Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Morning All, Apologies for the long post. On 14 Oct 2004, at 3:14pm, Rod wrote: On 13/10/04 5:38 PM, Shay Telfer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any thoughts? I saw lots of Apple advertising on the streets of Melbourne (ie several billboards more than I've seen in Perth). I suspect the holdup with the Australian ITMS is more likely the music companies than Apple. As far as advertising bucks go, remember that Australia commands something like 5% or less of Apple's market. Whether that's cause or effect of a lack of advertising, who knows? Have fun, Shay I guess it depends on how hungry Apple are to increase that market share. Its great that kids know what an iPod is, but for them is there any great reason to swap from a PC to a Mac? All the good games their mates are playing are available first, all the chat programs come with full features (not the cobbled ones the mac gets), and iTunes is on the PC. Kids know how to deal with viruses (they seem to create most of them too!). Maybe the attack should happen now, before Longhorn finally rears its ugly head. As much as we hate to admit it, Windows has become more mac-like with each iteration. Also one very large reason for people not wanting to or needing to come to the Mac, Software. Firstly, once upon a time DTP was the sole domain of Apple/Mac, lots of reasons postscript, scanning and even printing although windows/PC hence linux/Unix got foot in door with RIPs and alternatives. Secondly, music was and still a little bit like it now was the only place to go and create. One thing in Apples favour here is X11 being able to tap into Unix/Linux sound world, but so can PC. Lets hope Apple keeps following its inroads into X11, because in the long term I believe it to be it's savour? Video/Multimedia line ball call on this one as it is relatively new and the ease of use had made a significant drift on the Windows machines, but FCP and DvD authoring for less than a squillion dollars reigned on the Mac, but hardcore Pros had made a change, because 3d software worked on a PC better???( Macromedia products) or should that be was only available on said machine. It was also about this time Apple was making decisions as which way to go with OS with not much success then the big break between drinks while they worked it out. So, Apples hardware was significant factor once upon a time, and even today I would have to say still superior, as is OS X with it's many untapped yet, scenarios. But, the overall scenario if you have not tuned in yet is the cost factor not just the so called extra one pays for Hardware (yes I know the arguments, but I am preaching to the converted). Software is free or relatively costless on the PC, every body has a friend who just returned from Asia with a dozen or so cd's now dvd's, also the friend who acquired from other sources normally work orientated. It is not about which is best for the job, but what software one has access too, and this has built the snob factor into the psyche of PC users. Mac owners are spoilt rich little kids who pay for everything and are against the greater good of computing piracy! Which leads into, ah Macs are crap blah blah blah; simple question for that usually is ever used one and 90% of time answer is no. But, they are very jealous, cant join em so bag em with envy. Microsoft even acknowledges it happens by factoring into sales figures as does it's many partners. Look at the changing shape of XP service pack 1 and 2, originally unless you had a license upgrading was a no no, but Microsoft realised it would hurt them not to let this occur. Huge amounts of PC machines I see not running latest service packs or security updates, because they cannot upgrade and will not because it works, this is another agenda for security issues on Windows and the net, but I wont go their. As with the election people and economics; cannot and will not pay for Software or change? Apple have an avenue to tap into this through Unix/Linux and I think they are heading down this path and certainly the amount of Software one gets with the OS is good and semi-professional, but it is not industrial strength that windows users can acquire. So, they believe! I believe Macs are for Professionals whom have avenues or needs to work within this scenario and for me that is the operative meaning work. I achieve more in a shorter space of time with less stress on my Mac than the PC except for my Linux, but now this is becoming a Mac that runs Linux, Viva the revolution! Which allows me to do the thing I do best create, be a creative person. So, Apples environment gives me the freedom to achieve at a cost for which I can justify by the time I save for the better things in life. PS: I am a recent convert after many years being a part-time user pending on employment or educational circumstances, mainly a Linux PC person. Why change? We know the answer, but
