I don't like all the talk of this ipod "halo effect". I'm sure the ipod has mad some difference but I don't think it's as much as everybody thinks. I don't have an iPod but I made the switch this year. I was sick of spyware and viruses and the general instability of Windows (it also looks better). It's always been general knowledge that Macs don't crash (or rarely do) so I looked into it. I would have made the switch a lot sooner but couldn't afford it until the Mini came out.
The moment I realized I wanted a mac however was a long time ago when I saw the TV and print ads for the Cube and fell in love.
I decided long ago that my next computer would not be a Windows one. I spent ages looking at Debain Linux which is now running fantastically on my server, but I couldn't use it as my workstation OS.
Then I looked at alternatives.
I've never owned nor used a Mac properly in my life (other than quickly playing about in a department store.) Yet last May I spent a small fortune on a PowerBook and an Airport Express. I've been extremely happy with my purchase.
Then four months later I bought an iPod shuffle, which I've also been pleased with.
The iPod "halo effect" doesn't mean someone buys an iPod and then gets a Mac. In my opinion, it's merely a method of getting the Apple brand advertised to a broader audience.
I wonder if I count as one or two switchers. In August I convinced my office to let me switch my Windows laptop for a Macintosh one. That was a big thing since it was the first Mac in our company... and I am the system administrator! I had just had enough of fighting Windows and I wanted something that worked.
After that switch, in October I bought myself an iBook for home. Gave my IBM Thinkpad to the kids. Again, the iBook just works. And it feels right.
All this and I have been a Microsoft guy for a very long time. Developer, partner, sys admin, consultant, long time attender of Tech-Ed, certified, and even a trainer. But Macs just work.
... the first Mac in our company... and I am the system administrator!
Well, you got the computer in past the most important person! Now it's just a matter of demonstrating to the bean counters that, in terms of total cost of ownership and extended life, Macs are cheaper.
Interesting that once I got mine, a couple of other people voiced the desire. One or two more should be coming in the door before the end of the year!
Other interesting thing - in the three years I have been at this company we have had no Macs around. Not employees or contractors or consultants. None. Now within the last 4 months or so we have mine as an employee, two consultants that have come in have them, and one new employee who just started brings his home Powerbook in sometimes. He is starting to use it more and more at work.
So, at least with what I deal with, there is a change happening. Is this a sign of something larger? I hope so...
I don't like all the talk of this ipod "halo effect". I'm sure the ipod has mad some difference but I don't think it's as much as everybody thinks. I don't have an iPod but I made the switch this year. I was sick of spyware and viruses and the general instability of Windows (it also looks better). It's always been general knowledge that Macs don't crash (or rarely do) so I looked into it. I would have made the switch a lot sooner but couldn't afford it until the Mini came out.
The moment I realized I wanted a mac however was a long time ago when I saw the TV and print ads for the Cube and fell in love.
I gotta agree here. I'm not convinced on the "halo effect" either. Sure it matters somewhat, but I think it's more buzzword than proven sales. If Mac sales went up, did PC sales go down? There's no data in context. It's rather presumptuous.
I think the smartest thing Apple did was release the Mini. Finally a cheap system for potential switchers to get their feet wet.
I had wanted to move away from Windoze for ages, earlier last year I bought a PC and made it in to a Gentoo Linux box. I only wanted a development server as I had a 'working' laptop.
Earlier this year that laptop died, so I switched to being a Mac user after purchasing my new 15" PowerBook. My partner is a Windoze freak, but it doesn't stop him coming over and drooling over my PB and using it when my back is turned.
I am very glad to hear alot more people made the move that I just recently made. I have always hesitated to purchase a Mac because of the lack of software etc mainly because there were just not enough people running Mac. I just couldnt make excuses any more and had to buy. I got this PowerBook and I felt kind of like the first day I ever bought a notebook computer. Thought this was the coolest thing ever made
Anyway, now that I see I must have moved in with the world of Mac users at a good time, I am even more excited.
One comment I must make on the article though...
"The momentum generated by Apple's iPod digital music players and related products continues to translate into new Macintosh sales..."
