Apples Market Share

[phatlip12]

Ever since Apple made the transition to Intel, the Mac's market share has since increased. I'm not sure what your guys local Apple store looks like, but whenever I go to mine it's a mad house (people walking out the door with Macs left and right). How far do you guys think this increase is going to last for? What are your guys general predictions for the Mac?

[titaniumlizzard]

I don't think the switch to Intel is entirely responsible for the boom in the Mac industry.

There are millions of computer users out there that still think the monitor is the computer, and the tower is the "Hard drive." Consumers just want easy results, and Macs just work. Open box, plug in, go to email or myspace.

Don't get me wrong, I am a PC user, but Macs look very appealing. Second are the iPod/iMac. The iPod was revolutionary(in a way) and the iMac was just a major blow to the industry dominated by beige boxes. Yes, there is some fad factor working for the iPod/iMac, but they are good machines that just work for the average user.

I think the major breaking point was the switch from proprietary hardware/software to standard parts / windows compatibility. Macs have what, 5% market share? Why program for that? Most people choose the platform that has their applications. Macs do windows now, so they do your programs.

In the long term? It will continue to grow. I dare not say how fast or how far, but since the early 2000's, Apple has been picking up steam by releasing products that people want. Keep that up, and they'll go far.

[vehemens]

"Macs just work" is horseshit. Macs are as prone to as many problems as any other computer. The difference is, you don't have to ship your PC off to get it repaired. And living in a country which doesn't have a mac store (at least I don't think we do)... that shits not going to fly. And as for the ease with which someone can manage their software on the mac. Get a pc and ubuntu. It's just as capable. But then Ubuntu doesn't have an Applesque marketting division.

The bundling of itunes and quicktime is like when Real Player took the market for a while and then everyone got sick of it because it buried itself in the computer and refused to let go.

The iPod is nothing more than a well designed, well marketted mp3 player. And there are cheaper, equally capable (if not more so) mp3 players out there.

Honestly, the only people who go out and buy macs are fanboys and people gullible enough to believe the marketting of Apple. And yes. I've used macs and pcs. I run linux and windows. I don't hate Apple. I just hate the fanboyism and naivety of people that believe everything that Apple tell them and that Apple is the saviour of technology.

[titaniumlizzard]

"Macs just work" is horseshit.

Strike 1: You're an asshole

Macs are as prone Macs are as prone to as many problems as any other computer.

Remember, the majority of consumers are idiots when it comes to technology. They are who I based my post off. "I want music on my iPod" Plug it in and it works. Idiot is happy, and Apple makes a sale.

The difference is, you don't have to ship your PC off to get it repaired. And living in a country which doesn't have a mac store (at least I don't think we do)... that shits not going to fly.

Not everybody lives in your country.

And as for the ease with which someone can manage their software on the mac. Get a pc and ubuntu.

Problem: you're a fanboy. get off your high horse. Again, how many consumers even know what linux is? Can you run the majority of your software on ubuntu? What? no DirectX? Wine has it's limitations? Wow, ubuntu IS great!

It's just as capable. But then Ubuntu doesn't have an Applesque marketting division.

Ubuntu is not a profit driven company

The bundling of itunes and quicktime is like when Real Player took the market for a while and then everyone got sick of it because it buried itself in the computer and refused to let go.

Big deal. Windows has Windows Media Player. Don't like it? Get VLC. Apple doesn't have a gun to your head to use iTunes.

The iPod is nothing more than a well designed, well marketted mp3 player.

With a simple GUI anybody can use.

And there are cheaper, equally capable (if not more so) mp3 players out there.

We are not comparing apples to oranges(no pun intented) we are simply talking about Apple and where it is going.

Honestly, the only people who go out and buy macs are fanboys and people gullible enough to believe the marketting of Apple.

What about A/V guys? Do they drool over the rounded rectangle design apple has, or do they liike the hardware/software available? What about people that want a small, powerful laptop? What about the people that want a small, quiet desktop?

And yes. I've used macs and pcs. I run linux and windows. I don't hate Apple. I just hate the fanboyism and naivety of people that believe everything that Apple tell them and that Apple is the saviour of technology.

This coming from the ubuntu whore?

[vehemens]

Remember, the majority of consumers are idiots when it comes to technology. They are who I based my post off. "I want music on my iPod" Plug it in and it works. Idiot is happy, and Apple makes a sale.

