hmmm.....I had a feeling about this post. Now Apple is dividing into two devisions...
Quote:
Originally posted by Faeylyn
Oh yes. One more thing?.
iPods and iTMS.
Consider the iPod. Technically, it?s not really very advanced at all. There?s really nothing special about it. The fact that it?s currently the best music player out there really speaks to the complete ineptitude of other companies more than it speaks to the technical prowess of Apple (not speaking Marketing prowess here, okay?) Technically, it?s just a so-so device.
Others will soon (end of 2004) catch up and pass (end of 2005) the iPod in the coolness factor. Apple cannot compete in a commodity market like this in the long-run. Others will continue to make improvements and eventually surpass the iPod. And when the iPod is no longer the cool kid on the block, what will become of the iTMS? Yes, the interface of the iTMS is better than the rest, but ? like all things Wintel ? they?ll continue to make minor updates until they finally get it right. Or, more accurately, ?good enough?.
So if people are flocking to the cool new sPod from Sony, and if people can connect to another music service to feed music to that device, where does that leave Apple?
Apple knows this. And they have no intention of letting yet another market that they pioneered be pirated away by the leeches of Silicon Valley.
First, the hardware. Apple knows they cannot compete ? long term ? in a commodity hardware market. Not only are better music devices coming, but better integration of existing devices will occur in 2004. Think phones. There is a HUGE market for people looking to carry just one device. One device they must carry is a phone. A phone with 1GB or 2GB of memory could hold a decent amount of music and would be a heaven-sent device for these people. Apple has nothing to offer these people. And they never will (hardware-wise).
So what to do? What happens when a mondo-cool phone with a decent music player appears that has a decent interface into a decent music service? How will Apple compete with that? Answer: Apple must offer their DRM technology to other hardware manufacturers. Apple?s DRM must be on the latest and greatest gadgets out there. Note that the latest and greatest music players out there are all currently made by Apple. When that changes, expect Apple?s DRM model of iPod?s only to change too.
But why would another company, like Sony, put Apple?s DRM on their devices? What?s in it for them? And, especially, why PAY Apple a royalty fee (and Apple WILL be charging royalties) for this privilege? And, even if other companies did include Apple?s DRM, how then would iTMS make any money? It barely breaks even now. Apple only makes money because it helps them sell iPods. So what happens when the iPods are no longer supporting iTMS?
First, expect the iPods to continue to evolve. Expect that little portable HD to be put to a lot more use than simply playing music. Expect the iPod to turn into your LifePod. Lots of cool stuff surrounding this, but most of it will not come out until 2005.
But again, what happens when the iPods are no longer supporting iTMS?
One?More?Thing?
This is where the ?reinvention? of Apple Computer comes into its own. Apple Computer will become Apple, Inc. There will be two major divisions (initially): (1) Apple Computer, and (2) Apple Studios. Apple Studios will be a combination movie/music studio. This will happen with the purchase of (a) Pixar, and (b) Apple Records. You heard correctly. Apple Computer will announce that they have purchased both Pixar Animation Studios and Apple Records. Several things will come of this.
First, the entire collection of a certain musical group will become available exclusively on iTMS. This may not happen in right away, but the goal is by the end of 2004. These tracks have yet to be made available (legally) on any music service. And the only music service they will every see will be iTMS.
Second, Apple Records will become an active record label again and start signing other artists. What?s in it for the artists? A LOT better deal than with any other record label. What?s in it for Apple? Online exclusives and tracks that actually make them money. They will now get to keep most of that 99 cents rather than forking it over to the RIAA. If you want these tracks, you have to either buy the album or come over to iTMS. Either way, Apple makes money out of the deal.
This will all ensure that Apple continues to be a major force in this market. Apple?s DRM will be included because companies cannot afford to not include it. So even if someone buys a Sony MP3 player and never looks at iTMS, Apple will still be getting a little kickback through DRM licensing. And if they do use iTMS, all the better.