Well this had no positive effect on me. If anything another reason I almost didnt by a Mac was how sick I have been of hearing about iProducts nonstop. I have not and will never buy an ipod. I know this sounds stupid to many of you, but this whole ipod thing is just annoying to me, sorry, just me I guess. But I am SOOOO glad to be a Mac user now. Computers are fun again
Talking to most people, the move to Mac had absolutely nothing to do with icrap. I dont actually think I ever spoke to anyone personally that said that was why they changed. Like myself, it just seems people are so sick of Microsoft and its unstable software. After sitting on the other side and being secretly jealous of how happy Mac users were with their OS, it was just one of those "cant beat em' join em'".
Yeah, not too many places to get Macs. There used to be a place called MicroAge on Anthony Blvd and a place called Carper Graphic. MicroAge closed down many years ago and Carper Graphic has recently merged with Pixelcreek Technologies out of South Bend. I'm waiting for an Apple Store to be put in Jefferson Pointe, in case apple is listening.
I'm going to throw in my "Fort Wayne, small world" comment. I grew up in Napoleon, Ohio and lived in fort wayne for a summer with my brother who produced the 11 o'clock news on WANE-TV for two years. Something that surprised me about Fort Wayne, and maybe my favorite thing, is that it has a really great Disc Golf scene. Good city, I'd love to move back there someday.
We used to go to that Martini Jazz Club place downtown-ish. What's that called? I can't believe I forgot.
Yeah, not too many places to get Macs. There used to be a place called MicroAge on Anthony Blvd and a place called Carper Graphic. MicroAge closed down many years ago and Carper Graphic has recently merged with Pixelcreek Technologies out of South Bend. I'm waiting for an Apple Store to be put in Jefferson Pointe, in case apple is listening.
I'm going to throw in my "Fort Wayne, small world" comment. I grew up in Napoleon, Ohio and lived in fort wayne for a summer with my brother who produced the 11 o'clock news on WANE-TV for two years. Something that surprised me about Fort Wayne, and maybe my favorite thing, is that it has a really great Disc Golf scene. Good city, I'd love to move back there someday.
We used to go to that Martini Jazz Club place downtown-ish. What's that called? I can't believe I forgot.
West Swinney Park has a course. It's a nice old park when it isn't hold leftovers from the St. Mary's River.
On Superior St.? Club Soda.
Ah, Club Soda, I can't believe I forgot the name of that place. I wish Cincinnati had a cool place like that. I used to live right over by Swinney Park, but it was the summer of '03 which equalled tons of flooding. We would always go out to Shoaff Park which had what i thought was a better course.
At this time, the iPod?s share of the 1-inch hard drive segment should rebound, Wolf said.
Impressive, that would be quite a feat now that there is officially no iPod being made anymore that has a "1-inch" hard drive, the ones out there are just being sold out of old stock.
The rebound of Mac sales other factors, the iPod halo is just one. Window's maintainance problems are another, the purported ease of use is another, and the increased profile because of the mall stores help as well.
I bought my PB 1 year ago, and since then I've converted eight people. I'm that guy at the bar who tries to preach the gospel of Mac to any unsuspecting soul who happens along. Those friends of mine who are not switching to Mac are perhaps not friends after all.
I bought my PB 1 year ago, and since then I've converted eight people. I'm that guy at the bar who tries to preach the gospel of Mac to any unsuspecting soul who happens along. Those friends of mine who are not switching to Mac are perhaps not friends after all.
Got to love that logic. Any growth must be coming from the Windows market. Gee, and how much of that could be Mac users wanting to upgrade before classic compatibility disappears, or just getting in before the initial Intel machines start being sold, causing all sorts of compatibility and stability issues. No, its got to be windows users, people who bought an ipod and go "Gee, I like this MP3 player. Now I think I should spend three times as much on a computer from the same company!" (Man, look at all the business Creative, Rio, etc, are missing out by not selling computers, since people must like their MP3 players, and, as such, would just love to buy a computer from the same company).
.....The iPod "halo effect" doesn't mean someone buys an iPod and then gets a Mac. In my opinion, it's merely a method of getting the Apple brand advertised to a broader audience.
Interesting thought... I feel that there are two components of the iPod "halo effect". One part is brand awareness as you mentioned, another is brand conversion.
Brand awareness = a computer user going from "WTF is apple? Macs suck!!" to "oh... okay, apple makes macs, hmm... apparently they do stuff..."
