F. J. Taylor's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/107468/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/167167-verizon-launches-direct-ad-attack-against-the-iphone?source=feed#comment-719479 719479
First of all, this "commentator" is just regurgitating flak he read elsewhere, or is paid to shill for Verizon.

Android, while a neat step in the right direction, will NOT be the "iPhone killer" - any more than Zune and scores of others were "iPod killers."

As usual, the sad, lame, wannabee "competition" is skating to where the puck was - while Jobs, like Gretsky, skates to where the puck will be.

Most of iPhone's few "faults" have already been cured, and the rest soon will be. "No keyboard"? Who cares? Most of us who use the iPhone have already adapted to the new tech. "Keyboards" are clunky, VERY old (125 years) tech. Only dinosaur type users think they "need" them - and dinosaurs are, in case you hadn't noticed, going extinct at a rapid rate...

Also, Droid will almost certainly not interface as smoothly with the Apple OS as the iPhone does - it remains to be seen if it will even interface with Windoze as well as the iPhone already does. This is of importance because although Windoze is still the largest OS, their Vista cost them a LOT of business - which, along with those enamored of Apple by iPod and later the iPhone, have migrated to Apple platforms - and once there users tend to NEVER want to mess with buggy, slow, clunky Windoze again. (I know I won't! I refuse to even help friends still mired in Windoze these days - I send them to the local computer shop. I'd rather stick sharpened pencis in my eyes than return to Windoze!)

With China about to open to iPhone (already popular there using jail-broken copies), global sales should do well.

No, I will be using my iPhone for a very long time. While I would love to go back to Verizon, who I was with since they were Airtouch, I hope I have made it very clear to them that I will never return unless they have the REAL iPhone, not some sad wannabee version.]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:52:46 -0400
First of all, this "commentator" is just regurgitating flak he read elsewhere, or is paid to shill for Verizon.

Android, while a neat step in the right direction, will NOT be the "iPhone killer" - any more than Zune and scores of others were "iPod killers."

As usual, the sad, lame, wannabee "competition" is skating to where the puck was - while Jobs, like Gretsky, skates to where the puck will be.

Most of iPhone's few "faults" have already been cured, and the rest soon will be. "No keyboard"? Who cares? Most of us who use the iPhone have already adapted to the new tech. "Keyboards" are clunky, VERY old (125 years) tech. Only dinosaur type users think they "need" them - and dinosaurs are, in case you hadn't noticed, going extinct at a rapid rate...

Also, Droid will almost certainly not interface as smoothly with the Apple OS as the iPhone does - it remains to be seen if it will even interface with Windoze as well as the iPhone already does. This is of importance because although Windoze is still the largest OS, their Vista cost them a LOT of business - which, along with those enamored of Apple by iPod and later the iPhone, have migrated to Apple platforms - and once there users tend to NEVER want to mess with buggy, slow, clunky Windoze again. (I know I won't! I refuse to even help friends still mired in Windoze these days - I send them to the local computer shop. I'd rather stick sharpened pencis in my eyes than return to Windoze!)

With China about to open to iPhone (already popular there using jail-broken copies), global sales should do well.

No, I will be using my iPhone for a very long time. While I would love to go back to Verizon, who I was with since they were Airtouch, I hope I have made it very clear to them that I will never return unless they have the REAL iPhone, not some sad wannabee version.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160785-death-comes-to-wal-mart-china?source=feed#comment-671264 671264
@ tedster98 - there was not even any proof that the woman had shoplifted - she apparently was concerned about whether the people pursuing her were actually security, as they were not in uniform

In any case, whatever she did or didn't do, even if she had taken goods, we don't know what or why, or what her personal situation was. Maybe she is one of the many who have lost their jobs in the downturn in China, and was stealing (IF she was stealing!) to feed herself or her family. Again, even if she was stealing, she couldn't have had a lot on her - and since when is a human life valued in terms of a few dollars worth of merchandise? Oh, right! Capitalism at its best, again...

Tedster98, IMO, you need to look in a mirror if you want to see a soulless dirtbag...]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:52:48 -0400
@ tedster98 - there was not even any proof that the woman had shoplifted - she apparently was concerned about whether the people pursuing her were actually security, as they were not in uniform

In any case, whatever she did or didn't do, even if she had taken goods, we don't know what or why, or what her personal situation was. Maybe she is one of the many who have lost their jobs in the downturn in China, and was stealing (IF she was stealing!) to feed herself or her family. Again, even if she was stealing, she couldn't have had a lot on her - and since when is a human life valued in terms of a few dollars worth of merchandise? Oh, right! Capitalism at its best, again...

Tedster98, IMO, you need to look in a mirror if you want to see a soulless dirtbag...]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155511-back-to-school-on-the-cheap-another-round-of-mac-vs-pc?source=feed#comment-627290 627290
MS gained market share when it hooked up with IBM (then "Deep Pockets") and licensed the lame DOS OS Bill and Paul (mainly the latter) had bought and re-worked. Nothing to do with performance or quality.
By this means (along with some pretty sharp dealing and later monopolistic gangstering) later it became the new Big Dog.

However, they did put out some OK apps along the way, like Word (And jack, did you know that Word was originally developed by MS for Apple?)

However, in this much more sophisticated market, people are now twigging to the many superior aspects of the Apple OS X and software, and the word is getting around. I was a long-time DOS and Windoze user (by job necessity), and ran both Windows and Apple LANs. That was how I came to learn the superiority of Mac, and I switched completely when I left that job. Our house is entirely Mac now, and I have a lot of friends in engineering and programming, etc., who are switching as well. (Especially after the Vista debacle.)

However, some people (like you) will never figure out what real quality and value is - and you will end up using and backing Microsuck forever (or until their ultimate demise). And that's fine - for you. However, for those of us whose lobotomies have healed, we will continue to use and buy Apple, which now also runs Windows - and runs it better than Windows-specific machines. I have a copy of XP on my wife's Macbook for a Windows-specific program she needs. It loads faster, better, and runs more stably on her Macbook than on a comparable Dell, Acer, or HP. No Windows boxes can do that.

So stick with MSFT - I can also recommend some other premium buys, like Ace Buggy Whips and the Gaslamp Mantle Manufacturing Co.

Long on Apple - and proud of it!

(And BTW, jack - I bought it low and have since sold off some when high, and already made three times my investment back - with some "house money" left over for fun - . Can you say that about your MSFT?)]]> Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:36:09 -0400
MS gained market share when it hooked up with IBM (then "Deep Pockets") and licensed the lame DOS OS Bill and Paul (mainly the latter) had bought and re-worked. Nothing to do with performance or quality.
By this means (along with some pretty sharp dealing and later monopolistic gangstering) later it became the new Big Dog.

However, they did put out some OK apps along the way, like Word (And jack, did you know that Word was originally developed by MS for Apple?)

However, in this much more sophisticated market, people are now twigging to the many superior aspects of the Apple OS X and software, and the word is getting around. I was a long-time DOS and Windoze user (by job necessity), and ran both Windows and Apple LANs. That was how I came to learn the superiority of Mac, and I switched completely when I left that job. Our house is entirely Mac now, and I have a lot of friends in engineering and programming, etc., who are switching as well. (Especially after the Vista debacle.)

However, some people (like you) will never figure out what real quality and value is - and you will end up using and backing Microsuck forever (or until their ultimate demise). And that's fine - for you. However, for those of us whose lobotomies have healed, we will continue to use and buy Apple, which now also runs Windows - and runs it better than Windows-specific machines. I have a copy of XP on my wife's Macbook for a Windows-specific program she needs. It loads faster, better, and runs more stably on her Macbook than on a comparable Dell, Acer, or HP. No Windows boxes can do that.

So stick with MSFT - I can also recommend some other premium buys, like Ace Buggy Whips and the Gaslamp Mantle Manufacturing Co.

Long on Apple - and proud of it!

(And BTW, jack - I bought it low and have since sold off some when high, and already made three times my investment back - with some "house money" left over for fun - . Can you say that about your MSFT?)]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/153824-at-t-the-apple-brand-destroyer?source=feed#comment-617358 617358
@JeffDB - AT&T has "radical left wing politics"???? What color is the sky on your planet? AT&T has been a far-far-right org almost since its inception. These are the same guys who called for the overthrow of Allende in Chile when he nationalized their holdings there - and got it, along with having him assassinated, and lots of other nasty actis in South America and elsewhere.

They were mega-donors to Dubya and his Dad, and Ronnie Ray-gun before them, and they never saw a right-wing politician or cause they didn't like.

Not sure what their policy towards homosexuals is, and don't really care, as a person's gender or preference is of minus zero interest to me, and none of my business, though I think they should have the same rights as anyone else. Same for abortions - the last worst form of birth control, but preferable in many case to unwanted kids being born - or even wanted, but to the WRONG parents. (I worked in Juvenile Halls and the Neglected and Abused Home for some time, and BELIEVE ME, there are a lot of folks who should NEVER have kids - or even be near them... and there are kids who would have been far better off never having been born than being born into the places they were.) It is also none of my business (or the govt.'s, or yours for that matter) what other people do.

Not sure how a person can have "Christian values" and be an investor anyway - did you ever consider the harm many of the companies do to the planet and the people of the world? As I recall, Yehoshua said something about "sell all you have, give the money to the poor, and follow me." and his comment about how it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Unless the Bible on your planet is as different as the AT&T.)

He did NOT say (to the best of my knowledge), "Yea, verily invest in ye great trans-national mega-corps, and give unto them your gold, for they shall multiply it many times, even as the loaves and fishes, (unless they lose the bundle in their maneuverings and chicanery and with the mega-bonuses they pay unto their CEOs) and despite the damage they do unto tose in the Third World, be thou not vexed, because that exploitation of men, women, and children will gain thee many gold ducats, and they are only sons of the cursed Ham anyway, so piddle upon them." (Nothing personal - we are all just as bad here - I just don't pretend I have Christian (or any other religious) "values" - which (historically speaking) usually means you have to hate and / or kill someone else who believes differently...

As to AT&T - I can understand some of these comments - AT&T as a corporation sucks. Most corporations suck. Even Apple has its suck moments, and I have been an Apple fan for years.

