SandynJosh
Nov 23, 12:57 PM
In looking over all the ideas generated in this thread and all the trends going on in the world, I'm lead to wonder if a consumer iPhone makes as much sense as it would seem to at first blush. Sure, the numbers can be great, but the profit potential is nearly nil.
Hasn't the consumer iPhone by now become a commodity product? More features are being tucked in rather then reducing the cost further and the base cost of contracts are at an all time low. I don't think it would be wise for Apple or anyone else to enter a relatively mature commodity market.
RIM has mapped out a good chunk of the business market, but it still is vulnerable. But is the business market alone worth the risk at this point?
I suspect that Apple's stragegy is to leverage off the iPod market base in such a way that it becomes an easy choice to buy the new iPhone. For example, many of the newest cars will have a place to integrate the iPod into the sound system. Aircraft companies are making a similar provision for the audio AND the video. Tons of other manufacturers have made in-home equipment to hold and access the information stored in the iPod.
Imagine, if you will, the new iPhone nesting in all them iPod-friendly ports. In the car, it becomes a hands free cell phone with voice recognition dialing and a high-quality speakerphone (aka, the car's sound system). Now imagine either a business person using the system as he cruises between appointments, or a group of teens using it as they cruise the streets on a Friday night. Both productive for one and way cool for the other group.
All of the above done without adding much at all to a basic phone/iPod, just the pure iPod base being leveraged. Now add a few user interface features and a couple of bells and whistles to appeal to a broad range of users and you hit the ground running.
It's the more specific user related want list that next needs to be addressed and that's where it gets dicey. That might be best marketed as additional features that could be added as needed.
For example, not everyone needs GPS. However, let's go back to the automobile with the iPod port in the dash. Now using the new iPhone with the GPS option, a person can travel to an unfamiliar place with ease. They may not have bought the GPS option in the beginning, but they bought the ability to add the option when they made their decision. It's similar to computers in this regard. Oftem a computer isn't purchased with the full load of RAM but a computer that can't be expanded has a harder go of it even if it is superior... i.e. the history of the early Mac.
A good camera phone with some image stabilization would serve a lot of people. Would it be better as an option that might bulk up the phone a little but could be slipped on and off as needed?
However apple does the iPhone it will need to integrate it into the existing iPod port structure for maximum penetration right out of the gate. And then, let's not forget the soon-to-be-released iTV. How might that integrate a phone's utility?
I hinestly can't imagine a good answer to that last question, but my mind is still reeling with the unanswered question of why Steve would pre-announce a product after not doing so since 1983.
Hasn't the consumer iPhone by now become a commodity product? More features are being tucked in rather then reducing the cost further and the base cost of contracts are at an all time low. I don't think it would be wise for Apple or anyone else to enter a relatively mature commodity market.
RIM has mapped out a good chunk of the business market, but it still is vulnerable. But is the business market alone worth the risk at this point?
I suspect that Apple's stragegy is to leverage off the iPod market base in such a way that it becomes an easy choice to buy the new iPhone. For example, many of the newest cars will have a place to integrate the iPod into the sound system. Aircraft companies are making a similar provision for the audio AND the video. Tons of other manufacturers have made in-home equipment to hold and access the information stored in the iPod.
Imagine, if you will, the new iPhone nesting in all them iPod-friendly ports. In the car, it becomes a hands free cell phone with voice recognition dialing and a high-quality speakerphone (aka, the car's sound system). Now imagine either a business person using the system as he cruises between appointments, or a group of teens using it as they cruise the streets on a Friday night. Both productive for one and way cool for the other group.
All of the above done without adding much at all to a basic phone/iPod, just the pure iPod base being leveraged. Now add a few user interface features and a couple of bells and whistles to appeal to a broad range of users and you hit the ground running.
It's the more specific user related want list that next needs to be addressed and that's where it gets dicey. That might be best marketed as additional features that could be added as needed.
For example, not everyone needs GPS. However, let's go back to the automobile with the iPod port in the dash. Now using the new iPhone with the GPS option, a person can travel to an unfamiliar place with ease. They may not have bought the GPS option in the beginning, but they bought the ability to add the option when they made their decision. It's similar to computers in this regard. Oftem a computer isn't purchased with the full load of RAM but a computer that can't be expanded has a harder go of it even if it is superior... i.e. the history of the early Mac.
