Posted on 03/12/2012 5:30:39 PM PDT by PJ-Comix
Imagine you run a large technology company not named Apple. Let’s say you’re Steve Ballmer, Michael Dell, Meg Whitman, Larry Page, or Intel’s Paul Otellini. How are you feeling today, a day after Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the new iPad? Are you discounting the device as just an incremental improvement, the same shiny tablet with a better screen and faster cellular access? Or is it possible you had trouble sleeping last night? Did you toss and turn, worrying that Apple’s new device represents a potential knockout punch, a move that will cement its place as the undisputed leader of the biggest, most disruptive new tech market since the advent of the Web browser? Maybe your last few hours have been even worse than that. Perhaps you’re now paralyzed with confusion, fearful that you might be completely boxed in by the iPad—that there seems no good way to beat it.
For your sake, my hypothetical CEO friend, I hope you’re frightened.
(Excerpt) Read more at slate.com ...
Are things really this bleak for Apple competitors?
lol...hardly.
I don’t think so. Apple brought out the Iphone and, it took a while, but now there are many phones like Iphones.
In all markets, there has always been a breakout product that nobody can touch, but eventually all the competitors always catches up.
So, assuming that others don’t quit the market, they will eventually catch up.
Especially now that Apple doesn’t have the advantage of Steve Jobs.
There’s always room for someone to make a product that’s a little worse and cheaper.
But there will be a lot of folks competing for that space.
Anyone can build a tablet. Apple just has the prettiest display at the moment.
btw, the iPhone is going down hard in about 6-8 months. You’ll see. When windows 8 and windows phones are up to full speed there will be nothing to stand in Microsoft’s way.
I still want to score a FREE iPad2 via coupons. It’s not easy but it CAN be done. Plus I want bragging right for accomplishing it.
Simple answer is no. This death of the PC talk is foolish...tablets are horrible for productivity. I have the original Asus Transformer with the keyboard attachment...it is in no way a replacement for my desktop/laptop experience.
I for one prefer non-Apple products because I like to “tinker” and “modify”. Apple’s closed systems don’t give me the flexibility I like in this area. Apple makes a fine product. I’ve got nothing against them or the iPad. But some Apple fans need to put down the Kool-Aid...
I’d rather have an Asus Transformer Prime.
That’s because a tablet isn’t really meant to be optimized for productivity. It’s a multimedia device. That’s its niche.
With a tablet, I can make use of media wherever I go. It definitely beats a laptop in that respect.
If windows 8 flops then yes they are in trouble. If it’s a hit then no.
Bought a Blackberry Playbook for my wife. A professional tablet with security. New operating system came out a week later. WOW.
What a great tablet.
Flash works with the browser. HD quality video. Android apps are now coming into the app store.
Built like a tank — don’t ask how I know.
If you own a Blackberry phone, the combination is terrific.
However, if you job requires more graphic capability, such as medical imaging, then the iPad2 is a better choice. Bigger screen.
Just my 2 cents worth.
See any ChromeBooks?
It iPod scenario is much closer than that of the iPhone. There is simply no competitor to the iPad especially with the new screen and 4G. Technology is only part of the equation. Ease of use, predictability, application options, compatibility, and yes battery life are essential elements of the iPads success.
Flew today from Atlanta to Minneapolis and there were only two Kindles in ten rows, twenty-iPads and any other device being used were smartphones, a few, and PC’s or Macs.
I have been tracking use since Christmas both as an indicator of direction and interest. I talk with older passengers who have never liked technology and almost all love the iPad.
Windows 8 has great potential but it may be too late once it arrives. Too many corporate buyers have settled on the iPad and the companies have developed custom apps.
Technology centric people will like Android devices but those who want to get work done will buy iPads.
That is pretty funny. Wall to wall aluminum MacBooks. Actually, it is much the same in any tech meeting in our office. Everyone arrives with a MacBook or iPad. The exec types seem to gravitate toward the iPad; being the hi-tech replacement for the old paper scheduling books or, as we called them, “nerd books”.
Those that want to get work done will be doing it on a PC or Laptop while other people flaunt their toys that they think make them look like technophiles.
It is do or die for Microsoft. If they are willing to take it on the chin for the next 5 years, and not give up, I think they’ll be fine.
But, if they do fail, they will slowly be forced out of the consumer market.
The article argues otherwise. Apple's iPod still owns 78% of the music player market. Sure, the iPhone 4S was a disappointment compared screen-wise to the Galaxy Nexus, but Apple will catch up and blow by them on the next iteration.
In the long run, however, the picture may not be so bright: Paul Graham believes Apple is toast without Steve Jobs. It's highly unlikely that Apple will not succumb to the "big company" disease.
“btw, the iPhone is going down hard in about 6-8 months. You’ll see. When windows 8 and windows phones are up to full speed there will be nothing to stand in Microsoft’s way.”
“I’d like whatever she’s drinking...”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.