I completely agree. But every other mp3 player plugs in and "just works" you don't need an over-priced, over-hyped piece of Apple hardware.

Not everybody lives in your country. No they don't. But then again there are countries outside the US despite what most Americans believe.

Problem: you're a fanboy. get off your high horse.

I'm a fanboy how? Because I don't buy Apples horseshit I'm a fanboy of what exactly?

Again, how many consumers even know what linux is?

If Linux had the advertising power of Apple, I'm sure it would do exceptionally well.

Can you run the majority of your software on ubuntu? What? no DirectX? Wine has it's limitations? Wow, ubuntu IS great!

Actually yes I can. And it's all free to. I use my console to play games. Which is about the only thing Linux is bad at.

Ubuntu is not a profit driven company

No it's not. But what's your point? I never said it was. Just that it is just as capable of doing everything mac software can.

Big deal. Windows has Windows Media Player. Don't like it? Get VLC. Apple doesn't have a gun to your head to use iTunes.

I use VLC. Specifically because WMP and iTunes are so bad. People ***** at MS for locking their OS down and making it incompatible with everything else. And don't bat an eyelid when Apple do it.

With a simple GUI anybody can use.

Again, what's the point in this statement. Most applications have a GUI that is simple to use. Irrelevant of OS. Or hardware. Thinking Apple somehow excel in making applications easy to use is putting Apple on a plinth that should be reserved for the sheer stupidity of people that find GUIs confusing.

We are not comparing apples to oranges(no pun intented) we are simply talking about Apple and where it is going.

I know that. I was simply point out what I thought of the majority of Apple fanboys and it seems to have struck a nerve.

What about A/V guys? Do they drool over the rounded rectangle design apple has, or do they liike the hardware/software available? What about people that want a small, powerful laptop? What about the people that want a small, quiet desktop?

Are you saying that PCs are incapable of being small and quiet. Because that is one hell of an idiotic statement. They are also equally capable of using the audio and visual software available on mac as the majority is hybrid. And the hardware is cheaper.

PROTIP: Silent running modification were around for PCs long before Apple made it's come back.

This coming from the ubuntu whore?

Actually I run slackware. But for idiot proof unix based computing, Ubuntu is the way to go, if people don't want to pay over the odds for over-priced hardware and an over-priced operating system built on an open source technology.

[tokenuser]

Ever since Apple made the transition to Intel, the Mac's market share has since increased. I'm not sure what your guys local Apple store looks like, but whenever I go to mine it's a mad house (people walking out the door with Macs left and right). How far do you guys think this increase is going to last for? What are your guys general predictions for the Mac?Funniest thing I heard when I was leaving my local Apple store a couple of weeks back (I was looing at screen protectors and an extended battery for my iPod ... no not a generic MP3 player than the mother of Joe Consumer calls an iPod, but a genuine, 80GB iPod with Video).

Girl with 2 guys: "I'm not going in there."
Guy 1 (boy friend?): "Why not?"
Girl: "It smells in there."
Guy 2 (friend with benefits?): "Thats the Apple fan boy 'stench of desperation'".

It was 2 dayys before the iPhone release, but she was right - it DOES smell in there. Can't put a finger on what it is though ... too much patchouli?

[masherscf]

Apple's success has nothing to do with excellent software or hardware. They're are pleanty of companies with good products that go nowhere. Just look at the PS3. Apple's true success is marketing and promotion. They've created an atmosphere where people get excited about Apple products and have an insatiable appitite for them. It helps that they're nice products. But it's the masterful branding that is reallt responsible to the success.

[vehemens]

Apple's success has nothing to do with excellent software or hardware. They're are pleanty of companies with good products that go nowhere. Just look at the PS3. Apple's true success is marketing and promotion. They've created an atmosphere where people get excited about Apple products and have an insatiable appitite for them. It helps that they're nice products. But it's the masterful branding that is reallt responsible to the success.

You've said what I'm to hungover to manage.

[mrpopular]

vehemens Hearts Bill Gates.

Apple has really turned itself around in the past few years. It was on the verge of nothing, now it's totally turned around. With the horrible Vista out now I think alot of people are thinking Apple. The only thing that doesn't help is that they are a packaged deal Apple Computer & OS. Which is very expensive for the general public.