A good camera phone with some image stabilization would serve a lot of people. Would it be better as an option that might bulk up the phone a little but could be slipped on and off as needed?
However apple does the iPhone it will need to integrate it into the existing iPod port structure for maximum penetration right out of the gate. And then, let's not forget the soon-to-be-released iTV. How might that integrate a phone's utility?
I hinestly can't imagine a good answer to that last question, but my mind is still reeling with the unanswered question of why Steve would pre-announce a product after not doing so since 1983.
Multimedia
Aug 2, 10:17 PM
Hm. Hey guys... I'm a longtime reader of MR. I always read your comments and never recall posting (Creepy, eh?)
Anyway apparently I once made an account although I don't remember.
None the less... I'm surprised at how much doubt there is about Core 2 Duos. Apple and Intel are more or less best buddies. You honestly expect Apple to not update their lineup? You don't think people will go... Hmm... Core Duo Macbook Pro... Or... Core 2 Duo Dell. Even a moron will say "2's better than 1!" Apple is KNOWN for having top of the line systems in their respective class, and now that that class is Intel processors, I have 0 doubt that Apple will introduce Core 2 Duos in it's Macbook Pros as soon as it can. The reason I say Macbook Pros is because I'm sure that Macbooks and Mac Minis will say with the Core Duos. Why? Apple needs to better differentiate their pro line from their consumer line, because right now there is not much difference between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, performance-wise (Yes I know Integrated Video, Glossy Screen, etc.) but Proc. to Proc., Almost no difference.
As for "Meroms in iMacs..." Maybe, but I doubt it. Not SOON at least. Conroes then? You guys are forgetting... Apple doesn't NEED to use it. Just because it's AVAILABLE means almost nothing. Why would they use Conroe when they simply don't need to. I don't think we'll see Conroes at all in Macs quite honestly, and I don't see any problem with that. Maybe in Intel-based Power Macs, but there's ALOT of speculation about that.Nope. The entire line will be Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. MBP will get speed bump to 2.33GHz for further differentiation while MB will remain 2GHz. No logic to keep buying Core Duo processors for the same money as Core 2 or less than they bought Yonah to begin with. They are already making record profits. I doubt they will deliberately cripple mini, iMac and MB when everything is selling like hot cakes anyway. There are plenty of other ways each line differentiates from the other. To leave any line in Core Duo would be outright greedy and I dont' see Apple as having that personality trait.
I fugure it's a 50-50 chance Steve tells the developers next week they can start thinking about 64-bit optimization due to the Core 2 shift that will be complete this year.
Anyway apparently I once made an account although I don't remember.
None the less... I'm surprised at how much doubt there is about Core 2 Duos. Apple and Intel are more or less best buddies. You honestly expect Apple to not update their lineup? You don't think people will go... Hmm... Core Duo Macbook Pro... Or... Core 2 Duo Dell. Even a moron will say "2's better than 1!" Apple is KNOWN for having top of the line systems in their respective class, and now that that class is Intel processors, I have 0 doubt that Apple will introduce Core 2 Duos in it's Macbook Pros as soon as it can. The reason I say Macbook Pros is because I'm sure that Macbooks and Mac Minis will say with the Core Duos. Why? Apple needs to better differentiate their pro line from their consumer line, because right now there is not much difference between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, performance-wise (Yes I know Integrated Video, Glossy Screen, etc.) but Proc. to Proc., Almost no difference.
As for "Meroms in iMacs..." Maybe, but I doubt it. Not SOON at least. Conroes then? You guys are forgetting... Apple doesn't NEED to use it. Just because it's AVAILABLE means almost nothing. Why would they use Conroe when they simply don't need to. I don't think we'll see Conroes at all in Macs quite honestly, and I don't see any problem with that. Maybe in Intel-based Power Macs, but there's ALOT of speculation about that.Nope. The entire line will be Core 2 Duo by Thanksgiving. MBP will get speed bump to 2.33GHz for further differentiation while MB will remain 2GHz. No logic to keep buying Core Duo processors for the same money as Core 2 or less than they bought Yonah to begin with. They are already making record profits. I doubt they will deliberately cripple mini, iMac and MB when everything is selling like hot cakes anyway. There are plenty of other ways each line differentiates from the other. To leave any line in Core Duo would be outright greedy and I dont' see Apple as having that personality trait.
