Don't Understand Apple's Direction

[salamatali]

I like many here was disappointed when there was no Macpro or iMac update. I was also suprised Apple released a class of laptop that doesnt seem to fulfill neither pro or consumer ie too locked down for a pro and too expensive for a consumer.

I am also suprised because I don't see why so much R&D is being put into laptops when trends point to tablets overtaking laptop sales in the near future. Infact it is already happening now, both big retailers such as Best Buy are seeing a 50% decline in laptop sales in favour of tablets and Tim Cook also said there is cannabalisation of their own laptop mac business due to the iPad. Obviously Apple doesn't mind this as long as people are replacing macbooks with iPads and not competing tablets.

I guess my point is I don't see why Apple isn't focusing on the desktop? There's still plenty that can be done to innovate in the desktop space, people will always need big screens and lots of storage space, people will always need lots of power for more demanding applications. The retina mbp with all the latest tech is still slower than a macpro from 4 years ago.

The laptop's time is limited, the iPad 3 has replaced my macbook pro and almost does everything I need from a mobile computer and then some, and it will only keep getting better. I feel the future is raw desktop power + super mobile tablets to cover all computing needs.

 

[ActionableMango]

Desktops are also on a massive decline. Just as tablets are replacing laptops, laptops have been replacing desktops. Look at how many people here are considering switching from a MP to a MBP, or have already done so.

We really are headed for the post-PC era.

 

[NewbieCanada]

While you may feel the Retina MacBook Pro satisfies neither consumers nor professionals, the fact that there's still a 3-4 week wait for one, while all other Mac laptops are available for immediate shipping would indicate your understanding of the needs and wants of the market is perhaps not as advanced as Apple's.

Furthermore, the only reason tablets are seen as cannibalizing laptop sales over desktop sales is that laptops have ALREADY cannibalized desktop sales.

 

[TableSyrup]

I love lamp

 

[Wardenski]

For mere mortals what iPads and laptops offer is more than enough. Multi-core processors can handle virtually any mundane task like emails etc. The reality is that is what most people do.

Not sure what Apple or anyone else can do about that.

 

[tamvly]

As much as I and many others would like to see a more robust desktop scene at Apple, my sense is that if I were an Apple exec, I'd probably be doing about the same thing Apple is. When you get 90% of your profit from a group of products (not desktop) you'll spend at least 90% of the effort on those products.

That said, I'd still like to see the "xMac" desktop. My 2008 MP says wait and see ... in the meantime I bought a 2012 MBP 15 that is faster than my MP in many respects.

 

[BaldiMac]

Q2 2012

Units
Desktops: 1,199,000
Laptops: 2,818,000

Revenue
Desktops: $1.563 billion
Laptops: $3.510 billion

 

[Lancer]

I agree that desktop and laptop computers (as we know them) are on the decline and one day will be replaced for the average home user with tablet type devices. Maybe within the next 5-10 years. The all-in-one (iMac or PC) will morph into a general entertainment device based around a larger screen TV, with different size screens just like TV and computers have now, to suit the end user.

Most people will used tablets and smart phones for there general computer use, hooking up to there TV or such with wireless keyboards/touch pads/mouse/gestures to controls things.

Smart phones have been a game changer, I don't know the last time I used my Mac to go online to my bank, lot easier to use their App to access my info, and that will be the direction of many online services.

 

[ixodes]

Desktops are also on a massive decline. Just as tablets are replacing laptops, laptops have been replacing desktops. Look at how many people here are considering switching from a MP to a MBP, or have already done so.

We really are headed for the post-PC era.

It's all a matter of perspective, experience, and how the computer (no matter what form factor) is used.

In large scale enterprise, laptops get stolen, and are subject to all kinds of abuse, therefore they are used in limited quantities. The desktop is essential even if only a thin client in some cases.

Then there is the ideal environment for laptops. The very reason they were created. That need (not just a fad or a want) is very robust and still growing. There is a tremendous amount of work that laptops perform. Work that requires the horsepower of a full blown computer, not just a display with a mobile OS that lacks a file system, like tablets typically have.

Then in the consumer sector (and light enterprise work) we have the tablet.

The only company that has made a serious committed pitch for the post PC era, as of the present is Apple.

It is a rather self serving announcement, as obviously they have the only high quality, stable, fast and excellent performing tablet. Apple dominates that segment currently, and most likely will well into the next few years, therefore why not claim that's all you need.

And Apple is right, for many consumers, a tablet will fill the bill quite nicely.

But to make a general statement that makes it sound like desktops and laptops have only a year or so to remain relevant, is to be clueless about computing circa 2012.

 

[lampliter]

I love lamp

I love you too.

 

[ActionableMango]

But to make a general statement that makes it sound like desktops and laptops have only a year or so to remain relevant, is to be clueless about computing circa 2012.

All I said was tablets are replacing laptops and laptops are replacing desktops. Here is data showing that is roughly the trend:

Based on your response, you seem to have translated my statement into "desktops and laptops will disappear in one year". I have no idea how you got that out of my post, and I don't appreciate you putting words into my mouth. My actual opinion is that desktops do have a purpose and their decline will eventually plateau.

 

[derbothaus]

Desktops are also on a massive decline. Just as tablets are replacing laptops, laptops have been replacing desktops. Look at how many people here are considering switching from a MP to a MBP, or have already done so.

We really are headed for the post-PC era.

Really we are just seeing the consumers being weeded out (ie Tablet users) and what is left are the creators. Look at this as was posted in another thread.
http://gigaom.com/apple/the-ongoing-decline-of-the-desktop-mac/
Not so damning at all. A very slow shift and one that may even correct itself. Not sure yet. Everything is on the rise. Desktops sold were double what was sold in 2001 with year over year increases even though the laptop shift happened. I am only looking at Apple as the PC market is in it's own hell.

