With the rise of Android and the stubbornness of Windows, can Apple survive on Fanboys, alone?
Andy Lark, Dell’s global head of marketing for large enterprises and public organizations, sat down with CIO Australia and made some predictions about the iPad.
In a nutshell, he said the iPad is going to fail.
His predictions, although fairly off in his calculations, come down to dollars and cents. He figures by the time consumers drop their dough on the tablet and on an arm full of accessories, users are going to burn up their wallets.
He says that the iPad is great if you’re rich and you live on an island, siting Apples “proprietary” ecosystem as a long term hindrance.
These are valid points, but the long lines at Apple stores tell a different story.
What’s your take on it?
[via Huffington Post]
Kevin Gilbert says
I think he’s the one living on an island. It sounds like fear talking, in my opinion. Fear and a lack of understanding of the present marketplace.
Eric Dye says
LOL!
Nice.
Tim says
My take: you’ve joined the Link-Bait Club. My condolences.
John Saddington says
awesome. this means we’re in the same vein as mashable, ars technica, gigaom, and some of the other losers!
😉
Eric Dye says
I’m so proud.
🙂
wvpv says
And all of that without mentioning 4 ch a n or Re b ecca Bl a ck.
wvpv says
Maybe so.
I don’t know anyone personally that’s plopped down the cash for one. Honestly.
Crazy talk, I know, since it seems like everyone using StandardTheme has one.
Apple equals quality and superb engineering, which is exactly the way they want to be perceived. It’s resulted in a rabid following who don’t care how much things cost. They’ve engineered their image to the hilt.
I do think Apple’s proprietary ecosystem could end up being an albatross around their neck eventually.
The question for me is: if I had the money, would I buy an Apple product and commit myself to relying on Apple for everything? I’m not sure I would. It’d be like me buying a Mercedes Benz.
Now let me get back to my Dell motherboard that has a proprietary CPU fan plug. Arrrgh.
Eric Dye says
Good points!
wvpv says
Looks like Smashing Magazine has done a related post:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/04/08/relationship-engineering-designing-attraction/
Eric Dye says
Sweet.
Thanks for the share, man!
Jud Mackrill says
Jealousy is ugly.
It will be interesting if Dell will ever get to market (read this Fall on Engadget) and if they can beat Apple’s price point.
Eric Dye says
Even if they can beat Apple’s price point, they’re going to be so far behind the curve.
Price point hasn’t slowed Apple down, yet!
Ron Gehrke II says
I want one (and will likely buy one this summer) because there are actually things that I can do with it that makes more sense than using a computer. For me as a worship leader this is using it as a digital music stand, controlling my soundboard via a native app, and other audio apps (RTA, synths, etc).
These apps are not yet available on Android. If they were I would consider an Android tablet, but I do not see one currently competing in price, hardware specs, and as I said apps.
I think the Mac appstore ecosystems works. It is so much easier finding an app for my iPhone that with features XYZ than it is to find one for the desktop. As the Mac appstore grows, I am finding the same thing. It is introducing me to solutions that I never knew existed (and problems I never knew I need to solve).
I am an Apple fanboy as I am typing this on a Macbook Pro while watching Hulu+ on my Mac mini that is controlled by my iPhone. But ultimately, give me the best solution for situation. At the church, I purchase both Macs and PCs depending on the job. If Dell, RIM, or whomever can develop an tablet that meets my needs better, I am all for it.
Eric Dye says
Me, too.
Travis Fish says
I think all these statements about how apple is going to fail are hysterical. Oh jealousy… lol
Eric Dye says
Jealousy, indeed!
Jud Mackrill says
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/gartner-apple-will-dominate-tablet-space-for-years-android-won/
Eric Dye says
Engadget can see the future?
Thanks for sharing the link.
The iPad is quickly become as iconic as the iPod. Good luck to Apple’s competitors.
True story.