From the Mac news site MacMinute: It appears as though Apple has removed all of the “Switch” commercials from its web site. When trying to view the ads, which used to be available here, you are redirected to Apple’s “Switching to Mac: Real Stories” page. In April, Apple removed the “Switch” tab graphic from the top of its web site navigation to make room for the “Music” tab, although all of the content remained at apple.com/switch. Several media outlets have recently claimed that the campaign was a failure, citing stagnant Apple market share numbers. Also, read our interview with a switcher here.
Apple Removes ‘Switch’ Ads
About The Author
Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
Follow me on Twitter @EugeniaLoli
First Post???
Anyways… my take on it is, if you want to get the masses (which is what the term MARKET SHARE means) you need to release a product for the masses… and the biggest factor is COST.
there’s a reason that honda sells more CIVICS than ACCORDS. not because they’re “better cars”, but because they’re more affordable cars. And what does this accomplish for them?, well firstly it gives honda brand recognition and makes first time buyers potential secord and third time buyers, etc.
Im not knocking on the eMac and iMac, but am i the only one that sees them as a tad overpriced. Not everyone needs “iLife”. So i dont buy that as an excuse to buy a mac. It’s not like Honda FORCES you to take a sunroof on a base model civic.
My main thing is that they should release CHEAP boxes that people can upgrade at LEAST their vid cards to play games (am i the only one that doesnt see buying a pricey G5 as the only way to play games on the mac at reasonable frame frates as wrong?)
Anyways that’s my take on it.
Flame On!
I would only hope that they’ve read this site and taken some of the ideas here (and from macrumors) for new commercials.
Not likely! But at least this is a step in the right direction.
Edit:
*** (am i the only one that sees buying a pricey G5 as the only way to play games on the mac at reasonable frame frates as wrong?) ***
I doubt they removed the switch ads due to any of the market considerations you mentioned.
They’re, like, totally separate issues. You know?
Jeff
6’3″
Saab driver
hates civics because they’re tiny
(Although the commercials didn’t begin this far back) the switch campaign started about a year and a half back… at about the time Motorola was supposed to give us the G5.
We all know how the story goes… Apple’s market share was boosted in every category they compete in… except for pro hardware. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overal market share for the entire platform.
It’s important to remember that market share is NOT indicitive of a company’s install base. Rather, it is the measurement by which a company’s sales are compared to its competitors over a 3 month period. With Apple’s professional line out of sync for the past year and a half, it’s no wonder Apple’s market share is as low as it is.
Now that Apple’s pro line is taken care of with the G5 and because pent up sales are finally being taken care of, Apple’s entire line will be goinging at full speed and will not be dragged down by one sector.
The switcher campaign was intro’d when Apple thought its sales windfall would occur. (Two years ago when Moto was scheduled to release the G5). Unfortunately, the timing was off and Apple took a beating in the media by analysts who said that the campaign isn’t working. Actually it was working… just not in the professional line.
I bet Appletook down the switcher button so that industry analysts stop reminding them that the campaign didn’t work.
If PC sales remain stagnant at that time 6 months from nbow and Mac sales remain brisk, because PC market share is calculated in relation to each company’s sales for any given quarter, Apple’s market share will take a dramatic rise.
I bet that Apple will re-introduce the campaign by this time next quarter when Apple’s market share will be indicitive of the company’s entire product line rather than all of it minus the pro line.
“Anyways… my take on it is, if you want to get the masses (which is what the term MARKET SHARE means) you need to release a product for the masses… and the biggest factor is COST.”
No, its best value for cost. This is exemplified by the fact that Apple’s market share grey in EVERY sector they compete in (except for pro desktops where Apple added marginal added value).
Apple’s computers were more expensive than the average PC, but they also gave you more. (When the PC of equal specs were compared, Apple’s prices were comparable)
So no, lowest price is NOT the determining factor to gain market share, but instead… added benefit for less price.
“*** (am i the only one that sees buying a pricey G5 as the only way to play games on the mac at reasonable frame frates as wrong?) ***”
Probably, because nearly every other Mac that Apple sells plays games on at reasonable frame rates.
Quick! While you can, d/l the Ellen Feiss Movie Here: http://a772.g.akamai.net/5/772/51/8dcb48a6dd7f7d/1a1a1aaa2198c62797…
And a different one of her at MWNY (edited w/ funny(ish) captions here: http://communistsquirrel.com/movies/ellen_stoned.mov
I think it was a mistake to post this link as this only feeds the trolls who will misread it as an indicator that Apple is somehow admitting defeat because the switch campaign supposedly didn’t work.
Lest anyone misunderstand, the switch campaign DID work. Apple’s most recent filing show that the company grew its market share in every single line except for their professional one. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overall market share for the entire platform.
It’s important to remember that market share is NOT indicative of a company’s install base. Rather, it is the measurement by which a company’s sales are compared to its competitors over a 3 month period. With Apple’s professional line out of sync for the past year and a half, it’s no wonder Apple’s market share is as low as it is.
I have to ask myself, why would OS news post a link such as this. OS News doesn’t keep track of links from other companies that remove links.
Because this story can be so easily misunderstood by a handful of trolls that make it a point to disparage Apple with every opportunity they get I have to strain to find a reason why the link would be posted as it only provides fodder for FUD.
It was obviously newsworthy for one of the biggest Mac sites, so it has to be for us too.
Fine, so when compared with a computer with comparable specs the price is comparable. That doesn’t mean jack squat when the cheapest computer is 700 dollars. I want to buy a 300 dollar computer.
Give me a computer that costs less and I will switch.
“It was obviously newsworthy for one of the biggest Mac sites, so it has to be for us too.”
I see your point, but Mac sites post news about Apple when somebody at the company farts. Practically everything is posted, whether its newsworthy or not.
OS News should use a little more discression IMHO.
I want to buy a 300 dollar computer.
You what you pay for. I have a three year old PowerBook sitting right here, still in daily use. No Gateway or Dell can match that.
I obviously thought that this was newsworthy. And I still think it is. I don’t have to answer to you anyway, I decide upon these matters.
“That doesn’t mean jack squat when the cheapest computer is 700 dollars. I want to buy a 300 dollar computer.”
Go ahead and buy one. You are not like most people. If you were, Apple’s market share wouldn’t have risen in every one of their product categories (except for pro hardware) which shows that they grew faster than their competitors for the most recent sales quarter.
“Give me a computer that costs less and I will switch.”
Apple can make more money and increase market share buy adding more value to their computers at a similar or reduced rate… as opposed to simply selling computers with low features and a low price.
“I obviously thought that this was newsworthy. And I still think it is. I don’t have to answer to you anyway, I decide upon these matters.”
Eugenia, don’t get defensive. I’m not saying that you have to answer to me. I’m just stating my opinion.
