disposableidentity's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/243375/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/179774-introducing-the-27-inch-ilemon?source=feed#comment-820382 820382 It's fantastic. No monitor problems.

A machined aluminum quad-core computer with a terabyte drive, the best looking 27" monitor I've ever seen and a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard, all for $2000. That's unbeatable. And it only takes up about one square foot of desk space.]]> Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:55:17 -0500 It's fantastic. No monitor problems.

A machined aluminum quad-core computer with a terabyte drive, the best looking 27" monitor I've ever seen and a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard, all for $2000. That's unbeatable. And it only takes up about one square foot of desk space.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/177496-a-complete-look-at-apple-s-financials?source=feed#comment-800895 800895 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:09:15 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/175457-what-if-steve-jobs-hadnt-returned-to-apple-in-1997?source=feed#comment-782535 782535
Occasionally they are the extreme cutting edge with a major new technology (CD Rom, Newton, WiFi), but more often they take stuff that's been around a little while but that hasn't been done right, and mix in or invent some important technology to make it work better (Multi Touch, Bonjour, Mag Safe, the Mouse, LCD, machined aluminum enclosures, etc.).


--- --- ---
Others:
- Light sensor that shuts off the backlight when you hold the iPhone to your head.
- Accelerometer that can be used not only for automatically shifting to landscape mode, but as a game controller, as well.
- Gestures, like "inertia" for scrolling through lists
- Did the HTC have a hard glass capacitance display or the more usual Palm-like pressure-sensing display? (IOW, did you use a stylus with the HTC?)
- Did the HTC have multiple-language keyboards?]]> Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:15:53 -0500
Occasionally they are the extreme cutting edge with a major new technology (CD Rom, Newton, WiFi), but more often they take stuff that's been around a little while but that hasn't been done right, and mix in or invent some important technology to make it work better (Multi Touch, Bonjour, Mag Safe, the Mouse, LCD, machined aluminum enclosures, etc.).


--- --- ---
Others:
- Light sensor that shuts off the backlight when you hold the iPhone to your head.
- Accelerometer that can be used not only for automatically shifting to landscape mode, but as a game controller, as well.
- Gestures, like "inertia" for scrolling through lists
- Did the HTC have a hard glass capacitance display or the more usual Palm-like pressure-sensing display? (IOW, did you use a stylus with the HTC?)
- Did the HTC have multiple-language keyboards?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/172475-google-setting-itself-up-for-failure?source=feed#comment-755548 755548
Why on earth does Google need to buy into this market (paying a premium over building it themselves)?

If Google has to buy their way into what amounts to a sub-market within their main area of business, what does that say about management's confidence in their own team?]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:31:42 -0500
Why on earth does Google need to buy into this market (paying a premium over building it themselves)?

If Google has to buy their way into what amounts to a sub-market within their main area of business, what does that say about management's confidence in their own team?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169819-google-should-make-apple-beg-for-maps-navigation?source=feed#comment-737004 737004 Tom-Tom's app actually installs map data on the iPhone. Google's approach relies on an active network connection (either 3G or WiFi).

Anyway, with 100,000 iPhone apps there are lots of different approaches to many, many functions. Google can disrupt all they want, they have nothing to lose. Unfortunately with Google's lousy track-record generating cash from their ideas/technologies, they probably have nothing to gain either.

(And right now there's no sign they want to do Apple any harm anyway.)]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:48:53 -0400 Tom-Tom's app actually installs map data on the iPhone. Google's approach relies on an active network connection (either 3G or WiFi).

Anyway, with 100,000 iPhone apps there are lots of different approaches to many, many functions. Google can disrupt all they want, they have nothing to lose. Unfortunately with Google's lousy track-record generating cash from their ideas/technologies, they probably have nothing to gain either.

(And right now there's no sign they want to do Apple any harm anyway.)]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169819-google-should-make-apple-beg-for-maps-navigation?source=feed#comment-735815 735815
That's not what this is.

This article says Apple is very dependent on Google's apps. It implies they could be withdrawn at any time, leaving Apple in a precarious position.

On the contrary. The iPhone is the only mobile platform generating any significant traffic for Google. Google Maps on the iPhone is actually an Apple app, using Google's open APIs. Google's new Turn-by-turn will be available on the iPhone as soon as Apple approves it.

So what's the story?]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:38:27 -0400
That's not what this is.

This article says Apple is very dependent on Google's apps. It implies they could be withdrawn at any time, leaving Apple in a precarious position.

