Re: Action needed or Apple becomes a looser!

[treiter@comet.net (Toby Reiter)]

Rubywand,
I think the idea of a Super II would be a great idea, but do you really
think that it is a viable option for Apple Inc. at this time?  I know
people have said that it would be possible to package a high powered Apple
II computer at a relatively ionexpensive price, but how much of that is
realistic?  Even if Apple could create the components necessary to create
a killer Apple II, would people buy an Apple II platform computer.  Can
you imagine the dialog which would take place at the computer store:
CUSTOMER: So, can it run Windows 95?
DEALER: No.
CUSTOMER: How about Windows?
DEALER: No.
CUSTOMER: It's an Apple. Can it run Macintosh software?
DEALER: No.
CUSTOMER: Well is it fast? Like 120 mhz?
DEALER: Actually, its 40mhz.
(Granted this would create a computer which would kick the pants off any
other (almost), but average Joe Schmoe has no idea) what megahertz really
mean).
CUSTOMER: I think I'll go buy a PC clone. Thank You.
See, even if Apple could create a new Apple II computer, it would not be
bought for the simple reason that it would not be backwards compatible to
any previously "undead" platform.  Although it indeed would have been
possible to have a Super Apple II if Apple had continued the Apple II
line, at this point, the II has been so abandoned that I don't think it
represents a true alternative for the Macintosh for Apple.  The truth is,
people are willing to buy innovations, in other words, huge changes from
current standards, but they will not be willing to buy something which
acts just like a souped up Macintosh or PC without having the advantage of
being able to use either of these platforms. I know this a little of a
pessimistic viewpoint, but the truth is, even if somebody took a
phonograph, allowed it to play digital LPs, and gave it 1000rpms, people
still wouldn't buy it because the vast majority of them have switched over
to CDs and tapes.  Of course, people who really love records might buy it,
but that only represents a small fraction of the total populace. So, in
conclusion, I feel that your doomsday picture of Apple with a new Apple II
as the only possible savior is misguided. 

Toby Reiter