I switched because of the switchers ad. It was the single best computer purchase I have ever made. And don’t give me that crap about being “too pricey”. Emacs and iBooks are under $1000 and a iMac starts at $1200. Thats not that bad. Here is why Macs will have a hard time gaining market share…
Bone headed Apple moves
Price myth
MHz myth
Microsoft monolopy
I want to buy a 300 dollar computer
Then you don’t want to buy a Mac.
http://www.bootysmack.com/media/flash/briefs.html
¡Disfruten!
Here’s a funny one:
http://www.ubergeek.tv/switchlinux/
Maybe they caught on that not only where they a failure but many people got pissed off at apple by them. But they are in the past. But hey there is still new G5 commercials showing macs with no cables, yet it’s somehow on. And of course apple reps not knowing Opterons are 64 bit.
Well I do hope this is a signal apple is going to start a new approach to sales. That or maybe their just doing some website cleaning. Who knows.
dude, the opterons are for servers… macs claim to be first 64 for destop, which is true… the athlon64 does not come out until september, when g5 will already be in market… therefore their statement is correct…
<sarcasm> check your facts before u post… </sarcasm>
“Maybe they caught on that not only where they a failure”
the switch campaign DID work. Apple’s most recent filing show that the company grew its market share in every single line except for their professional one. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overall market share for the entire platform.
“but many people got pissed off at apple by them.”
Thats funny, most of the people I know thought they were funny. I can’t fathom anyone getting mad at the commercial. its not as if Apple was saying anything wrong or dishonest.
I’m not denying that individuals may have got mad, but that if they did so it was probably as a result of a deep rooted hope/passion that Apple needs to fail so that they feel vindicated or perhaps so they they can justify their computer purchase.
“But they are in the past. But hey there is still new G5 commercials showing macs with no cables, yet it’s somehow on.”
Ya, i thought that was kindof funny.
“And of course apple reps not knowing Opterons are 64 bit.”
I’m sure Apple knows. if you remember, the claim was that Apple has the fastest desktop computer. The Opterons don’t use XP Pro… (IE non consumer)
“Well I do hope this is a signal apple is going to start a new approach to sales.”
Not me. I think their current sales approach works fine.
“That or maybe their just doing some website cleaning. Who knows.”
That’s a possibility too.
Correction: “The Opterons don’t use XP Pro… (IE non consumer)” should read “The Opterons use XP Pro… (IE non consumer)”[/i]
No, its best value for cost. This is exemplified by the fact that Apple’s market share grey in EVERY sector they compete in (except for pro desktops where Apple added marginal added value).
Actually, its best value for cost with a limit on cost. Sure a ferrari is 100 times better than a civic, but who’s going to pay the (guessing here) about 10x the cost? I don’t see many ferraris around (wait, yes i do, but thats because i live in silicon valley – its an exception).
Computers are the same way. My grandparents considered a mac (the new imac), but went with the walmart special for 299. Why? They can’t justify spending a thousand bucks for something that can do the exact same thing as something for 299 can.
Don’t get me wrong, i love apples (i really want one of those new G5’s — and the powerbooks are great too), but get your logic straight
“Actually, its best value for cost with a limit on cost. Sure a ferrari is 100 times better than a civic, but who’s going to pay the (guessing here) about 10x the cost? I don’t see many ferraris around (wait, yes i do, but thats because i live in silicon valley – its an exception).”
Apple sells its computers at several different price points. This means they sell the ferraris to those that want them but also sells the Honda civic.
Each of Apple’s computers provide added value with the limit on cost you are referring to. Because Apple doesn’t sell ultra stripped computers and ultra chip prices doesn’t mean that they don’t create the added value that I’m speaking of.
“Computers are the same way. My grandparents considered a mac (the new imac), but went with the walmart special for 299. Why? They can’t justify spending a thousand bucks for something that can do the exact same thing as something for 299 can.”
For someone like your grandmother who only needs a computer for email, web access and writing letters, that was a wise buying decision.
However, consumers are wanting to do more and more with their computers. Apple sells systems at different price points that provide the added benefit people are looking for.
because they always degenerate into:
“apple needs 5$ computers to compete…but I also want all the kick ass stuff they throw in at the top of the line or else it is crap”
“apple’s market share is diving as a result of a dying company”
“apple sucks”
etc.
until constructive comments that stop rehashing the price crap come around, I will not read them…I am started to feel that I get dumber every time I see those posts.
Fine, so when compared with a computer with comparable specs the price is comparable. That doesn’t mean jack squat when the cheapest computer is 700 dollars. I want to buy a 300 dollar computer.
Give me a computer that costs less and I will switch.
You go right on ahead and buy that $300 computer…then we will see you buying some sort of upgrade shortly after since your $300 computer will probably suck at most things except crashing. It will be great at that…nice frequent crashes.
Sorry, but you get what you pay for.
what AMD intends them for does not determine what they will be used for by companies, BOXX seams to think they work for desktop/workstations, and they specs/price on their unit match the dual G5, so if apple says the dual G5 is a desktop then the the BOXX can be one to. But still the apple folk in the one interview didn’t know the opteron was 64 bit. It’s just funny thats all. People will always have stuff to bust on apple about and vise versa. I know what an Opteron is.
but would someone please go find the imac commercials on the apple website, or the pb titanium ones.
Oh yeah, they get pulled each time they switch to a new ad campaign or product comes out.
Jesus christ, 50% of new macs were bought by first time apple users right (in the physical stores)? Doesnt hat mean that the switch campaign was working?
Im quite seriously getting tired of this drivel supposedly being Operating System News, and really being I Either Dont Understand Marketing andBusiness, or I Dont Agree with Apple.
“what AMD intends them for does not determine what they will be used for by companies”
That doesn’t make a difference. Microsoft doesn’t make a version of Windows for consumers.
“BOXX seams to think they work for desktop/workstations, and they specs/price on their unit match the dual G5”
The BOXX machines require Windows XP Pro as well. Last time I saw price/feature comparisons to the G5, the BOXX systems didn’t match the specs of the G5 but yet were at the same price point. once the features were matched, obviously, the price would go up.
“So if apple says the dual G5 is a desktop then the the BOXX can be one to.”
Not until a desktop operating system is created for it.
“But still the apple folk in the one interview didn’t know the opteron was 64 bit.”
That’s not true.
“It’s just funny thats all.”
Its funny how that interview you’re referring to has been so misread. Considering the fact is was written by Charlie White, the #1 Apple basher with a web site, its obvious to see why he spun the article the way he did.
“I know what an Opteron is.”
A 64bit computer that doesn’t yet have a consumer OS
“dude, the opterons are for servers… macs claim to be first 64 for destop, which is true… the athlon64 does not come out until september, when g5 will already be in market… therefore their statement is correct…”
Opterons are for workstations as well. The Athlon64 is for home use. The Opteron and G5 are targeted at the same market.