It?s all about content and providing the ultimate user experience for that content. Whether general computing tasks, the internet, iTMS -> iPod -> iMac or Apple/Pixar -> Mac -> uber-Projector/set-top-box. Using one to sell the other. High-end, best-of-breed hardware for the ultimate computing/listening/viewing experience. 2004 will be a VERY good year for Apple. It will only be topped by what?s in store for 2005.
Kickaha and Amorph couldn't moderate themselves out of a paper bag. Abdicate responsibility and succumb to idiocy. Two years of letting a member make personal attacks against others, then stepping aside when someone won't put up with it. Not only that but go ahead and shut down my posting priviledges but not the one making the attacks. Not even the common decency to abide by their warning (afer three days of absorbing personal attacks with no mods in sight), just shut my posting down and then say it might happen later if a certian line is crossed. Bullshit flag is flying, I won't abide by lying and coddling of liars who go off-site, create accounts differing in a single letter from my handle with the express purpose to decieve and then claim here that I did it. Everyone be warned, kim kap sol is a lying, deceitful poster.
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.
The 'iPod' division is the writing on the wall. But I don't think that means Apple or 'X' or its software is doomed.
The 'Mac' may have to be re-thought in much the way Apple re-thought its politics to 'x86' customers with iPod and iTunes.
We'll see.
Lemon Bon Bon
I disagree with that. The mac has been Apple's banner product for over two decades now. It has gone through many transformations, trying to stay with the times, and sometimes defining the times.
I agree, the Mac as we know it today will probably change and morph into something different and better. That is just the way a product lifecycle as successful as the Macintosh goes.
I really think they are going towards a future where the machine can interactivly (sp?) react to you. There was a business commercial made in the mid-80's from Apple. It had a "PowerBook"-like computer that talked back to the user, as well as answered the phone, and supported video phone. It was a really well-done commercial (anyone know where to find it on the web??).
The point is, that appears where Apple is going. iChat AV is an example of this, along with iTunes, iMovie, etc etc. However, the real clincher is that they are diversifying (sp?) themselves into much more than a computer company. They are going to be much more than a DLD company, or a music company. Where they are going from here, no one knows. However, it will involve the Macintosh, it will involve the iPod, and it will involve several other DLD that will make every one of us much happier in our lives.
Kickaha and Amorph couldn't moderate themselves out of a paper bag. Abdicate responsibility and succumb to idiocy. Two years of letting a member make personal attacks against others, then stepping aside when someone won't put up with it. Not only that but go ahead and shut down my posting priviledges but not the one making the attacks. Not even the common decency to abide by their warning (afer three days of absorbing personal attacks with no mods in sight), just shut my posting down and then say it might happen later if a certian line is crossed. Bullshit flag is flying, I won't abide by lying and coddling of liars who go off-site, create accounts differing in a single letter from my handle with the express purpose to decieve and then claim here that I did it. Everyone be warned, kim kap sol is a lying, deceitful poster.
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.
I think the time to test the portability of 'X' may come sooner than we think. eg I'm not sure I see 'Macs' being made in 10 years time.
You are a heretic. I can't even imagine Jobs killing Apple's flagship brand, Macintosh, which has always been associated with Apple, which made Apple possible, which helped Apple survive, which has been a subculture for 20 years. Man, you deserve a visit of Inquisition officers. Seriously.
I disagree with that. The mac has been Apple's banner product for over two decades now. It has gone through many transformations, trying to stay with the times, and sometimes defining the times.
That certainly WAS the case but now the Mac is more of a anchor thrown overboard. That anchor has dug in deep and needs to be cut before the pending storm arrives.
Quote:
I agree, the Mac as we know it today will probably change and morph into something different and better. That is just the way a product lifecycle as successful as the Macintosh goes.
True things change but the question is does the change come fast enough to save its life. To grab that future, Apple needs serious horse power under that hood without a huge inflation in price.
Quote:
However, it will involve the Macintosh, it will involve the iPod, and it will involve several other DLD that will make every one of us much happier in our lives.
