Apple's next move (was Apple II just won't die.)

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

Johnny Lau (<Dotq9s.IyM.0.queen@torfree.net>, be063@torfree.net) writes:

>Maybe it's about time someone buy the rights and licences off Apple 
>Computers and build and market a brand new Apple II clone?
>
>

RUBYWAND (rubywand@aol.com) replied:

>      Maybe so. However, if Apple sells the rights to the II series they
> can pretty well pack it in as far as any hope for a rebound is
concerned.
>

Dave Althoff (dalloff@freenet.columbus.oh.us) suggests:

>The smarter move would be to license (not sell) the hardware and source
>code to someone interested in continuing the product line...I think a
>laptop GS would be just GREAT...naturally feeding a license fee back to
>Apple for any unit sold.  Not necessarily the best scenario for us-folks,
>but it would enable Apple to reap some benefit from the product (which
Big
>Beige would like) with a minimal amount of effort (which is probably why
>Big Beige gave up on us in the first place).
>

    This is probably the kind of situation Apple was aiming for with the
Sun deal. Basically, it sells-off its manufacturing component, parcels out
licenses (for laptops, OS implementations, etc.) and clips coupons. The
main problem is getting someone to 'buy the farm'.

    Supposedly, Apple's new Consumate Enlightened One is good at knocking
troubled companies into shape. This takes time-- like a couple of years.

    IF Apple plans to remain in the computer-making business, its options
are fairly easy to identify. We can pretty well eliminate competing as a
PC clone maker. No one is going to undersell the gruds. PC clone shops and
medium-size resellers operate too close to bare bone profit margins. They
also define, via sheer volume, the 'standard machine'. There is not really
much room for the add-ons and extra features which might temp buyers to
pay premium Apple PC prices.

    Apple's best shot is to target the home market with a new 65xxx-based
II. Assuming the II-GSX ("II-Omega", "Hydra", "II-Altair", etc.) 
represents a significant performance boost over the current (accelerated,
4MB) IIgs and is 65xxx-based, Apple could expect good support from II
users. While being, perhaps, "troublesome", the II user base is also
"activist" and very good at recruiting.

    Today's home user would welcome a machine that  (1) does not become
obsolete every two years   (2) does not require re-configuration for each
new entertainment software release  (3) is _not_ PC compatible  (4) offers
built-in user-friendly programmability  (5) is supported by a big-name
manufacturer  (6) has the support of an active, computer-wise user base.

    One might expect that the above considerations are obvious, even to
Apple, Inc.; but, Apple could blow it:

A. II users are not likely to welcome a mixed Mac/II machine because
anything of the sort must represent less than optimal II performance. Most
Apple II users simply do not like Mac. We do not want Mac stuff polluting
our machine. If Apple feels compelled to toss a bone to Mac users, let it
be via an optional Mac plug-in card.

B. II users want Apple to commit to the 65Cxxx and back development of
bigger, faster uP's in the series. Some kind of RISC-based kluge that can
execute 68xxx or x86xxx series code is certain to evoke mistrust.

C. II users want an 'open', expandable machine (i.e. lots of Slots).  A
closed machine would be a major turn-off.

D. Price for a satisfactory machine must be low enough so that there is
good reason to expect that non-II home users will be attracted. Taking
"satisfactory" to mean, roughly, a 16MHz, 8MB (expandable), 65C816-based
box with 8 Slots, mouse, 512MB IDE hard disk, 8x IDE CD-ROM, 1MB ensoniq
Sound, SVGA monitor, SVGA-class plug-in Video card with at least 640 x 480
4096 color capability, ..., then, price should not be much above $1200.

    Putting the above in clear, non-ambiguous terms: Apple absolutely must
attract enthusiastic II user base support. If it succeeds in this, all the
rest--  support from major software developers & vendors, net navigation
wares, winning over Mac users, sales to new home computer buyers,
education sales, and a jump in stock prices-- will follow.

         

      

    

Rubywand