I fugure it's a 50-50 chance Steve tells the developers next week they can start thinking about 64-bit optimization due to the Core 2 shift that will be complete this year.
wclyffe
Dec 26, 02:33 PM
Just confirmed it with BLT, there hasn't been a shipment come in.
Seems like they're offline until Monday....
Seems like they're offline until Monday....
blazinz
Apr 20, 12:27 AM
Springing for just a faster processor. Dont't think thats gonna happen. I'll just stick with my iP4 until the following year...
Schizoid
Mar 31, 08:51 AM
By separating Server from Lion client, I believe Apple will now pursue the Microsoft line of OS marketing...
We'll have Lion Home Premium (no Server) plus Lion Professional (with Server) and also you can buy Lion Ultimate (32 or 64 bit with or without Server and a new disk encryption facility)
Users of Snow Leopard will be able to upgrade to Lion Home Premium and/or Lion Profession without moving data, unless the data needs to be encrypted by copying to a Lion Ultimate (32 bit only edition) via the 64 bit Lion Home Premium or Professional without passwords and/or data...
Microsoft - Making things Simple�
We'll have Lion Home Premium (no Server) plus Lion Professional (with Server) and also you can buy Lion Ultimate (32 or 64 bit with or without Server and a new disk encryption facility)
Users of Snow Leopard will be able to upgrade to Lion Home Premium and/or Lion Profession without moving data, unless the data needs to be encrypted by copying to a Lion Ultimate (32 bit only edition) via the 64 bit Lion Home Premium or Professional without passwords and/or data...
Microsoft - Making things Simple�
Mac'nCheese
Apr 9, 09:46 PM
Yeah for common ground! Our relationship just hit an inception point and I think things are looking up. :)
Nothing wrong with a fun disagreement, though! Time to hit the hay, have a good night!
Nothing wrong with a fun disagreement, though! Time to hit the hay, have a good night!
jeff303
Aug 4, 04:56 PM
i do not know the technical stuff, but i do know that if you had all 64-bit stuff, then it'd be a lot better than all 32-bit stuff. (i know i should use better termanology, but oh well)
Ummm, that's not so clear to me. The only thing 64-bit gives you is more addressable memory. Oh, and some operations (like adding two doubles or longs) would only take one cycle on the integer unit, instead of more. Yeah... that's about it.
Ummm, that's not so clear to me. The only thing 64-bit gives you is more addressable memory. Oh, and some operations (like adding two doubles or longs) would only take one cycle on the integer unit, instead of more. Yeah... that's about it.
andiwm2003
Jul 21, 02:52 PM
I do agree that the new Pro towers need a much more proper launch while the other lines can just get a shiny new Core 2 Duo logo on their site and an update to Apple's Intel page.
Your copy pasta didn't work completely.
http://download.intel.com/intel/finance/earnings/IntelQ22006earningsfoils.pdf
wow, most importantly on slide 3 they say that they launched the 965 chipset. that means they can switch to the 965 integrated GPU across the board for consumer macs. that would certainly help the heat issues, make the macs cheaper and less complicated to design for apple. standard parts and boards allow for even faster updates. good news.
Your copy pasta didn't work completely.
http://download.intel.com/intel/finance/earnings/IntelQ22006earningsfoils.pdf
wow, most importantly on slide 3 they say that they launched the 965 chipset. that means they can switch to the 965 integrated GPU across the board for consumer macs. that would certainly help the heat issues, make the macs cheaper and less complicated to design for apple. standard parts and boards allow for even faster updates. good news.
Glideslope
Apr 5, 02:47 PM
Leave the jailbreak community alone Apple!! What is your ****ing problem??? Can't we just coexist???:mad:
No.
Tim. :apple:
No.
