Are Mac sales slowing?

Think Secret - Are Mac sales slowing

An article at ThinkSecret states the following:

Inventory checks across the board for Apple warehouses show most products in lower than normal stock, although most items still are reflecting same day shipping status at the online Apple Store. In contrast, inventory checks at Apple distributors Ingram Micro and Tech Data show plentiful quantities of Apple products across the board, although sources note a curious downtick in the number of new orders for Apple hardware at Ingram Micro.

Is this the beginning of a trend or is this a problem at Ingram Micro. Does this have anything to do with the Intel announcement. Overall, I expect Mac sales to slow as a result of the transition to Intel processors. The slow down in new orders at Ingram Micro may be one of the first data points to indicate that Mac sales are beginning to slow as a result of the Intel switch.

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PC World | Mac OS on a Dell? Dell in favour, Apple opposed

PC World Mac OS on a Dell? Dell in favour, Apple opposed:

Interesting read ... It states that Dell could sue Apple to allow it to sell OS X. Some quotes from the article:

"Principal analyst with Insight 64, Nathan Brookwood, said it was only a matter of time before someone in the PC industry sues Apple for "tying" its operating system to a specific type of hardware available only from Apple."

"If you sell software that can run on hardware that you do make and hardware that you don't make, you can not require people to buy your hardware to run your software"

"If Dell really wanted to sell Mac OS X hardware, it could force the issue through the legal system"

Check it out! The move to x86 gets more interesting every day

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David Kirkpatrick - Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS - FORTUNE

David Kirkpatrick - Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS - FORTUNE: "Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS "

Michael Dell, the founder and Chairman of Dell computer stated that Dell would be open to selling systems with Mac OS. Check out the article.

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'Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS

'Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS:

"'eWeek: Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS "

This is a very interesting read as it offers insight/thoughts into the upcoming Intel based Macs.

A few quotes from the article:

- "While Apple developers initially looked upon Apple's choice to move to Intel processors with mixed feelings, the ability of the new Macs to also run Windows—a practice long since adopted by some Mac users who run virtualization software such as Microsoft Virtual PC—may be the fulcrum for the company to gain some new customers, ranging from computer enthusiasts to businesses."
- "Apple will not prevent Windows and applications that run on the operating system from working on its future Intel-based Macs, company executives said"
- "Microsoft executives have already conducted internal meetings on what Apple's move to Intel could mean. Microsoft's thinking, according to sources familiar with its plans, is although Apple faces the potential for an initial dip in shipments following its processor switch, it ultimately could recover to gain a couple points in market share."
- "Although it's unlikely that an individual or a business would buy an Intel-based Mac and wipe its operating system just to install Windows, the capability could woo enthusiasts who might prefer Apple's designs but still want to run Windows. It could also make it easier for others, such as educational institutions, government agencies, and small and midsize businesses, to choose Apple hardware."

I've stated in my previous posts that I think Mac sales will slow as a result of the Intel switch. Microsoft shares that view. I do agree that Apple has the opportunity to regain any loss in hardware sales and can gain market share once the Intel based Macs are released. However, I don't want to see Apple sacrifice current growth and market penetration for "potential" sales a year and half from now. That's why I would like to see Mac ads and promotions to keep sales up. Overall, I think we are just beginning to see Apple's strategy to dramatically grow it's market share. All in all, I see a bright future for Apple and the Mac.

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Brand Republic | Apple tops list of fastest growing brand in the World

Key data points:

- In the past four years, Apple has increased its brand value by 38 percent
- Coca-Cola and McDonald's did not even make the top 20 despite spending the most on advertising
- Nike came in at number 16
- Toyota came in at number 17 despite having the highest brand value - $25.8 billion

This demonstrates the power of the iPod to Apple's growth. Now, we have to see how Apple moves forward from this point. Do they widen the lead or fail to capitalize on this rapid growth. Will the switch to Intel processors help or impede growth. I still have the opinion that it will take consumers time to digest the Intel news and it will likely slow Mac sales. With rumors of upcoming Mac television ads, hopefully Apple can persuade consumers to continue to purchase Macs, especially those who are considering the switch. I'd like to see Apple run a promotion to spark sales of Macs and continue this rapid growth.

Apple tops list of fastest growing brand in the World:

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In-Depth Review: PC User Loves new 15" PowerBook

This is a very extensive and in-depth review of a 15" Powerbook with SuperDrive from a PC user. The reviewer went to their local Apple store to test drive the sytem and stated the following, "In a matter of minutes, I was sold".

Overall, it's a great read for us all and I recommend it to anyone who is considering the Switch.

A great quote from the site:

"I think I've outlined enough praises in this review. Still, I want to reassure any Windows user that there really isn't much hassle in moving from windows to Tiger. It has turned out to be well worth it, as it has shifted my love/hate relationship with computers toward the more positive end."

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2400

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Nokia, Apple Partner on New Mobile Browser

Nokia, Apple Partner on New Mobile Browser:

Nokia said it is developing a mobile browser for its Series 60 smartphone software in conjunction with Apple.

The statement listed the following:
- "The Series 60 browser will use the same open source components, WebCore and JavaScriptCore, that Apple uses in its popular Safari Internet browser,"
- "Nokia intends to continue its collaboration with Apple and actively participate in the open source community to further develop and enhance these components, contributing Nokia's expertise in mobility."

Nokia's Chief Technology officer Pertti Korhonen stated, "Open source development also enables close cooperation with the industry's best innovators, such as Apple,"

Does this indicate growth of Apple's software in the mobile phone area? We've already heard rumors of an iTunes capable Motorola phone. This is an interesting bit of news as the two largest mobile phone makers appear to be adopting Apple technology.

I have to start wondering what this may mean for Apple. If users get their first exposure to Apple software via a mobile phone, it may open the door to iPod and Mac sales.

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UK Visitors: Wrigley's to have a huge iPod give-away

In conjunction with Apple, Wrigley's is to launch a huge iPod give away which is to start sometime this month. According to the details, the prizes are only open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

About 10,000 iPods (5,000 iPod Shuffles & 5,000 20GB iPods) and thousands of other prizes will be part of the promotion such as tickets, and iTunes gift certificates.

For more details, check out www.closertomusic.com

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AppleInsider | Apple to refresh retail copies of Tiger with 10.4.2

AppleInsider | Apple to refresh retail copies of Tiger with 10.4.2

Apple will be updating their retail copies of Mac OS X Tiger - 10.4 to 10.4.2. This will update the software DVD's with the first two maintenance releases to the OS.

This is good news ... I haven't upgraded my 2.5 G5 to Tiger yet as I've been waiting for a few updates to 10.4. It's good to know that when I purchase Tiger, I'll have at least 10.4.2 right out of the box and hopefully, it will make the transition much smoother.

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