It's not about Christmas, It's about the refresh cycle. All they had to do was release a CPU/GPU update in the old chasis much earlier on this year. Then release the new system once production is up and running and wow everyone.
Instead they had a large drop off in sales for desktop iMacs and two months of no sales full stop on iMacs.
I'm sorry, but if this is not a monumental cock up I don't know what is.
People whined about there being no iMacs. Apple revealed a new design and said "Available November." Now they're whining because it wasn't Nov 1, it's 4 whole weeks later! This is unacceptable, Cook must be fired.
Seriously, people? What are we, toddlers? My 5 year old has more patience than this.
Consumers don't have patience. Not having iMacs available in the Apple store was a f*ck up. Period.
Sorry, but you're wrong. iMac sales are still a HUGE part of apple. Not as much as laptop sales I will give you, but way more then you think.
Edit: OK, Mac sales in general are only about 10-15% of the company, and obviously iMacs are an even smaller piece. But at the size of apple, that's still multiple millions of dollars worth of product that is not getting sold.
And if they end up losing billions because they had to divert resources for other Apple products so they can pushed out new iMac at a higher cost you would still think they made the right choice? I certainly don't. Bottom line is the iMac accounts for very little of Apple's profit and the cost for the device makes it less likely to be someone might instantly decide to buy if they see online or in a store.
Let's also remember that Apple doesn't build most of the components in the device. What if a deal with a vendor fell through or the vendor ended up shipping them inferior components. Would you want Apple to use these inferior parts to meet a self imposed deadline (a deadline they have made, BTW) or would you rather they did it right?
People whined about there being no iMacs. Apple revealed a new design and said "Available November." Now they're whining because it wasn't Nov 1, it's 4 whole weeks later! This is unacceptable, Cook must be fired.
Seriously, people? What are we, toddlers? My 5 year old has more patience than this.
Patience is not the problem. Sure there are people going to be upset because they want the new iMac and it's several months away. I personally think apple shouldn't even announce it if it's not ready to go shortly after (because sales of the existing product will dry up).
But believe it or not, many people who don't read online have absolutely no idea that new iMac's are coming out... these are kind of people that wonder into an Apple store, see the cool iMac on the sales floor and decide to buy, only to find that apple has no iMac to sell them. Apple is throwing money out the window because they didn't make sure they had enough of the old iMac to cover them until the new one gets released.
Consumers don't have patience. Not having iMacs available in the Apple store was a f*ck up. Period.
So Apple products were a **** up under Steve Jobs whenever they stopped selling an old products and had no new product yet to sell?
I quite glad that Apple has done this with the iMac. They can't win can they? If they kept selling the old iMac until Friday then people complain about their iMac now being obsolete. They give you a release timeframe, cost, specs and stop the old model people complain that Apple doesn't know how to run a business.
It's not about Christmas, It's about the refresh cycle. All they had to do was release a CPU/GPU update in the old chasis much earlier on this year. Then release the new system once production is up and running and wow everyone.
Instead they had a large drop off in sales for desktop iMacs and two months of no sales full stop on iMacs.
I'm sorry, but if this is not a monumental cock up I don't know what is.
And I bet you'll still complain with "what kind of update is this. They just changed the CPU speed." and if they made a whole new updated designed iMac you'll complain "they just screwed over the buyers of the last CPU update. They hate their customers. They should have made only this change and not the incremental change earlier. " you can't please everyone, especially the whiners.
And if they end up losing billions because they had to divert resources for other Apple products so they can pushed out new iMac at a higher cost you would still think they made the right choice? I certainly don't. Bottom line is the iMac accounts for very little of Apple's profit and the cost for the device makes it less likely to be someone might instantly decide to buy if they see online or in a store.
Let's also remember that Apple doesn't build most of the components in the device. What if a deal with a vendor fell through or the vendor ended up shipping them inferior components. Would you want Apple to use these inferior parts to meet a self imposed deadline (a deadline they have made, BTW) or would you rather they did it right?
Obviously not, none of us here have any idea WHY this happened... something obviously fell through the cracks... a vendor deal or whatever. We will probably never know. I'm sure apple had a good reason, but whatever the reason was, in the short term it's costing them money. Coupled with the fact that I've never seen apple do this in over 4 years of watching product launches (apple has ALWAYS had enough product to hold them over, at least to within a month or so of the new product), does not make for a good sign.
So Apple products were a **** up under Steve Jobs whenever they stopped selling an old products and had no new product yet to sell?
I quite glad that Apple has done this with the iMac. They can't win can they? If they kept selling the old iMac until Friday then people complain about their iMac now being obsolete. They give you a release timeframe, cost, specs and stop the old model people complain that Apple doesn't know how to run a business.
I don't ever remember a time when there was nothing to sell after a new product was announced.
... and what the f*ck does Steve Job have to do with this. If he did this then he f*cked up as well.
Yes! So I guess the 27" will be on sale Dec.31, 2012! Hey, it's still December. And the new Mac Pros will be on sale Dec. 31st, 2013... Hey, it's still 2013!