On the contrary. The iPhone is the only mobile platform generating any significant traffic for Google. Google Maps on the iPhone is actually an Apple app, using Google's open APIs. Google's new Turn-by-turn will be available on the iPhone as soon as Apple approves it.

So what's the story?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169819-google-should-make-apple-beg-for-maps-navigation?source=feed#comment-735556 735556
On the other hand, Apple could develop their own mapping function (and with their recent purchase it sounds like they're doing just that).

Apple could also build their own search engine. They have the skills and the resources -- and would have a built-in audience of close to 100 million active users (counting the iPhones, Macs and iPod Touches) on day-one.

As an advertiser would I add Apple's search engine to my ad budget, knowing that it's reaching the most affluent and/or technically advanced 10 or 20% of the worlds consumers?

Apple is holding all the cards.

Apple's business has a good solid "moat" around it. iPhone and Mac users have invested hundreds or thousands of dollars in hardware, apps and accessories. We're not going anywhere any time soon. Google's users have only a URL to change.]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:26:02 -0400
On the other hand, Apple could develop their own mapping function (and with their recent purchase it sounds like they're doing just that).

Apple could also build their own search engine. They have the skills and the resources -- and would have a built-in audience of close to 100 million active users (counting the iPhones, Macs and iPod Touches) on day-one.

As an advertiser would I add Apple's search engine to my ad budget, knowing that it's reaching the most affluent and/or technically advanced 10 or 20% of the worlds consumers?

Apple is holding all the cards.

Apple's business has a good solid "moat" around it. iPhone and Mac users have invested hundreds or thousands of dollars in hardware, apps and accessories. We're not going anywhere any time soon. Google's users have only a URL to change.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/167649-apple-microsoft-google-cash-vs-cash?source=feed#comment-722582 722582
In other words: Despite all of their smart employees, technology patents, infrastructure, monopoly positions in multiple markets, and extensive R&D efforts, Microsoft thinks that you can make a better return on all of that money than they can.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:40:34 -0400
In other words: Despite all of their smart employees, technology patents, infrastructure, monopoly positions in multiple markets, and extensive R&D efforts, Microsoft thinks that you can make a better return on all of that money than they can.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/167673-with-apple-there-s-a-fine-line-between-paying-a-premium-and-being-a-sucker?source=feed#comment-722572 722572
I use my mouse 8-10 hours every day.

If Apple can offer a wireless mouse that's comfortable, provides 360º scrolling (page up/down and left/right) without the little trackball gumming up, I'll pay $70 for it.

But remember most people aren't shelling out $70, they'll get one with their new Mac.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:30:11 -0400
I use my mouse 8-10 hours every day.

If Apple can offer a wireless mouse that's comfortable, provides 360º scrolling (page up/down and left/right) without the little trackball gumming up, I'll pay $70 for it.

But remember most people aren't shelling out $70, they'll get one with their new Mac.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157559-is-apple-going-to-start-making-tvs?source=feed#comment-643658 643658
One is access to content (it has to be on terms that make it compelling for consumers and allows for a nice cut for Apple. So far movies & television are not there the way music is).

Two is a stabilization of HDTV prices (both component costs, and retail prices). As long at they are dropping like crazy Apple can't really "jump in". Eventually they will stabilize like any technology. That's when Apple can add the most value.]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:06:01 -0400
One is access to content (it has to be on terms that make it compelling for consumers and allows for a nice cut for Apple. So far movies & television are not there the way music is).

Two is a stabilization of HDTV prices (both component costs, and retail prices). As long at they are dropping like crazy Apple can't really "jump in". Eventually they will stabilize like any technology. That's when Apple can add the most value.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157559-is-apple-going-to-start-making-tvs?source=feed#comment-640354 640354
That's why I think an actual Apple TV is a great idea. Everyone wants/needs a TV. But honestly, TV today sucks about as much as cell phones did a few years ago.

I hate my cable box's interface. I'd love to find programs more easily, but I can never figure out what's on. Flipping channels takes too long. I only want a limited number of channels/programs, but I'm willing to pay good money for what I watch. In fact most of the TV we watch these days is on DVD.

Apple's great at taking a commodity (mobile phone / computer), bringing the hardware to a new level and and adding some innovative and intuitive software (iPhoneOS / MacOSX), creating a completely new market. It's what Apple does best. It's their M.O.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:53:20 -0400
That's why I think an actual Apple TV is a great idea. Everyone wants/needs a TV. But honestly, TV today sucks about as much as cell phones did a few years ago.