Opteron workstation boxes are already shipping. Asus announced a new Opteron Nforce3 desktop machine about 2 days ago – on sale now.
I can’t believe the whole 64 bit consumer computer thing is still being discussed.
Do any of you actually work in the business world? Do you understand what marketing is? Every company lie in ads, it’s just a matter of degrees. And this wasn’t even an ad. It was a speech at a conference for Apple developers.
But then, anyone making purchasing decisions based on a marketing campaign is an idiot.
I’d like to point out a few barriers to people switching to Apples. Let’s take my girlfriend’s computer upgrade as an example.
1. Price constraints. My girlfriend bought a new HP (sans monitor) for $700. This was an AthlonXP 2600+ with 512mb DDR333 SDRAM, with an 80gb HD. You can’t get a comparable Mac for $700. It doesn’t matter if the ones at $1200 are great or not if there’s nothing at that all-important <$800 segment. And, for the love of G-d, don’t tell me about eMacs. An 800mhz G3 with 128mb of SDRAM doesn’t hold a candle to a 2ghz AthlonXP with 512mb of DDR-SDRAM.
2. Software. She’s an engineer. Engineering packages seem to usually be for Linux, Windows, and non-MacOS X UNIXes. Not to mention all the old software she has from her previous machine. Why should she throw it out?
3. Familiarity. She grew up on Windows. While it’s not as “nice” as MacOS X, perhaps, it’s still what she’s familiar with. Why should she learn something new without compelling reason?
I’d say Apple has some hurdles to overcome before they’ll get her business. At least Linux has WINE for free to help in the migration.
-Erwos
is linux not a consumer os?
i could buy what u would call a consumer version (say redhate for exmaple) and compile a 2.6 kernel that has opteron support. would that not be a consumer os?
blah blah blah blah blah
you guys bore me to death!
apple, intel
g5, p4
blah blah blah
it’s summer for godsakes, go to the fucking beach!
G5 doesn’t offer:
ECC RAM, workstation quality cards or SATA RAID- all available on Opteron machines. These are <essential> workstation technologies.
Another great article about an operating system. Or, um… I mean about a web page update and an old marketing campaign – but hey, that’s still relevant for discussion here, right?
But I digress…
Microsoft just changed a graphic on their home page, let’s discuss that too. Gripping stuff.
“Opterons are for workstations as well. The Athlon64 is for home use. The Opteron and G5 are targeted at the same market.”
I think thats AMD’s goal, but not Microsoft’s… hence the reason why Microsoft doesn’t make a consumer OS for the chip
“1. Price constraints. My girlfriend bought a new HP (sans monitor) for $700. This was an AthlonXP 2600+ with 512mb DDR333 SDRAM, with an 80gb HD. You can’t get a comparable Mac for $700. It doesn’t matter if the ones at $1200 are great or not if there’s nothing at that all-important <$800 segment.”
i think you mean configuration complaints. HP allows you to buy less and therefore pay for less. However, Apple’s prices are same or less when specs are matched.
“2. Software. She’s an engineer. Engineering packages seem to usually be for Linux, Windows, and non-MacOS X UNIXes. Not to mention all the old software she has from her previous machine. Why should she throw it out?”
No, there’s plenty of engineering software for Macs as well (although it may not necessarily be the same software your GF uses.)
“3. Familiarity. She grew up on Windows. While it’s not as “nice” as MacOS X, perhaps, it’s still what she’s familiar with. Why should she learn something new without compelling reason?”
Apple provides several compelling reasons to use their systems. Learning OS X is a non issue. If she’s familiar with Windows, shoe’ll pick up OS X in no time.
“is linux not a consumer os?”
I know its not popular to say this, but no… not yet.
N.I.M.O. at least
“it’s summer for godsakes, go to the fucking beach!”
As if we had a beach.
Not everone lives on the coast you know.
I never did enjoy the “switch” ads they played on TV or on their website. Frankly I really dislike their music store ads. Just something about them . . . they just don’t make me want an Apple.
I really don’t think they took the ads down because of the pathetic critics, that think they know everything. Those ads have been on the site for a good time now, and they just need to be taken down. Fair enough?
“here’s a reason that honda sells more CIVICS than ACCORDS. not because they’re “better cars”, but because they’re more affordable cars.”
Remember my friend, you get what you pay for. There’s a reason why people buy the Civics, and I agree, because they’re cheap. But how offen do “cheap” things need to be babysitted? Mostly the majority. If buy a cheap computer, it’s going to be a cheap computer. That’s the plus with Apple. When you buy an Apple product you’re going to get your moneys worth! They build to last, which isn’t much to say for those Dells, or Gateways, and etc… I’ve had my PowerBook G3 (firewire) since they came out. The only repair needed throughout it’s entire life was a new stick of RAM – That’s it! Talk about building something tough. And this PowerBook still rocks! This chip maybe be hold sitting at 400MHz, but you really wouldn’t tell the difference doing the usually tasks. Plus it still works GREAT for my design work – working with Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Flash, the thing keeps up with the big boys.
Sometimes you just have to spit out a few extra 100’s to get a quality computer that is built to last! When people understand this, I think the better Apple will be. But I see you’re point, it will help Apple to have at least one product line that is below $600. But just be ready for shoty equipment in that box though. If you don’t mind babysitting it, I would say full steam ahead.
“That’s the plus with Apple. When you buy an Apple product you’re going to get your moneys worth! They build to last, which isn’t much to say for those Dells, or Gateways, and etc…”
While I don’t have much to say about Compaq or HP computers as they are lifespan leaves much to be desired, but Dell systems offer good quality and a great price.
Gone are the days that a person is paying extra for Apple based on quality. Yes, Apple maintains its same quality standards, but you’re not paying extra for quality. Rather, you’re paying extra… for extra.
Both Dell and Apple systems are quality machines.
Dell’s advantage is that they will sell you the lowest price on a PC from a namebrand manufacturer and allow for a lot of configuration. They allow you to buy less and pay less.
Apple’s advantage is that they will sell you the lowest price on a PC(Mac) from a namebrand manufacturer but they will sell solutions that can’t be had anywhere else.. or at least not typically for less.
Both are quality machines and both have the lowest prices for what they offer.
naw, i just think that they need more and better exposure to get rid of myths… the need to set up something so they can sell macs at costco and best buy… that way, they get more exposure… at least that’s what i think…
< That doesn’t make a difference. Microsoft doesn’t make a version of Windows for consumers. >
UHHHHHHHH Yeah they do, and since Apple has yet and has said Panther will not be 64 bit, Apple and Microsoft are on the same path right now.