MrPopular = Apple FanBoy.

[tokenuser]

If Vista is so bad, why do so many Apple fanboys insist that the best thing about the new Macs is that YOU CAN DUAL BOOT INTO IT.

"I <3 my MBP, but I can't live without the applications I need to run."

boo hoo hoo.

[crumbles]

...and Macs just work. Open box, plug in, go to email or myspace.OK, first, you can buy a PC and plug it in and go to myspace too. Second, no:

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

1. If everything on a Mac just works, then why does a website called "Mac fix it" exist, assholes? Here are a few choice topics on macfixitforums.com:

-Login window stuck!
-lower caSe "S" key not working!!
-Menu bar keeps flashing
-I can't drag and drop!

Waaaah, boo hoo! I can't drag and drop! Dumbass. Looks like your Macs aren't perfect after all, which leads me to my second point...

[black_magic]

It's always been my opinion that mac's and other apple computers are POINTLESS. However, apple isn't just a computer company.

I've never been in the market for a cellphone, much less a cellphone that can wipe my own ass, however, when the iphone came out, I was thinking it was cool and it looked like the best out there. Then I saw the link on digg to the maddox page where he talked about his phone.

And I realized that it really is just apple fanboyism that is keeping apple going, when people start realizing there is similar or better stuff out their, that is when apples steam will start to die down.

I have a 30G video iPod, for a while now, and a month or two ago, I started playing around with a friends Creative Zen something rather (The equivalent to my iPod). I liked the Creative Zen just a little bit more. It wasn't any harder or any easier to use than the iPod, it really wasn't all that better than the iPod... I just liked it a little bit more. So on that note, it's not that the iPod is better than other mp3 players... it just has the apple brand, and that's really the only thing that is keeping it ahead of the others.

[xibalba]

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/eula.gif

Is that true? I don't use itunes. haha

[black_magic]

Edit: blah, sorry.

[phatlip12]

OK, first, you can buy a PC and plug it in and go to myspace too. Second, no:

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

Maddox seems to be pretty gullible. Apple never said Macs were PERFECT.

[phatlip12]

It's always been my opinion that mac's and other apple computers are POINTLESS. However, apple isn't just a computer company.

I've never been in the market for a cellphone, much less a cellphone that can wipe my own ass, however, when the iphone came out, I was thinking it was cool and it looked like the best out there. Then I saw the link on digg to the maddox page where he talked about his phone.

And I realized that it really is just apple fanboyism that is keeping apple going, when people start realizing there is similar or better stuff out their, that is when apples steam will start to die down.

I have a 30G video iPod, for a while now, and a month or two ago, I started playing around with a friends Creative Zen something rather (The equivalent to my iPod). I liked the Creative Zen just a little bit more. It wasn't any harder or any easier to use than the iPod, it really wasn't all that better than the iPod... I just liked it a little bit more. So on that note, it's not that the iPod is better than other mp3 players... it just has the apple brand, and that's really the only thing that is keeping it ahead of the others.

Apple fanboys = geeks

How is it "fanboyism" is the only thing keeping apple afloat if the majority of the population isn't very technical savvy? Apple is a company that makes great products (hardware/software) and also does a great job at telling people about it. THATS why Apple is successful today.

[mrpopular]

^QFMFT

I hate the fact that as soon as someone says they are a Mac user that makes them a Fanboy.

[black_magic]

^QFMFT

I hate the fact that as soon as someone says they are a Mac user that makes them a Fanboy.

No other reason to buy a mac unless you're a fanboy ;)

[crumbles]

Maddox seems to be pretty gullible. Apple never said Macs were PERFECT.No, they use words like "revolutionary."

[tokenuser]

Cupertino, CA – If you want to see the iPhone at an Apple store, be sure to bring some cash. Large crowds flocking to see the iPhone and next generation iPods have forced Apple to begin charging a $5 entrance fee for Apple stores. Many analysts anticipated the move, and expect a positive response from customers.

"Part of the move was to limit crowds to keep the stores safe, but also we wanted to keep the right kind of people in the stores," said vice president of retail outlets, Vince Sciopiano. "By 'right kind of people' I mean true Apple customers with money, willing to pay just to look at our newest wares."

Full story (http://tinyurl.com/ynsp2b).