 

[tamvly]

Q2 2012

Units
Desktops: 1,199,000
Laptops: 2,818,000

Revenue
Desktops: $1.563 billion
Laptops: $3.510 billion

Fine. Now add iPhones and iPads.

 

[cohen777]

wrong direction

This is the time to be investing in better Mac Pro's and iMac's. People aren't going to be producing stuff on iPads.

 

[philipma1957]

All I said was tablets are replacing laptops and laptops are replacing desktops. Here is data showing that is roughly the trend:

Image

Based on your response, you seem to have translated my statement into "desktops and laptops will disappear in one year". I have no idea how you got that out of my post, and I don't appreciate you putting words into my mouth. My actual opinion is that desktops do have a purpose and their decline will eventually plateau.

Also, I don't know why you feel the need to insult me by calling me clueless, so I'll just call you an

i also agree that you did not say desktops would vanish. In fact i see them making a strong comeback when people realize that mobile gear is a real wallet drain. say 2016 or so.

 

[NewbieCanada]

Q2 2012

Units
Desktops: 1,199,000
Laptops: 2,818,000

Revenue
Desktops: $1.563 billion
Laptops: $3.510 billion

Any idea of the breakout between iMacs, Pros and Minis? I'm guessing iMacs are likely 90% of the desktops. They also have a lot in common with laptops, in that they have limited upgradability and you have to replace the whole thing at once.

 

[ixodes]

All I said was tablets are replacing laptops and laptops are replacing desktops. Here is data showing that is roughly the trend:

Image

Based on your response, you seem to have translated my statement into "desktops and laptops will disappear in one year". I have no idea how you got that out of my post, and I don't appreciate you putting words into my mouth. My actual opinion is that desktops do have a purpose and their decline will eventually plateau.

First off, it was not my intention (although I can see how you would feel it was) to call you clueless. I was speaking generically. So my apologies on that front. I should not have written the post in haste.

Moreover it was my disgust with Apple, after years as a loyal customer, I'm finding it very hard to accept the way they are littering OS X with iOS elements, "features" and the like. Even partial convergence of these two is annoying.

Cheers

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

To be honest, not sure I'll stick around much longer myself. I understand the reasoning behind the direction Apple is taking, but have trouble embracing it. They've moved from a computing company, to an information and entertainment company.

On their OSX front - I personally feel they've done so little in the way of progress, the experience has regressed in contrast with the competition.

Guess times change, and I'm reaching that point where I'm not as keen to embrace it all. Time for me to build a cabin in Alaska.

 

[Moriarty]

Apple is heading towards the future... where everything is beautifully and seamlessly engineered, everything with ultra-high resolution displays, etc. And portable.

Tim said that Apple have something for the pros next year... so you haven't been forgotten.

 

[fastlanephil]

Apple is heading towards the future... where everything is beautifully and seamlessly engineered, everything with ultra-high resolution displays, etc. And portable.

Tim said that Apple have something for the pros next year... so you haven't been forgotten.

Maybe the iPad Pro.

 

[linuxcooldude]

Moreover it was my disgust with Apple, after years as a loyal customer, I'm finding it very hard to accept the way they are littering OS X with iOS elements, "features" and the like. Even partial convergence of these two is annoying.

I think it was their intention of making their mobile devices an extension to the desktop. Thus, starting to see some apps carry over from iOS to Mac OSX. So if your away from your desktop you can continue working away on what you started at home or office and vice versa. Start working on something on your mobile device and finish it on your desktop once you get back home. Thats how integration should work.

 

[wallysb01]

All I said was tablets are replacing laptops and laptops are replacing desktops. Here is data showing that is roughly the trend:

Logic fail.

 

[dbit]

Mobile digital consumption devices with sleek interfaces. What's not to understand?

I don't like it, but it's where they're headed. Maybe it will make sense for everybody one day when network bandwidth and clouds are both far more powerful. Thats still a couple decades away IMO. For now it makes sense for general consumers. This is Apple's new target market. Isn't it funny how we all love to 'think different' and be rebellious when we're on the outside of a market looking in, but my how that changes once you tap into the mainstream. Now you have 'other concerns' ... 'it's not that simple" you exclaim ...

 

[zephonic]

If there was a 27" table-top tablet with the same computing power as a MacPro what are the arguments for sticking with the old way of working?

I do music and audio, and I ca't wait for the major DAW makers to restructure their products for multi-touch. A nice big display lying on my desk at a 7-10 degree angle, moving virtual faders with my finger rather than with the mouse, zooming in on a wave form by pinching, swipe to switch between the arrange and mixer page....

I can just see it. The mouse and keyboard are clunky and clumsy in comparison.

 

[wallysb01]

If there was a 27" table-top tablet with the same computing power as a MacPro what are the arguments for sticking with the old way of working?

I do music and audio, and I ca't wait for the major DAW makers to restructure their products for multi-touch. A nice big display lying on my desk at a 7-10 degree angle, moving virtual faders with my finger rather than with the mouse, zooming in on a wave form by pinching, swipe to switch between the arrange and mixer page....

I can just see it. The mouse and keyboard are clunky and clumsy in comparison.

Think about the amount of arm motion you'd be putting yourself through moving features around on a 27" screen with your hand. Compare that to the couple centimeter movements you make with your mouse. What you're talking about is an ergonomic nightmare. I'd give you a week, tops, and you'd be asking for that mouse back.