Are Macintosh computers poised to make a run?

Submitted by Rick on June 9, 2008 - 9:19pm.

iPhone 3GJUNE 2008 UPDATE:

I wrote the article below two years ago, ran across it tonight and wanted to write an update to it. At the time I wrote it, I think the now famous Apple and PC guy commercials had just started ramping up and the ominous steps towards Windows Vista were getting closer. My words probably weren't unique at the time, and I don't claim to be a sage, but it is astonishing how much the market has really changed since 2006. Linux continues to make a bigger splash world wide, and I continue to install it on more computers here in Western Colorado. Apple's sales and stock price are literally going through the roof. My Macintosh service calls (mostly for ordering and training...rarely for troubleshooting) continue to escalate as well. Almost 18 months into Windows Vista, I see the machines on only about 10% of my appointment mostly because no one is buying them.

Today, Apple announced their new iPhone version 2.0 will be released in July. Three to four years ago, Microsoft was starting to increase market share of their mobile operating system with their mobile Windows in the smartphone arena. Palm and Blackberry used to dominate that market, but Microsoft was predicted to dominate. Then in June 2007, Apple released the iPhone to extremely positive reviews and cell phone consumers who couldn't get their hands on one fast enough.

Since then, all other smartphone operating systems have take a hit and iPhone users, largely, couldn't be happier. I personally have 5-6 clients who are pretty picky phone users and have owned literally dozens of phones over the years, but say they wouldn't trade their iPhone for anything at the moment. The new iPhone 3G (faster cell speeds) announced today improves on every facet of an already excellent product. The new iPhone 3G will be cheaper, faster, slightly smaller, have a longer battery and talk-time life, offer GPS navigation and incorporate a brand new platform that will allow developers to invent new ways to use this already versatile tool.  

What are your thoughts on my older story below and this new story you just read? Also, what do you think of the new iPhone 3G...hype or substance? Leave me a comment below!!

Story below originally posted on 2006-05-09 16:40:45 -0600

I helped a customer configure a new Macintosh laptop today. This was the third time in a month that I did that. And if I think back over the past year, my Macintosh calls for both help and learning how to buy a new one have escalated by at least double. Is Western Colorado indicative of a bigger national trend?

Maybe so. Macintosh computers are hands down the prettiest machines in the market today. Apple takes great strides to engineer the look and feel of the Mac to make it not only pleasing to the eye, but pleasing to the rest of your house. Certainly a pretty machine does not make the Mac worthy of consideration by itself. However, Apple continues to innovate and deliver solid products to the marketplace. They are easy to adapt to (even for Windows' faithful), safer to use on the Internet (most likely because of their small market share), and provide ease of use for the most common computer functions; email, Internet, music, pictures and video.

The fact that their prices have steadily decreased doesn't hurt either. The laptop I helped configure today was their ultra-portable iBook with a 12.1 wide screen with 1 GB of RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, wireless, CD/DVD Burner and more for under $1400.

Last month, Apple announced that a program (Boot Camp) is available for owners of the new Intel Mac computers that allows them to install and run Windows XP side-by-side with the Mac operating system. Only geeks really raised an eyebrow at this, but the more I think about it, the more I think that some huge changes may be in store in the computer market in the upcoming year to eighteen months.

If this helped, consider buying me a beer or an Americano!