christopher126

Here's my take:

iPhone: I'm so bored w/ the iPhone. I hate carrying it, I hate looking at it, I hate recharging it and I hate using it. I'm still using the SE. Only b/c of the stupid high cost to upgrade, and it makes me too dependent on third rate, crappy, expensive carriers. The new iPhone models are much too large and too heavy and too expensive...(I like that my current SE's rose gold color matches my other main device a 2017 MacBook). If I lost my SE I'd be hard pressed not to buy another refurbished one. I probably would end up buying a rose gold refurbished iPhone 7

iPad: I still have an iPad Mini 2 I use for travel. I'd consider the next generation iPad Mini for the same reason. But not at $499. Price would have to be < $299. If I lost it tomorrow, I would not replace it.
  
AppleWatch: I still have the first generation AppleWatch for everyday wear, time and temperature display. But, mainly used for running. I'd consider upgrading to the current model for the larger screen size and the swimming option. If I lost it, I would eventually buy the latest model. But not right away.

AirPods: Brilliant device! If I lost my current set of AirPods, I'd purchase another set, post haste.

AirPower: I'd purchase today, bite the bullet and upgrade to a wireless charging iPhone, AppleWatch and AirPods w/ charging case!

iMac: I still own a functioning 2006 original intel iMac. It's sitting, unplugged, in my garage. Getting ready to recycle it soon. Most likely will never replace it.

MacBook (2017): My pride and joy in rose gold. Without a doubt the best Apple device I've ever owned! I probably won't ever buy an iMac or laptop again. If the new iPad mini is too expensive I'll just either travel with my current iPad Mini 2 or recycle it and travel with my MacBook! If I lost my MacBook, I'd buy the latest regular iPad and go all in w/ iOS while eschewing MacOS devices, altogether. Basically end up with an iPhone and an iPad.:)

AppleTV: Currently own a 50" TV and the latest ATV generation (non-4K). For 2019, I may concentrate on getting a > 70" 4K TV, the 4K ATV, and 2 HomePod speakers. Forget new iPhones, MacOS devices, iPads, AppleWatches and concentrate on the living room!

Software: I don't have any Google, MicroSoft, Twitter or FaceBook apps on any of my Apple devices. I only use Apple first-party apps. I have no third-party apps on my iPhone, MacBook, AppleTV, AppleWatch or iPad! I have no Chinese or Russian apps on my devices!  I have no Samsung products in my home. I have no stupid games on any of my devices.

I'm a "fun" guy!

Best regards.

Copying and a 'good enough' approach to business will only get you so far!

It shows the extraordinary effort Apple puts into every facet of the iPhone. From glass, software, chips, battery, cameras, antennas, etc., etc. 

And, the syncing of everything across all my devices. 

I will never have a Google, MS, Samsung, Amazon, or Facebook device in my home or service on my devices!

I can't wait until Apple makes all my devices look "Anonymous" on the internet! 

It's coming!

macxpress said:

I think Angela has been a great asset to the Apple team, specifically in Retail. There was a LOT of naysayers when she first came onboard, and I think she's proven them all wrong. I have to think it's no easy task taking something as successful as an Apple Retail Store and keeping it successful, especially when the bulk of retail is faltering badly. At least Apple is trying new, fresh ideas in retail. They're keeping the appearance of the stores current and not just keeping the original look. This I think is what gets a lot of retail in trouble and then when they realize it, it's too late and they don't have the capital to redo all of their stores. 

Apple Stores are still a huge hit no matter how to put it. They're always full of people and they sell tons of product there. You can't say someone isn't doing a very good job with these kinds of results. Maybe you don't like the way things are going, but that doesn't mean she's not going a good job. 

Stores today are so much different than they were when Apple Stores first came out. Apple is so much bigger today than it was back in 2001. 

Well said, Mac. I agree. I think she's done a tremendous job. The stores look better and better each year. I know it's a relatively small thing, but I like the inclusion of the trees and plants inside the stores. (I know not in all stores). I think she brings a certain style and elegance to the brand.

Best.

Typical...not to sound too cynical...but as you look around the world, (all hemispheres), there are no real wars left.

Except in the Middle East!

Yes, there are regional problems, as with the Royhinga in Myanmar, whatever is going on in the Philippines and, of course, Crimea/Ukraine.

Only the Middle East continues to be an area of the world that has not obliged itself of the success as have the emerging markets of India, Brazil, China, Africa, Vietnam, etc., etc.

E.g., China, a country of ~1.4 billion people has lifted half their population out of poverty and had ~10% growth in GDP (YOY) for the last 30 years...(Down to ~7% growth, currently, I think?)

Islam needs a Reformation. Similar to what happened to Christendom in the 16th century. (You know, where God told us to burn more Catholics b/c it was 'cold' outside!)  s/

Oh well, don't mean to sound like I know everything...


Saudi Arabia is not our friend! They're too concerned with fighting a 2,500 year old regional war with 'Persia' (i.e., Iran)

 

P.S. Why is 'Arabia' at war with 'Persia' you might ask? Yes, Arabia are Sunni Muslims, and Persia are Shia Muslims. But, one sect believes the caliphate should be a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad and one sect doesn't. Are you f'ing kidding me!  'Que so what, so what' or better yet, 'Inshallah.'

I understand the metric, but it's a bit misleading...

As an example, for Toyota to do mid-model update to the Toyota Camry takes about 300 man years of engineering.