You are very optimistic about the Mac. It simply will disappear form Apples product line if they can't get sales up. It is pretty obvious that this is an issue. If your sales are declining quarter on quarter then eventually you hit zero. Of course most companies swign the axe first but you get my point.
Look at it this way if you listen carefully to what is being said in the quarterly meetings and other contacts that the Apple executive staff has with the outside world you will begin to realize that they (the executives) are starting to see the same problem. How they go about addressing that seems to be an issue, their thirst for revenue is driving off customers. In effect they are in a spiral, each attempt to increase revenue drives off more customers and fewer customers result in attempts to increase revenue. Since all these revenue increases are done thorugh higher prices or the sale of outdated components the cycle has become very noticeable.
What really amazes me is that the G5 XServer shows that Apple does have the ability to address customer needs. Why they can't do that with their other hardware is beyond me.
You are a heretic. I can't even imagine Jobs killing Apple's flagship brand, Macintosh, which has always been associated with Apple, which made Apple possible, which helped Apple survive, which has been a subculture for 20 years. Man, you deserve a visit of Inquisition officers. Seriously.
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
That is one way to look at it the other is that they come up with a marketing solution that works and dramatically increase market share. We all know how well that has been working lately.
Lets face it Apple set a goal of 200,000 PowerMac per quarter, and couldn't make it. Which by the way isn't much of a world wide sales goal. To remain a player in the industry they need to ship 2X that IN A MONTH. We certianly don't see any plans to make that happen. Frankly though faster CPU's may help there is a lot more wrong here than just that. REv B PowerMacs are not going to be a hit with out a fresh marketing approach. If they can't find that successful approach then the Mac is dead.
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
Lets face it Apple set a goal of 200,000 PowerMac per quarter, and couldn't make it. Which by the way isn't much of a world wide sales goal. To remain a player in the industry they need to ship 2X that IN A MONTH. We certianly don't see any plans to make that happen. Frankly though faster CPU's may help there is a lot more wrong here than just that. REv B PowerMacs are not going to be a hit with out a fresh marketing approach. If they can't find that successful approach then the Mac is dead.
Thanks
dave
Sorry, i don't mean to get personal but you sound abit like a first year Business major who hasn't gotten beyond chapter 5 in the text book.
I doubt Apple is losing money right now. It has $4 million in the bank. It needs to evolve and it does need to change its marketing, but what sets Apple apart now is some good design (which could and has moved to the Wintel world) and the Mac OS. So why not continue the same?!?!?! Make great cross-over products and sustain and develop the Mac OS!!! Each pushes innovation in the other. That is what has sustained Apple over the decades when market forces would and did knock off many other companies of the same size as Apple.
The minute Apple stops making Macs, the world will depend upon Dell and HP and Sony to advance the personal computer. Why let that happen?
You have some good concerns, but business and life within the "free" market system goes way beyond Business 101 textbooks.
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
You don't understand one thing: failing at the world domination is not the end of the world. Apple is not losing money on Macs. Yes, they cannot sell as many Macs as they'd like to. And they rarely could. 4 billion in cash may make Apple seem a small company, compared to MS or Warner Bros, but it's still a whole lot of money. Apple survived much harder times when their hardware sucked. Now it's only a matter of one speed bump.
Macs are not going anywhere. Point. Killing the Macintosh brand is nothing but shooting yourself in the foot.
I'm glad some people in here set these accountain types "gloomy future outlook" in perspektive. The Mac going away? sure...according to some it's been going away for about 15 years! So sure it's going away
The thing that makes me quinch is when people have the abillity to sound clever, but lack the abillity to research facts. Why would the one out of two companies who actually made money during the resent IT crisis, suddenly decide that they are doing poorly? Can't you see you got it all wrong here?
Get over the "we are sooo small we might as well all lay down and die" attitude! The Mac is actually doing quite ok AND BE HAPPY ABOUT IT This is gooooood news
That is the exact reason PowerMac sales are off, but they are not always off.
