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Add a Comment (Go Up to OJB's Blog Page) Apple's Biggest ProblemsEntry 1160, on 2010-02-16 at 13:13:23 (Rating 1, Computers) I recently read an interesting article where a commentator listed the 10 biggest problems with Apple. As an Apple "fanboy" (I have 11 Macs at home and a lot more at work, an iPhone, 4 iPods, and will get an iPad some time this year) I thought I needed to comment on this.
Problem 1 is Steve Jobs. Does Apple need Jobs for it to be successful? Well maybe. There certainly seems to be a link between Jobs running Apple and its success. During the time he was away from the company it almost failed, so maybe this is true.
They say no one is irreplaceable but Steve must be about as close as you can get! He does seem to know what people want and when they want it. There must be other people who could also do this but are they potential candidates for CEO of Apple? During the last time Steve was away Apple opted for traditional management and marketing types with predictably disastrous results!
Problem 2 is AT&T. This clearly isn't such a big an issue because it only affects the iPhone and even then only in the US. Still, I agree that it was a stupid idea to trust one company which (according to opinions I have read because I've never used their network myself) provides pretty awful service and doesn't seem to be too concerned about trying to fix it.
On the other hand we have several networks here in New Zealand where an iPhone can be easily used and all of them have significant problems, so maybe all cell service providers need to improve their ability to handle the needs of modern smart phones.
Problem 3 is computers. Specifically this is the conflict between the existing Apple laptops and the iPad. I disagree because, unlike the conflict between the Apple II and the Mac, we aren't really talking about two products with the same functionality here. All of the people I know who use a computer would still need one even if they had an iPad. Many might be able to use an iPad as well but the people who will only use an iPad probably don't have a computer at all now.
Problem 4 is the app store. There is a problem there, especially for developers who find the approval process frustrating. But users benefit from it in many ways: first, they can be reasonably sure the apps they buy are safe, compatible and of a reasonable quality; second, they only need to look in one place to find stuff; and third, the payment system is easy and safe.
So the app store is both a good and a bad thing but from most users' perspectives it is good. The same applies to a related criticism: the lack of openness of Apple's products. A purist might criticise this but to most users its an advantage for similar reasons to those I mentioned above.
So moving on to number 5 we have security. There's no doubt that in the real world Apple products suffer very little from security flaws compared with Windows PCs. That might be mainly due to the size of the installed base or it might not, but either way it is real.
Security hasn't been such a significant issue for Apple so far, and Windows 7 does have some security features Mac OS X lacks. This might turn into a big problem in the future and it might not. I think it is a point Apple should address now before the (almost inevitable) big security incident does happen.
Mobile Me is problem number 6. I use it and it works brilliantly for me so I don't really agree about this. I don't find that the web apps are very useful but I don't find any other web apps useful either so that could be just the whole class which is at fault.
Problem number 7 is backup. Well if Time Machine isn't easy enough for most people then I don't know what is. Sure backup to the internet has some advantages but it has a lot of disadvantages as well. Plugging a cheap USB hard disk in and clicking a button is about as simple as I can imagine to get good backups so I don't see this as a real problem.
For some reason Apple TV is problem number 8. This has never really been a mainstream product which Apple has put a lot of effort into so I don't see how it can really be thought of as a major problem.
Problem number 9 is rivals, or lack of them. Does Apple need competition to succeed or does it succeed simply because it wants to create great products? The Mac, the iPhone and the iPod were all produced in an environment with no obvious big competitor producing comparable products. It was only after Apple showed how to do it that the competition did occur. So I would tend to reject this idea as well.
Finally we have the "about box" credits. The about box is the window which appears when the user choose "About this program" on a Mac. The lack of the programmers names there is seen as a problem but really, can we take that seriously? I didn't see any programers' names in Microsoft Word either (on the other hand, if I worked on that piece of junk I would want to remain anonymous).
So really these problems aren't exactly disastrous! Most aren't real problems at all or they are just the sort of thing that all similar companies have. I guess if this is the best list of problems an expert can come up with then Apple's future is looking pretty good!
