health problems in the case of food).
In my eyes, marketshare means far less than quality workmanship.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Those milled aluminium MBP chassis seem more premium than the cheap plastic cases of other vednors. Their mutitouch trackpad and mouse seems more premium than the simple single touch trackpads and simple mice of other vendors. The IPS displays with LED-backlighting seems mroe premium than the LCD-backlighting and TN displays of other vendor?s AIOs. I have to say I will never buy another notebook that doesn?t have a backlit keyboard, I haven?t seen that on a $400 notebook yet. The Magsafe power adapter surely has saved more than a few repairs for people. The silent fans, PVC and mercury free components seem like premium components over noisy fans and environmentally unfriendly materials. The feel of the glass trackpad and Apple keyboards is more comfortable than on other machines.
Comments
how does best buy make profits selling and servicing other manufacturers computers?
By overcharging the ignorant.
Wait, you have a valid point! That's EXACTLY how MS has made profits since its inception!
Thompson
i hope they get sued and lose millions for copying
Its like telling a billionaire that he lose USD$10,000 in gamble, millions do not affect MS at all. Just look at the fines and lawsuits there had to pay in past.
Majority of companies have a war-chest for such issues, which is part of the overall operating budget for the company each year.
You may hate MS, but indirectly MS pushes Apple to provide us the most innovative product in market.
how does best buy make profits selling and servicing other manufacturers computers?
Yes, but that's not the only thing they sell. They have big ticket items and lots of high velocity smaller items also.
Teck, the copying going on here is blatant. MS' intent here is painfully obvious. MS has a massive inferiority complex when it comes to Apple, and it's affecting their every move. It's as if they've lost the capacity for original thought.
MS is absolutely obsessed with Apple's rise. Ballmer can't stop talking about them. It's going to manifst itself physically, and it ha been for years. This store is just another example of it, and a bizzarely obvious one at that.
Retail takes a big effort. We will see if MS has heart to carry it through.
Apple has the "all built in one house" advantage. All their products take design cues off of one another. Aluminum and glass is a big thing for them right now. Easy for them to get the whole experience thing going. MS has improved in that respect but they still do not really control the hardware.
They just cannot get that seamless experience. Makes me wonder if MS will try to design their own PC's.
That would be a real set of balls there. They know what their hardware partners margins are.
MS would not be able to continue to live off the fat of Windows and office if they did.
Confined to the bottom-end, and falling.
MS' share is based on three things:
Ignorance, intertia, and universal licensing.
When you think "Premium", "desirable", "innovative", Apple comes to mind. And it's not by accident.
MS is just sad these days. Ballmer talks a big game about the R&D they're spending in the consumer sphere, but there's no evidence of it.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Nice to see you here, Steve Ballmer. Welcome to hell.
Teck, the copying going on here is blatant. MS' intent here is painfully obvious. MS has a massive inferiority complex when it comes to Apple, and it's affecting their every move. It's as if they've lost the capacity for original thought.
MS is absolutely obsessed with Apple's rise. Ballmer can't stop talking about them. It's going to manifst itself physically, and it ha been for years. This store is just another example of it, and a bizzarely obvious one at that.
Quadra,
Microsoft's attempt at copying the Apple Retail Stores will be about as successful as their Zune was at copying the iPod. It will be a sad failure that Microsoft never admits to. They will keep the stores open, even at a loss, because they can afford to lose a little $$$ here or there more easily than they can afford the perception of failure. This tendency will ultimately be their undoing.
Thompson
Don't kid yourself. Apple is very scary. Nokia has noticed it. Google has noticed it. Microsoft finally fired back in commercials.
You may (correctly) point out that Apple's market share is very small in everything (except MP3 players). The reason that Apple is scary, even with a small percentage, is that it has an impressive acceleration in market share. If they reach a certain "critical mass", then things can change quickly.
You would be a fool not to consider Apple a threat, and that's why you are seeing the 800 pound Guerillas (Nokia, Google, Microsoft) behaving the way they are.
