It's really dependent on what you use a computer for. For a while, Apple defenders hated the label of a *consumption device* for the iPad. Reality is that the iPad is not only a replacement for the PC for some consumption tasks. It is in fact a superior alternative for reading, web browsing and video watching (unless you want it do this on a larger screen). I think we underestimate how many people at home use a computer primarily for these tasks (plus email).
I know better than to underestimate users in this regard. The vast majority of computer users basically just do a few things: web, email, printing, youtube, maybe scanning. That's about it. For the masses of computer users, the ipad is a great alternative to a desktop pc. This is why sales have been so explosive.
I read this as a vote of zero confidence for Microsoft's tablet OS development. The logical path for major PC makers would have been there rather than Android and I suspect they have seen betas of Ballmer's future creation and didn't like what they saw.
That's a very interesting observation.
I've always thought that the Windows 8 ARM implementation as a MS placeholder until they can get a low power [usage] x86 Tablet -- one that can run Windows 8 Desktop OS and apps.
I don't know if Windows supports the concept of Universal Apps.
I suspect that next WWDC Apple will begin to push development of modular, [more] limited-function, specialist apps that will run on Mac OS X and iOS. iWork and iMovie on iOS are the harbingers of this approach.
Additionally I expect to see AirPlay enhanced and integrated into many apps -- where an OS X device and an iDevice can act as either a Player or a Playee.
I fully expect to be able to buy and run apps like Pixelmator (PhotoShop-like) and Final Cut X on any Apple device that meets hardware requirements -- regardless of OS.
Because of my " matinee idol" good looks I am able to attract beautiful women, but for some reason, not able to hold on to them....oh well, such is life!
How will Google expand it's malware riddled Android OS without the help of Dell, Acer and HP? I guess they will have to stick to phones to spread the joy.
They'll eventually have to subsidize OEMs with their content profits.
The limits Apple puts on it's devices may play into a couple of surveys that strangely show that consumers overwhelmingly prefer Windows as their tablet OS. Whats that you say? What tablets use Windows? My guess is that buyers want computers/tablets with an OS and feature set they're already comfortable with. That's generally Windows.
I suspect the entire tablet space will undergo a change once MS-based tablets start hitting the market, no matter that Apple was the initial player.
You do understand that Windows 8 [ARM] Tablets won't be able to run any Windows 8 Desktop Apps -- Word, Excel, PP... and any 3rd-party or legacy Desktop Apps.
These apps would need to be re-written to support ARM, Touch UI, etc.
I believe that MS is counting on an x86 chip that doesn't run the battery down and generate excessive heat -- so they can run Windows 8 [x86] on a tablet. Maybe we'll see such a chip by 2013-2014 -- but MS won't have any desktop-class Tablet deliverables (OS or apps) for two years.
IMO, MS has missed an opportunity by not porting Office to run on the iPad (establish a Tablet toehold for Office while learning and implementing what is needed for the Tablet market) -- and making some money while they're at it.
Of course, MS could be secretly writing an ARM Tablet version of Office for Windows 8 to be released late 2012... but it will be a 1.0 release on a 1.0 OS -- 2 years too late.
You do understand that Windows 8 [ARM] Tablets won't be able to run any Windows 8 Desktop Apps -- Word, Excel, PP... and any 3rd-party or legacy Desktop Apps.
These apps would need to be re-written to support ARM, Touch UI, etc.
I had forgotten the comments about that a few weeks ago. Thanks for the reminder.
The PC market is nearing the moribund state, as the major segment of Microsoft's revenue stream starts eroding (enterprise computing) they have struggled with the successful incursion of Linux into the server space, even backing SCO's battles to challenge Linux's code base as containing elements of UNIX they claim they own. If they weren't worried about this they wouldn't be throwing so much money at undermining Linux. In the Office space, they are eyeing Google's Cloud Office for enterprise carefully to see where that is going to impact them. And Google is gunning for the mail side and messaging as well.
A lot of major enterprises are moving off of local hardware and moving to virtualized desktops, which changes the licensing of Office and Windows, and lessens it's profitability.
XBox has only recently in the last couple of years even produced profitable revenue for Microsoft, and again it's in a segment that is threatened by the increasing presence of gaming on mobile devices. YOU may prefer XBox as a platform, but the viability and profitabilty of the platform is marginal according to M/soft's own financials, and the market is divided.
Back to the PC market growing - the only source of real growth in the PC is in developing countries, whose markets don't support the robust costs associated with Windows and Office - most of them have a huge problem of pirated software and illegal licenses - no source of revenue for M/soft there, outside of recouping legal fees trying to sue pirates. All other segments of PC sales are plateauing or declining slowly.