Brand conversion = a computer user going from "my life is doomed, i gotta use windoze, but what alternatives are there!! hmm i'll play with linux for a while.." to "fuck windows, i bought a mac 3 days/weeks/months ago and my (i)life rocks now!!"
any research company that can give solid numbers of those two components would be very valuable to AAPL, analysts, and competitors. also, analysis across different geographic regions would be good too...
Comments
The moment I realized I wanted a mac however was a long time ago when I saw the TV and print ads for the Cube and fell in love.
Then I looked at alternatives.
I've never owned nor used a Mac properly in my life (other than quickly playing about in a department store.) Yet last May I spent a small fortune on a PowerBook and an Airport Express. I've been extremely happy with my purchase.
Then four months later I bought an iPod shuffle, which I've also been pleased with.
The iPod "halo effect" doesn't mean someone buys an iPod and then gets a Mac. In my opinion, it's merely a method of getting the Apple brand advertised to a broader audience.
After that switch, in October I bought myself an iBook for home. Gave my IBM Thinkpad to the kids. Again, the iBook just works. And it feels right.
All this and I have been a Microsoft guy for a very long time. Developer, partner, sys admin, consultant, long time attender of Tech-Ed, certified, and even a trainer. But Macs just work.
The revolution may finally be happening!
Originally posted by carnellm
... the first Mac in our company... and I am the system administrator!
Well, you got the computer in past the most important person! Now it's just a matter of demonstrating to the bean counters that, in terms of total cost of ownership and extended life, Macs are cheaper.
Other interesting thing - in the three years I have been at this company we have had no Macs around. Not employees or contractors or consultants. None. Now within the last 4 months or so we have mine as an employee, two consultants that have come in have them, and one new employee who just started brings his home Powerbook in sometimes. He is starting to use it more and more at work.
So, at least with what I deal with, there is a change happening. Is this a sign of something larger? I hope so...
Originally posted by Chucker
I want some of your drugs.
Me too, ROTFL!
Originally posted by Sekio
I don't like all the talk of this ipod "halo effect". I'm sure the ipod has mad some difference but I don't think it's as much as everybody thinks. I don't have an iPod but I made the switch this year. I was sick of spyware and viruses and the general instability of Windows (it also looks better). It's always been general knowledge that Macs don't crash (or rarely do) so I looked into it. I would have made the switch a lot sooner but couldn't afford it until the Mini came out.
The moment I realized I wanted a mac however was a long time ago when I saw the TV and print ads for the Cube and fell in love.
I gotta agree here. I'm not convinced on the "halo effect" either. Sure it matters somewhat, but I think it's more buzzword than proven sales. If Mac sales went up, did PC sales go down? There's no data in context. It's rather presumptuous.
I think the smartest thing Apple did was release the Mini. Finally a cheap system for potential switchers to get their feet wet.
Earlier this year that laptop died, so I switched to being a Mac user after purchasing my new 15" PowerBook. My partner is a Windoze freak, but it doesn't stop him coming over and drooling over my PB and using it when my back is turned.
Anyway, now that I see I must have moved in with the world of Mac users at a good time, I am even more excited.
One comment I must make on the article though...
"The momentum generated by Apple's iPod digital music players and related products continues to translate into new Macintosh sales..."
Well this had no positive effect on me. If anything another reason I almost didnt by a Mac was how sick I have been of hearing about iProducts nonstop. I have not and will never buy an ipod. I know this sounds stupid to many of you, but this whole ipod thing is just annoying to me, sorry, just me I guess. But I am SOOOO glad to be a Mac user now. Computers are fun again
Talking to most people, the move to Mac had absolutely nothing to do with icrap. I dont actually think I ever spoke to anyone personally that said that was why they changed. Like myself, it just seems people are so sick of Microsoft and its unstable software. After sitting on the other side and being secretly jealous of how happy Mac users were with their OS, it was just one of those "cant beat em' join em'".
Originally posted by fahlman
Yeah, not too many places to get Macs. There used to be a place called MicroAge on Anthony Blvd and a place called Carper Graphic. MicroAge closed down many years ago and Carper Graphic has recently merged with Pixelcreek Technologies out of South Bend. I'm waiting for an Apple Store to be put in Jefferson Pointe, in case apple is listening.