Their tech and customer service personnel have improved greatly in recent years, but they remain hard to actually get to, and yes, AT&T has done damage in some respects to the iPhone, especially in the buying aspects and the "one size fits all" data plan.

As to the dropped calls - I have had pretty good luck with them, and I just found out an interesting factoid - if you are on speaker and you forget or want it more private and hold it to your ear, your ear can cause the mute to go on, seeming to be a dropped call.

Other than that, their coverage is great.

Verizon (who I had for many years, and only left for iPhone) had good coverage and GREAT service - and if they go with iPhone in the future, I may look at them again.

Meantime, Apple is a GREAT product and stock.

(Full disclosure: Bought when it was 86, sold half at more than twice that, still have shares, long on Apple.)


]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:04:46 -0400
@JeffDB - AT&T has "radical left wing politics"???? What color is the sky on your planet? AT&T has been a far-far-right org almost since its inception. These are the same guys who called for the overthrow of Allende in Chile when he nationalized their holdings there - and got it, along with having him assassinated, and lots of other nasty actis in South America and elsewhere.

They were mega-donors to Dubya and his Dad, and Ronnie Ray-gun before them, and they never saw a right-wing politician or cause they didn't like.

Not sure what their policy towards homosexuals is, and don't really care, as a person's gender or preference is of minus zero interest to me, and none of my business, though I think they should have the same rights as anyone else. Same for abortions - the last worst form of birth control, but preferable in many case to unwanted kids being born - or even wanted, but to the WRONG parents. (I worked in Juvenile Halls and the Neglected and Abused Home for some time, and BELIEVE ME, there are a lot of folks who should NEVER have kids - or even be near them... and there are kids who would have been far better off never having been born than being born into the places they were.) It is also none of my business (or the govt.'s, or yours for that matter) what other people do.

Not sure how a person can have "Christian values" and be an investor anyway - did you ever consider the harm many of the companies do to the planet and the people of the world? As I recall, Yehoshua said something about "sell all you have, give the money to the poor, and follow me." and his comment about how it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Unless the Bible on your planet is as different as the AT&T.)

He did NOT say (to the best of my knowledge), "Yea, verily invest in ye great trans-national mega-corps, and give unto them your gold, for they shall multiply it many times, even as the loaves and fishes, (unless they lose the bundle in their maneuverings and chicanery and with the mega-bonuses they pay unto their CEOs) and despite the damage they do unto tose in the Third World, be thou not vexed, because that exploitation of men, women, and children will gain thee many gold ducats, and they are only sons of the cursed Ham anyway, so piddle upon them." (Nothing personal - we are all just as bad here - I just don't pretend I have Christian (or any other religious) "values" - which (historically speaking) usually means you have to hate and / or kill someone else who believes differently...

As to AT&T - I can understand some of these comments - AT&T as a corporation sucks. Most corporations suck. Even Apple has its suck moments, and I have been an Apple fan for years.

Their tech and customer service personnel have improved greatly in recent years, but they remain hard to actually get to, and yes, AT&T has done damage in some respects to the iPhone, especially in the buying aspects and the "one size fits all" data plan.

As to the dropped calls - I have had pretty good luck with them, and I just found out an interesting factoid - if you are on speaker and you forget or want it more private and hold it to your ear, your ear can cause the mute to go on, seeming to be a dropped call.

Other than that, their coverage is great.

Verizon (who I had for many years, and only left for iPhone) had good coverage and GREAT service - and if they go with iPhone in the future, I may look at them again.

Meantime, Apple is a GREAT product and stock.

(Full disclosure: Bought when it was 86, sold half at more than twice that, still have shares, long on Apple.)


]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/149520-apple-upgrade-on-mac-surge?source=feed#comment-592754 592754
(And just BTW, I have made a killing on Apple stock, buying low, selling off half wehen it was near its peak, and holding the rest - I am playing on "house money" now, and am long on Apple.)

]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:39:08 -0400
(And just BTW, I have made a killing on Apple stock, buying low, selling off half wehen it was near its peak, and holding the rest - I am playing on "house money" now, and am long on Apple.)

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/149235-apple-asks-microsoft-to-quit-running-those-laptop-hunters-ads?source=feed#comment-591503 591503
Since the intro of the Mac, I have grown to consider Apple to be the more advanced and better software and (esp. in the days when they made all their own peripherals,) the best in hardware, hands down. However, I had to use DOS (and later Windows) for my work.

Just before I retired in 2002, I switched to Apple and have never once looked back or regretted it - except for not switching sooner.

Now, with the Intel architecture, if you need Windows for work or some other reason, it will run Windows - and it loads faster, and runs more stably on the Mac.

I cannot imagine what kind of PC or version of Vista Joe K is talking about, or what version of Apple OS - or for that matter, what color the sky is on his home planet...

As for the people who are complaining about Apple users' responses, I challenge you to find any comparable dedicated group of Windows fans - especially after Vista - best thing MS ever put out - to boost Mac sales.]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:34:01 -0400
Since the intro of the Mac, I have grown to consider Apple to be the more advanced and better software and (esp. in the days when they made all their own peripherals,) the best in hardware, hands down. However, I had to use DOS (and later Windows) for my work.

Just before I retired in 2002, I switched to Apple and have never once looked back or regretted it - except for not switching sooner.

Now, with the Intel architecture, if you need Windows for work or some other reason, it will run Windows - and it loads faster, and runs more stably on the Mac.

I cannot imagine what kind of PC or version of Vista Joe K is talking about, or what version of Apple OS - or for that matter, what color the sky is on his home planet...

As for the people who are complaining about Apple users' responses, I challenge you to find any comparable dedicated group of Windows fans - especially after Vista - best thing MS ever put out - to boost Mac sales.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/149311-palm-who-needs-itunes-how-about-palmtunes?source=feed#comment-591491 591491 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:11:18 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/140155-the-new-palm-is-gonna-bomb?source=feed#comment-521686 521686
My bet is that he won't be eating anything. The Palm pre, while it is a big improvement in their line, is too little, too late - to paraphrase the Gretzsky / Jobs strategy, Palm and the rest are skating to where the puck was - instead of where it is going to be, as Apple does.

Meanwhile, Apple continues to grab raves and market share, because it is tied to the best OS, the biggest App store (hardly "over-hyped" with over 30,000 choices and a billion sold ), and the slickest design and marketing in the business.

The Pre will be what all the rest of the touted iPod and iPhone "killers" to date have been - copy-cat would-be clones, put out by clueless dweebs who can't or won't do the innovative design and tech that Apple has mastered. (Note that Pre's slick design was courtesy of Jon Rubinstein, the former Apple exec?)

However, I must say that the Pre and a handful of the others are steps in the right direction, and I wish them some success - pressure from competition will keep Apple honest and innovative, and should force AT&T and others to make their plans more competitive, which I, for one, would appreciate.

I can't speak for the author, but I DO have an "iBias" - for the best of reasons. I started on an IBM XT running DOS 3.0 (lo, these many years ago!), and went on through NT and 98, also learning Unix and playing with Linux and other platforms along the road. I long ago decided Apple was the most smooth-running and well-crafted, and that their hardware and software worked seamlessly (especially in the days when they still made all their own peripherals).

I taught computers, and ran a Windows LAN and a Mac LAN. When I retired, I switched completely to Apple - and then OS X came out and blew even me away! I would NEVER voluntarily go back to Windoze of any flavor (I'd sooner stick sharpened pencils in my eyes), and if it became critical to do so, the Macs now run Windows faster and better than Dell or other Windows-specific boxes. (I tested XP on one of our MacBooks against two similarly equipped laptops.)

They also have the best and most comprehensive support systems in the industry, with the option of extending the 1 year warranty through the purchase of Apple Care - a GREAT program!!

We are a totally Apple / Mac family (3 MacBooks, 1 MacBook Pro, and the iMac I write from), and 4 iPhones. My step-son is a talented computer tech / programmer, who works for a high-tech firm in San Francisco. His personal choice, after years of Windoze, was Mac. Many of my computer skilled friends are now also making that switch. (Vista helped a lot! That sold more Macs than the cute ads! Thanks, MS!)

I hold Apple stock (long), and have made more than twice what I paid for the entire lot by selling some off when it was high. I am sitting on the rest, and if it goes low again, I will certainly buy more and hold it!

Cheers!





]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 14:30:30 -0400
My bet is that he won't be eating anything. The Palm pre, while it is a big improvement in their line, is too little, too late - to paraphrase the Gretzsky / Jobs strategy, Palm and the rest are skating to where the puck was - instead of where it is going to be, as Apple does.

Meanwhile, Apple continues to grab raves and market share, because it is tied to the best OS, the biggest App store (hardly "over-hyped" with over 30,000 choices and a billion sold ), and the slickest design and marketing in the business.

The Pre will be what all the rest of the touted iPod and iPhone "killers" to date have been - copy-cat would-be clones, put out by clueless dweebs who can't or won't do the innovative design and tech that Apple has mastered. (Note that Pre's slick design was courtesy of Jon Rubinstein, the former Apple exec?)

However, I must say that the Pre and a handful of the others are steps in the right direction, and I wish them some success - pressure from competition will keep Apple honest and innovative, and should force AT&T and others to make their plans more competitive, which I, for one, would appreciate.

I can't speak for the author, but I DO have an "iBias" - for the best of reasons. I started on an IBM XT running DOS 3.0 (lo, these many years ago!), and went on through NT and 98, also learning Unix and playing with Linux and other platforms along the road. I long ago decided Apple was the most smooth-running and well-crafted, and that their hardware and software worked seamlessly (especially in the days when they still made all their own peripherals).

I taught computers, and ran a Windows LAN and a Mac LAN. When I retired, I switched completely to Apple - and then OS X came out and blew even me away! I would NEVER voluntarily go back to Windoze of any flavor (I'd sooner stick sharpened pencils in my eyes), and if it became critical to do so, the Macs now run Windows faster and better than Dell or other Windows-specific boxes. (I tested XP on one of our MacBooks against two similarly equipped laptops.)

They also have the best and most comprehensive support systems in the industry, with the option of extending the 1 year warranty through the purchase of Apple Care - a GREAT program!!