I hate my cable box's interface. I'd love to find programs more easily, but I can never figure out what's on. Flipping channels takes too long. I only want a limited number of channels/programs, but I'm willing to pay good money for what I watch. In fact most of the TV we watch these days is on DVD.

Apple's great at taking a commodity (mobile phone / computer), bringing the hardware to a new level and and adding some innovative and intuitive software (iPhoneOS / MacOSX), creating a completely new market. It's what Apple does best. It's their M.O.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157559-is-apple-going-to-start-making-tvs?source=feed#comment-640080 640080 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:34:52 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/157559-is-apple-going-to-start-making-tvs?source=feed#comment-639909 639909
They could easily do both.

Apple offering a TV isn't a crazy idea if they bring something unique to it. Make it a platform. Keep it on-brand. Years ago when Dell offered TVs (plain old TVs with no interactive/computing functions whatsoever), now that was crazy.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:19:28 -0400
They could easily do both.

Apple offering a TV isn't a crazy idea if they bring something unique to it. Make it a platform. Keep it on-brand. Years ago when Dell offered TVs (plain old TVs with no interactive/computing functions whatsoever), now that was crazy.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157314-microsoft-to-employ-dual-mobile-os-strategy-to-compete-with-android-and-iphone?source=feed#comment-638681 638681
Look at it this way:

Apple sells 5.4 million PHONES last quarter, they make something like $400-$450 PROFIT per phone including carrier subsidies.

RIM sells 7.8 million BlackBerrys, at maybe half that profit per phone including carrier subsidies.

Microsoft sells 3.8 million Windows Mobile LICENSES last quarter, and they make something like $5-$15 REVENUE per phone.

Even if Microsoft sold 10 times as many as Apple, they wouldn't make anything close to their profit. Microsoft chose it's business model and now has to live with it.]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:32:10 -0400
Look at it this way:

Apple sells 5.4 million PHONES last quarter, they make something like $400-$450 PROFIT per phone including carrier subsidies.

RIM sells 7.8 million BlackBerrys, at maybe half that profit per phone including carrier subsidies.

Microsoft sells 3.8 million Windows Mobile LICENSES last quarter, and they make something like $5-$15 REVENUE per phone.

Even if Microsoft sold 10 times as many as Apple, they wouldn't make anything close to their profit. Microsoft chose it's business model and now has to live with it.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157314-microsoft-to-employ-dual-mobile-os-strategy-to-compete-with-android-and-iphone?source=feed#comment-638496 638496
Nokia has a huge share of the smartphone market today too, but a few more years of double digit market share losses and that won't be the case anymore.]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:44:35 -0400
Nokia has a huge share of the smartphone market today too, but a few more years of double digit market share losses and that won't be the case anymore.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/157314-microsoft-to-employ-dual-mobile-os-strategy-to-compete-with-android-and-iphone?source=feed#comment-638146 638146
Plus think of the confusion for customers. Which should you buy into? If Apple can be effectively challenged it will be because of one or two strong platforms (RIM is doing well, Android looks like a possibility, but no critical mass yet). A dozen competitive platforms will only help Apple stand out more.

When Apple outdoes itself with a new product, it almost always kills off the old one, instead of leaving a lesser product on the market for others to compete with.

When they brought out their flash-based iPod Nano, Apple killed off it's top selling hard drive-based iPod Mini. At the time analysts said they should have kept the Mini around to fill a gap in the lineup. Turns out Apple was right in the long run. Killing off the Mini left the other manufacturers with nothing comparable to Apple's stuff.

I guess that strategy only works for the leader. The "phone" market is changing rapidly into a "mobile computing platform" market. Apple is fast and ruthless. RIM is smart and focused. Microsoft will have a very hard time competing. Even if it's just for second or third place (or even fourth, if Nokia gets their act together one day).]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:49:46 -0400
Plus think of the confusion for customers. Which should you buy into? If Apple can be effectively challenged it will be because of one or two strong platforms (RIM is doing well, Android looks like a possibility, but no critical mass yet). A dozen competitive platforms will only help Apple stand out more.

When Apple outdoes itself with a new product, it almost always kills off the old one, instead of leaving a lesser product on the market for others to compete with.

When they brought out their flash-based iPod Nano, Apple killed off it's top selling hard drive-based iPod Mini. At the time analysts said they should have kept the Mini around to fill a gap in the lineup. Turns out Apple was right in the long run. Killing off the Mini left the other manufacturers with nothing comparable to Apple's stuff.