< The BOXX machines require Windows XP Pro as well. Last time I saw price/feature comparisons to the G5, the BOXX systems didn’t match the specs of the G5 but yet were at the same price point. once the features were matched, obviously, the price would go up. >
Who in the heck really cares, Applke users are getting ripped off, and they seem to like it, they sure dont complain. BOXX users dont seem to care either. And Im sure that the other readers on this forum dont really care either. the G5 while impressive is not the best machine. Apple will not gain any more marketshare, the switch ads were a waste of time and money, hey they saw that and now they are moving on. I do think the new G5 commercials are cute, but I dont think anyone will buy a G5 because of the commercials.
< That’s not true. >
Actually it is, Apple at WWDC seems to have forgotten the Opteron was on the market, they sure told enough LIES about x86 64 bit computing, to give anyone the impression that they didnt know what they were talking about.
< Its funny how that interview you’re referring to has been so misread. Considering the fact is was written by Charlie White, the #1 Apple basher with a web site, its obvious to see why he spun the article the way he did. >
I like the way whenever someone says something that others dont agree with the person is labelled a basher, hater and general loser. And for your information, I retain the title of #1 Apple basher, I have yet to be undefeated and no one has yet shown what it takes to take that title away from me. But if Apple does something good, like the Safari engine and the iPod I do give them their kudos, their computers may suck but the iPod is good.
wtf
Sif you’d buy a Mac
I think best buy is a good idea as long as Apple incorporates their own sales staff as they’ve done in stores that sell their hardware… BestBuy staff are notorius for being even more clueless about Apple and the Mac than… well, um…. I can’t think of anything wose then them.
As far as costco is concerned, I think that would be a mistake. I think Costco would communicate a feeling of cheepyness similar to that which is common with many of the PCs they sell.
I think you’re on the right track though, they need more exposure… however, its important that they achieve that exposure in locations which won’t degenerate their image… which they’ve worked hard to rebuild.
I think that Apple stores being built around the US are definately a step in the right direction. Apple builds these stores in high profile locations which allow them to act as advertising resources for their product because they can control the user experience.. which in times past left much to be desired as a result of sales staff that didn’t know how to sell them on their merits.
I’m so glad I downloaded the Janie Porche video while I had the chance.
>>>“That doesn’t make a difference. Microsoft doesn’t make a version of Windows for consumers.<<<
“UHHHHHHHH Yeah they do”
I meant to say a version of Windows for consumers thats 64 bit. Right now, the only OS that Microsoft creates which is 64bit ready is XP Pro.
“and since Apple has yet and has said Panther will not be 64 bit”
Apple has not said that. The rumor going around is that the first OS to ship with the G5 will not be 64bit ready. Many people assumed that this meant that Panther would not be 64bit ready.
>>>“The BOXX machines require Windows XP Pro as well. Last time I saw price/feature comparisons to the G5, the BOXX systems didn’t match the specs of the G5 but yet were at the same price point. once the features were matched, obviously, the price would go up.”<<<
“Who in the heck really cares”
I would imagine that most people care as most people want to get the maximum amount for their money.
“Applke users are getting ripped off”
What?! How do you figure that?
“and they seem to like it”
They’re not getting ripped off, so they certainly can’t like it.
” they sure dont complain.”
There’s little to complain about, as in fact Apple’s computers offer significant value for the money.
“And Im sure that the other readers on this forum dont really care either.”
Many wouldn’t care as they prefer using Windows, while there would also be many that care because they want to get the maximum amount for their money.
“The G5 while impressive is not the best machine.”
Best is a subjective term… best at what? The G5 is the best at many things.
“Apple will not gain any more marketshare, the switch ads were a waste of time and money”
Apple’s market share was boosted in every category they compete in… except for pro hardware. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overal market share for the entire platform.
It’s important to remember that market share is NOT indicitive of a company’s install base. Rather, it is the measurement by which a company’s sales are compared to its competitors over a 3 month period. With Apple’s professional line out of sync for the past year and a half, it’s no wonder Apple’s market share is as low as it is.
Now that Apple’s pro line is taken care of with the G5 and because pent up sales are finally being taken care of, Apple’s entire line will be goinging at full speed and will not be dragged down by one sector.
The switcher campaign was intro’d when Apple thought its sales windfall would occur. (Two years ago when Moto was scheduled to release the G5). Unfortunately, the timing was off and Apple took a beating in the media by analysts who said that the campaign isn’t working. Actually it was working… just not in the professional line.
I bet Appletook down the switcher button so that industry analysts stop reminding them that the campaign didn’t work.
If PC sales remain stagnant at that time 6 months from nbow and Mac sales remain brisk, because PC market share is calculated in relation to each company’s sales for any given quarter, Apple’s market share will take a dramatic rise.
“they they saw that and now they are moving on.”
I bet that Apple will re-introduce the campaign next quarter (or soon thereafter) when Apple’s market share will be indicitive of the company’s entire product line rather than all of it minus the pro line.
“I do think the new G5 commercials are cute, but I dont think anyone will buy a G5 because of the commercials.”
If people gain awareness of how fast the G5s are a result of the commercials and decide to go to Apple’s web site to investigate further, then they will cause people to buy the G5. As a matter of fact, I know of several people that are considering buying a G5 after being informed by the commercial that the computer is out. Some of them have already purchased one.
“Apple at WWDC seems to have forgotten the Opteron was on the market”
Why would you say that?
“they sure told enough LIES about x86 64 bit computing”
Apple didn’t tell any lies at WWDC. What are you talking about?
“I like the way whenever someone says something that others dont agree with the person is labelled a basher, hater and general loser.”
That’s not true. People only get labeled a basher, hater and general loser when their general behavior is indicative of that commonly displayed by a a basher, hater and general loser.
😉
if it’s not your cup of tea.
but don’t be going on about how Dell is good company to buy a computer from.
then i know you are a lying newb.
-an x86 user
Dell is good company to buy a computer from and I’m not a lying newb
Apple didn’t claim to have the world’s first 64 bit desktop. They claimed the G5 was the world’s first 64-bit “Personal Computer”, which is correct.
Sun has been selling 64 bit desktops since 1995. Sun Ultra 1 based on tthe UltraSPARC I. AMD isn’t targeting Opteron for the personal computer market. Their target is the workstation and server market. I have the AMD brouchers for Opteron in front of me and that’s also what the Rep at the AMD both at PCI-SIG Devcon told me.
So please stop this Opteron came first nonsense. Even Boxx calls its desktop series workstations.
“they sure told enough LIES about x86 64 bit computing”
Apple didn’t tell any lies at WWDC. What are you talking about?
They said that the G5 is the only computer that can run 64 bit and 32 bit Applications simutaneously without an emulation layer, which is a lie. Opteron can as well.