We are a totally Apple / Mac family (3 MacBooks, 1 MacBook Pro, and the iMac I write from), and 4 iPhones. My step-son is a talented computer tech / programmer, who works for a high-tech firm in San Francisco. His personal choice, after years of Windoze, was Mac. Many of my computer skilled friends are now also making that switch. (Vista helped a lot! That sold more Macs than the cute ads! Thanks, MS!)

I hold Apple stock (long), and have made more than twice what I paid for the entire lot by selling some off when it was high. I am sitting on the rest, and if it goes low again, I will certainly buy more and hold it!

Cheers!





]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/138481-are-microsoft-s-anti-apple-ads-actually-working?source=feed#comment-510752 510752
I don't know who BrandIndex and AdAge are, but my guess is they are on MicroSuck's payroll. I don't know ANYONE who has bought a computer based on MS's schlock ads.

As for the paid shills in the MS ads, let's see how they view their purchase 6 months down the line, when they are tired of slow, crappy, buggy, underperforming software, and hardware that can't even interface with its own brand. (Ever try to get an HP running Windows Anything to interface with an HP printer or scanner? It isn't pretty...)

I was a sys admin for a PC network and a Mac network, and I ran DOS from 3.0 forward to NT and a bit of XP (not bad for MS, but still not great). Then I switched to Mac myself - and was only sorry I hadn't done it years earlier. I would sooner stick sharpened pencils in my eyes then ever use Windows again...

I think you will find my experience echoed in most of those who have switched (terminal masochists not included). "Once Mac, never back."

This "story" seems to me to be just one more attempt by MicroSuck and their allies (and shareholders!) to manipulate market perceptions, and lower Apple value.

Apple is a great company that produces the best software in the business, and the best hardware. They are typically two to three years ahead of the "competition" - as witness the iPod, iPhone, and all the rest the others are trying (and failing) to catch.

Ads, Schmads - whatever MicroSuck does isn't going to be enough - unless they miraculously start turning out cool, designer hardware (Zune?) and software that isn't bloated, buggy and crash-prone (Vista?). Not bloody likely. Even though Monkey Boy has told the drones that they have to start being like Apple, there is no way they can change the entire corporate culture they have been developing for years. MS is a huge, terminally dysfunctional giant, rather like Gulliver, bound in the toils of the Lilliputians...







]]> Wed, 20 May 2009 02:00:57 -0400
I don't know who BrandIndex and AdAge are, but my guess is they are on MicroSuck's payroll. I don't know ANYONE who has bought a computer based on MS's schlock ads.

As for the paid shills in the MS ads, let's see how they view their purchase 6 months down the line, when they are tired of slow, crappy, buggy, underperforming software, and hardware that can't even interface with its own brand. (Ever try to get an HP running Windows Anything to interface with an HP printer or scanner? It isn't pretty...)

I was a sys admin for a PC network and a Mac network, and I ran DOS from 3.0 forward to NT and a bit of XP (not bad for MS, but still not great). Then I switched to Mac myself - and was only sorry I hadn't done it years earlier. I would sooner stick sharpened pencils in my eyes then ever use Windows again...

I think you will find my experience echoed in most of those who have switched (terminal masochists not included). "Once Mac, never back."

This "story" seems to me to be just one more attempt by MicroSuck and their allies (and shareholders!) to manipulate market perceptions, and lower Apple value.

Apple is a great company that produces the best software in the business, and the best hardware. They are typically two to three years ahead of the "competition" - as witness the iPod, iPhone, and all the rest the others are trying (and failing) to catch.

Ads, Schmads - whatever MicroSuck does isn't going to be enough - unless they miraculously start turning out cool, designer hardware (Zune?) and software that isn't bloated, buggy and crash-prone (Vista?). Not bloody likely. Even though Monkey Boy has told the drones that they have to start being like Apple, there is no way they can change the entire corporate culture they have been developing for years. MS is a huge, terminally dysfunctional giant, rather like Gulliver, bound in the toils of the Lilliputians...







]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/129379-does-rim-see-the-gap-in-iphones-defenses?source=feed#comment-451523 451523
I loved Verizon too, and had been with them since the Airtouch days. I would have stayed with them if they had the iPhone. However, I recently switched to AT&T to get my iPhone, and guess what? The service is fine - and I live in a remote coastal / rural area, where my Verizon service is spotty. I also bought my daughter one (she is in Arcata, CA, an area even more notorious for poor reception!), and it works just fine. My son was the first to get one in our family, so no need to get him one! And both switched to Macs after years as Windows users, as has my brother [who also has just switched from Verizon and gotten an iPhone], so we are just one big happy Mac family now! When my wife's contract runs out, I am getting her one - she can't wait!

As to the Storm - even my Crackberry addict pals think they sucked, and still do. In fact, some switched to iPhone in frustration - and are glad they did!

As to enterprise - iPhones (and Macs) are gaining by leaps and bounds, because the people in the firms - from office boys to CEOs - are getting them, and the big boys are pushing their tech to support them. My brother is an executive in one such firm, Carhartt industrial clothing, an old and respected national brand still in the same family - and their tech now supports iPhones. He is very happy with his iPhone and service.

The idea that BB's rather weak launch of the aptly named Storm (an obvious iPhone clone attempt) and an equally lame apps store (ditto), are, like most copy-cat ideas (such as the other iPhone and earlier iPod "killers"), just poor imitations of the real thing - and will likely go about as far as the Zune and other junk.

While BB was a great phone in its day, that day is over. I don't think they (or Palm) have what it takes to catch up, let alone supplant, the iPhone - and even if they do catch up, by then Apple will have released another wonder.

I am not sure where the author is getting these ideas, or coming from (unless deliberately trying to manipulate the stocks in question), but she is obviously not in touch with the real world.

(For the record, I am not only a very happy Apple product user, but am long on Apple - because I like, use and believe in their products and company, and think they have one of the best marketing programs and brand recognition in the entire industry.)



]]> Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:45:00 -0400
I loved Verizon too, and had been with them since the Airtouch days. I would have stayed with them if they had the iPhone. However, I recently switched to AT&T to get my iPhone, and guess what? The service is fine - and I live in a remote coastal / rural area, where my Verizon service is spotty. I also bought my daughter one (she is in Arcata, CA, an area even more notorious for poor reception!), and it works just fine. My son was the first to get one in our family, so no need to get him one! And both switched to Macs after years as Windows users, as has my brother [who also has just switched from Verizon and gotten an iPhone], so we are just one big happy Mac family now! When my wife's contract runs out, I am getting her one - she can't wait!

As to the Storm - even my Crackberry addict pals think they sucked, and still do. In fact, some switched to iPhone in frustration - and are glad they did!

As to enterprise - iPhones (and Macs) are gaining by leaps and bounds, because the people in the firms - from office boys to CEOs - are getting them, and the big boys are pushing their tech to support them. My brother is an executive in one such firm, Carhartt industrial clothing, an old and respected national brand still in the same family - and their tech now supports iPhones. He is very happy with his iPhone and service.

The idea that BB's rather weak launch of the aptly named Storm (an obvious iPhone clone attempt) and an equally lame apps store (ditto), are, like most copy-cat ideas (such as the other iPhone and earlier iPod "killers"), just poor imitations of the real thing - and will likely go about as far as the Zune and other junk.

While BB was a great phone in its day, that day is over. I don't think they (or Palm) have what it takes to catch up, let alone supplant, the iPhone - and even if they do catch up, by then Apple will have released another wonder.

I am not sure where the author is getting these ideas, or coming from (unless deliberately trying to manipulate the stocks in question), but she is obviously not in touch with the real world.

(For the record, I am not only a very happy Apple product user, but am long on Apple - because I like, use and believe in their products and company, and think they have one of the best marketing programs and brand recognition in the entire industry.)



]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117231-at-t-tops-verizon-but-which-customers-are-more-satisfied?source=feed#comment-374978 374978
I recently (reluctantly) switched to AT&T, and now have 2 of my 4 lines of service with them. I will soon be switching the remaining lines as the other contracts roll off. Why? Because of the iPhone, mainly, but the service and reception are excellent - in fact, locally better than Verizon. Dropped calls? So far, none.

Stockwatchah and RDiddy are wrong on several major counts.

First, iPhone is hardly AT&T's only choice - they have a large inventory of other phones - including the vaunted Blackberry - although iPhone is outselling them all by 25% or better... however, for those with slender budgets, or those who don't need or want much in a device, there are plenty of choices.

AT&T doesn't take a "$400 hit" on every iPhone - they subsidize about half the cost - we pay the rest. My 16 GB cost me $199 - plus a two year contract. Over the term of that contract, they make approx. $1400 per phone for the basic package, plus extra charges for features like texting. That is pretty good ROI.

More importantly, they have also gained MANY new customers they wouldn't have seen otherwise - like me and my entire family - my stepson was the first to get one of the first gen, then I did (after waiting a LONG time for various reasons), and I also got one for my stepdaughter. My wife is next. Meantime, my brother has bought one, and his company (Carhartt) supports them, so he is using it for his main phone and e-mail system when traveling.

As far as running out and buying something else - I didn't buy it because it was the latest "fad" - I have been asking Apple for a PDA / phone for years. Now they have exceeded even my expectations and their own usual brilliant design and execution, with the world's first true hand-held MID (Mobile Internet Device). It is as amazing as it looks, running a modified mobile version of the great OS X, instead of the Windows Mobile or one of those other laughably poor so-called "platforms." (Stockwatchah, like many others who obviously don't understand the device, seems unaware of the difference between a "smartphone" and a MID.)

It is simply the best phone I have ever used, bar none - and I will NEVER use another - unless Apple comes out with an even more amazing one. Everyone I know who owns one feels the same way - even my brother, who was a big Motorola and Windows user until last year. (He now has a desktop iMac as well.)

It also seems to be repeating the "halo effect" of the iPod - that is, it is drawing a lot of new users to Apple from Windows.

So I am rather dubious that their assumptions (most of which seem to be based on lack of knowledge of the product and / or the market) are useful in gauging either the iPhone or AT&T's market share. The ONLY area where AT&T is actually shining now is in wireless (where everything is headed anyway) - and that is driven primarily by iPhone sales.

