Re: the new Apple II

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

In article <4mkgn3$12g@tempo.univ-lyon1.fr>, ncurzon@ifhamy.insa-lyon.fr
(Neil Curzon) writes:

>
>This is a very interesting discussion. However, many of you are talking
as
>this
>new computer is really going to come out! Don't take this the wrong way,
but
>aren't you being some what premature? Firstly, does any one know what
Apple
>offically thinks of this idea? Apple have enough problems such as their
>market
>share and losses to start thinking about restarting a computer format
>that (some would say) died a number of years ago.

     Unfortunately for this reasoning, Apple experienced a recent 22% drop
in shipments (Bloomberg Business News). Its market share for the last
quarter was 6.5%, down from 9.4% in this quarter a year ago. Stock price
continues to edge closer to cracking the $20 mark.

     Meanwhile, whatever advantage disappointment with Windows 95 may have
conferred is evaporating. The next batch of Power Macs will have to battle
lower-priced 200MHz PentiumPro systems and Pentium-166 systems selling
well below $1500. 

     Apple is beyond the point where gadgets like Newton will reverse an
accelerating slide toward collapse. When Apple's C.E.O. talks about
following just such a course, you should immediately suspect that
'something is up'.

     Going for a non-PC GS-X style machine aimed at the home market looks
like the one resource which might turn things around. Apple has much to
gain by making the new machine attractive to II users; hence: the "Apple
IIGS-X".

     Do not be too amazed if another company is involved, too. For
example, suppose that Apple and IBM have agreed to release
high-performance non-PC's which happen to be broadly compatible and share
the same basic OS. Such a move would enhance prospects for both machines.
Origin, Access, Lucas, SSI, ... could well be preparing 'show off'
entertainment products for the new machines at this moment.
       

>Maybe it would be interesting
>to make this computer, but to actually sell it; thats a tall order.

     Not if you have a good product and Apple's marketing resources.
 

>Now to put my understanding industry course into practice ( don't flame
me on
>this)

     PFSZZZZT!!! ~~~~~~~

>How many of you have actually done any market research to see if there
>is any demand for this machine? This has to be done!

     It has been done. Part of the sampling included Windows 95.


>Some of you have
>mentioned schools as likely candidates for this machine. How many of
these >schools would
>actually upgrade  to it? How many of these schools will take the attitude
>"PCs are used in industry and business; we should get PCs" ....

     Schools are much more interested in which computers are used at home.
Since the home market determines which personal computer designs succeed
and which do not; businesses which use personal computers also have an
interest in what sells to the home market.

 
>The problem with
>discussing this idea is that your effectively preaching amoung the
converted
>and so every one thinks it would be a pretty cool idea. I for one don't
think
>much of the idea;

     So much for "preaching among the converted".


>I've never owned an Apple II, but I've used one and would 
>like to get hold of an emmulator for my PowerMac to play some of the old
>games that I enjoyed at my cousins house. To re-introduce this computer
format,ok
>updated some what, to the market at this stage would be an exercise in
>futility.

     IIGS-X goes far beyond the current format. 


>The bottom line to my arguement is that the research, developemnt,
manufac-
>turing, advertising and marketing for this machine would require a huge
>commitment of resouces that no company would consider;

     Maybe not Nabisco or Nestle; but, if you're in the computer-making
business, you need to be concerned about making computers you can sell.


>not now with the
>domination of the market by the wintel crowd.

     While you were playing around at your cousin's house did you happen
to find any TRS-80's? It is remarkable how quickly 'Domination' can turn
to mush.


Rubywand