And yes Microsoft has enough presence in the market to keep driving revenues for the near-term (next decade or so), but unless they can expand influence into new markets (a la Windows 8 "on everything" for example) their segments will erode out from under them. Not even putting Windows into Fords, etc. will keep revenues coming in strongly enough to offset the erosion of consumer PCs into mobile devices, Linux and Google into the server space and Google into the Office space.
The only credible profit sources for Microsoft are Office, Windows desktop, and Windows server. XBox scarcely registers on the scale below those. And those are where Microsoft's vulnerabilities lay.
Only a fool would allow Microsoft to continue "business-as-usual" in light of these facts, but Mr. Ballmer could well be that fool.
Why doesn't Apple support iOS printing through their AirPort Base Stations?
They do! I have a 5-year old HP DeskJet 5700 plugged into my AirPort extreme -- accessible from any Mac, iPad or iPhone from anywhere in and around the house.
In the vast sea of rumors perhaps this is the dumbest rumor to date. Essentially it states that PC manufactures have independently all decided to commit suicide.
Not bloody likely.
If nothing else, a Win8/ARM Transformer Prime like product would sell as long as the full MS office ran natively. Toss in Visio and MS Project and it would be a killer business tablet.
Intel pushing PC makers into ultrabooks helps gets them ready for the next potential step.
A keyboard dock with a Core i5/i7 base and a ARM based tablet would be the killer combo....MS Office suite even when running ARM and full legacy Windows compatibility when docked with the keyboard.
Combine the Asus UX21 Zenbook with the Asus Transformer Prime running Win8 and you have a good idea of what the product might look like.
Sure, Intel would prefer Atom over ARM but it still sees a Core i5/i7 sale. And what the heck, they can start making ARM chips again if they really wanted.
These sources who say the entire industry is giving up trying to compete with Apple are surely unbiased, right? right?
I actually don't think there is too much bias in there as the same "sources" claim consumer enthusiasm for the iPad is waning. Whether these "sources" are full of sh*t is something else.
Just as interesting is why in the comment about how "strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared" the iPad was inexplicably switched for the Fire and Nook in the AI article.
I don't know who Sam Oliver but this kind of miss-quoting a source so it fits the point you're trying to make is the kind of terrible writing that I'd expect from the AI link-bait trolls like Dilger and Slash Lane.
I really like Josh Ong and Neil Hughes. I wish they would write more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AI
And even with their low prices, sales of newly launched touchscreen tablets from Amazon and Barnes & Noble were not as high as Apple's iPad, which industry insiders see as an indication that "strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Digitimes Source
The sources pointed out that although iPad 2 is also seeing strong demand from consumers, sales were lower than those of iPad, indicating that consumers' strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared.
Their WebOS is decent, and their tablets sold like hotcakes when they got rid of them at fire sale prices.
The lesson is that people would buy them at a lower price point.
They need to somehow get the price point to $99/$150/$199 and then people will buy*them.
Maybe. But these days, it seems an ecosystem is a major sales point, and they don't even have many apps, much less access to sophisticated entertainment delivery.
When I arrived at the college to deliver the fifty iPads for Kappa Delta Smeg, I noticed that the girls seemed to be having pillow fights. Undaunted, but still apprehensive, I entered the house, sensing danger.
"We've been waiting for you..." said the cheerleader. "It looks like a long, hard evening of iSatisfaction..."
Great story but I have data to refute it. Every time I run a test to see whether my iPad or my pet retired racing greyhound is the bigger chick magnet ... my dog wins, hands down. No offense to the iPad, though.
In the vast sea of rumors perhaps this is the dumbest rumor to date. Essentially it states that PC manufactures have independently all decided to commit suicide.
Not bloody likely.
...
Thank you for this post. Finally some common sense.
HP may be the only quitters here, perhaps Dell too. HP seems to have a death wish, I cannot count the crazy news I've read about them in the past years, their management seems totally erratic, and their laptops are fugly. Dell had a very idiosyncratic approach to the tablet business with the Streak series, and may not see the point in continuing it, but I still have hopes for them (being a happy Streak 5 owner).
But to expect that Motorola, Samsung, Asus and Acer are quitting the tablet business is just crazy... or maybe too much wishful thinking...
I pass down my iPad to my wife, I got the iPad 2. Her reaction was what I am going to use it for. She preferred her laptop. That was 4 months ago. Today, the iPad is her sofa & bed buddy. The laptop, is jealous. For printing, I have HP wifi printer... Easy setup & she can print from anywhere in the house.