(BTW, Verizon is still kicking itself over their remarkably stupid decision to turn down the iPhone, according to some insiders I know... Speaking just for myself, I am very sorry to have been forced from the Verizon fold - but they made the wrong move - and I have told them so.)

I imagine that if and when Apple opens up the opportunity, there will be a rush of other service providers to jump on. Apple has succeeded in not only producing the first true MID, and making it wildly successful, but in breaking the mold of the wireless service provider business model - where the SPs are calling the shots. Apple will probably provide the iPhone in future to those companies who agree to Apple's terms - a share of the proceeds - instead of joining Motorola and the rest in a race to the bottom to build cheaper and crappier throw-away handsets.

















]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:38:31 -0500
I recently (reluctantly) switched to AT&T, and now have 2 of my 4 lines of service with them. I will soon be switching the remaining lines as the other contracts roll off. Why? Because of the iPhone, mainly, but the service and reception are excellent - in fact, locally better than Verizon. Dropped calls? So far, none.

Stockwatchah and RDiddy are wrong on several major counts.

First, iPhone is hardly AT&T's only choice - they have a large inventory of other phones - including the vaunted Blackberry - although iPhone is outselling them all by 25% or better... however, for those with slender budgets, or those who don't need or want much in a device, there are plenty of choices.

AT&T doesn't take a "$400 hit" on every iPhone - they subsidize about half the cost - we pay the rest. My 16 GB cost me $199 - plus a two year contract. Over the term of that contract, they make approx. $1400 per phone for the basic package, plus extra charges for features like texting. That is pretty good ROI.

More importantly, they have also gained MANY new customers they wouldn't have seen otherwise - like me and my entire family - my stepson was the first to get one of the first gen, then I did (after waiting a LONG time for various reasons), and I also got one for my stepdaughter. My wife is next. Meantime, my brother has bought one, and his company (Carhartt) supports them, so he is using it for his main phone and e-mail system when traveling.

As far as running out and buying something else - I didn't buy it because it was the latest "fad" - I have been asking Apple for a PDA / phone for years. Now they have exceeded even my expectations and their own usual brilliant design and execution, with the world's first true hand-held MID (Mobile Internet Device). It is as amazing as it looks, running a modified mobile version of the great OS X, instead of the Windows Mobile or one of those other laughably poor so-called "platforms." (Stockwatchah, like many others who obviously don't understand the device, seems unaware of the difference between a "smartphone" and a MID.)

It is simply the best phone I have ever used, bar none - and I will NEVER use another - unless Apple comes out with an even more amazing one. Everyone I know who owns one feels the same way - even my brother, who was a big Motorola and Windows user until last year. (He now has a desktop iMac as well.)

It also seems to be repeating the "halo effect" of the iPod - that is, it is drawing a lot of new users to Apple from Windows.

So I am rather dubious that their assumptions (most of which seem to be based on lack of knowledge of the product and / or the market) are useful in gauging either the iPhone or AT&T's market share. The ONLY area where AT&T is actually shining now is in wireless (where everything is headed anyway) - and that is driven primarily by iPhone sales.

(BTW, Verizon is still kicking itself over their remarkably stupid decision to turn down the iPhone, according to some insiders I know... Speaking just for myself, I am very sorry to have been forced from the Verizon fold - but they made the wrong move - and I have told them so.)

I imagine that if and when Apple opens up the opportunity, there will be a rush of other service providers to jump on. Apple has succeeded in not only producing the first true MID, and making it wildly successful, but in breaking the mold of the wireless service provider business model - where the SPs are calling the shots. Apple will probably provide the iPhone in future to those companies who agree to Apple's terms - a share of the proceeds - instead of joining Motorola and the rest in a race to the bottom to build cheaper and crappier throw-away handsets.

















]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/114343-trade-apple-like-a-fool?source=feed#comment-356256 356256
I also wouldn't be surprised if Apple continues to slide during this market - but not because it is over-valued or any of the other usual reasons.

However, if it slides, it will mainly be because "the market" seems to be composed of manic-depressives who practice voodoo instead of looking at fundamentals, and because of articles slighting Apple stock, not because of any weakness in the company or products.

Obviously the market is down, and we are in a depression IMO (which, BTW, I saw coming over two years ago and cashed out of a lot of my holdings while they were high - except for half my Apple, which I kept -and so I am now playing with "house money")

However, Mikey is incorrect to state that the iPhone is a "trinket" of "jewelry" - while its usual superb Apple styling may give it that appearance, it is actually one of the most remarkable electronic devices in modern times - far from being a mere "smart-phone" or glorified MP3 player (which it is), it is the first true MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and a hell of a lot more besides. With the native apps, and the burgeoning third-party apps, it has an enormous amount of potential to become one of the greatest mind-tools ever developed.

It is truly astonishing - so much so, that even I, a long-time Apple user and booster, was amazed when I finally got my 3G recently - I knew of some of its capabilities, but was blown away when I finally got into the workings!! I don't have time to detail the device and all its capabilities here, but go to the Apple site and take the tour - or better yet, walk into an Apple or AT&T store (or your local Walmart or Best Buy) and get a demo.

I have also purchased one for my step-daughter (my step-son got one of the first ones), and am planning to get one for my wife shortly as well. I will be switching our lines to AT&T from my long-time favorite Verizon (albeit reluctantly, as I have been with them for over 12 years), and that means AT&T (and Apple) will be getting monthly income of about $125 for two years. I am not the only one I know who is doing this.

Apple has enormous potential to revolutionize the entire phone AND computer industry (they are already inspiring iPhone wannabees from all the major and many minor players) - and I believe they will.

While I agree not everyone will be able to afford one, especially now, that has always been the case with Apple products - though I personally wish everyone could have them - they are such a pleasure to use!!

And of course, these are only one product - there also are the iPods (especially the brilliant Touch, which was my "gateway drug" into iPhones), Air, the MacBook line, the iTunes music and video business, and all the marvelous hardware and software they are so justly famed for - far easier to use, superbly styled, and with killer customer service and support - and a lot more besides!

My own intention is to hold my remaining Apple stock - and buy more when I think it has hit bottom. Of course, this is only my take and strategy - everyone should think for themselves and do what you need to for your individual circumstances.

As to the economy and society in general - I hope we will all be around to see a better time and place than that which is currently shaping - but knowing people and history, I am always a bit dubious. Good luck to you all.







]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:46:45 -0500
I also wouldn't be surprised if Apple continues to slide during this market - but not because it is over-valued or any of the other usual reasons.

However, if it slides, it will mainly be because "the market" seems to be composed of manic-depressives who practice voodoo instead of looking at fundamentals, and because of articles slighting Apple stock, not because of any weakness in the company or products.

Obviously the market is down, and we are in a depression IMO (which, BTW, I saw coming over two years ago and cashed out of a lot of my holdings while they were high - except for half my Apple, which I kept -and so I am now playing with "house money")

However, Mikey is incorrect to state that the iPhone is a "trinket" of "jewelry" - while its usual superb Apple styling may give it that appearance, it is actually one of the most remarkable electronic devices in modern times - far from being a mere "smart-phone" or glorified MP3 player (which it is), it is the first true MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and a hell of a lot more besides. With the native apps, and the burgeoning third-party apps, it has an enormous amount of potential to become one of the greatest mind-tools ever developed.

It is truly astonishing - so much so, that even I, a long-time Apple user and booster, was amazed when I finally got my 3G recently - I knew of some of its capabilities, but was blown away when I finally got into the workings!! I don't have time to detail the device and all its capabilities here, but go to the Apple site and take the tour - or better yet, walk into an Apple or AT&T store (or your local Walmart or Best Buy) and get a demo.

I have also purchased one for my step-daughter (my step-son got one of the first ones), and am planning to get one for my wife shortly as well. I will be switching our lines to AT&T from my long-time favorite Verizon (albeit reluctantly, as I have been with them for over 12 years), and that means AT&T (and Apple) will be getting monthly income of about $125 for two years. I am not the only one I know who is doing this.

Apple has enormous potential to revolutionize the entire phone AND computer industry (they are already inspiring iPhone wannabees from all the major and many minor players) - and I believe they will.

While I agree not everyone will be able to afford one, especially now, that has always been the case with Apple products - though I personally wish everyone could have them - they are such a pleasure to use!!

And of course, these are only one product - there also are the iPods (especially the brilliant Touch, which was my "gateway drug" into iPhones), Air, the MacBook line, the iTunes music and video business, and all the marvelous hardware and software they are so justly famed for - far easier to use, superbly styled, and with killer customer service and support - and a lot more besides!

My own intention is to hold my remaining Apple stock - and buy more when I think it has hit bottom. Of course, this is only my take and strategy - everyone should think for themselves and do what you need to for your individual circumstances.

As to the economy and society in general - I hope we will all be around to see a better time and place than that which is currently shaping - but knowing people and history, I am always a bit dubious. Good luck to you all.







]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/113962-palm-s-pre-goes-a-step-further-than-the-iphone?source=feed#comment-352015 352015
This device, while it has some positive features, is nothing new or different or game-changing (unlike iPhone). It is merely another wannabee "skating to where the puck is" and owes any of its virtues to Rubenstein (formerly Apple, as noted), whereas Jobs and Apple follow Gretsky's maxim of "skating to where the puck is going to be."

I wouldn't be bothered with a Palm device, even if I didn't LOVE my iPhone so much. I have had minus zero interest in them since they bought out Treo and quit developing it for Mac. I had a Tungsten for a while and was NOT impressed. I ended up giving it away.





]]> Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:47:12 -0500
This device, while it has some positive features, is nothing new or different or game-changing (unlike iPhone). It is merely another wannabee "skating to where the puck is" and owes any of its virtues to Rubenstein (formerly Apple, as noted), whereas Jobs and Apple follow Gretsky's maxim of "skating to where the puck is going to be."

I wouldn't be bothered with a Palm device, even if I didn't LOVE my iPhone so much. I have had minus zero interest in them since they bought out Treo and quit developing it for Mac. I had a Tungsten for a while and was NOT impressed. I ended up giving it away.





