Well, you are not alone, I agree with all your points except that's Apple products tradionally look better and had better appearance look and feel than most other electronics and computer brands.
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I miss the old Apple.
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There will be plenty of people still transitioning from other brands to Apple products. I am amazed that's after years of discussing with a couple of friends, each of them from different backgrounds one hated Apple and said never was going to get anything that was overpriced, and the other hated the iPhone and iOS when compared to Android and other devices like a Zune for playing music, they both surprised me by stating:I didn't say it's doomed. But you can't actually think more people than live on Earth are going to buy iPhones, I'm sure. Apple will continue to have good profits, but the growth is going to slow and/or stop. And the company is basically a one-trick pony now. If anything happens to drop phone sales, rather than slow them, then we can bring out the D-word.
The best laptop I ever had is the MacBook Air.
The iPhone is great and will get the next one soon to replace my wife's.
Now just staying one model behind I can get it almost for free from the carriers.
My company will give Macs if I choose, so I Will get them from know on (works for IBM).
They had been bitten by the apple bug.
Once they realize if they get an AppleTV and AirPort Extreme
In addition to them, loyal customers will continue buying, not necessarily all the products, I don't have iPad nor Apple Watch. My currently active Macs are from 2008 and 2013; I'm just waiting for the next Retina iMac to be released to get one.
And there are millions of people all over the world for example in South America, Asia, and Europe that still are potential new customers.
Have you USED the surface?
I have, let me fill you in with the SP3 experience. With many of them (including my primary work machine), as we have rolled about 20 of them out at work (pilot group) and I've imaged about half of them.
Buy an SP3, dock, ethernet adapter, type cover.
Put machine on dock, attempt to charge it. Oh, the dock doesn't work without a firmware update. Neither does PXE boot.
Update firmware to get the dock to charge the machine (or network boot, which I needed to do to image the machine).
Turn on WIFI. Causes random BSODs with the enterprise Cisco wifi network at work.
Attempt to use as a tablet - no touch version of any of the Windows tools I need. Try to do control + alt + delete to change your password with the touch keyboard - it can't be done. Oh and the type covers? Every one feels different. QC on them is balls.
Battery life? 4-5 hours tops.
Windows 8.1 UI scaling is broken. Plug in an external monitor, try to use the internal display and external side by side. Lol at the random UI scaling bugs you will encounter if you use it for more than a few hours. Even with built in applications like IE11.
The dock will randomly stop working, stop charging and need to be power cycled via unplugging the dock's power cable to recover (have had this with multiple docks).
Ive been using the SP3 10+ months. It does not live up to the hype in my opinion.
And as far as being a seamless experience that "just works" goes, like you would expect with Apple gear? Not even in the same galaxy.
I Agree with the OP but would like to add some extra thoughts, in the looks department the rest almost caught up and for many i can see that would be good enough where form and function over value makes good sense.I do not really follow specs any more, what i have is powerful enough for my use for a while longer but Apple seem to have put form over function when i was last checking these things out, people will groan but the reduction in ports and no optical drive,no Blu Ray annoys me. Sure make some size 0 laptop models but the choice of a large laptop for many would be useful but the Bottom line is that they didn't sell as many 17' laptops and so they got axed. The egg white omelette is not to my taste but I'm still happy to carry on with my Mac/Apple products even if the days of rushing home to see what the new product release is are over.
I don't see this as an Apple is doomed thread per se.
Apple continues to make desirable products that work reasonably well (I completely disagree with the notion that "they just work" anymore, because their software QA team are slacking).
But there is no spark of excitement anymore. Perhaps it's a good thing that we just see these products more as tools than objects of desire, but still. I sure miss the feeling I got when I first opened my first iPod back in 2003.
Apple continues to make desirable products that work reasonably well (I completely disagree with the notion that "they just work" anymore, because their software QA team are slacking).
But there is no spark of excitement anymore. Perhaps it's a good thing that we just see these products more as tools than objects of desire, but still. I sure miss the feeling I got when I first opened my first iPod back in 2003.
The way I see it, is that many Apple enthusiasts started their Apple experience with the iDevices and went through some unusual period in the electronics consumer industry, new devices releases progressively and additional services that they forget that the real joy of the apple products is actually using them and not just the initial thrill of getting something new every few months.
Steve is no longer there.
Some of the Macs still provide the best computer out there, and all the other peripherals are nice to have, only the iPhone is essential.
We expect to see more things like 3D printing, home automation products, and professional cloud services to run OS X in any browser.