Another plug for HP. This morning, I had a PDF (sent by email) that I needed to print out before leaving te house. I intended to print from my MacBook Pro as usual. After turning on the printer I had the sudden urge to use the toilet, so I grabbed my iPad as I often do. Suddenly it hit me... I opened the email on the iPad, sent the PDF to the HP printer app, and I swear it was way easier to print than had I used my laptop. Didn't have to go back to the laptop before leaving the house, and I saved valuable time. Thanks, HP!
Thank you for this post. Finally some common sense.
HP may be the only quitters here, perhaps Dell too. HP seems to have a death wish, I cannot count the crazy news I've read about them in the past years, their management seems totally erratic, and their laptops are fugly. Dell had a very idiosyncratic approach to the tablet business with the Streak series, and may not see the point in continuing it, but I still have hopes for them (being a happy Streak 5 owner).
But to expect that Motorola, Samsung, Asus and Acer are quitting the tablet business is just crazy... or maybe too much wishful thinking...
With the possible exception of Samsung, none of these companies can make any money on Android tablets. I'm guessing that they will not introduce any more Android tablets, and hope that they can later make money on Win8 tablets.
Phones are pretty much the same thing. All profits are going to Apple, RIM, Nokia, Samsung, and HTC, RIM and Nokia are shrinking fast, and very little is split between Samsung and HTC. No telling how many phone manufacturers will stay in the smartphone game if this continues.
With the possible exception of Samsung, none of these companies can make any money on Android tablets. I'm guessing that they will not introduce any more Android tablets, and hope that they can later make money on Win8 tablets.
Phones are pretty much the same thing. All profits are going to Apple, RIM, Nokia, Samsung, and HTC, RIM and Nokia are shrinking fast, and very little is split between Samsung and HTC. No telling how many phone manufacturers will stay in the smartphone game if this continues.
I'm curious how you know that. It seems rather far fetched to me to claim that nobody can make any money. What facts do you have to support such an outlandish claim?
Comments
It's really dependent on what you use a computer for. For a while, Apple defenders hated the label of a *consumption device* for the iPad. Reality is that the iPad is not only a replacement for the PC for some consumption tasks. It is in fact a superior alternative for reading, web browsing and video watching (unless you want it do this on a larger screen). I think we underestimate how many people at home use a computer primarily for these tasks (plus email).
I know better than to underestimate users in this regard. The vast majority of computer users basically just do a few things: web, email, printing, youtube, maybe scanning. That's about it. For the masses of computer users, the ipad is a great alternative to a desktop pc. This is why sales have been so explosive.
I read this as a vote of zero confidence for Microsoft's tablet OS development. The logical path for major PC makers would have been there rather than Android and I suspect they have seen betas of Ballmer's future creation and didn't like what they saw.
That's a very interesting observation.
I've always thought that the Windows 8 ARM implementation as a MS placeholder until they can get a low power [usage] x86 Tablet -- one that can run Windows 8 Desktop OS and apps.
I don't know if Windows supports the concept of Universal Apps.
I suspect that next WWDC Apple will begin to push development of modular, [more] limited-function, specialist apps that will run on Mac OS X and iOS. iWork and iMovie on iOS are the harbingers of this approach.
Additionally I expect to see AirPlay enhanced and integrated into many apps -- where an OS X device and an iDevice can act as either a Player or a Playee.
I fully expect to be able to buy and run apps like Pixelmator (PhotoShop-like) and Final Cut X on any Apple device that meets hardware requirements -- regardless of OS.
Thanks!
Because of my " matinee idol" good looks I am able to attract beautiful women, but for some reason, not able to hold on to them....oh well, such is life!
...You forgot to mention your humility
How will Google expand it's malware riddled Android OS without the help of Dell, Acer and HP? I guess they will have to stick to phones to spread the joy.
They'll eventually have to subsidize OEMs with their content profits.
The limits Apple puts on it's devices may play into a couple of surveys that strangely show that consumers overwhelmingly prefer Windows as their tablet OS. Whats that you say? What tablets use Windows? My guess is that buyers want computers/tablets with an OS and feature set they're already comfortable with. That's generally Windows.
I suspect the entire tablet space will undergo a change once MS-based tablets start hitting the market, no matter that Apple was the initial player.
http://allthingsd.com/20111005/never...-windows-ipad/
You do understand that Windows 8 [ARM] Tablets won't be able to run any Windows 8 Desktop Apps -- Word, Excel, PP... and any 3rd-party or legacy Desktop Apps.
These apps would need to be re-written to support ARM, Touch UI, etc.