]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/112310-chinese-youth-will-propel-economic-and-political-changes?source=feed#comment-338789 338789
What we are seeing was the inevitable result of years of wastrel living in the West following WW II. Many of us have spent all our money, poisoned our environment, and lived lavish, conspicuously consumptive lifestyles in our greedy pursuit of ever more wealth, huge SUVs, McMansions, etc.

Now it is time to pay the piper - in terms of off-shored jobs (themselves now collapsing due to lack of demand), people drowning in debt who are losing their foreclosed houses (crammed to the seams with tons of useless shite that nobody really needed, much of it bearing labels stating "made in China"), and grossly obese people with major health issues, and many other problems - and yet you are suggesting we and / or the Chinese youth can and should spend our way out of it to sally forth into a brave new world of yet more spending on useless gew-gaws? Are you all stark raving mad? - wait a minute, this IS an investment site - so many here are the same people who helped create the monster... even me, who has led a relatively simple life, has invested a few bob (although I have tried earnestly to do so in a socially and environmentally responsible fashion).

mollytjm - get used to gloomy scenarios, because that is what is and will be transpiring - and you and all of us had better pray (or whatever you do in lieu thereof) that it won't come down to a REAL "doomsday" scenario - which is all too possible - history is rife with examples, easily discernible to those of us who read more than the Financial section of the papers and look beyond the end of Q4.

Most of you folks have minus zero idea of how close to the edge "civilization" is all the time, never mind in times like these, or how easily it can and has been toppled.

As to those who, like the author, believe that it is a good thing that Chinese youth adopt our profligate lifestyle and that they can propel "good" political change thereby (by which one assumes that they will establish a capitalist so-called "free market" and "democratic" government), I would say that it is more likely that they will spend their parent's hard-earned savings (as some of the others here have mentioned) and that if they try to make any substantive changes, they will meet with the same iron fist that was unleashed in Tienamen Square.

Summary? Dream on... but don't be surprised when reality hits you between the eyes...


]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:23:05 -0500
What we are seeing was the inevitable result of years of wastrel living in the West following WW II. Many of us have spent all our money, poisoned our environment, and lived lavish, conspicuously consumptive lifestyles in our greedy pursuit of ever more wealth, huge SUVs, McMansions, etc.

Now it is time to pay the piper - in terms of off-shored jobs (themselves now collapsing due to lack of demand), people drowning in debt who are losing their foreclosed houses (crammed to the seams with tons of useless shite that nobody really needed, much of it bearing labels stating "made in China"), and grossly obese people with major health issues, and many other problems - and yet you are suggesting we and / or the Chinese youth can and should spend our way out of it to sally forth into a brave new world of yet more spending on useless gew-gaws? Are you all stark raving mad? - wait a minute, this IS an investment site - so many here are the same people who helped create the monster... even me, who has led a relatively simple life, has invested a few bob (although I have tried earnestly to do so in a socially and environmentally responsible fashion).

mollytjm - get used to gloomy scenarios, because that is what is and will be transpiring - and you and all of us had better pray (or whatever you do in lieu thereof) that it won't come down to a REAL "doomsday" scenario - which is all too possible - history is rife with examples, easily discernible to those of us who read more than the Financial section of the papers and look beyond the end of Q4.

Most of you folks have minus zero idea of how close to the edge "civilization" is all the time, never mind in times like these, or how easily it can and has been toppled.

As to those who, like the author, believe that it is a good thing that Chinese youth adopt our profligate lifestyle and that they can propel "good" political change thereby (by which one assumes that they will establish a capitalist so-called "free market" and "democratic" government), I would say that it is more likely that they will spend their parent's hard-earned savings (as some of the others here have mentioned) and that if they try to make any substantive changes, they will meet with the same iron fist that was unleashed in Tienamen Square.

Summary? Dream on... but don't be surprised when reality hits you between the eyes...


]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/98629-cash-position-best-for-apple-investor?source=feed#comment-275361 275361
Despite Apple's excellent products and position, this market is tanking big time - as I figured it had to some years since. The only things keeping it afloat were the housing bubble (which I also saw coming and sold up while the getting was good) and of course, Greenspan's "irrational exuberance." (Oh yeah - and the M-I complex's war profiteering outfits...)

The Street is rather like a bipolar case off their meds at the best of times, and in this situation and economy, more so.

However, as Baron Rothschild is said to have remarked; "Buy when the blood is running in the streets." (One hopes he was being metaphorical, and that it doesn't actually come to that...)

However, my bet long term remains on Apple. I sold off half my shares when they were high. As I had bought low, they paid for the lot, with a few bucks profit, so its "house money" now - and I plan to keep what I have, and when I think it has bottomed out, get more.

If you can't stand the heat, then by all means get out of the kitchen - all these amateurs and day-traders have helped create the havoc in the market (along with some corporate greed-heads at various levels and their political accomplices).

Like Zach, I don't anticipate any speedy recovery from this, so don't bet your bottom dollar on ANY stock - unless you can afford to lose it. Remember, the market is just like Vegas - a gamble - but if you have done your homework and due diligence, AND are lucky... you may come out on the other side (whenever and wherever it is) in one piece.

As to the notion that cash is somehow "safer" - don't forget what "cash" is - paper - with NOTHING behind it anymore. So as to gold and silver, own some (the real thing, not "shares"). Same goes with food - own some (real) food, not just shares. If the foreign investor trends continue, and any more oil producers yank the petrodollar, be aware that the BIG crash will come sooner rather than later, as all the US has left as a real ace in the hole is its military machine...

Meantime, good luck to all of you.







]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:42:50 -0400
Despite Apple's excellent products and position, this market is tanking big time - as I figured it had to some years since. The only things keeping it afloat were the housing bubble (which I also saw coming and sold up while the getting was good) and of course, Greenspan's "irrational exuberance." (Oh yeah - and the M-I complex's war profiteering outfits...)

The Street is rather like a bipolar case off their meds at the best of times, and in this situation and economy, more so.

However, as Baron Rothschild is said to have remarked; "Buy when the blood is running in the streets." (One hopes he was being metaphorical, and that it doesn't actually come to that...)

However, my bet long term remains on Apple. I sold off half my shares when they were high. As I had bought low, they paid for the lot, with a few bucks profit, so its "house money" now - and I plan to keep what I have, and when I think it has bottomed out, get more.

If you can't stand the heat, then by all means get out of the kitchen - all these amateurs and day-traders have helped create the havoc in the market (along with some corporate greed-heads at various levels and their political accomplices).

Like Zach, I don't anticipate any speedy recovery from this, so don't bet your bottom dollar on ANY stock - unless you can afford to lose it. Remember, the market is just like Vegas - a gamble - but if you have done your homework and due diligence, AND are lucky... you may come out on the other side (whenever and wherever it is) in one piece.

As to the notion that cash is somehow "safer" - don't forget what "cash" is - paper - with NOTHING behind it anymore. So as to gold and silver, own some (the real thing, not "shares"). Same goes with food - own some (real) food, not just shares. If the foreign investor trends continue, and any more oil producers yank the petrodollar, be aware that the BIG crash will come sooner rather than later, as all the US has left as a real ace in the hole is its military machine...

Meantime, good luck to all of you.







]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/98046-crop-of-new-smartphones-will-compete-with-iphone?source=feed#comment-270732 270732
First, as I have said many times on these threads: iPhone is NOT a "smartphone" - it is a MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and it is the best - and so far the ONLY - one out there that is a true MID.

Second, regular wireless phones, even "smartphones" are passe for true mobile wireless internet device users, though there will doubtless always be a market, at least for the near to intermediate term. However, that market will never shop an iPhone or anything like it - because they can't afford it and generally aren't tech-savvy.

Third, my income is well below 100K, as is most of the people I personally know who already have or are planning on getting the iPhone. I don't know about you but I NEVER give my personal info to those wretches in marketing. If you do, you are just plain silly.

Fourth, Apple has the best OS and mobile OS available (OS X), and they interface beautifully - but will still work with those poor Windows users still mired in that drecky platform. As for the other abysmal "mobile platforms" being offered... the less said the better!

Fifth, I have used the touch screen. There are NO problems for the average user - even one with thick fingers who is a poor typist (like me). In fact, the intuitive nature of the app makes it even easier to type using this system - and there is nobody among the younger generation who feels the need for a physical keyboard, which just make the whole thing bigger and bulkier than it needs to be.

Sixth, I have spoken with AT&T sales personnel at our local store - which is in a small rural town in OR. They said the iPhone outsells all their other "smartphone" models by 25% - with the next closest model being their Blackberry. If that is indicative of actual sales nation-wide (which, judging by the fact that the iPhone is still flying out of stores everywhere, it is), I assume that means Main Street has already spoken.

As to the touted G1 - it is a clunky ugly duckling (though the Open Source model is one I support). However, like the Voyager and all the other "competitors", whatever their good features, they all lack the main item - Apple OS as their platform. I will not settle for less.








]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:43:52 -0400
First, as I have said many times on these threads: iPhone is NOT a "smartphone" - it is a MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and it is the best - and so far the ONLY - one out there that is a true MID.

Second, regular wireless phones, even "smartphones" are passe for true mobile wireless internet device users, though there will doubtless always be a market, at least for the near to intermediate term. However, that market will never shop an iPhone or anything like it - because they can't afford it and generally aren't tech-savvy.

Third, my income is well below 100K, as is most of the people I personally know who already have or are planning on getting the iPhone. I don't know about you but I NEVER give my personal info to those wretches in marketing. If you do, you are just plain silly.

Fourth, Apple has the best OS and mobile OS available (OS X), and they interface beautifully - but will still work with those poor Windows users still mired in that drecky platform. As for the other abysmal "mobile platforms" being offered... the less said the better!

Fifth, I have used the touch screen. There are NO problems for the average user - even one with thick fingers who is a poor typist (like me). In fact, the intuitive nature of the app makes it even easier to type using this system - and there is nobody among the younger generation who feels the need for a physical keyboard, which just make the whole thing bigger and bulkier than it needs to be.