< If people gain awareness of how fast the G5s are a result of the commercials and decide to go to Apple’s web site to investigate further, then they will cause people to buy the G5. As a matter of fact, I know of several people that are considering buying a G5 after being informed by the commercial that the computer is out. Some of them have already purchased one. >
Then People will look at the pricetag and say ” jesus h christ let me buy that $599.00 – $799.00 Dell ”
< If PC sales remain stagnant at that time 6 months from nbow and Mac sales remain brisk, because PC market share is calculated in relation to each company’s sales for any given quarter, Apple’s market share will take a dramatic rise. >
Actually Dells sales have risen, while the others have remained stagnant, including Apples.
< Best is a subjective term… best at what? The G5 is the best at many things. >
Actually the Opteron probably out performs the G5, I wonder why Apple chose to compare the G5 to 2 yr old Xeons.
< I bet Appletook down the switcher button so that industry analysts stop reminding them that the campaign didn’t work. >
Actually I bet they took it down because the campaign didnt work.
< I bet that Apple will re-introduce the campaign next quarter (or soon thereafter) when Apple’s market share will be indicitive of the company’s entire product line rather than all of it minus the pro line. >
I doubt it because I saw the switch campaigns as, 10 % truth, 90 % script. as did many others, the campaign was a flop, they have no reason to reintroduce it. But IF SCO does by a miracle in heaven win their case then Apple could probably sell to more businesses before SCO comes after them and FreeBSD.
< As a matter of fact, I know of several people that are considering buying a G5 after being informed by the commercial that the computer is out. Some of them have already purchased one. >
I didnt say people wouldnt buy, some people will but that falls under the SUCKER status.
<Actually the Opteron probably out performs the G5, I wonder why Apple chose to compare the G5 to 2 yr old Xeons.>
Oh so the 3.06 GHz Xeon’s were released two years ago. What is the fastest Xeon available now 6/8 GHz!!! or has intel been sleeping the last two years.
“[Apple] said that the G5 is the only computer that can run 64 bit and 32 bit Applications simutaneously without an emulation layer, which is a lie. Opteron can as well.”
No, Apple said that the G5 is the only personal computer that can run 64 bit and 32 bit Applications simutaneously without an emulation layer, which is the truth. Opteron with Windows XP pro is not a personal computer nor is Opteron with Linux.
“Then People will look at the pricetag and say ” jesus h christ let me buy that $599.00 – $799.00 Dell “”
If they say that, then certainly they would consider buying the $799 eMac or possibly a refurbished Mac at $599.00. The Dell allows you pay less and therefore get less… not unlike Apple’s lower priced systems. The difference is that Dell allows you to buy even less than Apple’s low end and therefore pay even less.
“Actually Dells sales have risen, while the others have remained stagnant, including Apples.”
Apple’s sales have risen in every category except the pro line. Considering what Apple had to sell for the past few quarters… thats to be expected. Dell’s sales and Apple’s sales can rise at the same time, as in fact that is what happened for both companies. (As mentioned however, Apple’s pro line took a serious beating thus causing their market share to drop because that was a major contributing force to Apple’s market share in times past.
“Actually the Opteron probably out performs the G5”
Actually, you have no reason to believe that, as no such test has been made yet.
“I wonder why Apple chose to compare the G5 to 2 yr old Xeons.”
The XEONs were not two years old, they were state of the art XEONs. Apple probably chose to compare it to the XEONs rather than the Opteron because far more people are familiar with the XEON’s performance than they are with the Opteron. The Opteron is currently only available from one company and only available in limited configurations. When they’re more widely distributed, and thus more widely used, I’m sure Apple will probably make comparisons to the Opteron as well.
“Actually I bet they took it down because the campaign didnt work.”
Actually, I bet Appletook down the switcher button so that industry analysts stop reminding them that the campaign didn’t supposedly didn’t work. The switch campaign DID work. Apple’s most recent filing show that the company grew its market share in every single line except for their professional one. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overall market share for the entire platform.
“I doubt [that Apple will reintroduce the switcher campaign] because I saw the switch campaigns as, 10 % truth, 90 % script.
What you think you saw and what it was were two different things. The switchers were all real people sawing their own words.
“the campaign was a flop”
the switch campaign worked great. Apple’s most recent filing show that the company grew its market share in every single line except for their professional one. Unfortunately, pro hardware was a big market that they declined in which drug down overall market share for the entire platform.
“they have no reason to reintroduce it.”
Although they many not, they have many reasons to reintroduce it, as indeed it was a great success.
“But IF SCO does by a miracle in heaven win their case then Apple could probably sell to more businesses before SCO comes after them and FreeBSD.”
Shows how much you know. The unsubstantiated claim is that Linux (not FreeBSD) incorporated code into the OS that supposedly belongs to SCO.
“I didnt say people wouldnt buy, some people will but that falls under the SUCKER status.”
Stop spreading FUD. You are the epitome of forum troll.
Athlon 64 haven’t been released. And if AMD told the truth, you can run Windows XP Home Edition with minimal problems. Heck, maybe Microsoft would have a update for it, maybe not. But it would in no way harm or help AMD – the consumer market doesn’t need 64-bit. AMD is targeting the same place Apple is targeting with G5. Well, more or less.
“the consumer market doesn’t need 64-bit.”
As more and more home consumers do digital video, audio and DVD editing (a market that Apple is targeting which shows growth potential) the greater the likelihood that these consumers will benefit from 64-bit hardware.
There is a common misinterpretation of what the “consumer market” is. Some interpret it to mean anything thats not a server and not a workstation. (This is the primary market that Apple is targeting with the G5.)
However, others interpret the term “consumer market” to be the market which encapsulates the average home computer user.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe it is the latter example you were referring to with the above quote.
I’m not sure if I entirely agree with the statement, as more and more consumers are taking on video, audio, and DVD editing tasks in the home, all of which can be benefited by 64-bit hardware. However, until more consumer software is available to take advantage of the G5’s 64 bit capabilities, I believe Apple will be targeting the group mention in my former example.
1. Price constraints. My girlfriend bought a new HP (sans monitor) for $700. This was an AthlonXP 2600+ with 512mb DDR333 SDRAM, with an 80gb HD. You can’t get a comparable Mac for $700. It doesn’t matter if the ones at $1200 are great or not if there’s nothing at that all-important <$800 segment. And, for the love of G-d, don’t tell me about eMacs. An 800mhz G3 with 128mb of SDRAM doesn’t hold a candle to a 2ghz AthlonXP with 512mb of DDR-SDRAM.
Oh boy…more of the same tired garbage from the ill-informed crowd. There must be thousands of true arguements against this statement of yours in on OS News. I have no desire to regurgitate it.
2. Software. She’s an engineer. Engineering packages seem to usually be for Linux, Windows, and non-MacOS X UNIXes. Not to mention all the old software she has from her previous machine. Why should she throw it out?
There is engineering software for the Mac. And since Mac is a UNIX, you can run the UNIX engineering packages in OS X. And oh yeah…Virtual PC can take care of Windows engineering tools (though I doubt you would need it since you can easily cover your bases with OS X).