I read it on the intarwebs, so it must be true.

[phatlip12]

No, they use words like "revolutionary."

And that has to do with Mac never breaking how?

[phatlip12]

In the next 12 months I believe the following is a possibility:

New iPod (that run's OS X)
New iPhone
Multitouch Macs
iPhone Home

[tokenuser]

In the next 12 months I believe the following is a possibility:

New iPod (that run's OS X)
New iPhone
Multitouch Macs
iPhone Home
Peering into my crystal balls ...

New iPod - not much of a prediction. UI Video leaked already. Apple lawyer had it taken down, but its out there if you know where to look.

New iPhone - again, not much of a prediction, but probably NOT initially for AT&T. iPhone 2.0 will be a 3G compliant phone launched on the European networks 4Q07. Apple will pass the EDGE based iPhones to US consumers as long as they can.

Multitouch Mac - as a total unit thats a stretch, but expect to see full on multitouch support in the trackpad real soon. Full on Multitouch Mac will come with the iTablet Mac - announced Jan 2008. Released July 2008.

iPhone Home. ET edition. Comes with M&Ms.

[ryudo]

Ok yes i want a MAC but I want a SEPERATE windows machine and Linux machine also because ..well just because I want it that way.

but instead of regurgitating much of what has been said already I will say this simple...Macs will always be a niche market.

As for iphone jim louderback said it in the latest issue of PC mag and I agree with him.

Apple tv is a joke 40GB? 300$? pfft more people have a gaming console like a Wii or 360 or PS3 and using orb or tvversity you have all those same features and more and whatever your HDD space is on your PC also don't forget MCE or Vista has MCE.

I commend Apple for trying though.

And don't forget one other thing and this is not meant to sound like I am on either side...most apple fans come off as pretentious wealthy jerk salesman who won't leave you alone about how great Apple is and can do no wrong...I don't care how good a product is but when these people annoy the shit out of you and swear they have a church of apple you automatically get turned off and don't want it.

Some Linux people and Windows people can also but not like the Apple fans.

[titaniumlizzard]

Apple tv is a joke 40GB? 300$? pfft more people have a gaming console like a Wii or 360 or PS3 and using orb or tvversity you have all those same features and more and whatever your HDD space is on your PC also don't forget MCE or Vista has MCE.

I think Apple TV was just a test of Apple to see how far they could push the fanboys. I don't consider it a serious device.

Edit

And as for apple always being a niche market: They have exploded lately and broken into the mainstream. Yes, alot of that is the yuppie/fanboy purchasers, but if Apple continues to change it's image like it is it'll become just another vendor right up there with Dell. Sure, program compatibility needs to be worked on, and the price has gotta drop but we'll see.

[phatlip12]

I think Apple TV was just a test of Apple to see how far they could push the fanboys. I don't consider it a serious device.

Edit

And as for apple always being a niche market: They have exploded lately and broken into the mainstream. Yes, alot of that is the yuppie/fanboy purchasers, but if Apple continues to change it's image like it is it'll become just another vendor right up there with Dell. Sure, program compatibility needs to be worked on, and the price has gotta drop but we'll see.

Well, Steve mentioned the Apple TV is more of a "hobby" for Apple at the moment. He said its a new area Apple is experimenting with and hopes to grow in. Give it some time...

[titaniumlizzard]

Well, Steve mentioned the Apple TV is more of a "hobby" for Apple at the moment. He said its a new area Apple is experimenting with and hopes to grow in. Give it some time...

Digg is down ATM, but I remember reading This (http://www.digg.com/apple/Best_Buy_stores_fitted_with_snazzy_new_Apple_displ ays_photos).

It mentioned an apple theater. Is the apple TV just a glimpse of things to come?

[phatlip12]

Digg is down ATM, but I remember reading This (http://www.digg.com/apple/Best_Buy_stores_fitted_with_snazzy_new_Apple_displ ays_photos).

It mentioned an apple theater. Is the apple TV just a glimpse of things to come?

Most deffinitley, Steve is eventually going to get tired of seeing those Apple TV's hooked up to a Sony HDTV in his store.

[titaniumlizzard]

Most deffinitley, Steve is eventually going to get tired of seeing those Apple TV's hooked up to a Sony HDTV in his store.

How closely does Apple work with the company that makes the LCD panels for all their computers?