 Comment 1 (2621) by SBFL on 2010-03-24 at 17:04:34: (view recent only)
The iPad is getting a hammering I notice: Even Apple doesn't know who its iPad is for
They conclude: "Who ends up adopting the iPad doesn't just depend on which features Apple includes and which users buy it. It also depends on the app developers. (Apple has just started accepting iPad apps for approval.) There are clearly going to be a lot of games for the iPad, but will the productivity software be aimed to power users or novices? Will geeks buy an iPad for themselves, or will they buy one to put granny on Facebook? The answers will start to become apparent over the coming months. But at the moment, nobody knows who the iPad is for -- not even Apple."
Myself I still have to get around to buying an iPod Touch - which the above article compares with the iPad - and I like the 2010 models. The 64GB is about €359.00 which is indeed very tempting. I wonder how much I will use the wireless internet though, not sure if there are enough free hotspots around that I would use this feature much. COuld be useful from time to time.  Comment 2 (2622) by OJB on 2010-03-25 at 19:56:37:
I have seen a lot of positive as well as some negative commentary. I really don't think these "experts" opinions mean much. Have you ever seen the way they dismissed the iPod? They're idiots. Maybe it will fail, who knows, but I would say the pre-order numbers indicate it won't. I'll be getting one and I probably won't ever buy another book.
I find the iPod Touch a very frustrating device. Its like an iPhone but with no phone, GPS, or camera. Why bother? On the other hand I now people who have them (and have never owned an iPhone) and they love them. I guess you only need occasional wifi access to collect email, podcasts, etc. If you want continuous connection then you really need the phone instead! Comment 3 (2624) by SBFL on 2010-03-27 at 22:57:05:
Actually I never heard anyone pooh-pooh the iPod (not to say there weren't a few intiial detractors though). I only found out about it from a friend (back in 2002/03) and since then everyone seems to loves them.
Problem with the iPhone is that of course you need to sign up with an account with the local preferred mobile provider (I am not interested in buying 2nd hand). And since I have an account with work already, there is no need for a personal account. And unfortunately putting the work account SIM in the iPhone is a no-no for security reasons. I have a proper camera so no need for that either. GPS could be useful I guess. Anyway, it's core purpose - playing music - it really all I want out of either device. Internet/email of course I have from home though the occasional checking will be handy. The other thing that looks quite exciting is the Apple apps. Some could be quite handy. I guess you have a few favourites of your own. Comment 4 (2627) by OJB on 2010-03-28 at 21:10:59:
Well the silly negative comments about the iPod at launch did happen and are well documented on the some web sites. Want me to find the address?
You really have to own and iPhone before you get it. People who have an iPod and have never had an iPhone are happy enough. And yes, I have many favourite iPhone apps. Must write a blog entry or web page describing some of them! Comment 5 (2635) by SBFL on 2010-04-05 at 09:21:09:
No need, I have better things to do with my time than read 8+ year old negative reviews of the iPod....
Did you line up for an iPad yesterday? Or was that only in the US? I think the mobile-wireless one isn't quite available yet, only the Wifi one. I wonder if it will be good enough to replace the laptop. It allows a plug-in keyboard for extended typing, no-one needs DVD-rom drives these days, it obviously has wireless networking built-in (ok for office LANs?). I guess it has a webcam and the sound is said to be impressive, the colour excellent. Are you able to load programs like on an iMac? (e.g. MS Office for Mac?). A review I read said it is supposed to be a "third device" that sits between mobile phones and personal computers. Well PCs (although declining in sales relative to laptops) have their niche due to grunt capability, but why can't the iPad/tabletPC replace the laptop altogether? Comment 6 (2636) by SBFL on 2010-04-05 at 10:28:58:
Okay I just read your other post: What Is the iPad?
Crucially you point out: "It might not support multi-tasking (yet) or allow running "real" computer programs but who cares? That's not what most people want."