Not many people wanted to buy the 2x 2GHz G5 PowerMac. I didn't. Because the PowerMacs were not better, or as good as they were made out to be. Not compared to the dual 3GHz+ XEONS. I wanted one (G5) right after WWDC 2003 keynote, but I waited to see all the independent testing first. I saw it, and I didn't like the results I saw. I thought Apple bull sh*tted their way through most things in those demo's.
I know a ton of People that are PC users that wait to see if IBM, and Apple are going to get these processors up to par, and ahead of the x86 computers. If they did they would buy them. Apple has great stuff, but they keep letting the hardware stay so far behind the top x86 computers it's not even funny.
If they get this Machine ready by WWDC PowerMac sales will be beyond what Apple imagines. Not only Mac users watch them. As long as it's not a total BS demo.
And changing the name isn't going to do them a bit of good. It will probably loose more people than gain people. The only reason I don't have a Dual AMD Operon system is because I am waiting because I want another PowerMac. A better PowerMac.
If there isn't one though I do have a x86 system I've been configuring for a long time, and I'm excited about it. THe PC side has a lot of cool stuff, and my case alone is really wicked. So I'm not going to let it get me down again this year.
But as a life long Macintosh user, and a loyal PowerMac buyer/user I'm waiting to see how it turns out first.
Apple isn't dieing but the Mac is. Marketshare has been declining every year since the advent of a "useable" Windows.
Wrong.
Marketshare decline just means that PC growth exceeded Mac growth. Considering that Apple only goes after selected markets you can't really look at marketshare like you'd think.
Apple isn't dieing but the Mac is. Marketshare has been declining every year since the advent of a "useable" Windows.
I know many people who buy a new $600 PC every year only because advertisers convince them their hardware is out of date. That doesn't influence any marketshare. But those who calculate marketshares count every purchase.
I don't believe incorrectly based or biased statistics.
Comments
Originally posted by Amorph
Looks like he got there the same way my band did:
Brad Sucks on CD Baby.
8)
Congragulations Amorph!
Originally posted by Faeylyn
Oh yes. One more thing?.
iPods and iTMS.
Consider the iPod. Technically, it?s not really very advanced at all. There?s really nothing special about it. The fact that it?s currently the best music player out there really speaks to the complete ineptitude of other companies more than it speaks to the technical prowess of Apple (not speaking Marketing prowess here, okay?) Technically, it?s just a so-so device.
Others will soon (end of 2004) catch up and pass (end of 2005) the iPod in the coolness factor. Apple cannot compete in a commodity market like this in the long-run. Others will continue to make improvements and eventually surpass the iPod. And when the iPod is no longer the cool kid on the block, what will become of the iTMS? Yes, the interface of the iTMS is better than the rest, but ? like all things Wintel ? they?ll continue to make minor updates until they finally get it right. Or, more accurately, ?good enough?.
So if people are flocking to the cool new sPod from Sony, and if people can connect to another music service to feed music to that device, where does that leave Apple?
Apple knows this. And they have no intention of letting yet another market that they pioneered be pirated away by the leeches of Silicon Valley.
First, the hardware. Apple knows they cannot compete ? long term ? in a commodity hardware market. Not only are better music devices coming, but better integration of existing devices will occur in 2004. Think phones. There is a HUGE market for people looking to carry just one device. One device they must carry is a phone. A phone with 1GB or 2GB of memory could hold a decent amount of music and would be a heaven-sent device for these people. Apple has nothing to offer these people. And they never will (hardware-wise).
So what to do? What happens when a mondo-cool phone with a decent music player appears that has a decent interface into a decent music service? How will Apple compete with that? Answer: Apple must offer their DRM technology to other hardware manufacturers. Apple?s DRM must be on the latest and greatest gadgets out there. Note that the latest and greatest music players out there are all currently made by Apple. When that changes, expect Apple?s DRM model of iPod?s only to change too.