Interesting. Wife & I were on out and about this last weekend and driving by Mc Clellan Park in Sacramento, there was a small club of Edsels owners. Took some time and stopped to take a look. Interesting piece of history. Once thing I found interesting is that I never knew that they made a station wagon.
I first used a Macintosh SE circa 1990. First Mac I owned was a Performa 450 in the mid-90s. I liked the fact that I used Macs and not Windows machines. I liked buying MacUser and looking at the various video cards, third-party add-ons and all the various Mac configurations I could investigate if I were so inclined and had the funds to do so. I could waste a whole afternoon drooling over my dream configuration – and what I might actually be able to afford (hence the Performa 450). I owned Apple-badged scanners, printers, PowerBook docks, mini docks and what have you at various times alongside the associated hardware. I also liked that you could tinker under the hood, so to speak, and get to understand something of the way the hardware and software worked.
These days, there are far fewer problems to have to troubleshoot. Indeed it's weird now to have to deal with anything too challenging. The computers are wholly impressive and so I don't have to think about things in quite the same way any more. As tools, they're excellent. But it's not the same sort of adventure in computing at all. I'm glad I get my work done efficiently. But I miss some of the character that the older Macs and systems possessed. And even MacUser doesn't publish any more. Times change.
These days, there are far fewer problems to have to troubleshoot. Indeed it's weird now to have to deal with anything too challenging. The computers are wholly impressive and so I don't have to think about things in quite the same way any more. As tools, they're excellent. But it's not the same sort of adventure in computing at all. I'm glad I get my work done efficiently. But I miss some of the character that the older Macs and systems possessed. And even MacUser doesn't publish any more. Times change.
I used to live in West Sacramento. That whole area is a great place to live.
I think I caught the same group of owners when I lived there. I recall one nice powder blue 59(?) 4 door that was very nicely restored. And yes, they did make wagons. Edsels were always interesting to me because they were actually good cars built for the wrong audience.
Not me. I don't miss the Old Apple at all. $5K for a 9" B&W screen?
No thanks.I miss the Middle Aged Apple (from the 2nd coming of SJ to the iPod span). Reasonably priced machines, OS X and lots and lots of internal expansion.
I lost interest after they shifted focus to handheld devices to the detriment of their computers.
I get what you're saying. I bought my first Apple computer and iPod in 2004. Really loved those machines and they still work today! I replaced the battery in my iPod 3G and it works perfectly, and even my Powerbook still works exactly as it used to, DVD drive and all.
My 2008 MBP doesn't work any more and I worry my 2014 MBP won't have a long life either.
And yeah, Apple today does seem more like a brand to sit next to a Gucci or Prada shop. I'm not saying computers can't be sexy, but IMO the emphasis needs to be on spec innovation (like fancy processors) first and foremost. I can't buy a Mac desktop now because the difference between desktop and mobile GPU variants is widening.
Microsoft seem to be getting much better but they're still falling at the last hurdle each time. Windows 10 is free... but not for everyone. They're still selling multiple SKUs for their OS. Windows mobile is a dead duck (would like to see them retain their look but be running Android under the hood for software compatibility). The Xbox continues to improve its OS but will always be behind the PS4 due to its slightly worse specs.
I'm cheering for MS, they're becoming great again. But each year Apple seems to fall back a little bit from where the consumer in me would like them to be.
My 2008 MBP doesn't work any more and I worry my 2014 MBP won't have a long life either.
And yeah, Apple today does seem more like a brand to sit next to a Gucci or Prada shop. I'm not saying computers can't be sexy, but IMO the emphasis needs to be on spec innovation (like fancy processors) first and foremost. I can't buy a Mac desktop now because the difference between desktop and mobile GPU variants is widening.
Microsoft seem to be getting much better but they're still falling at the last hurdle each time. Windows 10 is free... but not for everyone. They're still selling multiple SKUs for their OS. Windows mobile is a dead duck (would like to see them retain their look but be running Android under the hood for software compatibility). The Xbox continues to improve its OS but will always be behind the PS4 due to its slightly worse specs.
I'm cheering for MS, they're becoming great again. But each year Apple seems to fall back a little bit from where the consumer in me would like them to be.
Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamor in illis... times change and we change with it.
Meaning: Apple being a totally different company than it was before, and we as Apple-enthusiasts (fan-base) change too:
Apple Part 1
- In the beginning (i.e. pre-Windows 95) Apple was simply superior.
Fanbase were the pirates.
Apple Part 2
- In the "old" days (i.e. the beige Macs..) it was about survival, being the "under-dog".
Fanbase changed... they became die-hard anti-Microsoft beardy-grfx guys (usually the ex-pirates).