- okay pretty important aspects I would've thought. I guess we're just going to have to wait for the iPad to evolve, or for a competitor to come up with something a little more practical. So far it seems a glorified iPod with improved graphics, screen size and speakers. As for "...but who cares?" - yeah...who needs multi-tasking and programs...those relics of the 90's... And "That's not what most people want.". How do you know that?
I also loved your comment: "So I think everyone should have an iPad." - Classic leftist mindset. Comment 7 (2637) by OJB on 2010-04-05 at 18:58:58:
Well I didn't go out of my way to look at old reviews either but it was discussed in current commentary on the subject as a relevant comparable product release.
The iPad is not available in NZ yet. I don't line up anyway. I should have one for evaluation soon and will probably buy one a bit later. It will replace basic laptop functionality but won't be a replacement for power user laptop owners like me. It could be upgraded to replace a laptop but then it would *be* a laptop (heaver, bigger, harder to use, more expensive, etc).
The reason I think multitasking is unimportant is that it hasn't been much of an issue (even for power users) on the iPhone. More and more rumours indicate multitasking will be in version 4 of the OS anyway, so the iPhone, iPod and iPad will all have it.
What the hell. Leftist mindset. How do you figure that? Comment 8 (2638) by SBFL on 2010-04-06 at 08:21:13:
Yes but since we weren't in particular disagreement, it would be a waste of both of our time.
Okay, why does the iPad have to be bigger, heavier, and harder to use, in order to be a laptop? Just add multi-tasking and the ability to install normal programs (oh, and a camera for you). There no extra weight or size needed there - unless it needs significantly more grunt. Perhaps you could have the configurable option of the basic (current) screen for those who want the status quo, or a more MacOS screen for those who want to run real programs and several at once.
Multi-taking may not be much of an issue for iPhone users, but that's because you are talking about an iPhone. It would have to be a major issue for laptop users which is what I am proposing the iPad replace.
If the iPad - with its sleek design, smooth touchscreen, deep colours and impressive sound - could also act as a laptop with regular programs and multi-taking, along with mobile, wifi and office LAN networking capabilities (some of which it already has) - then I would buy one in a heartbeat, and then another for my wife (though in a different heartbeat). Comment 9 (2640) by OJB on 2010-04-06 at 21:41:33:
If it was a laptop it would have more ports, an optical drive, a bigger screen, a bigger battery, etc, etc. It would be bigger and heaver and more expensive. Conventional or "real" programs just can't be hacked over and made it run in a touch-oriented environment. Microsoft tried that and made a total hash of it.
I sort of agree with you about the multi-tasking because I think I would use it. There are very strong rumours that it will be there in version 4 of the OS so the debate might be pointless anyway. There is an Apple event to discuss the future of the OS this month so I guess we'll find out soon.
I'm still not sure what these "normal programs" are. I hope you don't mean Microsoft Office. That would not be a good move in my opinion! Why would you run hideously ugly, slow, unintuitive software on hardware which is designed to be sleek, fast and beautiful?
BTW, the iPad seems to be getting positive reviews: example. Comment 10 (2641) by SBFL on 2010-04-07 at 08:38:59:
No, no, no, no, no!! It's about doing all you want without that stuff that only power IT geeks really use. Optical drive? Why? Netbooks don't have them. Netbooks also don't have big screens. If iPad is good enough for reading book pages then it is big enough for normal work. There must be a port for the optional keyboard - what type? bluetooth? can be same for optional mouse. The allowance for a USB-type stick or equivalent would be useful. What is the battery life on the iPad like, a device targeted not just for book readers but also multimedia and games users. Probably doesn't need to be much bigger than it is already? My crappy Thinkpad barely lasts 2 hours on normal usage (not multimedia). Anyway so it doesn't need to be bigger nor heavier. Remember I am suggesting the iPad replace the laptop functionally (for the mainstream), not become a laptop physically. And as for being more expensive - so? That comes with more functionality and it not a limiting factor to becoming a laptop. Why am I the one trying to think innovatively for the iPad here ;-)
Yes if the next OS version allows multi-tasking then problem solved.