But why would another company, like Sony, put Apple?s DRM on their devices? What?s in it for them? And, especially, why PAY Apple a royalty fee (and Apple WILL be charging royalties) for this privilege? And, even if other companies did include Apple?s DRM, how then would iTMS make any money? It barely breaks even now. Apple only makes money because it helps them sell iPods. So what happens when the iPods are no longer supporting iTMS?
First, expect the iPods to continue to evolve. Expect that little portable HD to be put to a lot more use than simply playing music. Expect the iPod to turn into your LifePod. Lots of cool stuff surrounding this, but most of it will not come out until 2005.
But again, what happens when the iPods are no longer supporting iTMS?
One?More?Thing?
This is where the ?reinvention? of Apple Computer comes into its own. Apple Computer will become Apple, Inc. There will be two major divisions (initially): (1) Apple Computer, and (2) Apple Studios. Apple Studios will be a combination movie/music studio. This will happen with the purchase of (a) Pixar, and (b) Apple Records. You heard correctly. Apple Computer will announce that they have purchased both Pixar Animation Studios and Apple Records. Several things will come of this.
First, the entire collection of a certain musical group will become available exclusively on iTMS. This may not happen in right away, but the goal is by the end of 2004. These tracks have yet to be made available (legally) on any music service. And the only music service they will every see will be iTMS.
Second, Apple Records will become an active record label again and start signing other artists. What?s in it for the artists? A LOT better deal than with any other record label. What?s in it for Apple? Online exclusives and tracks that actually make them money. They will now get to keep most of that 99 cents rather than forking it over to the RIAA. If you want these tracks, you have to either buy the album or come over to iTMS. Either way, Apple makes money out of the deal.
This will all ensure that Apple continues to be a major force in this market. Apple?s DRM will be included because companies cannot afford to not include it. So even if someone buys a Sony MP3 player and never looks at iTMS, Apple will still be getting a little kickback through DRM licensing. And if they do use iTMS, all the better.
It?s all about content and providing the ultimate user experience for that content. Whether general computing tasks, the internet, iTMS -> iPod -> iMac or Apple/Pixar -> Mac -> uber-Projector/set-top-box. Using one to sell the other. High-end, best-of-breed hardware for the ultimate computing/listening/viewing experience. 2004 will be a VERY good year for Apple. It will only be topped by what?s in store for 2005.
And the beat goes on?.
I think this is the reinvention of Apple Computer.
Apple will eventually become a software/electronics DLD company.
I think the time to test the portability of 'X' may come sooner than we think. eg I'm not sure I see 'Macs' being made in 10 years time.
The 'iPod' division is the writing on the wall. But I don't think that means Apple or 'X' or its software is doomed.
The 'Mac' may have to be re-thought in much the way Apple re-thought its politics to 'x86' customers with iPod and iTunes.
We'll see.
Lemon Bon Bon
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.
Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
The 'iPod' division is the writing on the wall. But I don't think that means Apple or 'X' or its software is doomed.
The 'Mac' may have to be re-thought in much the way Apple re-thought its politics to 'x86' customers with iPod and iTunes.
We'll see.
Lemon Bon Bon
I disagree with that. The mac has been Apple's banner product for over two decades now. It has gone through many transformations, trying to stay with the times, and sometimes defining the times.
I agree, the Mac as we know it today will probably change and morph into something different and better. That is just the way a product lifecycle as successful as the Macintosh goes.
I really think they are going towards a future where the machine can interactivly (sp?) react to you. There was a business commercial made in the mid-80's from Apple. It had a "PowerBook"-like computer that talked back to the user, as well as answered the phone, and supported video phone. It was a really well-done commercial (anyone know where to find it on the web??).
The point is, that appears where Apple is going. iChat AV is an example of this, along with iTunes, iMovie, etc etc. However, the real clincher is that they are diversifying (sp?) themselves into much more than a computer company. They are going to be much more than a DLD company, or a music company. Where they are going from here, no one knows. However, it will involve the Macintosh, it will involve the iPod, and it will involve several other DLD that will make every one of us much happier in our lives.
http://ox.curtin.edu.au/streaming/knowledgenav.html
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.
Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
I think the time to test the portability of 'X' may come sooner than we think. eg I'm not sure I see 'Macs' being made in 10 years time.
You are a heretic. I can't even imagine Jobs killing Apple's flagship brand, Macintosh, which has always been associated with Apple, which made Apple possible, which helped Apple survive, which has been a subculture for 20 years. Man, you deserve a visit of Inquisition officers. Seriously.
Originally posted by Mike Eggleston
I disagree with that. The mac has been Apple's banner product for over two decades now. It has gone through many transformations, trying to stay with the times, and sometimes defining the times.
That certainly WAS the case but now the Mac is more of a anchor thrown overboard. That anchor has dug in deep and needs to be cut before the pending storm arrives.
I agree, the Mac as we know it today will probably change and morph into something different and better. That is just the way a product lifecycle as successful as the Macintosh goes.
True things change but the question is does the change come fast enough to save its life. To grab that future, Apple needs serious horse power under that hood without a huge inflation in price.
However, it will involve the Macintosh, it will involve the iPod, and it will involve several other DLD that will make every one of us much happier in our lives.
You are very optimistic about the Mac. It simply will disappear form Apples product line if they can't get sales up. It is pretty obvious that this is an issue. If your sales are declining quarter on quarter then eventually you hit zero. Of course most companies swign the axe first but you get my point.
Look at it this way if you listen carefully to what is being said in the quarterly meetings and other contacts that the Apple executive staff has with the outside world you will begin to realize that they (the executives) are starting to see the same problem. How they go about addressing that seems to be an issue, their thirst for revenue is driving off customers. In effect they are in a spiral, each attempt to increase revenue drives off more customers and fewer customers result in attempts to increase revenue. Since all these revenue increases are done thorugh higher prices or the sale of outdated components the cycle has become very noticeable.
What really amazes me is that the G5 XServer shows that Apple does have the ability to address customer needs. Why they can't do that with their other hardware is beyond me.
Originally posted by costique
You are a heretic. I can't even imagine Jobs killing Apple's flagship brand, Macintosh, which has always been associated with Apple, which made Apple possible, which helped Apple survive, which has been a subculture for 20 years. Man, you deserve a visit of Inquisition officers. Seriously.
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
That is one way to look at it the other is that they come up with a marketing solution that works and dramatically increase market share. We all know how well that has been working lately.
Lets face it Apple set a goal of 200,000 PowerMac per quarter, and couldn't make it. Which by the way isn't much of a world wide sales goal. To remain a player in the industry they need to ship 2X that IN A MONTH. We certianly don't see any plans to make that happen. Frankly though faster CPU's may help there is a lot more wrong here than just that. REv B PowerMacs are not going to be a hit with out a fresh marketing approach. If they can't find that successful approach then the Mac is dead.
Thanks
dave
Originally posted by wizard69
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
Lets face it Apple set a goal of 200,000 PowerMac per quarter, and couldn't make it. Which by the way isn't much of a world wide sales goal. To remain a player in the industry they need to ship 2X that IN A MONTH. We certianly don't see any plans to make that happen. Frankly though faster CPU's may help there is a lot more wrong here than just that. REv B PowerMacs are not going to be a hit with out a fresh marketing approach. If they can't find that successful approach then the Mac is dead.
Thanks
dave
Sorry, i don't mean to get personal but you sound abit like a first year Business major who hasn't gotten beyond chapter 5 in the text book.
I doubt Apple is losing money right now. It has $4 million in the bank. It needs to evolve and it does need to change its marketing, but what sets Apple apart now is some good design (which could and has moved to the Wintel world) and the Mac OS. So why not continue the same?!?!?! Make great cross-over products and sustain and develop the Mac OS!!! Each pushes innovation in the other. That is what has sustained Apple over the decades when market forces would and did knock off many other companies of the same size as Apple.