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Also one very large reason for people not wanting to or needing to come to the Mac, Software. [...deletia...] As far as integration goes, Apple is getting better with all their 'i' software. Still not as good as they had it with the Newton though (I don't know of any Mac Application out there that can handle working out what to do about 'Lunch with Jane') But, the overall scenario if you have not tuned in yet is the cost factor not just the so called extra one pays for Hardware (yes I know the arguments, but I am preaching to the converted). Software is free or relatively costless on the PC, every body has a friend who just returned from Asia with a dozen or so cd's now dvd's, also the friend who acquired from other sources normally work orientated. Which is of course, illegal. You could always go and steal the Mac to go with the 'free' software... But, they are very jealous, cant join em so bag em with envy. I think the important thing is to realise that it's a free world, if people want to waste their lives using PC's then that's their perogative. I've wasted enough of my life arguing with them about it, I'd rather spend the time playing with my Mac! The effects the Macs marketshare have on me (and undoubtedly others) are: * I'm trying to get a MacJob and most of the jobs want MCSE qualifications or something stupid * If a critical piece of software/web service is Windows only (fortunately the availability of open-source software and non-IE browsers makes this less likely as it's likely someone's done a unix/linux/MacOS port or equivalent) * If Apple goes broke (which if you believe the press they've been doing unsuccessfully for over 20 years :) I believe Macs are for Professionals whom have avenues or needs to work within this scenario and for me that is the operative meaning work. I achieve more in a shorter space of time with less stress on my Mac than the PC except for my Linux, but now this is becoming a Mac that runs Linux, Viva the revolution! Which allows me to do the thing I do best create, be a creative person. So, Apples environment gives me the freedom to achieve at a cost for which I can justify by the time I save for the better things in life. In my experience, Macs are the predominant laptop in use at non-Apple conferences, such as the Australian Unix Users' Group. These are the folks who build the heavy duty systems that our country runs on. Have fun, Shay -- === Shay Telfer Perth, Western Australia Technomancer Join Team Sungroper in the Opinions for hire [POQ] 2005 World Solar Challenge [EMAIL PROTECTED] fnord http://sungroper.asn.au/
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
You are right - Apple do have a proud history of making great computers but not wanting people to know about them. I have spent the day grappling with MS Access on a PC so I KNOW that Apple make great computers! I'm back on my iMac now :-)) I am surprised that there are a number of web sites that don't work on a Mac, which may be poor design, but Apple should have a guru around to the site's developer to try and fix it. The old chestnut used to be that You can't get software for Macs'. The new one will be - You can't access web sites - and that will really hurt sales. Apple do seem to not want to tell too many people about their product. Peter Bull -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Peter Hinchliffe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 17:30:21 +0800 To: WAMUG Mailing List wamug@wamug.org.au Subject: Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by? On 13/10/2004, at 4:58 PM, Rod wrote: Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else thinks the same way. Apple have a proud history of this. Can anyone say No viruses? Apple don't seem to be able to. Apple's main line now in selling the iMac G5 is From the makers of the iPod. Big deal. I'm afraid that even today, when the average purchaser thinks of buying a computer for the first time, the thought of Apple doesn't even enter their head. This is what Apple needs to attack. They've always needed to, but they never have. -- Peter HinchliffeApwin Computer Services FileMaker Pro Solutions Developer Perth, Western Australia Phone (618) 9332 6482Fax (618) 9332 0913 Mac because I prefer it -- Windows because I have to. -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml Guidelines - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml Unsubscribe - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] WAMUG is powered by Stalker CommuniGatePro
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