Apple Part 3
- Steve back in town, part one: it was about the changes. Mac OS 9 -> Mac OS X, PowerPC -> Intel
Fanbase had to change! A Mac was a UNIX OS on an Intel CPU: die hard beardy-grfx guys hated that at first! (anyone remember posts like "I had to throw up in my mouth a little.."?)
Apple Part 4
- Steve put Apple in the driver's seat: all about iPod, iPhone, iTunes.. etc. (oh yeah... we had teh Macs too)
Fanbase had to change again. It wasn't about the Macs, but about iOS and the services around these devices.
Apple Part 5
- Life after Steve: our beloved visionair and ruthless leader has gone.... here is our business guy: Tim.
Fanbase: Change again. Apple is more of a 21st century, fortune 500, global company. Apple is into consumer electronics and services, maximising profits through delivering the ultimate user-experience by creating the coolest, thinnest, most easy to use and best consumer mobile technology on the planet.
Meaning: Apple being a totally different company than it was before, and we as Apple-enthusiasts (fan-base) change too:
Apple Part 1
- In the beginning (i.e. pre-Windows 95) Apple was simply superior.
Fanbase were the pirates.
Apple Part 2
- In the "old" days (i.e. the beige Macs..) it was about survival, being the "under-dog".
Fanbase changed... they became die-hard anti-Microsoft beardy-grfx guys (usually the ex-pirates).
Apple Part 3
- Steve back in town, part one: it was about the changes. Mac OS 9 -> Mac OS X, PowerPC -> Intel
Fanbase had to change! A Mac was a UNIX OS on an Intel CPU: die hard beardy-grfx guys hated that at first! (anyone remember posts like "I had to throw up in my mouth a little.."?)
Apple Part 4
- Steve put Apple in the driver's seat: all about iPod, iPhone, iTunes.. etc. (oh yeah... we had teh Macs too)
Fanbase had to change again. It wasn't about the Macs, but about iOS and the services around these devices.
Apple Part 5
- Life after Steve: our beloved visionair and ruthless leader has gone.... here is our business guy: Tim.
Fanbase: Change again. Apple is more of a 21st century, fortune 500, global company. Apple is into consumer electronics and services, maximising profits through delivering the ultimate user-experience by creating the coolest, thinnest, most easy to use and best consumer mobile technology on the planet.
Part 1: had two eras Apple ][ and then the Mac.
Part 2: had mor
What you described as Part 1, had 4 main acts:
1. Apple I
2. Apple ][
3. Mac
4. Steves are out, Woz and Jobs
And Part 2: Mac II series finally bringing color, plus some great machines were released but also plenty of crappy models overpriced and some cheap ones, plus the Newton and some portables. There were some white and gray ones too.
Just to add to some other Surface Pro wierdness - on Friday i had a meeting at 10am.
I get to work at 9, find my Surface Pro battery is at 41% and charging. It had been on the dock, on AC power all night. When i left work it had 100% charge.
Why isn't it full? Who knows. Log in, and it is charging. I didn't do anything to it. So i had to go into a 2 hour meeting with just over half a charge (because it takes ages to charge)
Awesome.
I get to work at 9, find my Surface Pro battery is at 41% and charging. It had been on the dock, on AC power all night. When i left work it had 100% charge.
Why isn't it full? Who knows. Log in, and it is charging. I didn't do anything to it. So i had to go into a 2 hour meeting with just over half a charge (because it takes ages to charge)
Awesome.
And I'd tack in what am I glad is gone (SCSI voodoo,John Sculley) or vastly improved from first go (OS X).
I am pretty happy with my Apple gear. They need to home in on their software fixes and maybe undo some of the ones they rolled out that make OS more like iOS. Whoever did away with separate download windows is on my **** list forever. People who spring for a laptop expect software that can get up off the porch and give the screen's real estate a workout. Memo to developers: a laptop screen is actually bigger than 4x6 inches.
I''m always pleased when Apple improves something that was already pretty cool, like the nano iPod, sticking bluetooth and a radio in it and making it all art-deco (and skinny again) was a fabulous idea. I'm happy with the rate of upgrade of the other product lines as well.
But do I miss the old Apple? Maybe the idea of the old Apple. The cachet of having something that was seriously different in 1985. Something that far back naturally gets all hazy (cue the faded roses and lace), since one's selective memory tends to kick in.
If I think of the old Apple as smilin' Mac face on a 512k machine, then sure, that was so amazing, compared to my Compaq luggable. But if I think of most of the stuff after SE30s, well... it took until the tangerine clamshell ibook and then the powerbooks for me to get really enthusiastic about Apple again.
