What is up at Apple?

[HD Fboy]

3 years ago I moved my company to the Mac. We have never looked back. This has been a very good decision but I see storm clouds forming.

I ordered 2 64gig 3G iPads from my local reseller in mid April. The reseller was promised lots and lots of stock NLT 8 May. To date he has received 5 units for opening day while the Apple Store (Apple assured him they would not open a company store , 9 months before they opened the store) 3 miles from him continues to receive stock. Now they are shipping worldwide. What is the deal with their lack of support for their resellers and the resellers customers or do they only care about their retail store customers?

All of our corporate cell phones are iPhones. The contracts are up in June and I am considering looking elsewhere. Right now I plan to upgrade across the company but between Apple and AT&T I am wondering if this is the best solution for my company.

Apple has rolled into lawyer land. They are where Microsoft was 8 or so years ago with all these lawsuits.

Apple has attacked Adobe one of the cornerstones of their success from the beginning.

I have begun to wonder if Apple wants to close their system to outside developers or are they only interested in promoting Apple Only products? Anyone else wonder where QuickOffice for the iPad is? Or are they milking the iWork apps for the iPad to the max before they let QuickOffice release?


Not a good thing. Come on Apple hold up your end, show some integrity.

If Apple looses their advantages and try to compete with Windows 7 systems at a substantially higher price It could be a killer. Android is already running head to head with the iPhone and tablet PC's aren't new technology.

Right now, I will accept the iPads but I am seeing signs that Apple is loosing the customer focus they are famous for. If they become Microsoft Lite I see a return to the Apple of the 1990's.

I am not bashing here, but I am concerned. I have committed substantial resources to Apple products. I am worried.

Are any other buyers out there experiencing this same kind of crap?

 

[Battlestar]

Steve Jobs brought Apple back from the brink with the iPod. Their focus has moved from being a computer company to being a consumer electronics company. They are no going into online advertising and may one day even have a genius search engine.

In order to grow they had to expand their offerings outside of the Mac. And as a result of it the Mac base has grown more than it would have without it.

When companies grow things change. It is just the way that it is.

 

[poloponies]

Apple has rolled into lawyer land. They are where Microsoft was 8 or so years ago with all these lawsuits.

I'll address this fairly vague comment, but as far as "lawyer land" goes, the laws concerning intellectual property put a hefty burden on the owner (i.e. "you want the law to protect you? well then you need to vigilantly protect yourself").

So if Apple lets someone slide then the next guy says "but Apple doesn't enforce against everyone" and before you know it, their exclusivity is gone.

As far as suits against Apple? The company is ginormous and has a lot of (questionably) innovative product. They can't control who sues them any more than you or I can.

Like it or not, lawyer land is part of the business topography and Apple has been both a plaintiff or defendant since their business started. You're hearing more about it now because they're in the lead and successful rather than the underdog of past decades.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Apple is not your friend. Apple is not loyal.

They are a business. Cutthroat and they are very good at it.

That's all that really matters in the end. For them.

My example is:

I don't complain that my orange doesn't taste like a mango. I used chose to eat the mango instead. Just don't get mad about the orange. It's just an orange.

 

[ksoze]

Are any other buyers out there experiencing this same kind of crap?

Could you summarize the crap. I did not see specific points besides what appears to be having to wait for a hot product and general fear of the unknown.

 

[HD Fboy]

As an owner of multiple patents some of which have resulted in successful products I am well versed in I most aspects of IP.

Most companies work to avoid these suits via licensing agreements.

You are correct, my comment is vague. When MS headed down this path their corporate mission shifted to one of domination away from one of Customer Support and Satisfaction. The buyouts and lawsuits were directly correlated with this mission redirection.

As I implied, if Apple is focused on domination and not customer needs our collective investments become at risk.

And I certainly understand Corporate Changes. In most business models a movement towards Vertical Integration creates more problems than it solves.

 

[HD Fboy]

Could you summarize the crap. I did not see specific points besides what appears to be having to wait for a hot product and general fear of the unknown.

So, if you had been a loyal reseller of a product for years you wouldn't have a problem with the company shifting product away from you to company stores overseas after they pledged to meet US demand before meeting foreign demand? Or would your needs not matter?

 

[HD Fboy]

Apple is not your friend. Apple is not loyal.

They are a business. Cutthroat and they are very good at it.

That's all that really matters in the end. For them.

My example is:

I don't complain that my orange doesn't taste like a mango. I used chose to eat the mango instead. Just don't get mad about the orange. It's just an orange.

And it just really sucks if all the Mangoes have gone bad and you hate oranges.

Business does not have to be cutthroat to be successful. Especially if they begin slashing at their customers. We haven't experienced this yet but there are signs that it could be coming.