Sixth, I have spoken with AT&T sales personnel at our local store - which is in a small rural town in OR. They said the iPhone outsells all their other "smartphone" models by 25% - with the next closest model being their Blackberry. If that is indicative of actual sales nation-wide (which, judging by the fact that the iPhone is still flying out of stores everywhere, it is), I assume that means Main Street has already spoken.

As to the touted G1 - it is a clunky ugly duckling (though the Open Source model is one I support). However, like the Voyager and all the other "competitors", whatever their good features, they all lack the main item - Apple OS as their platform. I will not settle for less.








]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/97083-9-feature-comparisons-g1-vs-iphone?source=feed#comment-265422 265422
If one wants the world's best GUI on a UNIX base, one runs OS X. Period.

Also, though you are perfectly correct in stating that Apple is a niche market, you forget (or are perhaps too young to know) that Apple was once the Big Dog on the block, with a dominant share of the market...

With its string of recent hits with iPod / iTunes and iPhone luring many former Windows customers away, I'd say there is a fair chance they may again become number one.

However, whatever Android does or becomes, it is a good idea - and will speed development in the field. It is not good for any system to have primacy, as we learned from MS's dominance of the field.



]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:52:19 -0400
If one wants the world's best GUI on a UNIX base, one runs OS X. Period.

Also, though you are perfectly correct in stating that Apple is a niche market, you forget (or are perhaps too young to know) that Apple was once the Big Dog on the block, with a dominant share of the market...

With its string of recent hits with iPod / iTunes and iPhone luring many former Windows customers away, I'd say there is a fair chance they may again become number one.

However, whatever Android does or becomes, it is a good idea - and will speed development in the field. It is not good for any system to have primacy, as we learned from MS's dominance of the field.



]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/96374-three-new-microsoft-commercials-making-pcs-cool-er?source=feed#comment-259192 259192
However, it is sad in a way, that the giant of the industry feels compelled to try to defend itself against a small, although spunky, challenger. It's as though Ali suddenly got the feeling that he needed to retaliate against some fly-weight.

No matter WHAT Windows does to tout their OS or dress it up, will always be what it always has been - a poor knock-off of the Mac OS. As we used to say when they first ripped off the concept; "Windows 95 = Mac '89" Has anyone noticed that Mr. Ballmer is desperately trying to become Apple? Not only by the commercials, but he is even sending out memos to the staff saying that they have to "do it like Apple."

Microsoft has done some things well in the past. Word (which was originally written for Mac) was a good WP before they crammed it with useless add-ons and bloated it beyond belief.

Same with Works - formerly one of the better office suites out there. (Most people don't need Office, unless they are in (Big) business.)

My advice to Microsoft is get back out of the OS business (which has always been mediocre) and on to doing what they used to do well - developing useful software.

I was primarily a Microsoft user (DOS 3.x through Windows NT) for over a decade, though I also used Apple, as well as Unix, Linux, and other platforms.

I have run LANs (both Windows and Mac) as a sys admin, and used and taught all major applications for both.

Though I had my Windows systems as well-tuned and maintained as possible, they still required infinitely more work to keep running than the Macs. I also noticed the differences in ease of use for the end user, and how everything just WORKED together.

It was that exposure to Mac that made me a convert, and I made the switch just before OS X. Though one of the last iterations of OS 9 was a bit rocky, I have still never regretted it, and only wish I'd done it years before. I have been running only Apple for over a decade now, and am still LOVING it!!!

DOS or Windows was NEVER as smooth, easy, and fun as the Mac, and is incapable of being by its nature and design. I will NEVER return to Windows (I'd sooner stick pencils in my eyes!), and loathe even helping friends who are still mired in the MS nightmare. My sincere advice is get a Mac and join the growing legions who are actually using their computers for fun and as a useful mind-tool (what I originally wanted a computer for) instead of nursing a finicky, slow, annoying, buggy, pain in the posterior!

However, Macs now run Windows too - if you really need to - and they run them smoother, better, faster, and more stably (at least through XP). I have installed it on several computers whose users needed the Windows for work - and it works better than on comparable PC-designed boxes. (I can't explain this, because the parts are all obtained from the same manufacturers these days!)

BTW, I notice how some people in these columns attack Mac users and use demeaning descriptors for them. (And I will admit some of the Mac fans can be annoying at times.) However, did it ever occur to any of these people to wonder just WHY the Mac users are so strongly loyal and enthusiastic about their product? Could it just be because it actually IS a pleasure to use?

(Disclosure: I hold shares in Apple and remain long despite the turbulence of the present market. However, I was as big an Apple enthusiast even when I didn't have a dime of stock!)







]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:36:23 -0400
However, it is sad in a way, that the giant of the industry feels compelled to try to defend itself against a small, although spunky, challenger. It's as though Ali suddenly got the feeling that he needed to retaliate against some fly-weight.

No matter WHAT Windows does to tout their OS or dress it up, will always be what it always has been - a poor knock-off of the Mac OS. As we used to say when they first ripped off the concept; "Windows 95 = Mac '89" Has anyone noticed that Mr. Ballmer is desperately trying to become Apple? Not only by the commercials, but he is even sending out memos to the staff saying that they have to "do it like Apple."

Microsoft has done some things well in the past. Word (which was originally written for Mac) was a good WP before they crammed it with useless add-ons and bloated it beyond belief.

Same with Works - formerly one of the better office suites out there. (Most people don't need Office, unless they are in (Big) business.)

My advice to Microsoft is get back out of the OS business (which has always been mediocre) and on to doing what they used to do well - developing useful software.

I was primarily a Microsoft user (DOS 3.x through Windows NT) for over a decade, though I also used Apple, as well as Unix, Linux, and other platforms.

I have run LANs (both Windows and Mac) as a sys admin, and used and taught all major applications for both.

Though I had my Windows systems as well-tuned and maintained as possible, they still required infinitely more work to keep running than the Macs. I also noticed the differences in ease of use for the end user, and how everything just WORKED together.

It was that exposure to Mac that made me a convert, and I made the switch just before OS X. Though one of the last iterations of OS 9 was a bit rocky, I have still never regretted it, and only wish I'd done it years before. I have been running only Apple for over a decade now, and am still LOVING it!!!

DOS or Windows was NEVER as smooth, easy, and fun as the Mac, and is incapable of being by its nature and design. I will NEVER return to Windows (I'd sooner stick pencils in my eyes!), and loathe even helping friends who are still mired in the MS nightmare. My sincere advice is get a Mac and join the growing legions who are actually using their computers for fun and as a useful mind-tool (what I originally wanted a computer for) instead of nursing a finicky, slow, annoying, buggy, pain in the posterior!

However, Macs now run Windows too - if you really need to - and they run them smoother, better, faster, and more stably (at least through XP). I have installed it on several computers whose users needed the Windows for work - and it works better than on comparable PC-designed boxes. (I can't explain this, because the parts are all obtained from the same manufacturers these days!)

BTW, I notice how some people in these columns attack Mac users and use demeaning descriptors for them. (And I will admit some of the Mac fans can be annoying at times.) However, did it ever occur to any of these people to wonder just WHY the Mac users are so strongly loyal and enthusiastic about their product? Could it just be because it actually IS a pleasure to use?

(Disclosure: I hold shares in Apple and remain long despite the turbulence of the present market. However, I was as big an Apple enthusiast even when I didn't have a dime of stock!)







]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/96145-could-the-unthinkable-happen-in-today-s-markets?source=feed#comment-258233 258233
First, the government shouldn't be bailing out these institutions (with borrowed fiat money that will fall on the taxpayers for generations to repay, let me remind you), thus rewarding them for greed, short-sightedness, stupidity, and in some cases doubtless malfeasance.

Second, the SS fund SHOULD be in a locker-box for the future. If it were so, and remained so, they would have never had a potential short-fall issue. However, they have been raiding it for years for other pet pork projects, and that should be a criminal act.

Now you propose that the Feds use OUR SS funding to bail out said corporate greed-heads, suggesting that it will be repaid handsomely at some unspecified later date by the same stupid and clueless people who created this fiasco?

If you, I, or anyone else wishes to gamble their money on the Street (and gambling is what it is)
I want to do so with money I have at my discretion and command, and at my direction. I DEFINITELY don't want a combination of greedy fools and legislators (which are basically the same thing) tossing the dice for it.

Let me inform you that I have absolutely minus zero intention of letting our gormless legislators give Wall Street the Social Security money they have been salivating over for so long. In fact, I will be starting a campaign against just such a contingency right now.

Thanks for the idea.






]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:08:37 -0400
First, the government shouldn't be bailing out these institutions (with borrowed fiat money that will fall on the taxpayers for generations to repay, let me remind you), thus rewarding them for greed, short-sightedness, stupidity, and in some cases doubtless malfeasance.

Second, the SS fund SHOULD be in a locker-box for the future. If it were so, and remained so, they would have never had a potential short-fall issue. However, they have been raiding it for years for other pet pork projects, and that should be a criminal act.

Now you propose that the Feds use OUR SS funding to bail out said corporate greed-heads, suggesting that it will be repaid handsomely at some unspecified later date by the same stupid and clueless people who created this fiasco?

If you, I, or anyone else wishes to gamble their money on the Street (and gambling is what it is)
I want to do so with money I have at my discretion and command, and at my direction. I DEFINITELY don't want a combination of greedy fools and legislators (which are basically the same thing) tossing the dice for it.

Let me inform you that I have absolutely minus zero intention of letting our gormless legislators give Wall Street the Social Security money they have been salivating over for so long. In fact, I will be starting a campaign against just such a contingency right now.

Thanks for the idea.






]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/92123-microsoft-still-master-of-the-operating-system-domain?source=feed#comment-237030 237030 All the above comments about Vista being an even worse piece of dreck than Windows historically has been are quite correct, and I am seeing MANY defections - including former die-hard Windows / DOS users and even IT professionals (such as I once was).
As one engineer friend remarked to me; "I waited six years fro THIS???" (He then promptly went out and bought a Mac.)

It has nothing to do with the cute ads - it has everything to do with the cruddy Windows OS and products - speaking of which, the iPod and iTunes have been responsible for bringing in thousands of former Windows users, and I see iPhone and iPod Touch are already doing the same. (How many iPods do you see out there? Now, how many Zunes? I rest my case.)