3. Familiarity. She grew up on Windows. While it’s not as “nice” as MacOS X, perhaps, it’s still what she’s familiar with. Why should she learn something new without compelling reason?
Ahh…now here is something that makes sense to me.
I think that is the critical thing. That is why my home machine is still a Windows XP machine. I bought this thing about 1.5 years ago. I now regret having chosen yet another Windows machine. It works fine…but not a 1/10 as smooth as the Macs I have used at work.
I stuck with XP largely due to familiarity (price and software support were not a factor – there IS a higher value to Macs and any app I need is available). But I wasn’t really interested in learning a new OS.
I now realize (after actually having worked with OS X at work) that there really isn’t a whole lot that I would have to learn…and things in the OS seem much more consistent than Windows.
You are right though…familiarity is critical. I think this is really true when it comes to software. The same software may be called one thing on Windows and something else on OS X. That can be confusing…but that is ususally due to UI changes.
I’d say Apple has some hurdles to overcome before they’ll get her business. At least Linux has WINE for free to help in the migration.
Whoopeee…WINE is alpha. Pure crap. Virtual PC is available to the Mac and lets you run a full version of Windows XP or whatever else you want…it isn’t just a compatibility layer which does not function for many apps unlike WINE (don’t get me wrong…I think WINE is a great effort and I would like to see more work put into it…but when I want to run an application that requires emulation, it damn well better work without a snag and WINE does not offer that at this time). Further, there is nothing to stop you from running WINE on OS X. Just compile it.
It is exactly identical to XP Home except
– It is more expensive
– Has 64-bit capability and can run on Itanium
– Supports dual processor (and IIRC quads too)
– bundles IIS along
– pretty much that.
If people can’t use Windows XP Professional, then by golly they sure can’t use Windows XP Home. And BTW, people who have money to buy a 64-bit computer may want to have features XP Pro has. And most likely be able to afford the price difference between Pro and Home.
And it is not like the G5 is targeted towards consumers either. The most cheapest G5 is $2000 – not so much for a consumery price, heh?
I think I left out something in my (above) post.
I think in addition to both “consumer” markets mentioned above, I believe that Apple will also be targeting the workstation-class market (and eventually.. the server markets) with the G5.
Apple’s high-end G5 can keep pace with workstation class computers and do so at a much greater cost savings.
Servers will probably come later when the G5 is reduced to 0.9 nanometer process thus making significantly cooler and more sutable chip for rack servers.
bundles IIS along
ehh…security leak from hell.
Everytime I turn around Macroshaft issues another IIS security patch dealing with “a remote user can execute code allowing them to sieze control your system.”
What I find attractive about OS X is Apache is pre-installed and preconfigured (and yes you can alter the configs of it if you like). Running Apache, I generally don’t worry about security issues as much.
…that the niveau of OSNews allways goes down to trolling and Win/Mac wars. The site maintainer should care about this, because the site will loose readers over the time.
The same is happening to the popular german heise-forum. After a long time of flame-wars and trolling the thrads are getting shorter and shorter because most people loose interest over time on such “discussions”.
“If people can’t use Windows XP Professional, then by golly they sure can’t use Windows XP Home. And BTW, people who have money to buy a 64-bit computer may want to have features XP Pro has. And most likely be able to afford the price difference between Pro and Home.”
Its not so much an issue of price or a learning curve, its the fact that Microsoft will not be catering to this market by providing software that can take advantage of it… However, Microsoft is very interested in catering to the needs/wants of professionals requiring 64bit solutions… hence, XP Pro is not for consumers.
“And it is not like the G5 is targeted towards consumers either.”
Actually, it is. Apple has been working towards the goal of getting consumers interested in software that can be benefited by 64-bit technology. These include DVD authoring, Video editing and audio editing/creation.
To my knowledge, none of Apple apps in this category are currently 64bit ready, but the fact that the company is targeting the consumer with these technologies, all of which can be benefited by 64bit, it shows that Apple is in fact targeting the consumer (both types as mentioned in my above post).
“The most cheapest G5 is $2000 – not so much for a consumery price, heh?
$2,000 is an excellent price for the consumer that wants to take advantage of software technologies that can be benefited by 64bit.
More and more consumers are wanting to do more with their computer as they realize their computers can also so much more. Apple is providing inexpensive solutions that provide this added benefit.
Granted, this market may not be especially large, (yet) but thats to be expected when you consider the fact that consumer level multimedia has only been targeted at these individuals for about a year or two.
As more and more home consumers do digital video, audio and DVD editing (a market that Apple is targeting which shows growth potential) the greater the likelihood that these consumers will benefit from 64-bit hardware.
What inconcievable reason is there for 64-bit for consumer video production? What technical rationale is there? Precisely that, and by time consumers would really enjoy the benefits of 64-bit (i.e. when cameras get more detailed than human eyes, and terabytes are beginning to be used to meassure hard disks, not gigabytes..), I’m quite sure Microsoft would have a version of Windows made for consumers that is for 64-bit.
But, heck, that is a long way more. China would probably have astronauts in Mars before that happens.
I’m not sure if I entirely agree with the statement, as more and more consumers are taking on video, audio, and DVD editing tasks in the home, all of which can be benefited by 64-bit hardware.
If Chinese pirated making thousands of DVDs per year from cinema recordings don’t need 64-bit computers, I doubt neither do regular Joes.
I agree. Thank you for putting that forward.
It would be nice if people could recognize that both Mac and Windows do the same things from a functional standpoint and they have comparable performance and hardware features overall.
What things really boil down to is preference.
One os over another, there are strengths and there are weaknesses…in the end they can do the same sort of work…they just do them differently.
Can we now stop with the constant pecker contest with the Mac vs. Win debate. It really will always come down to both sides are able to do the same things.
Sorry about that…I flubbed closing a bold tag.
“…that the niveau of OSNews allways goes down to trolling and Win/Mac wars. The site maintainer should care about this, because the site will loose readers over the time.”
I don’t think that the Mac/Apple topics in general spur this type of behavior on OS News, but rather the headlines which OS News chooses to link to.
They are of they type that can be easily misunderstood and often times make great fodder for FUD.
I proposed that OS News be more selective with the news it posts but Eugenia insists that the headlines the site is linking to are of the type she likes.
“What inconcievable reason is there for 64-bit for consumer video production?”
I don’t know of any inconceivable reasons, but the conceivable ones are similar to those of that of the professional, albeit on a smaller scale.
Again, I said it is a small market, but it will grow as Apple continues its efforts to make consumer multimedia with high-end functionality more accessible.
What inconcievable reason is there for 64-bit for consumer video production? What technical rationale is there? Precisely that, and by time consumers would really enjoy the benefits of 64-bit (i.e. when cameras get more detailed than human eyes, and terabytes are beginning to be used to meassure hard disks, not gigabytes..), I’m quite sure Microsoft would have a version of Windows made for consumers that is for 64-bit.