I'm going to throw in my "Fort Wayne, small world" comment. I grew up in Napoleon, Ohio and lived in fort wayne for a summer with my brother who produced the 11 o'clock news on WANE-TV for two years. Something that surprised me about Fort Wayne, and maybe my favorite thing, is that it has a really great Disc Golf scene. Good city, I'd love to move back there someday.
We used to go to that Martini Jazz Club place downtown-ish. What's that called? I can't believe I forgot.
Originally posted by fahlman
Yeah, not too many places to get Macs. There used to be a place called MicroAge on Anthony Blvd and a place called Carper Graphic. MicroAge closed down many years ago and Carper Graphic has recently merged with Pixelcreek Technologies out of South Bend. I'm waiting for an Apple Store to be put in Jefferson Pointe, in case apple is listening.
I'm going to throw in my "Fort Wayne, small world" comment. I grew up in Napoleon, Ohio and lived in fort wayne for a summer with my brother who produced the 11 o'clock news on WANE-TV for two years. Something that surprised me about Fort Wayne, and maybe my favorite thing, is that it has a really great Disc Golf scene. Good city, I'd love to move back there someday.
We used to go to that Martini Jazz Club place downtown-ish. What's that called? I can't believe I forgot.
Originally posted by progmac
Something that surprised me about Fort Wayne, and maybe my favorite thing, is that it has a really great Disc Golf scene.
West Swinney Park has a course. It's a nice old park when it isn't hold leftovers from the St. Mary's River.
Originally posted by progmac
We used to go to that Martini Jazz Club place downtown-ish. What's that called? I can't believe I forgot.
On Superior St.? Club Soda.
Originally posted by fahlman
West Swinney Park has a course. It's a nice old park when it isn't hold leftovers from the St. Mary's River.
On Superior St.? Club Soda.
Ah, Club Soda, I can't believe I forgot the name of that place. I wish Cincinnati had a cool place like that. I used to live right over by Swinney Park, but it was the summer of '03 which equalled tons of flooding. We would always go out to Shoaff Park which had what i thought was a better course.
Originally posted by AppleInsider
At this time, the iPod?s share of the 1-inch hard drive segment should rebound, Wolf said.
Impressive, that would be quite a feat now that there is officially no iPod being made anymore that has a "1-inch" hard drive, the ones out there are just being sold out of old stock.
The rebound of Mac sales other factors, the iPod halo is just one. Window's maintainance problems are another, the purported ease of use is another, and the increased profile because of the mall stores help as well.
Originally posted by hankx32
I bought my PB 1 year ago, and since then I've converted eight people. I'm that guy at the bar who tries to preach the gospel of Mac to any unsuspecting soul who happens along. Those friends of mine who are not switching to Mac are perhaps not friends after all.
Just pray your friends don't ask about iPhoto!
Originally posted by Louzer
Got to love that logic. Any growth must be coming from the Windows market. Gee, and how much of that could be Mac users wanting to upgrade before classic compatibility disappears, or just getting in before the initial Intel machines start being sold, causing all sorts of compatibility and stability issues. No, its got to be windows users, people who bought an ipod and go "Gee, I like this MP3 player. Now I think I should spend three times as much on a computer from the same company!" (Man, look at all the business Creative, Rio, etc, are missing out by not selling computers, since people must like their MP3 players, and, as such, would just love to buy a computer from the same company).
a little bit over the top, isn't it?
Originally posted by progmac
I used to live right over by Swinney Park, but it was the summer of '03 which equalled tons of flooding.
I lived on the corner of Washington and Nelson in the summer of '93. Just a few blocks from Swinney Park.
Edit: You said '03, not '93. I guess I'm old.
.....The iPod "halo effect" doesn't mean someone buys an iPod and then gets a Mac. In my opinion, it's merely a method of getting the Apple brand advertised to a broader audience.
Interesting thought... I feel that there are two components of the iPod "halo effect". One part is brand awareness as you mentioned, another is brand conversion.
Brand awareness = a computer user going from "WTF is apple? Macs suck!!" to "oh... okay, apple makes macs, hmm... apparently they do stuff..."
Brand conversion = a computer user going from "my life is doomed, i gotta use windoze, but what alternatives are there!! hmm i'll play with linux for a while.." to "fuck windows, i bought a mac 3 days/weeks/months ago and my (i)life rocks now!!"
any research company that can give solid numbers of those two components would be very valuable to AAPL, analysts, and competitors. also, analysis across different geographic regions would be good too...