The chap from Finland is correct as to Apple being a growth market (percentage-wise), as is the gentleman who mentioned that Windows is forcing Vista down consumers' collective throats by dumping XP - this is not "growth" or a viable commercial success strategy - it is the act of a desperate megalomaniac, and will drive even more disgruntled users from it - especially now that Mac runs Windows better than Windows-specific boxes. All you need is your old copy of XP and Boot Camp (free from Apple). Also, Apple has long run Office and most other Windows business apps. So explain to me why we need Windows OS, and why you think it is going to retain market share, no matter how many (not-so-)funny men they hire?



]]> Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:17:11 -0400 All the above comments about Vista being an even worse piece of dreck than Windows historically has been are quite correct, and I am seeing MANY defections - including former die-hard Windows / DOS users and even IT professionals (such as I once was).
As one engineer friend remarked to me; "I waited six years fro THIS???" (He then promptly went out and bought a Mac.)

It has nothing to do with the cute ads - it has everything to do with the cruddy Windows OS and products - speaking of which, the iPod and iTunes have been responsible for bringing in thousands of former Windows users, and I see iPhone and iPod Touch are already doing the same. (How many iPods do you see out there? Now, how many Zunes? I rest my case.)

The chap from Finland is correct as to Apple being a growth market (percentage-wise), as is the gentleman who mentioned that Windows is forcing Vista down consumers' collective throats by dumping XP - this is not "growth" or a viable commercial success strategy - it is the act of a desperate megalomaniac, and will drive even more disgruntled users from it - especially now that Mac runs Windows better than Windows-specific boxes. All you need is your old copy of XP and Boot Camp (free from Apple). Also, Apple has long run Office and most other Windows business apps. So explain to me why we need Windows OS, and why you think it is going to retain market share, no matter how many (not-so-)funny men they hire?



]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/88230-replacing-p-e-in-valuing-apple-stock?source=feed#comment-219866 219866 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:55:59 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/88230-replacing-p-e-in-valuing-apple-stock?source=feed#comment-219865 219865 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:55:59 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/86166-apple-is-worth-more-than-steve-jobs?source=feed#comment-211526 211526 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:20:41 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/86166-apple-is-worth-more-than-steve-jobs?source=feed#comment-211525 211525 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:20:41 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/85428-channel-checks-show-blackberry-sales-not-pressured-by-iphone?source=feed#comment-208318 208318
Our nearest AT&T dealer (in a small town in Oregon) has been out since mid-day Saturday, and is now only taking special orders, as they don't expect regular stocking for 4 - 6 weeks.

I heard the same story all over the US. Neither RIMM nor any other device I know of has ever come close to a million sales in two days...

I like Blackberry - but I love iPhone. BTW, I have been with Verizon since they were Airtouch, have a family plan with four lines, and love their service - but I am going to have to switch to AT&T - because Verizon made the unbelievably stupid move of refusing Apple when they offered them the iPhone first...

As to RIMM - this article is more whistling in the dark past the graveyard at midnight. The hard-core crackberries will never give them up - but then, there is still an "Apple II Forever" programming cult - and one for Newton...

The questions raised above by posters are all good ones - and I think we shall see the results shortly.




]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:56:17 -0400
Our nearest AT&T dealer (in a small town in Oregon) has been out since mid-day Saturday, and is now only taking special orders, as they don't expect regular stocking for 4 - 6 weeks.

I heard the same story all over the US. Neither RIMM nor any other device I know of has ever come close to a million sales in two days...

I like Blackberry - but I love iPhone. BTW, I have been with Verizon since they were Airtouch, have a family plan with four lines, and love their service - but I am going to have to switch to AT&T - because Verizon made the unbelievably stupid move of refusing Apple when they offered them the iPhone first...

As to RIMM - this article is more whistling in the dark past the graveyard at midnight. The hard-core crackberries will never give them up - but then, there is still an "Apple II Forever" programming cult - and one for Newton...

The questions raised above by posters are all good ones - and I think we shall see the results shortly.




]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85023-which-is-a-bigger-story-iphone-3g-or-tanking-banks?source=feed#comment-206599 206599
Now as it happens, though a big Apple fan myself and a shareholder, and thus happy to see all the buzz, I am also strongly opposed to the regime's war of choice (especially in Iraq) which is exacerbating the present problems, as well as breaking our military, whatever moral standing we had left with the world at large (little enough, I fear), and will inevitably break our bank - which, as he points out, is largely smoke and mirrors anyway.

(BTW, full disclosure here: I am a retired Marine, and a veteran of close personal ground combat.)

While I am not a big fan of Friedman's, this bit is bang on. (Though the points about gold and fiat currency, which agree with, seems more like von Mises' theories than Friedman's work...)

In any case, I fear we have just scratched the surface of the "fear factor" - and that if we do not rapidly mend our collective ways as a nation and as individuals, we are facing a disaster of great magnitude.
I am not at all certain that we will survive it as a nation, or at least in the form we are accustomed to in the US...

BTW, Blad_Rnr - even those who support this war (for whatever to me unfathomable reasons of their own) are not, for the most part, sacrificing anything - because they have no personal or abiding interest in it. Only a relatively small number of people are involved or even have a family member involved, and there is no draft (unless you count the economic "back-door draft" nature of our present volunteer armed forces).

Only a few of the wealthy (or politicians) have anyone serving in the armed forces, let alone combat.

I might add that there is no "war economy" other than operations like Halliburton) because we simply don't have much industry left here. Many parts or even entire systems are made, or assembled or acquired from off-shore sources. (The Marines are even getting their bayonets from Germany!)

Pity more people haven't grasped these and other critical facts. As the title of the article asks, which IS the bigger story...? Americans don't really seem to care as long as they have their MTV, American Idol, McMansions, Hummers, etc.




]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:45:01 -0400
Now as it happens, though a big Apple fan myself and a shareholder, and thus happy to see all the buzz, I am also strongly opposed to the regime's war of choice (especially in Iraq) which is exacerbating the present problems, as well as breaking our military, whatever moral standing we had left with the world at large (little enough, I fear), and will inevitably break our bank - which, as he points out, is largely smoke and mirrors anyway.

(BTW, full disclosure here: I am a retired Marine, and a veteran of close personal ground combat.)

While I am not a big fan of Friedman's, this bit is bang on. (Though the points about gold and fiat currency, which agree with, seems more like von Mises' theories than Friedman's work...)

In any case, I fear we have just scratched the surface of the "fear factor" - and that if we do not rapidly mend our collective ways as a nation and as individuals, we are facing a disaster of great magnitude.
I am not at all certain that we will survive it as a nation, or at least in the form we are accustomed to in the US...

BTW, Blad_Rnr - even those who support this war (for whatever to me unfathomable reasons of their own) are not, for the most part, sacrificing anything - because they have no personal or abiding interest in it. Only a relatively small number of people are involved or even have a family member involved, and there is no draft (unless you count the economic "back-door draft" nature of our present volunteer armed forces).

Only a few of the wealthy (or politicians) have anyone serving in the armed forces, let alone combat.

I might add that there is no "war economy" other than operations like Halliburton) because we simply don't have much industry left here. Many parts or even entire systems are made, or assembled or acquired from off-shore sources. (The Marines are even getting their bayonets from Germany!)

Pity more people haven't grasped these and other critical facts. As the title of the article asks, which IS the bigger story...? Americans don't really seem to care as long as they have their MTV, American Idol, McMansions, Hummers, etc.




]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84967-ubs-analyst-survey-shows-3g-iphone-poses-little-threat-to-blackberry?source=feed#comment-206588 206588
As for the "survey" - I personally KNOW more people who are going iPhone from Blackberry, or just not buying it because of iPhone (In fact, I am one of the latter) than they even surveyed. So much for that fatally flawed survey...

A few people here made some points that would be valid in other contexts, but which seemingly don't apply to Apple - they appear to be more "Teflon" than Reagan, and as one poster pointed out, even the flaws in iPhone appear to be ignored by its large and growing fan base.
(I consider them fairly minor, but then, I am one of those guys who can change the batteries not only in their computers, but in their watches -
and I am not even the best techie in my crowd...)

As to usage of Mac vs. Windows - User 226830 - wake up and smell the coffee, man. I am a recovering DOS and Windows user, and I cans see Windows is hemorrhaging customer base at a large rate - mainly due to their self-inflicted wound of Vista, which is the best thing they ever put out - from a Mac POV, because it is driving people our way like crazy! I had an engineer buddy, an old-time bread-board days guy (even older than me!) and he told me he was switching the other day. As he said; "I waited six years for THIS????!!!!") Aren't you reading the stories from around the country and around the world about people, governments, and businesses switching from Windows to Mac or Linux? Some entire COUNTRIES in Europe are switching! A major German publisher just gave Mac an order for 12,000 computers - it is scrapping its Windows systems.

Just as iPod and iTunes took over the digital download market, and also led people to Apple and Mac, iPhone is doing the same and bound to do more. I can easily visualize a time when Apple
regains its old place - as big dog in the field. It once held 55% or more of the market.

Windows day is over, as is RIMM's. (At least RIMM produced a quality product, which is more than DOS or Windows ever was...) MS better go back to creating decent software, and forget the OS field - it is DONE!

As to Toni - you seem to be twitting some people here with your odd posts. (?) While Apple's figures are indeed not what they SHOULD be, this is due to several factors external to their worth, including the fact that some investors don't know their arse from left field about electronics, programming, etc.

There is also the fact that as you may have noticed, there has been extreme volatility in the market of late (as well there should be!), and that included tech - even profitable, well-run, and well-capitalized firms such as Apple are getting hammered along with those who deserve it. (I also think there are some people and / or groups out there who are deliberately striving to drive the price down for their own agendas...)

However, you will notice that they were above 202 not so long ago. Unless this present economic situation descends into the maelstrom (all too likely!), Apple should rise again. Of course, if things get so bad they don't - we are all in deep kimchi... except for those of us smart enough to cover our tushes with a gold disaster fund...

