Some relevant observations:
- Some small proprietorships and limited partnerships that use computers have ignored speed improvements since the replacement of the 486. Except for the possibility of an under $1k Wintel purchase (remote) they are out of the market.
- The average 1st time buyer "IS" very interested in speed. He/she simply does not want to pay a premium for it. "How fast?" is almost always the second question on their minds. "How much?" is first.
- The pent up damand for lower priced FastMacs is so large that many have already been replaced in frustration by Wintels. Reasoning: Historically Mac users had to replace the entire computer for even incremental performance gains. Wintel users have been able to replace existing motherboards cheaply for some time. That is attractive to those who like to/have to keep up. Many a Mac II, IIci are still sitting on a desk, some collecting dust. Were it not for the ease of use, and graphics/prepress functionality they would be out the window by now. These older boxes are ripe for replacement.
- The Apple Store is just now opened. As it is a [rush to open software project] tied to complex real world dynamics, I am amazed at the current level of execution. Expect fine tuning and pronounced expansions on the theme as time goes by.
- People have a tendency to get comfortable with their computer's OS unless familiarity breeds contempt. Consumers using their Wintel computers to a specific purpose will likely be satisfied once they are trained and able to get their work done. Consumers (excluding computer professionals) who try to make their Wintel do everything promised by the industry will likely experience contempt.
- The old arguements (software, compatibility, WAN ability) for buying Wintel are at this time quite hollow. While software volume is greater for Wintel as a whole, specific versions of the OS and hardware are more limited in scope. Incrimental performance gains, and even useability in many cases, depends now on the software marketers keeping their products updated and reissued on both hardware (MMX) and software (NT) fronts. Macophile are not experiencing software DTs. Quite the contrary. The software engine on the Mac OS is prolific. Even the shareware is, for the most part, of commercial value.
- Perception does not always equal reality. More announcements could be pending. It is Jobs' signature to hype what he considers most important to the company despite its known value, and press release unknown values that are still quite significant.
Disclosure: I am long AAPL.
Apple's interesting comparison of the Mac OS vs Windows:
apple.com
The Apple Media Program has some interesting resources on European distributors and dealers:
amp.apple.com
Bottom Line has G3 systems for sale online as well:
www2.blol.com
Apple's retail web presence was already well established before The Apple Store:
yahoo.com
Good hunting!
HerbVic, JAAO |