On 13/10/04 5:30 PM, Peter Hinchliffe [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 13/10/2004, at 4:58 PM, Rod wrote: Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else thinks the same way. Apple have a proud history of this. Can anyone say No viruses? Apple don't seem to be able to. Apple's main line now in selling the iMac G5 is From the makers of the iPod. Big deal. Speaking of the iPod a new model is coming out soon: PHOTO IPOD NEAR: REPORT APPLE is close to releasing a new generation of iPod with a colour screen and photo-capable software, according to an online report. http://email.news.com.au/ct/click?q=d3-GZokQJPtiH8RxV2K7yxW2G1uy9RR http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0410photoipod.html
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Apple have a proud history of this. Can anyone say No viruses? Apple don't seem to be able to. and for good reason actually - brag about it in big ad copy or in the media and someone will take it upon themselves to prove you wrong. This is the kind of message that they are best off letting the converted preach to their peers Apple's main line now in selling the iMac G5 is From the makers of the iPod. Big deal. actually it is a big deal iPod is Apples most successful product sales wise and because of it's extreme portability the most widely known and most recognised* current product - remember most potential iPod to iMac (or iBook or what ever) upgraders weren't even born when the original mac came out so the revolutionary computer for the masses is simply the computer their father might have used. *I've seen so many people with iPod headphones that on closer attention are plugged in to tape/walkmen or flashdrive MP3 players that the mere sight of the white ear buds installs instant cred upon the user. -- ~ Mark Secker Computer Support Officer ph#6488 1855 (ECEL) mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] University of Western Australia - CRICOS Provider No. 00126G ~ Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible. - Miguel de Unamuno It takes an idiot to do cool things that's why it's cool - Haruhara Haruka (FLCL) http://ecel-mark.ecel.uwa.edu.au/~marksecker/index.htm (sometimes works)
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
On 13/10/04 5:22 PM, Mark Secker [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: the Australian iTunes shop issue is more likely to be one of getting Apple being able to negotiate with or around the larger local music industry types, who as we've seen with the CD import issue, are fiercely parochial and self protective of the rather cosy little money spinner they've got. As for Idol... maybe Apple doesn't wish to associate it's own product with the Idol product range (which, let's face it, has a shelf life not much more than that of a tray of sashimi.) Guy Sabastion on an iMac? pass me the Dell catalogue! I wish that were true. Sebastion's second album is high on the charts, you can't turn a radio on without hearing him, Shannon Droll or people whinging how the latest evictee was robbed. And 2.38 Million people tuned in to Sunday's show. People with musical taste may not approve, but there are a squillion teenyboppers out there txting their votes to Idol and making the producers and Ten very rich! Other than maybe Deltra Goodroom, there are no other artists in Australia that can match the exposure these 'artists' (and I use the term very loosely!) are getting. At least get one of them listening to an iPod on the tour bus! Seeya Rod!
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
On 13/10/04 5:38 PM, Shay Telfer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any thoughts? I saw lots of Apple advertising on the streets of Melbourne (ie several billboards more than I've seen in Perth). I suspect the holdup with the Australian ITMS is more likely the music companies than Apple. As far as advertising bucks go, remember that Australia commands something like 5% or less of Apple's market. Whether that's cause or effect of a lack of advertising, who knows? Have fun, Shay I guess it depends on how hungry Apple are to increase that market share. Its great that kids know what an iPod is, but for them is there any great reason to swap from a PC to a Mac? All the good games their mates are playing are available first, all the chat programs come with full features (not the cobbled ones the mac gets), and iTunes is on the PC. Kids know how to deal with viruses (they seem to create most of them too!). Maybe the attack should happen now, before Longhorn finally rears its ugly head. As much as we hate to admit it, Windows has become more mac-like with each iteration. Why change? We know the answer, but the other 95% don't seem to know! I do agree that the Apple presence in Melbourne is pretty good. There are 2 stores in the city centre alone, and lots of advertising. I'm sure all the advertising in Perth will really pick up going into the Christmas buying period! Seeya Rod!