I don’t think that is the point of 64-bit computing. The idea is increased performance as a whole…not to make better videos.
I realize that you were responding to a comment on videos though. What I think they were getting at was the idea that video processing puts a huge load on the CPU. 64-bit computing will help accelerate the process of video (as well as other media) editing (not to mention software compiles).
The end product quality will be the same, the only change is how long it takes to get things done.
Anonymous (IP: —.ph.ph.cox.net)
“”Actually the Opteron probably out performs the G5″
Actually, you have no reason to believe that, as no such test has been made yet.”
Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5
L2 cache 512K per processor
FSB 1GHz per processor
max 2-way
Opteron 244
L2 cache 1MB per processor
FBS 1.8GHz per processor
max 8-way
Memory bandwith and Maximum I/O bandwidth for 2-way opteron 244 are much higher than G5
Opteron 1.8GHz is already available (G5 not) In September (not sure about that) AMD will launch 2GHz opteron
So there is a reason to belive that Opteron would outperform G5.
Jason (IP: —.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net)
“What I think they were getting at was the idea that video processing puts a huge load on the CPU.”
This is where OS X cracks: Ever tried Xserve under heavy load? It stalls (my experience and others too).
Xserve/Phanter will handle 100k accounts under OpenLDAP that is 10-15x less than OpenLDAP can handle wthout tweaks, and 16TB is not much either. It means that OS X is not designed to work under heavy load in spite of G5 potentials. Of course it may be that there are apps where OS X will work better under heavy load, but these are indications that it is not the case.
What so funny is that Apple moving OS to UNIX-like environement lost great advantage of OS 7-9 in the field of video editing: direct access of programs to the hardware.
I belive that Apple should stop to advertise G5/OS X as the best of both worlds desktop and UNIX/server as that does not leave space for improvement (how to improve the best?)
that Apple offers a similarly priced product to make people switch, because: What am I gonna do with all the apps I bought for Windows? Although I could mabye sell some of it at ebay (at a loss), this will only work for boxed software. But the most software I bough is via VISA from the online-shops. I cannot offer jerky print-out from my mail account to prove that I have to sell a license… 🙂
First-time users will be talked into buying what the majoritiy has: Windows. *Unless* the offer is real tempting. Putting myself in niche for the same price is not tempting to me. My guess is that Apple market-share won’t change suffiently after the availability of the G5. Sure, they will sell more systems short-term, because all the upgraders who held out will buy now, but that’s no rocket science to fore-cast.
There’s more to home/pro — for example relating to the capabilities of the partition handling. I beliefe you can add more physical discs to pro subsequently and add it as additional space to a partion without reformating, etc… stuff like that.
And Apple has finally realised this.
It was about time!
This is where OS X cracks: Ever tried Xserve under heavy load? It stalls (my experience and others too).
Xserve/Phanter will handle 100k accounts under OpenLDAP that is 10-15x less than OpenLDAP can handle wthout tweaks, and 16TB is not much either. It means that OS X is not designed to work under heavy load in spite of G5 potentials. Of course it may be that there are apps where OS X will work better under heavy load, but these are indications that it is not the case.
What so funny is that Apple moving OS to UNIX-like environement lost great advantage of OS 7-9 in the field of video editing: direct access of programs to the hardware.
I belive that Apple should stop to advertise G5/OS X as the best of both worlds desktop and UNIX/server as that does not leave space for improvement (how to improve the best?)
Who gives a shit about XServe right now. You are talking about a G4 based system. I was talking about the G5 and using Panther on it and what type of performance gain you would get over what is available now. You are going to a totally unrelated tangent that doesn’t even stand up because we know absolutely nothing about Apple even doing a G5 Xserve (though I am sure they wil).
BTW, it is true that Panther is not entirely 64 bit. It is a hybrid of 64 bit and 32 bit. I think Panther is intended to be a stepping stone to 10.4…or maybe full 64-bit availablility will be handeled through software update. Either way it will blow Windows to shit (course Jaguar does that now).
Who gives a fuck about market share?
who really cares about bigger numbers? All you Americans seem so preoccupied with absolutes rarther than the humanistic side of computing.
If your system gives you some sort of satisfaction, and happiness- then I am happy for you- however, Are you all that weak minded that you have to piss on the next guy because they like something different?
At the moment we have freedom of choice as to which computer we use. I do not want to imagine a world consisting of one uniform platform of Mac / Windows / Linux / etc.
Embrace variety- and stop pissing on each other for fucks sake.
I see the idea that Apple machines would be more expensive that PC machines constantly denied here. Thus I’d like to present the people who say this isn’t true a challenge. Match this from the Apple product line with an equal or better product and roughly for the same price.
Let’s, for example, look at Alienware. I went to http://alienware.co.uk and chose the Aurora desktop system, and what I have is
AMD Athlon XP Processor 2800+
512MB DDR SDRAM PC-3200
80GB Western Digital 8MB Cache
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra 128MB
NVIDIA® SoundStorm™ 5.1
for 1332€ (that’s gotten with Finland as the country, to give me the most realistic amount personally since I live there, but you can of course choose your own if you want to). Note that this doesn’t include a monitor. I’ll say up front for those that are not aware that performance-wise this will absolutely destroy the similarly priced iMac, so that’s not an option.
Alienware isn’t even remotely the chepeast way to get a PC, quite the contrary, they’re probably one of the most expensive. So, I think if Macs are really not more expensive, there should not only be a similarly priced Mac that’s fast, but faster.
Personally I never buy anything from the big names anyway. I build my own, which would mean that a comparable system, after a quick calculation, would cost me a little over 800€. I think the average PC maker would be somewhere between these two extremes, so maybe if you can match a similar Apple computer for about 1100€, I’ll be happy.
have really tried a Mac. I suspect a lot of you guys don’t know a shit about macs because you never had the chance to work on one, therefore you are obviously mac haters/bashers with a twisted taste for anything that’s x86 with Linux in it.
And I think Linux is great, don’t get me wrong…
Do we REALLY need to try Macs? We KNOW for a fact Macs have less games, software, they are expensive, and less upgrades. I like Mac OS, well, I did. We dont need to try a Mac, why would we?
I see the idea that Apple machines would be more expensive that PC machines constantly denied here. Thus I’d like to present the people who say this isn’t true a challenge. Match this from the Apple product line with an equal or better product and roughly for the same price.
Let’s, for example, look at Alienware. I went to http://alienware.co.uk and chose the Aurora desktop system, and what I have is
AMD Athlon XP Processor 2800+
512MB DDR SDRAM PC-3200
80GB Western Digital 8MB Cache
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra 128MB
NVIDIA® SoundStorm™ 5.1
for 1332€ (that’s gotten with Finland as the country, to give me the most realistic amount personally since I live there, but you can of course choose your own if you want to).