Thompson
Scared is not a real word in the business world. One business is not scared of another. The fact that MS, Google and Apple realize that they have good competitions helps the end user in the long run. You know the saying competition breeds innovation.
Its good business to realize when you have solid competition. Its not about being scared its about being smart. Its safe to say that all the companies above have lasted because they are smart not scared.
I understand that might be a little do deep for some to follow.
Nice to see you here, Steve Ballmer. Welcome to hell.
Apple should just shut down the company and give the money back to the shareholders.
Extremeskater -
No need for the snotty attitude on Apple customers seeking assistance from the Genius Bar. Apple's solution for excellent, in-store support is now being copied by Microsoft's "Guru Bar". Both companies see that traditional over-the-phone support is often insufficient. I'm curious to see how many customers are turned away at Microsoft's "Guru Bar" due to 3-party software and hardware issues which the in-store techs cannot fix.
As far as Apple and the "It Just Works" slogan, many of the customers come in for general questions, or perhaps they dropped or damaged their equipment. Short of building computers made of concrete, electronics are inherently subject to damage.
Okay lets for a min say that are copying. Why do we care? If we like Apple products then we should simply use them. If like some of what MS does then we should use them. I don't see any benefit in bitching everytime MS does something. Its pathetic.
Quadra,
Microsoft's attempt at copying the Apple Retail Stores will be about as successful as their Zune was at copying the iPod. It will be a sad failure that Microsoft never admits to. They will keep the stores open, even at a loss, because they can afford to lose a little $$$ here or there more easily than they can afford the perception of failure. This tendency will ultimately be their undoing.
Thompson
We all look forward to seeing droves of upset PC fans bearing virus-laden computers lining up for a shot at the Gurus. It's gonna be one heck of a show.
Brasso
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
If you believe that the computer is nothing more than the sum of the hardware, then you are correct.
If you believe that the computer is the sum of the hardware and software, then you are sorely mistaken. I am definitely willing to pay more to run all platforms (Linux, MS, and Mac OS X) simultaneously, with the Mac OS as the daily interface. Can't do that on any hardware other than a MAcintosh. A premium experience, if ever there was one.
Thompson
Yeah, I mean, Apple invented retail stores right?
Of course Apple invented everything.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
You are one providing the BS, since MS, Dell, Apple, Lenevo etc., all talk about 'premium market' in their shareholder meetings and providing feedback to analysts and investors.
Additionally every Tech reviewer uses the same terminology. Do not hate the player, just hate the game!
Maybe you need to read these links:
http://business.theatlantic.com/2009...ter_market.php
http://www.pcworld.com/article/16896...er_market.html
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/20...et-in-june.ars
Its not chest thumping its just a simply fact.
And 90% of the food service market can likely be attributed to fast food chains. It doesn't make the quality of the food any better, it just speaks to people's desire for the cheapest products (and tendency to buy whatever they happen upon without any product research). No matter how much headache those products cause for them (long term health problems in the case of food).
In my eyes, marketshare means far less than quality workmanship.
Apples shares are based on Steve Jobs staying alive.
Your answer on Premium is total BS because you can't come up with a real answer because the fact is Apple doesn't make anything premium compared to anyone else.
Those milled aluminium MBP chassis seem more premium than the cheap plastic cases of other vednors. Their mutitouch trackpad and mouse seems more premium than the simple single touch trackpads and simple mice of other vendors. The IPS displays with LED-backlighting seems mroe premium than the LCD-backlighting and TN displays of other vendor?s AIOs. I have to say I will never buy another notebook that doesn?t have a backlit keyboard, I haven?t seen that on a $400 notebook yet. The Magsafe power adapter surely has saved more than a few repairs for people. The silent fans, PVC and mercury free components seem like premium components over noisy fans and environmentally unfriendly materials. The feel of the glass trackpad and Apple keyboards is more comfortable than on other machines.