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Rod, you don't want everyone having Mac's do you? Don't you want that exclusive feel, comforted in the knowledge that your superior taste separates you from the plebs and gray mass market of the drones with their ugly boxes? :-) Anyway, the Apple iTunes store is mainly about the very complicated issue of obtaining the licensing rights to sell in the territory. As already demonstrated in Europe these can be difficult. Matt On 13/10/2004, at 16:58, Rod wrote: Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else thinks the same way. Prime example would be the iTunes Music Store. We are in the middle of one of the biggest rating shows of the year, Australian Idol, which I would figure would be the absolute prime spot for advertising the iTunes Music Store. Yet we have no store :-( To think, Apple could have had a section dedicated to Idol, like songs from the Theme nights, last years winners etc. But they even miss an opportunity with their current stuff. Why don't they advertise Garageband during the ad breaks. There must be a million kids out there who think they are the next Guy Sebastion, and a Mac running Garageband would be the perfect tool. Even a 20 second slot within Inside Idol, showing one of the contestants playing around with Garageband on a new G5 iMac. Geez, we're less than 70 days from Christmas. Plus iMacs are hopefully going to ship in good numbers by December. Instead, we get Rove having a Powerbook on his desk, turned so you can't identify what it really is (unlike the indigo iBook he used to have). Any thoughts? Seeya Rod! -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml Guidelines - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml Unsubscribe - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] WAMUG is powered by Stalker CommuniGatePro
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
the Australian iTunes shop issue is more likely to be one of getting Apple being able to negotiate with or around the larger local music industry types, who as we've seen with the CD import issue, are fiercely parochial and self protective of the rather cosy little money spinner they've got. As for Idol... maybe Apple doesn't wish to associate it's own product with the Idol product range (which, let's face it, has a shelf life not much more than that of a tray of sashimi.) Guy Sabastion on an iMac? pass me the Dell catalogue! Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else thinks the same way. Prime example would be the iTunes Music Store. We are in the middle of one of the biggest rating shows of the year, Australian Idol, which I would figure would be the absolute prime spot for advertising the iTunes Music Store. Yet we have no store :-( To think, Apple could have had a section dedicated to Idol, like songs from the Theme nights, last years winners etc. But they even miss an opportunity with their current stuff. Why don't they advertise Garageband during the ad breaks. There must be a million kids out there who think they are the next Guy Sebastion, and a Mac running Garageband would be the perfect tool. Even a 20 second slot within Inside Idol, showing one of the contestants playing around with Garageband on a new G5 iMac. Geez, we're less than 70 days from Christmas. Plus iMacs are hopefully going to ship in good numbers by December. Instead, we get Rove having a Powerbook on his desk, turned so you can't identify what it really is (unlike the indigo iBook he used to have). Any thoughts? Seeya Rod! -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml Guidelines - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml Unsubscribe - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] WAMUG is powered by Stalker CommuniGatePro -- ~ Mark Secker Computer Support Officer ph#6488 1855 (ECEL) mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] University of Western Australia - CRICOS Provider No. 00126G ~ Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible. - Miguel de Unamuno It takes an idiot to do cool things that's why it's cool - Haruhara Haruka (FLCL) http://ecel-mark.ecel.uwa.edu.au/~marksecker/index.htm (sometimes works)
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
On 13/10/2004, at 4:58 PM, Rod wrote: Hi All! Just wondering if anyone else thinks the same way. Apple have a proud history of this. Can anyone say No viruses? Apple don't seem to be able to. Apple's main line now in selling the iMac G5 is From the makers of the iPod. Big deal. I'm afraid that even today, when the average purchaser thinks of buying a computer for the first time, the thought of Apple doesn't even enter their head. This is what Apple needs to attack. They've always needed to, but they never have. -- Peter HinchliffeApwin Computer Services FileMaker Pro Solutions Developer Perth, Western Australia Phone (618) 9332 6482Fax (618) 9332 0913 Mac because I prefer it -- Windows because I have to.
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Any thoughts? I saw lots of Apple advertising on the streets of Melbourne (ie several billboards more than I've seen in Perth). I suspect the holdup with the Australian ITMS is more likely the music companies than Apple. As far as advertising bucks go, remember that Australia commands something like 5% or less of Apple's market. Whether that's cause or effect of a lack of advertising, who knows? Have fun, Shay -- === Shay Telfer Perth, Western Australia Technomancer Join Team Sungroper in the Opinions for hire [POQ] 2005 World Solar Challenge [EMAIL PROTECTED] fnord http://sungroper.asn.au/
Re: Is it just me, or does Apple seem to let golden opportunitiesslip by?
Any thoughts? I saw lots of Apple advertising on the streets of Melbourne (ie several billboards more than I've seen in Perth). I suspect the holdup with the Australian ITMS is more likely the music companies than Apple. As far as advertising bucks go, remember that Australia commands something like 5% or less of Apple's market. Whether that's cause or effect of a lack of advertising, who knows? Have fun, Shay -- I have seen quite a few iPod ads on the glass bus shelters which have not yet been smashed. Kev
