Re: Action needed or Apple becomes a looser!

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

In article <treiter-0807961503290001@remote-44.modems.comet.net>,
treiter@comet.net (Toby Reiter) writes:

>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? ....

     sure

>.... 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. ....
>CUSTOMER: I think I'll go buy a PC clone. Thank You.

      Consider the effect of several TV ads showing the New,
user-friendly, Apple II running NetScape Plus, Math Master, DOOM V, Ultima
X, ... . Really, Apple Marketing would have no trouble getting plenty of
shoppers to walk into the local Computer Galaxy and just buy the "New
Apple II". 


>.... 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. ....

     There is no disagreement here. As you may recall, the much-discussed
new "Apple IIGSX" is _Not_ PC compatible. It is a high-performance,
integrated, user-friendly, fun machine-- i.e. it certainly does not act
just like a boring, grey-boxed PC or PowerMac.  


>.... So, in conclusion, I feel that your doomsday picture of Apple with a
new Apple II
>as the only possible savior is misguided. 
>

     A few alternatives exist, such as releasing a Sony-style integrated
PC in cooperation with IBM or coming out with a new Home Mac. Each of
these approaches is badly flawed-- the new PC must be low-priced and,
after all, you are still competing with PC clones (to say nothing of other
integrated "multi-media" PC's)  in running PC software. The Home Mac
sounds like a "Mac Jr."-- rate it D.O.A..

     Maybe Apple will do something totally unexpected-- like, they might
release the world's first head-band computer complete with Mind Interface
software. (In which case they might as well call it the "Apple II HBC"!) 
Otherwise, their best bet for a home market 'silver bullet' and a revival
of confidence in the company is the same as it was in 1986. 


Rubywand