Tim. :apple:
AppleIntelRock
Sep 16, 03:14 PM
some days i feel like a dell owner :(
SteveRichardson
Aug 11, 09:05 AM
I. want. it. now.
George Knighton
Dec 15, 09:07 PM
I did notice that Time Machine really screws up the Sophos program. It will hang on the Time Machine Back up drive and just get stuck
Well. That's no good.
Well. That's no good.
nuckinfutz
May 7, 11:44 AM
As amazing as free MobileMe sounds, I find this HIGHLY unlikely.
Why not? The Pros outweigh the cons.
Pros:
Ends developer confusion on the app store about whether to support MobileMe, Wifi or roll their own Cloud sync.
Benefits mainly Mac users (nice iLife tie in) but also benefits those running Windows and Outlook with Windows MobileMe Control Panel
Will clearly sell more iPhone/iPod Touch/iPads because consumers know their data will be in sync across the devices.
Cons:
Cost - free means a LOT more users which means a need to beef up infrastructure. Apple does have a new large data center being built.
Current members - do I get a refund or does Apple announce a free version of MobileMe and boosts the features of the paid account creating a Free/Paid tier?
There are certainly plusses and minuses about the strategy but make not bones about it people want Mobileme they just don't want to pay for it. A free "lite" version satiates those people.
Let's face it the popularity of Google stems from the fact that their tools are free to the end user.
Why not? The Pros outweigh the cons.
Pros:
Ends developer confusion on the app store about whether to support MobileMe, Wifi or roll their own Cloud sync.
Benefits mainly Mac users (nice iLife tie in) but also benefits those running Windows and Outlook with Windows MobileMe Control Panel
Will clearly sell more iPhone/iPod Touch/iPads because consumers know their data will be in sync across the devices.
Cons:
Cost - free means a LOT more users which means a need to beef up infrastructure. Apple does have a new large data center being built.
Current members - do I get a refund or does Apple announce a free version of MobileMe and boosts the features of the paid account creating a Free/Paid tier?
There are certainly plusses and minuses about the strategy but make not bones about it people want Mobileme they just don't want to pay for it. A free "lite" version satiates those people.
Let's face it the popularity of Google stems from the fact that their tools are free to the end user.
HecubusPro
Sep 16, 11:20 PM
Yeah, but it's also the only way to get a 7200 rpm hard drive. I've read things about the hard drives not being user replaceable. Now I've taken apart several old Thinkpads and replaced motherboards and even the screens, but there warranties were up. I don't feel like voiding the warranty on my Mac.
I also think that this return policy is rather asinine. As another user stated, there are only 3 options to customize. Dell machines are highly configurable and they will refund you (minus 15% restocking fee though).
Unfortunately, that's just the way it is with apple, and it's despicable.
I'm hoping with the next MBP update, they also tweak the enclosure to allow for an easily swappable HDD, like the macbook. It simply isn't fair that a lower end model gets a great feature like that and the higher end gets screwed. I would be sorely disappointed if this did not happen with the update.
Because of return policy issues, I will probably go ahead and get the 5400rpm drive. It seems like much less hassle to stay away from BTO systems if something goes wrong.
I also think that this return policy is rather asinine. As another user stated, there are only 3 options to customize. Dell machines are highly configurable and they will refund you (minus 15% restocking fee though).
Unfortunately, that's just the way it is with apple, and it's despicable.
I'm hoping with the next MBP update, they also tweak the enclosure to allow for an easily swappable HDD, like the macbook. It simply isn't fair that a lower end model gets a great feature like that and the higher end gets screwed. I would be sorely disappointed if this did not happen with the update.
Because of return policy issues, I will probably go ahead and get the 5400rpm drive. It seems like much less hassle to stay away from BTO systems if something goes wrong.
dscuber9000
May 4, 04:02 PM
I'm going to get a Lion disc because that is safer, but yeah, I don't see anything outrageous with having the option to just download it.
Machead III
Sep 16, 09:44 AM
If they don't update the MacBooks by the 25th, they've got to drop the price.
bella92108
Apr 5, 02:35 PM
Actually that's an ignorant and factually incorrect statement.
iPhone users are more satisfied with their devices than other smart phone owners AND they sell more iPhones everyday.
Hence the population is statistically growing.