 

[HLdan]

Apple has attacked Adobe one of the cornerstones of their success from the beginning.

This is just not correct, it's the other way around.

 

[3N16MA]

When Steve Jobs has a vision on how things should be he does not let anyone stand in his way. He was ousted in the 80's because he had a vision and the rest of the board did not see the same thing. How many CEO's have this much control of a $100 billion+ corporation? Steve has been back at Apple for 14 years. Apple is no longer just a computer company like they were in the 90's with no "must have" products they are a CE company with many "must have" products.

Not following Steve in the 80's cost Apple.

 

[HelloMikee]

Apple = innovation in UI, Design and how one interacts with media.

 

[aristobrat]

Now they are shipping worldwide. What is the deal with their lack of support for their resellers and the resellers customers or do they only care about their retail store customers?

Apple has always stocked its supply chain before filling others. Over the last three years, who has gotten the lion share of iPhones at/immediately following a launch, Apple or AT&T/Best Buy/Walmart/Radio Shack? How long was it before resellers got MacBook Airs in stock after it launched? The only thing unusual about how they're handling the iPad is that a month out, they still can't keep up with demand.

Anyone else wonder where QuickOffice for the iPad is? Or are they milking the iWork apps for the iPad to the max before they let QuickOffice release?

If that's the case, it's unusual that the QuickOffice developers haven't spoken out. Seems like pretty much every other iDevice developer with a problem with how Apple's handling their app complains, which gets the near immediate attention of the technosphere. And with prominent developers, Phil Schiller will sometimes publicly respond to the issue.

Android is already running head to head with the iPhone

Having the largest marketshare has never been an Apple mission.

[qutoe]Right now, I will accept the iPads but I am seeing signs that Apple is loosing the customer focus they are famous for.[/QUOTE]
Using what metrics? Their latest new product is a smash hit. Their overall product lineup has been smashing sales, quarter after quarter. Their tech support is still rated #1. Their retail stores are at the top of customer satisfaction reports.

 

[iRabbit]

Apple has attacked Flash, not the same as attacking Adobe. In case you didn't notice, Microsoft actually publicly agreed with them.

Apple getting sued isn't something they can control.
Apple protecting its IP is Apple doing what it's supposed to. If they seem to do it more lately it's because they have a whole lot more to lose and they're popular enough now for the media to be interested in reporting it.

Apple's development kit for apps is open to everyone. If Microsoft wants to make a QuickOffice, that's on THEM to do it. Has NOTHING to do with Apple. Office and any Office-like app is on Microsoft to create.

Yes, you're right, tablet pcs are nothing knew. However, tablet computers that people actually want to buy? Apple made that happen. Windows tablets catered to niche crowds only, and never got wide-spread acceptance. Looks like the iPad is well on its way to achieving much more wide-spread acceptance than tablet pcs could have ever hoped for... And that's because of what Apple has designed.

As for your reseller... I can understand your frustration, but how is going away from Apple going to help you and your business? Did you say moving to Apple was a good decision? Not wanting to buy from them now because you didn't get an ipad yet sounds more like sour grapes to me than a good business decision. Either you think they are useful to you and your company and you'll buy them, or you don't and you won't. I'll assume it's the first since you're so mad you don't have one yet... And if that's the case, how is moving away from Apple going to help you exactly?

 

[skubish]

3 years ago I moved my company to the Mac. We have never looked back. This has been a very good decision but I see storm clouds forming.

I ordered 2 64gig 3G iPads from my local reseller in mid April. The reseller was promised lots and lots of stock NLT 8 May. To date he has received 5 units for opening day while the Apple Store (Apple assured him they would not open a company store , 9 months before they opened the store) 3 miles from him continues to receive stock. Now they are shipping worldwide. What is the deal with their lack of support for their resellers and the resellers customers or do they only care about their retail store customers?

All of our corporate cell phones are iPhones. The contracts are up in June and I am considering looking elsewhere. Right now I plan to upgrade across the company but between Apple and AT&T I am wondering if this is the best solution for my company.

Apple has rolled into lawyer land. They are where Microsoft was 8 or so years ago with all these lawsuits.

Apple has attacked Adobe one of the cornerstones of their success from the beginning.

I have begun to wonder if Apple wants to close their system to outside developers or are they only interested in promoting Apple Only products? Anyone else wonder where QuickOffice for the iPad is? Or are they milking the iWork apps for the iPad to the max before they let QuickOffice release?


Not a good thing. Come on Apple hold up your end, show some integrity.

If Apple looses their advantages and try to compete with Windows 7 systems at a substantially higher price It could be a killer. Android is already running head to head with the iPhone and tablet PC's aren't new technology.