For those smart and lucky enough to get in at 76 as I did, and who sold part of their holdings when they were way up there (ditto) - well I made enough to more than cover my original investment, and a modest profit. I am now playing with "house money" - something I advise everyone who is investing (or gambling - same-same) to do. But I am betting that short or long term, Apple will survive and thrive. If they don't - well, I imagine some of you have seen Soylent Green - coming to a neighborhood near you soon...

And BTW, Hammertime - I understand and deeply sympathize with your position re: AT&T - thank Verizon for thumbing their nose at it - they were offered first go. I have been holding out, but am now going to hold my nose instead. (BTW, in preliminary soundings I made recently, AT&T has gotten WAY better at customer service, and extended their holdings and area coverage extensively.)












]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:08:37 -0400
As for the "survey" - I personally KNOW more people who are going iPhone from Blackberry, or just not buying it because of iPhone (In fact, I am one of the latter) than they even surveyed. So much for that fatally flawed survey...

A few people here made some points that would be valid in other contexts, but which seemingly don't apply to Apple - they appear to be more "Teflon" than Reagan, and as one poster pointed out, even the flaws in iPhone appear to be ignored by its large and growing fan base.
(I consider them fairly minor, but then, I am one of those guys who can change the batteries not only in their computers, but in their watches -
and I am not even the best techie in my crowd...)

As to usage of Mac vs. Windows - User 226830 - wake up and smell the coffee, man. I am a recovering DOS and Windows user, and I cans see Windows is hemorrhaging customer base at a large rate - mainly due to their self-inflicted wound of Vista, which is the best thing they ever put out - from a Mac POV, because it is driving people our way like crazy! I had an engineer buddy, an old-time bread-board days guy (even older than me!) and he told me he was switching the other day. As he said; "I waited six years for THIS????!!!!") Aren't you reading the stories from around the country and around the world about people, governments, and businesses switching from Windows to Mac or Linux? Some entire COUNTRIES in Europe are switching! A major German publisher just gave Mac an order for 12,000 computers - it is scrapping its Windows systems.

Just as iPod and iTunes took over the digital download market, and also led people to Apple and Mac, iPhone is doing the same and bound to do more. I can easily visualize a time when Apple
regains its old place - as big dog in the field. It once held 55% or more of the market.

Windows day is over, as is RIMM's. (At least RIMM produced a quality product, which is more than DOS or Windows ever was...) MS better go back to creating decent software, and forget the OS field - it is DONE!

As to Toni - you seem to be twitting some people here with your odd posts. (?) While Apple's figures are indeed not what they SHOULD be, this is due to several factors external to their worth, including the fact that some investors don't know their arse from left field about electronics, programming, etc.

There is also the fact that as you may have noticed, there has been extreme volatility in the market of late (as well there should be!), and that included tech - even profitable, well-run, and well-capitalized firms such as Apple are getting hammered along with those who deserve it. (I also think there are some people and / or groups out there who are deliberately striving to drive the price down for their own agendas...)

However, you will notice that they were above 202 not so long ago. Unless this present economic situation descends into the maelstrom (all too likely!), Apple should rise again. Of course, if things get so bad they don't - we are all in deep kimchi... except for those of us smart enough to cover our tushes with a gold disaster fund...

For those smart and lucky enough to get in at 76 as I did, and who sold part of their holdings when they were way up there (ditto) - well I made enough to more than cover my original investment, and a modest profit. I am now playing with "house money" - something I advise everyone who is investing (or gambling - same-same) to do. But I am betting that short or long term, Apple will survive and thrive. If they don't - well, I imagine some of you have seen Soylent Green - coming to a neighborhood near you soon...

And BTW, Hammertime - I understand and deeply sympathize with your position re: AT&T - thank Verizon for thumbing their nose at it - they were offered first go. I have been holding out, but am now going to hold my nose instead. (BTW, in preliminary soundings I made recently, AT&T has gotten WAY better at customer service, and extended their holdings and area coverage extensively.)












]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84540-apple-ups-the-ante-with-3g-iphone-but-rim-s-almost-ready-to-counter?source=feed#comment-203107 203107
But most of the people who write these things don't seem to get that - which is why Apple always leaves them (like the "competition") in the dust.

mollytjm, PK D'Cville, and some of the rest are quite right on all counts. Apple is and always has been an innovator of the best products and OS - and now the rest of the world is catching on. ]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:45:19 -0400
But most of the people who write these things don't seem to get that - which is why Apple always leaves them (like the "competition") in the dust.

mollytjm, PK D'Cville, and some of the rest are quite right on all counts. Apple is and always has been an innovator of the best products and OS - and now the rest of the world is catching on. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83951-the-screws-tighten-on-apple-investors?source=feed#comment-199936 199936
www.appleinsider.com

'Huge demand' forces O2 to pull plug on iPhone 3G pre-orders
O2 began taking pre-orders for Apple's new iPhone 3G through its website early Monday but was forced halt the service just hours later as UK consumers flooded the carrier's servers and quickly consumed initial supplies.

German publisher drops 12,000 PCs for Mac
One of Germany's largest newspaper publishers will become one of Apple's largest-ever customers when it converts all of its 12,000 computers from Windows systems to Macs. Also, the latest beta of Flash Player 10 promises to boost sluggish performance with Apple computers.

Multiply this trend world-wide, and factor in Asia (as FreeRange mentions above), Apple's huge bankroll (18 billion and rising), excellent products and strong following, and you see a world growth that will off-set the market declines that are almost inevitable.

Will a market crash occur? IMO, indubitably. The economy is in deep kimchi at this point, due to a number of factors. Will it be world-wide? Almost certainly, as we are all bound together now, like it or not. Will it be long, deep, and painful? Again, almost inevitably.

As to stocks in general - my advice would be to stay out of most - but as with all declines and even crashes, good, solid, stocks with good potential are the ones to be in. You pick the one with the most potential and best fundamentals, and buy when it is low. Aside from the "basics of life" stocks (food, water, etc.), there are few I would recommend - Apple is one of them.

As to Mr. jesselivermo's comment - I hardly think Apple is "over-hyped" - his comment smacks of a disgruntled PC fan, though it is true that nothing is immune from the coming storm.

I have Apple, which has more than doubled since I bought it and plan to hold it. (Note: I did sell enough to cover my investment when it was higher, so I am now playing with "house money" - something I always advise when investing or gambling - both of which share similarities.)



















]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:45:14 -0400
www.appleinsider.com

'Huge demand' forces O2 to pull plug on iPhone 3G pre-orders
O2 began taking pre-orders for Apple's new iPhone 3G through its website early Monday but was forced halt the service just hours later as UK consumers flooded the carrier's servers and quickly consumed initial supplies.

German publisher drops 12,000 PCs for Mac
One of Germany's largest newspaper publishers will become one of Apple's largest-ever customers when it converts all of its 12,000 computers from Windows systems to Macs. Also, the latest beta of Flash Player 10 promises to boost sluggish performance with Apple computers.

Multiply this trend world-wide, and factor in Asia (as FreeRange mentions above), Apple's huge bankroll (18 billion and rising), excellent products and strong following, and you see a world growth that will off-set the market declines that are almost inevitable.

Will a market crash occur? IMO, indubitably. The economy is in deep kimchi at this point, due to a number of factors. Will it be world-wide? Almost certainly, as we are all bound together now, like it or not. Will it be long, deep, and painful? Again, almost inevitably.

As to stocks in general - my advice would be to stay out of most - but as with all declines and even crashes, good, solid, stocks with good potential are the ones to be in. You pick the one with the most potential and best fundamentals, and buy when it is low. Aside from the "basics of life" stocks (food, water, etc.), there are few I would recommend - Apple is one of them.

As to Mr. jesselivermo's comment - I hardly think Apple is "over-hyped" - his comment smacks of a disgruntled PC fan, though it is true that nothing is immune from the coming storm.

I have Apple, which has more than doubled since I bought it and plan to hold it. (Note: I did sell enough to cover my investment when it was higher, so I am now playing with "house money" - something I always advise when investing or gambling - both of which share similarities.)



















]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/82334-best-of-breed-business-model-a-chink-in-apples-armor?source=feed#comment-191537 191537
As to the author - the poor soul obviously hasn't a clue as to why the Mac is superior - but his self-description as a "corporate type" tells us all we need to know (think Dilbert's pointy-haired manager).

As for the droll notion that one needs a Windows box to run Windows apps on - that wasn't true even in earlier times - for example, Mac Office would open and run, or "save as" Windows documents - they were cross-compatible. With MacLink, you could open almost anything.
And of course, now with Mactel, there is no earthly reason not to run a Mac - in fact, XP (I refuse to use Vista!) opens faster, runs smoother, and (so far) hasn't crashed on my wife's Macbook.

As to enterprise, etc., see the comments above - large and small enterprise is starting to go Mac - propelled by the endusers who are adopting Mac products including the iPhone, and forcing their companies to adopt it as well - despite the sand-bagging by some IT departments who see their pink slips written on the wall.

Last, the author clearly doesn't comprehend either the cloud computing concept, or the fact that iPhone is not a "cell phone" - it is the first true mobile, hand-held computer.

But hey, at least the comments here have tried to straighten him out...





]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:33:30 -0400
As to the author - the poor soul obviously hasn't a clue as to why the Mac is superior - but his self-description as a "corporate type" tells us all we need to know (think Dilbert's pointy-haired manager).

As for the droll notion that one needs a Windows box to run Windows apps on - that wasn't true even in earlier times - for example, Mac Office would open and run, or "save as" Windows documents - they were cross-compatible. With MacLink, you could open almost anything.
And of course, now with Mactel, there is no earthly reason not to run a Mac - in fact, XP (I refuse to use Vista!) opens faster, runs smoother, and (so far) hasn't crashed on my wife's Macbook.

As to enterprise, etc., see the comments above - large and small enterprise is starting to go Mac - propelled by the endusers who are adopting Mac products including the iPhone, and forcing their companies to adopt it as well - despite the sand-bagging by some IT departments who see their pink slips written on the wall.

Last, the author clearly doesn't comprehend either the cloud computing concept, or the fact that iPhone is not a "cell phone" - it is the first true mobile, hand-held computer.

But hey, at least the comments here have tried to straighten him out...





]]>