By normal programs I am referring to your post "What is the iPad?" (08-Feb-10) where you said "... allow running "real" computer programs..." which I highlighted in comment 6 of this thread. Here I am thinking you mean word processor, spreadsheet, graphics program, browser (already has), music program (already has iTunes obviously), email program (already has), website editor, Adobe Acrobat reader, desktop publisher etc etc.
I love Office though would appreciate the iPad is unlikely to allow a version for it. It's a Apple product after all, I am sure Apple can come up with a decent substitute. MS Office is fast for me (on my home PC, not the shitty ThinkPad I mentioned before). In fact it is so good I am still happy to run the 2003 version! Comment 11 (2642) by OJB on 2010-04-07 at 09:53:44:
You were talking about laptops in post 8, not netbooks (which are a different thing again). I guess you could say the iPad is a netbook running a custom OS designed for the purpose. Previous netbooks are just scaled down laptops running a standard OS, and that's why they are so uninspiring.
The thing is that you aren't the one trying to be innovative. Quite the opposite. You just want the iPad to be something that already exists where Apple are trying to create a new product category.
OK, I guess the term "real" programs can be interpreted in various ways. One thing Apple shouldn't do is try to port standard programs to the iPad. They can create programs which have that functionality but they should be built form the start for a small screen, touch interface environment. And that's what they have done with iWork, so problem solved!
You love Office? Have you ever used anything else? Its rare for anyone to love Office if they have ever used anything good instead. Still, I guess its a matter of opinion. Different programs suit different people's ways of working. Comment 12 (2643) by SBFL on 2010-04-07 at 15:08:04:
You really do miss the point. For example first you say "netbooks (which are a different thing again) [from laptops]" then in almost the same breath you also say "Previous netbooks are just scaled down laptops running a standard OS,". Clearly you're just a guy who loves to argue, to the point where you contradict yourself since you'll just throw anything out there in order to disagree with the other person.
You keep thinking in terms of hardware, I am trying to talk about functionality.
PS Do you know what this emoticon means? ;-)
You reaction didn't exactly match the tone.
Regarding new product category and ability for mainstream programs. Many people like the idea of the iPhone/iPod simple interface, and I like the idea of extending this and having the technology and design of the iPad put to greater use. I think the iPad (obviously with some work) could revolutionise the laptop industry. For those in the former category (simple interface), I already suggested a configurable option to maintain the simple interface for that market segment (or alternatively there can be different streams of iPads for different segments just like there is with the iPod already). Comment 13 (2644) by OJB on 2010-04-07 at 15:44:19:
No, I don't always deliberately disagree with others although I do enjoy playing devil's advocate some times! Moving ahead I just want to say that making the iPad just like a small computer would be a mistake. I agree that the functionality of laptops would be useful, and the iWork programs will do that. If that's what you were trying to say as well then we agree.
Apple have succeeded by keeping things pure. I don't think there will ever be an option to turn the iPad into a "power users" mini laptop. But assuming the iWork programs, and third party software, and future enhancements to the OS (multi-tasking) all work the way we hope then I think we will have all the functionality we need anyway. Comment 14 (2645) by OJB on 2010-04-09 at 10:22:30:
Multitasking has been officially announced: summary here. Comment 15 (2754) by SBFL on 2010-07-24 at 07:43:48:
I warned ye!
India showcases iPad-like laptop costing $35 Comment 16 (2758) by OJB on 2010-07-24 at 10:18:56:
You just don't get it, do you? Why do you think Apple products are so popular despite their price and occasional defects? Why is Apple now the biggest technology company in the world (bigger than Microsoft)? It's because they create beautiful, carefully designed products.
Anyone can slap together some random collection of hardware and software and call it a tablet. Companies have been doing that for years. It didn't work. Apple products are different. All the parts are designed to work together. Apple don't want to compete in the cheap junk market. Not saying there isn't a place for cheap stuff - there obviously is - but I would rather have the best than the cheapest or the most popular.
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