Right now, I will accept the iPads but I am seeing signs that Apple is loosing the customer focus they are famous for. If they become Microsoft Lite I see a return to the Apple of the 1990's.

I am not bashing here, but I am concerned. I have committed substantial resources to Apple products. I am worried.

Are any other buyers out there experiencing this same kind of crap?

I am not sure why people are always looking for Apple to fail. All Steve has done is success after success since he has been with Apple. iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Pixar. Give Steve a break, he knows what he is doing.

 

[ditzy]

So, if you had been a loyal reseller of a product for years you wouldn't have a problem with the company shifting product away from you to company stores overseas after they pledged to meet US demand before meeting foreign demand? Or would your needs not matter?

As far as I can tell Apple never pledged to meet US demand before selling to the rest of the world. If my memory is correct they pledged a 'worldwide' release, at the same time. If anything that was the promise that they broke. You seem to be getting mad at them for doing what they said they were going to do.

 

[sarcosis]

Apple has attacked Flash, not the same as attacking Adobe. In case you didn't notice, Microsoft actually publicly agreed with them.

Apple getting sued isn't something they can control.
Apple protecting its IP is Apple doing what it's supposed to. If they seem to do it more lately it's because they have a whole lot more to lose and they're popular enough now for the media to be interested in reporting it.

Apple's development kit for apps is open to everyone. If Microsoft wants to make a QuickOffice, that's on THEM to do it. Has NOTHING to do with Apple. Office and any Office-like app is on Microsoft to create.

Yes, you're right, tablet pcs are nothing knew. However, tablet computers that people actually want to buy? Apple made that happen. Windows tablets catered to niche crowds only, and never got wide-spread acceptance. Looks like the iPad is well on its way to achieving much more wide-spread acceptance than tablet pcs could have ever hoped for... And that's because of what Apple has designed.

As for your reseller... I can understand your frustration, but how is going away from Apple going to help you and your business? Did you say moving to Apple was a good decision? Not wanting to buy from them now because you didn't get an ipad yet sounds more like sour grapes to me than a good business decision. Either you think they are useful to you and your company and you'll buy them, or you don't and you won't. I'll assume it's the first since you're so mad you don't have one yet... And if that's the case, how is moving away from Apple going to help you exactly?

Great points. In fact, Microsoft is an Apple "Ally" if you will. See, Microsoft sells software. They don't care what platform it's on, just that they make money on it. That's why Office is on the Mac. They make a buckets of cash from it.

As far as IP's go, either you defend it vigorously or else you create a precedence and then you have bad holes when you decide that you want to defend your self. If you are known to fight, less people pick on you.

Tablet PC's before the iPad have been a joke. I have seen few and far between and usually don't do much. I used a Fujitsu tablet in college with Vista and I would much prefer to whip out my own laptop than use the tablet. No key board was rough and the handwriting recognition didn't work well.

Apple is in front of the pack as far as creating new useful markets. OS X is kind of on the back burner because they don't make as much cash on it. And with that, the Macbook Pros, iMacs, and Mac Pros are a bit neglected because of the shift in philosophy which is a good thing. I love Macs, but as a Electronics Company, to grow, they must find new markets.

 

[Dr Kevorkian94]

apple likes to move at there own pace, but tghey also like to "milk the cash cow" (i hate to say it but it is true). i personaly think tyhat the itphone os is the most friendly os out there, not very free but i still love it. apple knows what they are up againsed and they arfe always cookin somthin up. as for iphone since thoes leaked iphopnes come out some of us have been dissapointed and some not fyi we cant really do anything about it exept just get another phone. as for ipad well there are many things we wanted but we will have to wait for the years to come. im sure that the os 4 for ipad will not just be multikasking. alkl we can do is wait for WWDC and see what is in store (not ipad) that was a pun ha ha ha. but i will always be faithfull to apple

 

[mstout]

Apple freakin rocks. If you don't like Apple, buy something else. Nothing is wrong with Apple. They've never been better. Amazing company. I love those guys!

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Someone's had a little too much cliché cola tonight.

 

[emptyCup]

Friend, you've been with Apple for 3 years. I've been using their products since 1984. Letting other companies run over their technology almost destroyed Apple and Apple is never going to let it happen again. I assume you have read Steve Jobs' Thoughts on Flash. It is as good a history as any.

You should do what is best for your company. But since other people, and your job, depend on this decision I suggest you try out the alternatives yourself first. There are plenty of alternatives in both computers and phones. Give them a try. Four years after the iPhone, and three years after Android there is still no Flash for any smart phone. I hear the latest version will run on the newest phones soon. You can read about it here.