How was my statement ignorant? Look up the word "ignorant" ... you're one of the people who think ignorant means mean. It doesn't. In fact, your response was ignorant in the webster's dictionary sense "lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated"... because your statement is correct, that Apple IS selling more iPhones daily, but incorrect as a response to my statement. Android is presently outselling iPhone 2 to 1. AND Android OS satisfaction has increased significantly. You're comparing Apple's unchanged-in-4-years OS to Androids 2 year old OS.
You may want to actually research something, regardless of your position in the matter, prior to arguing about it. You just sound like a fool when you argue based on opinion, not published statistic.
iPhone users are more satisfied with their devices than other smart phone owners AND they sell more iPhones everyday.
Hence the population is statistically growing.
How was my statement ignorant? Look up the word "ignorant" ... you're one of the people who think ignorant means mean. It doesn't. In fact, your response was ignorant in the webster's dictionary sense "lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated"... because your statement is correct, that Apple IS selling more iPhones daily, but incorrect as a response to my statement. Android is presently outselling iPhone 2 to 1. AND Android OS satisfaction has increased significantly. You're comparing Apple's unchanged-in-4-years OS to Androids 2 year old OS.
You may want to actually research something, regardless of your position in the matter, prior to arguing about it. You just sound like a fool when you argue based on opinion, not published statistic.
vmachiel
May 6, 03:33 AM
Not this again! welcome back stupid universal binaries and "rosetta" :(
shaolindave
May 4, 05:48 PM
Wow, what a great job to completely and unfairly judge people.
I consider myself OCD level organized. One of the reasons why I am so organized (more so than ever now) is because much of my media and software have transitioned to digital.
You have a very negative spin on Apple's approach. Instead of "dumbing down", I'll call it "simplifying", and I absolutely welcome the change.
My family lost all their disc and some of mine. No matter how organized I am, so long as I have to do the 'family tech support' stuff, no disc is a plus.
I consider myself OCD level organized. One of the reasons why I am so organized (more so than ever now) is because much of my media and software have transitioned to digital.
You have a very negative spin on Apple's approach. Instead of "dumbing down", I'll call it "simplifying", and I absolutely welcome the change.
My family lost all their disc and some of mine. No matter how organized I am, so long as I have to do the 'family tech support' stuff, no disc is a plus.
hobo.hopkins
Mar 29, 04:48 PM
A company like Apple could easily, make and assemble products here, the profit margin on an iPhone is around 60%, but if they did that then there profit margin would only be 50%, corporate and political greed.
Remind me of why a company isn't entitled to make as much money as possible? Apple, along with most any company, could theoretically absorb the increased costs and thus make less money. The question is why would they do that?
Remind me of why a company isn't entitled to make as much money as possible? Apple, along with most any company, could theoretically absorb the increased costs and thus make less money. The question is why would they do that?
MikeTheC
Nov 25, 11:18 PM
thats wat im talking abooot, but i hope apple cleans up the interface a bit... hehe
Ok, how about this:
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/720/shoephonezt7.png
Ok, how about this:
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/720/shoephonezt7.png
Apple Corps
Jul 21, 02:20 PM
I posted this very early on:
jeffud2
Apr 25, 09:40 AM
Too late for that: http://www.spokeo.com/
Scary, and seems to be US only.
Scary, and seems to be US only.
Multimedia
Aug 3, 12:38 AM
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/intel/intel-core-2-duo-laptops-last-5-hours-in-cross-country-flight-191002.php
Flying West to East means leaving SF and arriving in NYC. :rolleyes:
Please tell me I'm wrong again.So I'm Geographically dyslexic. Are you seriously gonna give me a hard time because I got the direction backwards?
3 hours Yonah
5+ hours Merom
Much better frame rates in games. Why are you beating me up over symantics? Why do you not want to be happy this is true? :confused: :eek:
Flying West to East means leaving SF and arriving in NYC. :rolleyes:
Please tell me I'm wrong again.So I'm Geographically dyslexic. Are you seriously gonna give me a hard time because I got the direction backwards?
3 hours Yonah
5+ hours Merom
Much better frame rates in games. Why are you beating me up over symantics? Why do you not want to be happy this is true? :confused: :eek:
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