As much as I just love my Apple toys, my beloved iMac, my iPod Touch, my iPhone appendage, I cannot help but sense that these goodies are living on borrowed time. In 5 years, Apple be all but dead.
Thinking with your brain instead of your heart, the evidence is unmistakable.
In 1997, Apple was on life support. There was an operating system that sufficient. The machines that Apple offered, like the Performa, looked just like a PC, very vanilla. They had niche software that never became mainstream. And that was pretty much it. Then came Steve Jobs.
Okay, so that was 1997, lets look at Apple since then. Let's look at what Apple has done under the Steve Jobs regime.
Portable media
Launched in 2001, the Apple iPod took off like an unbelievable wild-fire. Anyone wanna disagree with me on that? Steve Jobs saw a gaping hole, the public was making due with 16 MB mp3 (remember the Nomad?) players that had all sorts of compatibility, usability, and cost issues. The iPod was Steve Jobs' baby, the iPod alone could be said to have raised Apple from the ashes.
Music industry
Along with the iPod came this nifty bit of software called iTunes. Now, I'm not going to insult anyone's intelligence by giving a history of iTunes. Can we agree that Apple's revenue agreements with the Music Industry have been revolutionary? Can we agree that Steve Jobs got that one right too?
Mobile technology
Like a Russian Chess Master, Steve Jobs saw a logical "next move" with the iPod. Turn it into a phone as well. 'Nuff said. Give him props for this too.
The iMac and OS X
Steve Jobs first love was the Personal Computer. What was a basic console and clunky monitor (the Apple Performa) is now a gorgeous iMac, which is the centre-piece of my living room. The freaking thing is gorgeous. This is all in addition to the rock-solid Mac OS X on top of an Intel CPU. We toast Steve Jobs for this.
Sadly, we know that Steve has a health issue that some say is terminal. I don't want to believe this, but I have to shake my head and realize that it very well could be very bad. This all points to Steve leaving Apple for obvious health reasons. I have read the Mac sites, and Steve Jobs has apparently been grooming a few people. Who are we kidding? You're going to groom someone to be like Steve Jobs?
No, I don't like the future. I sincerely hope that I am dead wrong, but I see Apple doing a holding pattern for a couple years, then the vision will be all but gone.
You see, Microsoft is not run by idiots. They see this, and there is a strong chance that Windows 7, which is a Ballmer OS, not a Gates OS, could supplant OS X as most intuitive, most secure, and most beautiful.
I'm too depressed to go one here. I gotta get myself a Starbucks Venti Organic Chai Tea Misto Sugar-Free vanilla.
Anyone got any evidence to contradict me here? Anyone?? For the love of God, Anyone??
12 comments:
He will rise again! On the third day he will be risen and there will be a loud hosanna from the heavens! Repent now and purchase the latest Apple must-have device or you will pay dearly by selling your soul to M$ and receiving a Zune.
Yuck. Not a Zune! A sadder product I've never seen.
Big secret here: The Steve is a great visionary but actually doesn't do EVERYTHING at Apple. He's more of an enabler.
Sure Apple may be looking like the Edmonton Oilers in their first season after Gretzky left, but there is a lot of talent in their ranks and the culture of bringing great products to market that 'surprise and delight' users continues.
But it all starts with Steve Jobs' vision.
Microsoft has brilliant talent as well, but no visionary. Which has led to the ("ugh") Zune.
As I say, I've heard that there are people being groomed. I sincerely hope that they become 1/10th the visionary and leader that Jobs was.
maybe they can digitize Jobs, that way he'll be around forever and Apple can still push out over-priced gadgets that are nothing but eye-candy for the masses.
Oh I see, the iPod is nothing but some "overpriced gadget". The iTunes music store is also mere "eye candy".
When you play on that hockey team of yours, do you wear a helmet?
I don't think he wears a cup either.
At least I play hockey and not a guy who stays home and watches it on the 'big screen' in his basement. Your type really makes me sick you sports-lovin' scared to get your hair (what's left) messed up because you can't afford to lose any follicles wannabe.
At least Gerry is remotely interested in sports, for your information Darwin ballet is not a sport.
Your friend,
Eric
Had you seen 'The Nutcracker' you might have learned the importance of wearing the proper equipment. Now look at you: Angry, nutless and lashing out at arts and culture.
'nutless'? I still have one left which is more than I can say for you and our 'vagine'.
'Our vagine'? I don't know what kind of bored middle-aged suburban deviances you pursue out in Riverbend, but count me out.
I don't think Steve Jobs plays hockey, either. He does nothing for sports.
At least Paul Allen owns the Portland Trailblazers, the Seattle Seahawks, and is part of a sports consortium. Maybe I should be on Microsoft's side just on principle?
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