December 21. Gotta beat the REAL deadline.
Originally Posted by island hermit
I don't ever remember a time when there was nothing to sell after a new product was announced.
First iPhone. First iPad. Also first iPhone end of life, when there was a month before even the announcement of the iPhone 3G without product being sold. That's a little more like this situation.
... and what the f*ck does Steve Job have to do with this. If he did this then he f*cked up as well.
Not really. It's bad, sure. We'd all prefer them not to announce stuff before it ships… ever! But there's nothing screwed up here.
First iPhone. First iPad. Also first iPhone end of life, when there was a month before even the announcement of the iPhone 3G without product being sold. That's a little more like this situation.
Not really. It's bad, sure. We'd all prefer them not to announce stuff before it ships… ever! But there's nothing screwed up here.
We're talking about Macs... a product that is a little harder to sell... wouldn't you agree.
Or did you miss the part about a drop in Mac sales.
So Apple products were a **** up under Steve Jobs whenever they stopped selling an old products and had no new product yet to sell?
I quite glad that Apple has done this with the iMac. They can't win can they? If they kept selling the old iMac until Friday then people complain about their iMac now being obsolete. They give you a release timeframe, cost, specs and stop the old model people complain that Apple doesn't know how to run a business.
I've been waiting for quite a while for a new Mac. My major gripe with the new iMacs is that Apple seems to prefer form over function; I suspect that the ultra-thin case is the reason that Apple needed to use slower (and therefore cooler) 5400rpm drives instead of 7200rpm drives. Add a couple of millimeters to the case to improve cooling for friggin' sake if it'll mean better performance!
There's a place for form over function, but not as much on a desktop computer.
Patience is not the problem. Sure there are people going to be upset because they want the new iMac and it's several months away. I personally think apple shouldn't even announce it if it's not ready to go shortly after (because sales of the existing product will dry up).
But believe it or not, many people who don't read online have absolutely no idea that new iMac's are coming out... these are kind of people that wonder into an Apple store, see the cool iMac on the sales floor and decide to buy, only to find that apple has no iMac to sell them. Apple is throwing money out the window because they didn't make sure they had enough of the old iMac to cover them until the new one gets released.
For crying out loud!!!! Apple is not throwing money out the window. If someone came into an apple store and was sold on an iMac, they aren't going to throw up their hands and go buy a PC just because they have to wait a few extra weeks. Typically when someone is sold on a Mac they're buying a Mac. The vast majority of people who have decided to purchase an iMac in the last month (I was in a store as recently as 3weeks ago that still had a few units in stock) will be purchasing these iMacs about to come out. Sure, there has been a dip in the iMac revenue stream, but the surge to follow will more than make up for that dip before things level back out by jan-feb. Last time I checked, Apple wasn't living paycheck to paycheck. I think they have more than ample funds in the bank to cover the slight dip.
I find it remarkable that the online Apple Store won't sell you an Imac at the moment. Another thing that struck me as remarkable is I went into the Regents Street Apple Store in central London (which is a very big store) and right at the back corner they had just one Mac Mini and one Mac Pro on display. It just shows what a small minority people like me have become who still prefer to use desktop Macs over portable ones.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by saarek
It's not about Christmas, It's about the refresh cycle. All they had to do was release a CPU/GPU update in the old chasis much earlier on this year. Then release the new system once production is up and running and wow everyone.
Instead they had a large drop off in sales for desktop iMacs and two months of no sales full stop on iMacs.
I'm sorry, but if this is not a monumental cock up I don't know what is.
Fair enough
Consumers don't have patience. Not having iMacs available in the Apple store was a f*ck up. Period.
And if they end up losing billions because they had to divert resources for other Apple products so they can pushed out new iMac at a higher cost you would still think they made the right choice? I certainly don't. Bottom line is the iMac accounts for very little of Apple's profit and the cost for the device makes it less likely to be someone might instantly decide to buy if they see online or in a store.
Let's also remember that Apple doesn't build most of the components in the device. What if a deal with a vendor fell through or the vendor ended up shipping them inferior components. Would you want Apple to use these inferior parts to meet a self imposed deadline (a deadline they have made, BTW) or would you rather they did it right?
Finally!!!!
Good things come to those who wait. Just ask fans of Valve's video games.
Quote:
Originally Posted by allenbf
People whined about there being no iMacs. Apple revealed a new design and said "Available November." Now they're whining because it wasn't Nov 1, it's 4 whole weeks later! This is unacceptable, Cook must be fired.
Seriously, people? What are we, toddlers? My 5 year old has more patience than this.
Patience is not the problem. Sure there are people going to be upset because they want the new iMac and it's several months away. I personally think apple shouldn't even announce it if it's not ready to go shortly after (because sales of the existing product will dry up).
But believe it or not, many people who don't read online have absolutely no idea that new iMac's are coming out... these are kind of people that wonder into an Apple store, see the cool iMac on the sales floor and decide to buy, only to find that apple has no iMac to sell them. Apple is throwing money out the window because they didn't make sure they had enough of the old iMac to cover them until the new one gets released.