I believe that MS is counting on an x86 chip that doesn't run the battery down and generate excessive heat -- so they can run Windows 8 [x86] on a tablet. Maybe we'll see such a chip by 2013-2014 -- but MS won't have any desktop-class Tablet deliverables (OS or apps) for two years.
IMO, MS has missed an opportunity by not porting Office to run on the iPad (establish a Tablet toehold for Office while learning and implementing what is needed for the Tablet market) -- and making some money while they're at it.
Of course, MS could be secretly writing an ARM Tablet version of Office for Windows 8 to be released late 2012... but it will be a 1.0 release on a 1.0 OS -- 2 years too late.
This only says the PC manufacturers are giving up (if in fact true), not the likes of HTC, Motorola and Samsung (although Samsung does make PCs).
Furthermore, there is no word from HP that they have given up for sure. Meg is *deliberating*. She is off to a decisive start as CEO.
Cool, at first I read your comment as "Meg is debilitating"
You do understand that Windows 8 [ARM] Tablets won't be able to run any Windows 8 Desktop Apps -- Word, Excel, PP... and any 3rd-party or legacy Desktop Apps.
These apps would need to be re-written to support ARM, Touch UI, etc.
I had forgotten the comments about that a few weeks ago. Thanks for the reminder.
They have a bit of work to do, don't they?
The PC market is nearing the moribund state, as the major segment of Microsoft's revenue stream starts eroding (enterprise computing) they have struggled with the successful incursion of Linux into the server space, even backing SCO's battles to challenge Linux's code base as containing elements of UNIX they claim they own. If they weren't worried about this they wouldn't be throwing so much money at undermining Linux. In the Office space, they are eyeing Google's Cloud Office for enterprise carefully to see where that is going to impact them. And Google is gunning for the mail side and messaging as well.
A lot of major enterprises are moving off of local hardware and moving to virtualized desktops, which changes the licensing of Office and Windows, and lessens it's profitability.
XBox has only recently in the last couple of years even produced profitable revenue for Microsoft, and again it's in a segment that is threatened by the increasing presence of gaming on mobile devices. YOU may prefer XBox as a platform, but the viability and profitabilty of the platform is marginal according to M/soft's own financials, and the market is divided.
Back to the PC market growing - the only source of real growth in the PC is in developing countries, whose markets don't support the robust costs associated with Windows and Office - most of them have a huge problem of pirated software and illegal licenses - no source of revenue for M/soft there, outside of recouping legal fees trying to sue pirates. All other segments of PC sales are plateauing or declining slowly.
And yes Microsoft has enough presence in the market to keep driving revenues for the near-term (next decade or so), but unless they can expand influence into new markets (a la Windows 8 "on everything" for example) their segments will erode out from under them. Not even putting Windows into Fords, etc. will keep revenues coming in strongly enough to offset the erosion of consumer PCs into mobile devices, Linux and Google into the server space and Google into the Office space.
The only credible profit sources for Microsoft are Office, Windows desktop, and Windows server. XBox scarcely registers on the scale below those. And those are where Microsoft's vulnerabilities lay.
Only a fool would allow Microsoft to continue "business-as-usual" in light of these facts, but Mr. Ballmer could well be that fool.
Why doesn't Apple support iOS printing through their AirPort Base Stations?
They do! I have a 5-year old HP DeskJet 5700 plugged into my AirPort extreme -- accessible from any Mac, iPad or iPhone from anywhere in and around the house.
Not bloody likely.
If nothing else, a Win8/ARM Transformer Prime like product would sell as long as the full MS office ran natively. Toss in Visio and MS Project and it would be a killer business tablet.
Intel pushing PC makers into ultrabooks helps gets them ready for the next potential step.
A keyboard dock with a Core i5/i7 base and a ARM based tablet would be the killer combo....MS Office suite even when running ARM and full legacy Windows compatibility when docked with the keyboard.
Combine the Asus UX21 Zenbook with the Asus Transformer Prime running Win8 and you have a good idea of what the product might look like.
Sure, Intel would prefer Atom over ARM but it still sees a Core i5/i7 sale. And what the heck, they can start making ARM chips again if they really wanted.
These sources who say the entire industry is giving up trying to compete with Apple are surely unbiased, right? right?
I actually don't think there is too much bias in there as the same "sources" claim consumer enthusiasm for the iPad is waning. Whether these "sources" are full of sh*t is something else.
Just as interesting is why in the comment about how "strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared" the iPad was inexplicably switched for the Fire and Nook in the AI article.