The minute Apple stops making Macs, the world will depend upon Dell and HP and Sony to advance the personal computer. Why let that happen?
You have some good concerns, but business and life within the "free" market system goes way beyond Business 101 textbooks.
Originally posted by MacGregor
It has $4 billion in the bank.
Fixed that for you.
Originally posted by wizard69
Business is Business and Apple is failing to find an acceptable marketing solution to Mac sales. So like the hungery farmer he will get out his axe and cut the head of this useless beast off.
You don't understand one thing: failing at the world domination is not the end of the world. Apple is not losing money on Macs. Yes, they cannot sell as many Macs as they'd like to. And they rarely could. 4 billion in cash may make Apple seem a small company, compared to MS or Warner Bros, but it's still a whole lot of money. Apple survived much harder times when their hardware sucked. Now it's only a matter of one speed bump.
Macs are not going anywhere. Point. Killing the Macintosh brand is nothing but shooting yourself in the foot.
The thing that makes me quinch is when people have the abillity to sound clever, but lack the abillity to research facts. Why would the one out of two companies who actually made money during the resent IT crisis, suddenly decide that they are doing poorly? Can't you see you got it all wrong here?
Get over the "we are sooo small we might as well all lay down and die" attitude! The Mac is actually doing quite ok AND BE HAPPY ABOUT IT
Sincerly
Brian Zebeaune 8)
Its pure speculation, all of it.
Some attributes of the Macintosh Line.
========================
Valuable name recognition among consumers
Great reviews from critics (or at the least, controversial and high-publicity)
High-customer satisfaction of its computers
Heavy Investments in the distribution network
The fact that Apple is still making a profit with the Mac
and the High public perception that Apple = Macintosh
So how does that mean that Apple has to axe the Macintosh?
My thinking is a lot more simple.
PowerMac sales bad=Make better PowerMacs
Originally posted by BeigeUser
PowerMac sales bad=Make better PowerMacs
Exactly!
That is the exact reason PowerMac sales are off, but they are not always off.
Not many people wanted to buy the 2x 2GHz G5 PowerMac. I didn't. Because the PowerMacs were not better, or as good as they were made out to be. Not compared to the dual 3GHz+ XEONS. I wanted one (G5) right after WWDC 2003 keynote, but I waited to see all the independent testing first. I saw it, and I didn't like the results I saw. I thought Apple bull sh*tted their way through most things in those demo's.
I know a ton of People that are PC users that wait to see if IBM, and Apple are going to get these processors up to par, and ahead of the x86 computers. If they did they would buy them. Apple has great stuff, but they keep letting the hardware stay so far behind the top x86 computers it's not even funny.
If they get this Machine ready by WWDC PowerMac sales will be beyond what Apple imagines. Not only Mac users watch them. As long as it's not a total BS demo.
And changing the name isn't going to do them a bit of good. It will probably loose more people than gain people. The only reason I don't have a Dual AMD Operon system is because I am waiting because I want another PowerMac. A better PowerMac.
If there isn't one though I do have a x86 system I've been configuring for a long time, and I'm excited about it. THe PC side has a lot of cool stuff, and my case alone is really wicked. So I'm not going to let it get me down again this year.
But as a life long Macintosh user, and a loyal PowerMac buyer/user I'm waiting to see how it turns out first.
Originally posted by Existence
Apple isn't dieing but the Mac is. Marketshare has been declining every year since the advent of a "useable" Windows.
Wrong.
Marketshare decline just means that PC growth exceeded Mac growth. Considering that Apple only goes after selected markets you can't really look at marketshare like you'd think.
Originally posted by Existence
Apple isn't dieing but the Mac is. Marketshare has been declining every year since the advent of a "useable" Windows.
I know many people who buy a new $600 PC every year only because advertisers convince them their hardware is out of date. That doesn't influence any marketshare. But those who calculate marketshares count every purchase.
I don't believe incorrectly based or biased statistics.