Thanks for responding to my post. I largely agree with what you have to say. I differ on the reseller and iMac issues, but I definitely agree on the Newton and eMate, which I didn't make clear in my earlier post. Especially the eMate, which I thought was a success and leaves me scratching my head. The damage done to Apple's credibility is high with these folks, and I can only hope that a new, better solution is presented in the near future. My guess is we'll hear more about these at MacWorld in July.
I don't know where the 70,000 advance figure for the iMac came from, but you could very well be right on the CompUSA idea. I still think it will be successful, but I do hope they can bring the price down quickly and the USB peripheral solutions are abundant. I think Jobs' goal is a $500-700 unit by this time next year. With Windows 98 still due out in June and the DOJ unsuccessful in preventing its release, the USB products should flourish.
As for resellers, the real danger I see with Apple's plan is inadvertently cutting out some VAR's that really do advocate and sell the Mac well. I guess that's bound to happen, but perhaps there can be an appeal process for those so affected to be reevaluated. Otherwise, Apple needs to get rid of the chaffe, and this is the only way to do it. Let's hope it doesn't backfire. |