That’s about $200 US cheaper than the 1.6 G5 (without the SuperDrive). When you consider that the G5’s case is a lot more expensive than the AlienWare, The price difference isn’t all that great. Also consider that the Mac will have much greater resell value.
Alienware isn’t even remotely the chepeast way to get a PC, quite the contrary, they’re probably one of the most expensive.
That’s because they make very nice machines. Quality costs money, even in the PC world.
iSight
U$= $149,00
Brazil = R$940,00 = U$324,00
How do they expect to gain market share if they simply ignore that Brazil is the largest IT market in South America, and the 3rd growing market in the world. Hell, it’s a 6 billion dollars/year market down here!
Come on Apple, I know you like to be pricey… but 3 times more expensive than the same price in the US!!! I guess my next notebook will be a Dell or Sony.
No you do not need to try. They can survive without people of your kind.
“i do not need to try bananas, they are ugly yellow..”
Great attitude
Why would I want to wase $700 on an eMac just to try it? I can get a 2.8ghz 1gb ram PC with that money! I dont need to try a Mac, I dont like Macs, though they are stable and look better, Id rather stick with Microsoft or Linux. There is really NO reason to switch anyways. PCs are stable, have more software, more upgrades, and are cheaper. None of the software I use for school will work on a Mac.
You what you pay for. I have a three year old PowerBook sitting right here, still in daily use. No Gateway or Dell can match that.
my dual celeron does just fine and is older than that. Maybe you should assume less, I trust you know what is said about those who do that too much.
Has anyone noticed that EVERY apple thread on OSNews has broken 100 message mark? This one will too.
Yeah, my 800MHZ Dell (With Windows 2000) works just perfect.
Actually I have used a Mac (a G4 iMac) more than once. But fortunately not for a prolonged period of time : just the time to port a Windows program to MacOsX and verify how much the so-called “Mac experience” is far from what Mac zealots usually describe : it is slow as hell, the iApps suck (Yes they do!), the mix of brushed-metal windows and shiny-white ones had me recall my worst experience on Windows, crashes of MacOsX happen more often than on XP (so long for the “MacOsX is more stable than any other OS out there” myth),…
But surely the worst annoying Mac bug (or is it a feature?) is the hord of Mac zealots, always insulting anyone who dare say the truth about Macs ( a bit like a cult in fact). It is always the same thing : Macs are great (and not only macs but all Apple products), Windows sucks, and the “If people do not like the mac, they must never have tried it” line …
No wonder noone is buying a Mac : who in their right minds would like to be associated with this bunch of lobotomised zombies.
The Switch campaign was sort of odd. It’s brand adverstising and product advertising sort of mixed together. And, although there were a couple of ads I liked a lot, I don’t know how good that type of advertising is.
On one hand, they’re saying why you should switch to Macs but, on the other hand, they don’t show any Macs doing anything, they don’t show any Macs at all. This is especially odd because the Apple design and “style” is supposed to be a major part of the Mac experience.
So, I think tis campaign had, at best, mixed results. There’s an ad out for the G5 already, nothing new in its presentation (I mean as an ad). It will be interesting to see what they do when they’re actually out.
Those are the prices in Euro for the 1.6G model, directly from apple.com:
€ 2316,78 (Fi) (Finland)
€ 2202,84 (D) (Germany)
€ 2278,80 (AT) (Austria)
So the cheapest G5 is €1000 or 1150 US Dollar more expensive than the alienware box.
Hope we are on the same page now.
Have you seen the new G5 commercial? That was funny! 3 things wrong with it:
1. No one cares if its the fastest computer (Which it isnt) gamers wont care, because Macs really have no games, and really fast computers appeal to gamers. Do you think a 30 year old family man will care if his computer is the fastest computer? NO he just wants to get a $1000 computer.
2. There’s no price: That commercial doesnt show the price of the product, that will turn people off.
3. It shows the computer for 2-3 seconds: People are going to want to know MORE about the darn computer. If its the most powerful computer in the world, show it, dont show some guy being blown out of his house, thats not telling anyone what your selling really. Sure, it tells them to go to the Apple website, but what if they dont have a computer?
Apple has to make better ads if they expect to actually gain market share.
Apples pricing outside the US is totally screwed up. Hardly anyone denies that. If I lived in Europe, I wouldn’t buy one either.
Have you seen the new G5 commercial? That was funny! 3 things wrong with it:
Wow, you would suck at marketing 🙂
Look at any other commercial. Almost never shows a price, always compares to product X based on some silly argument, and you see so many boobs that you have no idea what’s it all about.
And the shocking thing is that those commercials work better than infomercials.
Has anyone noticed that EVERY apple thread on OSNews has broken 100 message mark? This one will too.
Apple must be doing something right 🙂 You can love them, you can hate them, but you can’t ignore them. They should bring back the think different commercials 🙂
Yes I would. But Apple has too much fun with their commercials, Apple has limited market share, they can not have fun with their commercials like they do, and not show their product. A big name like Nike does not have to show their products, they can show some NBA players and then the Nike sign (The check) and we know its Nike. But Apple cant show their computer for 2 seconds and show the Apple sign, because we wont know what Apple is.
Its funny that if people refer to marketing they almost always state that Nike has a good marketing. They must have, indeed. This f**k*** company sells sports wear like hell, but does not produce a single bit in the USA. But every american knows them….
Back to topic:
I think people will recognize the apple sign. Apple is not a startup company, they are well known.
Apple will invent a new game, something of a take-off on “Assassination Politics”, but called “Platform Politics”.
In order to get rid of all the Windows applications out there, Mac culties will be able to place money into pools to pay assassins to kill the authors of popular Windows apps.
Apple figures they will take care of the big plays and then let the lower level culties fund the takedown of the small Windows apps.
Of course this will never happen. Even a toned down interesting “what’s missing”/”what we need from Windows” game would never happen.
Apple does not have any creativity left. They make funny looking computers than cost more but deliver nothing for the cost except for some styling.
In the era where Moore’s Law still holds, there’s no point to adding style when the underlying machinery is changing so fast.
Maybe Apple can embrace their deathwish and put a realtime marketshare pie chart on their page under a tab called “Pie”. With a bar graph next to it that measures “Eliteness”… showing how much more “elite” Mac culties are getting as the marketshare goes down.
Or maybe Apple should have a tab called “Victory” listing all the ISV’s they’ve managed to piss off and alienate.
Does it matter? Isn’t Apple just a soap opera anyway? I know about 3 people that have a Mac and everyone else has a PC.
It is just plain inevitable that Mac is going to go away. Apple is just good at hanging on a little bit longer. Sooner or later, they are going to mess up and then it will be over. Faster than anyone would have ever believed and Apple will be gone.