Inform yourself. Test things out. Let us know what you do and how it worked out. Personal decisions can be emotional. Business decisions should not be. Best wishes.

 

[chriszzz]

So, if you had been a loyal reseller of a product for years you wouldn't have a problem with the company shifting product away from you to company stores overseas after they pledged to meet US demand before meeting foreign demand? Or would your needs not matter?

That's what happens when you base your entire business plan on another business you don't control.

If you were Apple why would you not fulfill your own inventory needs before others? Why split any profit when you can have it all? As someone who claims to be so business savvy I would think the reasoning for Apple's moves would be obvious.

 

[smiddlehurst]

Tablet PC's before the iPad have been a joke. I have seen few and far between and usually don't do much. I used a Fujitsu tablet in college with Vista and I would much prefer to whip out my own laptop than use the tablet. No key board was rough and the handwriting recognition didn't work well.

Apple is in front of the pack as far as creating new useful markets. OS X is kind of on the back burner because they don't make as much cash on it. And with that, the Macbook Pros, iMacs, and Mac Pros are a bit neglected because of the shift in philosophy which is a good thing. I love Macs, but as a Electronics Company, to grow, they must find new markets.

Hey, agree with your other points but I honestly think people are looking at this in a kinda backwards way. It's not about the products, it's about the markets behind them. Allow me to explain.

OS X as we know it today is a mature product in a very mature market. Same applies to Windows 7 and certain flavours of Linux (although they've got a little further to go in terms of accessibility). Look at the release notes for 10.6 or Windows 7 and see how many user features were added and how many were groundbreaking AND useful in daily life for the maority of users. There ain't many and those there were tend to be catch-up items or effectively bug fixes from previous mistakes. Same applies to hardware, how many of us use a core 2 duo and think it's too slow outside of professional tasks? THIS is the problem both Apple and Microsoft face on the desktop, they're pretty much finished products now and we're just tweaking the furniture occasionaly. The hardware gets better but how long has it been since any company made a real leap forward? That's not a symptom of companies easing off on developments, just that we've pretty much resolved the problems associated with the desktop computer.

Now look at the iPad. Ignore the form factor for a moment and look at the OS. This is the first serious attempt at creating a true consumer computer. As with all things in life there's compromise involved here and in this case it's removing some of the flexibility traditionally associated with computers. The tradeoff though is a vastly simpler device with minimum maintenance requirements and that's so simple to use and add new functionality virtually anyone can do it.

Then look up from the iPad at the wider computing world and pay close attention to where the development bucks are going. iPhone OS, Android, webOS, Symbian (uh... well, that or whatever Nokia go with as a replacement) and Windows Phone 7. They ALL subscribe to that model, to a greater or lesser degree. They're all being evaluated or prepared to debut in devices that are far closer to traditional computers than smartphones are normally considered to be (although that's a false assumption too... but that's an argument for another time). They've sparked a developer race the likes of which I don't think we've ever seen before.

This is the first stumbling steps of the CONSUMER computer market. Devices that have made a clean break with the business market that have serviced home users since the days of Windows 3.1 and are now trying to present an experience designed around the non-technical user. They won't replace OS X, Windows 7 and their descendents but they do have the potential to work alongside them. Whether that potential ever gets realised is another thing all together and the devices we have in five years will probably be greatly different to the iPad but the building blocks of that consumer device are now clear for all to see.

 

[elfxmilhouse]

I ordered 2 64gig 3G iPads from my local reseller in mid April. The reseller was promised lots and lots of stock NLT 8 May. To date he has received 5 units for opening day while the Apple Store (Apple assured him they would not open a company store , 9 months before they opened the store) 3 miles from him continues to receive stock. Now they are shipping worldwide. What is the deal with their lack of support for their resellers and the resellers customers or do they only care about their retail store customers?

Are any other buyers out there experiencing this same kind of crap?

if the apple store is only 3 miles away why dont you just buy from there?
there are also a lot of online retailers.

 

[riam]

I have begun to wonder if Apple wants to close their system to outside developers or are they only interested in promoting Apple Only products? Anyone else wonder where QuickOffice for the iPad is? Or are they milking the iWork apps for the iPad to the max before they let QuickOffice release?

I think Quick Office developers are creating a more complete version of quickoffice for the ipad and that whats its taking so long, because you can see apps in the store like Office 2 HD

 

[dagomike]

Could you summarize the crap. I did not see specific points besides what appears to be having to wait for a hot product and general fear of the unknown.

This sums it up. The dude bought an iPad from a third party and they have to wait while Apple takes care of its direct customers first. Nothing surprising there.

A little history lesson: Apple doesn't care about all but a handful of resellers. They screwed the pooch for decades, which is why Apple moved into retail.