I don't know who Sam Oliver but this kind of miss-quoting a source so it fits the point you're trying to make is the kind of terrible writing that I'd expect from the AI link-bait trolls like Dilger and Slash Lane.
I really like Josh Ong and Neil Hughes. I wish they would write more.
And even with their low prices, sales of newly launched touchscreen tablets from Amazon and Barnes & Noble were not as high as Apple's iPad, which industry insiders see as an indication that "strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared."
The sources pointed out that although iPad 2 is also seeing strong demand from consumers, sales were lower than those of iPad, indicating that consumers' strong enthusiasm for tablet PCs has already disappeared.
I think HP really messed up.
Their WebOS is decent, and their tablets sold like hotcakes when they got rid of them at fire sale prices.
The lesson is that people would buy them at a lower price point.
They need to somehow get the price point to $99/$150/$199 and then people will buy*them.
Maybe. But these days, it seems an ecosystem is a major sales point, and they don't even have many apps, much less access to sophisticated entertainment delivery.
I really like Josh Ong and Neil Hughes. I wish they would write more.
Isn't Josh Ong just another nom de plume for Prince Lane?
When I arrived at the college to deliver the fifty iPads for Kappa Delta Smeg, I noticed that the girls seemed to be having pillow fights. Undaunted, but still apprehensive, I entered the house, sensing danger.
"We've been waiting for you..." said the cheerleader. "It looks like a long, hard evening of iSatisfaction..."
Great story but I have data to refute it. Every time I run a test to see whether my iPad or my pet retired racing greyhound is the bigger chick magnet ... my dog wins, hands down. No offense to the iPad, though.
In the vast sea of rumors perhaps this is the dumbest rumor to date. Essentially it states that PC manufactures have independently all decided to commit suicide.
Not bloody likely.
...
Thank you for this post. Finally some common sense.
HP may be the only quitters here, perhaps Dell too. HP seems to have a death wish, I cannot count the crazy news I've read about them in the past years, their management seems totally erratic, and their laptops are fugly. Dell had a very idiosyncratic approach to the tablet business with the Streak series, and may not see the point in continuing it, but I still have hopes for them (being a happy Streak 5 owner).
But to expect that Motorola, Samsung, Asus and Acer are quitting the tablet business is just crazy... or maybe too much wishful thinking...
I pass down my iPad to my wife, I got the iPad 2. Her reaction was what I am going to use it for. She preferred her laptop. That was 4 months ago. Today, the iPad is her sofa & bed buddy. The laptop, is jealous. For printing, I have HP wifi printer... Easy setup & she can print from anywhere in the house.
Another plug for HP. This morning, I had a PDF (sent by email) that I needed to print out before leaving te house. I intended to print from my MacBook Pro as usual. After turning on the printer I had the sudden urge to use the toilet, so I grabbed my iPad as I often do. Suddenly it hit me... I opened the email on the iPad, sent the PDF to the HP printer app, and I swear it was way easier to print than had I used my laptop. Didn't have to go back to the laptop before leaving the house, and I saved valuable time. Thanks, HP!
Thank you for this post. Finally some common sense.
HP may be the only quitters here, perhaps Dell too. HP seems to have a death wish, I cannot count the crazy news I've read about them in the past years, their management seems totally erratic, and their laptops are fugly. Dell had a very idiosyncratic approach to the tablet business with the Streak series, and may not see the point in continuing it, but I still have hopes for them (being a happy Streak 5 owner).
But to expect that Motorola, Samsung, Asus and Acer are quitting the tablet business is just crazy... or maybe too much wishful thinking...
With the possible exception of Samsung, none of these companies can make any money on Android tablets. I'm guessing that they will not introduce any more Android tablets, and hope that they can later make money on Win8 tablets.
Phones are pretty much the same thing. All profits are going to Apple, RIM, Nokia, Samsung, and HTC, RIM and Nokia are shrinking fast, and very little is split between Samsung and HTC. No telling how many phone manufacturers will stay in the smartphone game if this continues.
With the possible exception of Samsung, none of these companies can make any money on Android tablets. I'm guessing that they will not introduce any more Android tablets, and hope that they can later make money on Win8 tablets.
Phones are pretty much the same thing. All profits are going to Apple, RIM, Nokia, Samsung, and HTC, RIM and Nokia are shrinking fast, and very little is split between Samsung and HTC. No telling how many phone manufacturers will stay in the smartphone game if this continues.
I'm curious how you know that. It seems rather far fetched to me to claim that nobody can make any money. What facts do you have to support such an outlandish claim?
And don't bother with the negative reply unless you've actually tried Windows 8. From what I've seen and personally used, the UX is better than iOS.