He says that "having the large PC system unit hidden under the desk isn't a big deal for me, especially since it gives me easy access to multiple USB, serial, and 1394 ports, something the new iMac doesn't offer."
In point of fact, the new iMac offers a larger than usual complement of USB ports, as well as 1394 ports, and it makes these available right on the desktop, rather than under the desk.
I think he meant that having those ports on the back of the computer was the problem (many new PC cases have them on the front for easy access). Otherwise, I would agree he was full of "it". Like I said, I think the guy is a little disgruntled--the number of people who want to mount two CD-RW drives in their system is, I would guess, is rather small. Why he chose to complain about that (rather than, say, not being able to install an additional internal HD--yeah, I could buy an external HD w/firewire, but why would I want to pay twice as much?).
Whatever the case, I saw the Time Apple article in someone's mailbox today, so stopped and read it. It was sickeningly lavish--it definitely didn't sit well with me. Enjoyed the chart showing the Apple % of computers sold, with a long decline (starting at 7% and going down) and a little upturn at the end, as though that was something critical. If you integrate that curve over time, it suggests that the world-wide installed base percentage is similarly declining. I keep hearing people say Apple is so great because it can make so much money by just gaining a tiny additional share of the market. Thing is, the longer-term trend is going to zero!
Regards,
Steve |