So Apple products were a **** up under Steve Jobs whenever they stopped selling an old products and had no new product yet to sell?
I quite glad that Apple has done this with the iMac. They can't win can they? If they kept selling the old iMac until Friday then people complain about their iMac now being obsolete. They give you a release timeframe, cost, specs and stop the old model people complain that Apple doesn't know how to run a business.
And I bet you'll still complain with "what kind of update is this. They just changed the CPU speed." and if they made a whole new updated designed iMac you'll complain "they just screwed over the buyers of the last CPU update. They hate their customers. They should have made only this change and not the incremental change earlier. " you can't please everyone, especially the whiners.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
And if they end up losing billions because they had to divert resources for other Apple products so they can pushed out new iMac at a higher cost you would still think they made the right choice? I certainly don't. Bottom line is the iMac accounts for very little of Apple's profit and the cost for the device makes it less likely to be someone might instantly decide to buy if they see online or in a store.
Let's also remember that Apple doesn't build most of the components in the device. What if a deal with a vendor fell through or the vendor ended up shipping them inferior components. Would you want Apple to use these inferior parts to meet a self imposed deadline (a deadline they have made, BTW) or would you rather they did it right?
Obviously not, none of us here have any idea WHY this happened... something obviously fell through the cracks... a vendor deal or whatever. We will probably never know. I'm sure apple had a good reason, but whatever the reason was, in the short term it's costing them money. Coupled with the fact that I've never seen apple do this in over 4 years of watching product launches (apple has ALWAYS had enough product to hold them over, at least to within a month or so of the new product), does not make for a good sign.
I don't ever remember a time when there was nothing to sell after a new product was announced.
... and what the f*ck does Steve Job have to do with this. If he did this then he f*cked up as well.
Originally Posted by Rot'nApple
Yes! So I guess the 27" will be on sale Dec.31, 2012! Hey, it's still December. And the new Mac Pros will be on sale Dec. 31st, 2013... Hey, it's still 2013!
December 21. Gotta beat the REAL deadline.
Originally Posted by island hermit
I don't ever remember a time when there was nothing to sell after a new product was announced.
First iPhone. First iPad. Also first iPhone end of life, when there was a month before even the announcement of the iPhone 3G without product being sold. That's a little more like this situation.
... and what the f*ck does Steve Job have to do with this. If he did this then he f*cked up as well.
Not really. It's bad, sure. We'd all prefer them not to announce stuff before it ships… ever! But there's nothing screwed up here.
We're talking about Macs... a product that is a little harder to sell... wouldn't you agree.
Or did you miss the part about a drop in Mac sales.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
So Apple products were a **** up under Steve Jobs whenever they stopped selling an old products and had no new product yet to sell?
I quite glad that Apple has done this with the iMac. They can't win can they? If they kept selling the old iMac until Friday then people complain about their iMac now being obsolete. They give you a release timeframe, cost, specs and stop the old model people complain that Apple doesn't know how to run a business.
Exactly.
There's a place for form over function, but not as much on a desktop computer.
Also, why no wireless EXTENDED keyboard? Why!?
/rant
Quote:
Originally Posted by island hermit
Consumers don't have patience. Not having iMacs available in the Apple store was a f*ck up. Period.
Perhaps that was in your store. I have 2 near me, I have been in either several times over the past 2 months, and saw people purchasing iMacs.
For crying out loud!!!! Apple is not throwing money out the window. If someone came into an apple store and was sold on an iMac, they aren't going to throw up their hands and go buy a PC just because they have to wait a few extra weeks. Typically when someone is sold on a Mac they're buying a Mac. The vast majority of people who have decided to purchase an iMac in the last month (I was in a store as recently as 3weeks ago that still had a few units in stock) will be purchasing these iMacs about to come out. Sure, there has been a dip in the iMac revenue stream, but the surge to follow will more than make up for that dip before things level back out by jan-feb. Last time I checked, Apple wasn't living paycheck to paycheck. I think they have more than ample funds in the bank to cover the slight dip.
Online.
... and, no offence intended, but anecdotal evidence doesn't quite cut it for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilBoogie
That'll make a few folks happy!
Yabba dabba doooooo!
iMac, it's an iMac
It is a really really nice machine
Want one, gonna buy one
It is a really really nice machine.
Good enough?
Originally Posted by island hermit
We're talking about Macs...
You did say "product".
…a product that is a little harder to sell… wouldn't you agree.
Not really?
Or did you miss the part about a drop in Mac sales.
I don't really believe that's related, nor to the "difficulty" of getting them out the door.
Originally Posted by Bergermeister
Yabba dabba Boooom!
iMac, it's an iMac
It is a really really nice machine
Want one, gonna buy one
And I really like the glossy screen
Changes in bold.
I find it remarkable that the online Apple Store won't sell you an Imac at the moment. Another thing that struck me as remarkable is I went into the Regents Street Apple Store in central London (which is a very big store) and right at the back corner they had just one Mac Mini and one Mac Pro on display. It just shows what a small minority people like me have become who still prefer to use desktop Macs over portable ones.