When I could really take the data with me and not die lugging it around, that was heaven. Anything past that has been commendable, but man when Steve slid the first Air out of that manila envelope? Keep that ol' 512k, I'll bring my own smiley face!
Not me. I don't miss the Old Apple at all. $5K for a 9" B&W screen?
I miss the Middle Aged Apple (from the 2nd coming of SJ to the iPod span). Reasonably priced machines, OS X and lots and lots of internal expansion.
I lost interest after they shifted focus to handheld devices to the detriment of their computers.
This pretty much sums up my opinions on Apple. Around 1999 to 2005 was the perfect time to buy Apple products.
Focusing on fashion, as is currently the case, will almost certainly be detrimental in other areas. I believe we're seeing this in many ways, from machines that can't be upgraded (else they wouldn't be the thinnest ever) to slow computers (else they wouldn't be thinnest with longest battery life) to not spending enough effort properly cooking OS updates before they're let loose into the wild (we have a new phone, so we need a new OS; and as soon as the last OS is finally stable, we introduce a whole lot of new bugs with a new OS).
[edit- case in point: Ive and Iovine speaking at Vanity Fair forum, just saw this news. Really? Really??? I *get* industrial design; I've said many times that I've found the iPhone 4 to be the most gorgeous phone ever; but I don't mean this in terms of spending hundreds of dollars for a bumper made of rich Corinthian leather dyed in just the right shade of puce, or if the metal is gold-tinted vs. REAL gold, etc.]
And as I've opined elsewhere here (it's in the politics/religion forum and I won't rehash it in this post), I have major issues with the cognitive dissonance in Apple's latest music push, and have sworn off not only Apple Music but buying new content through iTunes as well. After going all-in on the Apple ecosystem, I'm working on trying to back out, and I've bought my last iPhone. Apple drew me in at the end of the Jobs era, but is chasing me away in the Cook era. It's not any one thing, but many small changes that just added up.
[edit- case in point: Ive and Iovine speaking at Vanity Fair forum, just saw this news. Really? Really??? I *get* industrial design; I've said many times that I've found the iPhone 4 to be the most gorgeous phone ever; but I don't mean this in terms of spending hundreds of dollars for a bumper made of rich Corinthian leather dyed in just the right shade of puce, or if the metal is gold-tinted vs. REAL gold, etc.]
And as I've opined elsewhere here (it's in the politics/religion forum and I won't rehash it in this post), I have major issues with the cognitive dissonance in Apple's latest music push, and have sworn off not only Apple Music but buying new content through iTunes as well. After going all-in on the Apple ecosystem, I'm working on trying to back out, and I've bought my last iPhone. Apple drew me in at the end of the Jobs era, but is chasing me away in the Cook era. It's not any one thing, but many small changes that just added up.
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What about the aluminum MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac? I despise the lack of upgradability of the more recent models but they were the greatest Macs ever.
It's all right — you're merely getting old and jaded. It happens to all of us, sooner or later.
Like many here, the "old" Apple to me is the early 80s Apple. I cut my teeth on the //e. Used mine all the way through college until I could cobble together the funds for a IIci, which I kept and upgraded for quite a number of years. Then I got a PowerMac 8500/120, which I also kept and heavily upgraded for many years. Now I have a Early 2009 Mac Pro, which can also be kept and heavily upgraded for years, thanks to the Mac Pro 5,1 firmware patch.
I have to really take exception to the assertion that "Microsoft is on a roll." We have a few Surface 3s at work, and they come nowhere near to living up to the hype. They are so clunky and frustrating to use. Windows 10 has some deal-breaking issues with privacy. They had to take huge write-offs for Nokia and Windows Phone in recent quarters. Their new leadership looks like they're moving things in the right direction, but they have a long, long way to go.
Like many here, the "old" Apple to me is the early 80s Apple. I cut my teeth on the //e. Used mine all the way through college until I could cobble together the funds for a IIci, which I kept and upgraded for quite a number of years. Then I got a PowerMac 8500/120, which I also kept and heavily upgraded for many years. Now I have a Early 2009 Mac Pro, which can also be kept and heavily upgraded for years, thanks to the Mac Pro 5,1 firmware patch.
I have to really take exception to the assertion that "Microsoft is on a roll." We have a few Surface 3s at work, and they come nowhere near to living up to the hype. They are so clunky and frustrating to use. Windows 10 has some deal-breaking issues with privacy. They had to take huge write-offs for Nokia and Windows Phone in recent quarters. Their new leadership looks like they're moving things in the right direction, but they have a long, long way to go.