I guess that strategy only works for the leader. The "phone" market is changing rapidly into a "mobile computing platform" market. Apple is fast and ruthless. RIM is smart and focused. Microsoft will have a very hard time competing. Even if it's just for second or third place (or even fourth, if Nokia gets their act together one day).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=feed#comment-628885 628885
But what if people could buy an Apple to replace your PC laptop for $600 - $800? Would that change things? Apple is now seen as a premium option by most consumers. It's just that the vast majority of mainstream consumers won't pay more than $1000 for any computer, no matter who it comes from. If this rumored Apple tablet provides what most people want in a mobile computer, and is available in that price range, Apple could capture a large slice of the mainstream PC laptop market, without cannibalizing their MacBook Pro line.

Notice how Apple has only had an older "placeholder" product in the MacBook (versus MacBook Pro) product line? They've been planning something big for a long time.

That's a well-run business. Growing out from a strong core, instead of flitting around.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:56:45 -0400
But what if people could buy an Apple to replace your PC laptop for $600 - $800? Would that change things? Apple is now seen as a premium option by most consumers. It's just that the vast majority of mainstream consumers won't pay more than $1000 for any computer, no matter who it comes from. If this rumored Apple tablet provides what most people want in a mobile computer, and is available in that price range, Apple could capture a large slice of the mainstream PC laptop market, without cannibalizing their MacBook Pro line.

Notice how Apple has only had an older "placeholder" product in the MacBook (versus MacBook Pro) product line? They've been planning something big for a long time.

That's a well-run business. Growing out from a strong core, instead of flitting around.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=feed#comment-628811 628811 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:53:23 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=feed#comment-628802 628802
Look at the retail price of your average "enterprise" tower at dell.com, or hp.com. Maybe $850? And that's retail. No doubt you're paying less than that if you buy them by the ten-thousand.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:46:13 -0400
Look at the retail price of your average "enterprise" tower at dell.com, or hp.com. Maybe $850? And that's retail. No doubt you're paying less than that if you buy them by the ten-thousand.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=feed#comment-628791 628791
@ Wisdom vs. Information, exactly.

If Microsoft had innovated and focused their development in the right areas (a usable and stable OS, a competitive mobile OS, truly advancing the Office suite), instead of chasing money-losing ventures with me-too products (search, Xbox, Zune, Silverlight, UMPC, Home Server, Surface / table computing, Bing Maps, MSN, etc, etc, etc.) they wouldn't be in this mess.]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:37:34 -0400
@ Wisdom vs. Information, exactly.

If Microsoft had innovated and focused their development in the right areas (a usable and stable OS, a competitive mobile OS, truly advancing the Office suite), instead of chasing money-losing ventures with me-too products (search, Xbox, Zune, Silverlight, UMPC, Home Server, Surface / table computing, Bing Maps, MSN, etc, etc, etc.) they wouldn't be in this mess.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155946-microsoft-whistling-in-the-dark?source=feed#comment-628782 628782
Apple's presence in bricks & mortar retail isn't any greater than the other manufacturers, and it's online sales are probably stronger than everyone but Dell. If anything Apple's numbers might look even better if you include online retail. (If you include computers sold to enterprise, no doubt Apple's numbers will look worse -- but how many corporations are paying more than $1000/box these days?).]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:26:12 -0400
Apple's presence in bricks & mortar retail isn't any greater than the other manufacturers, and it's online sales are probably stronger than everyone but Dell. If anything Apple's numbers might look even better if you include online retail. (If you include computers sold to enterprise, no doubt Apple's numbers will look worse -- but how many corporations are paying more than $1000/box these days?).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/152858-an-itunes-subscription-could-subsidize-the-apple-tablet?source=feed#comment-611178 611178 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:34:00 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/152858-an-itunes-subscription-could-subsidize-the-apple-tablet?source=feed#comment-609779 609779
I thought Apple would use it's $32 billion cash pile to buy the TV networks.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:42:13 -0400
I thought Apple would use it's $32 billion cash pile to buy the TV networks.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/152858-an-itunes-subscription-could-subsidize-the-apple-tablet?source=feed#comment-609737 609737
A newer/better Apple TV with that kind of subscription would make some real noise in the market. An iTunes account already supports up to 5 machines I believe. Apple TV in the living room, and tablets for entertainment (and computing) in the kids' bedrooms and on the go.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:25:59 -0400
A newer/better Apple TV with that kind of subscription would make some real noise in the market. An iTunes account already supports up to 5 machines I believe. Apple TV in the living room, and tablets for entertainment (and computing) in the kids' bedrooms and on the go.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/152858-an-itunes-subscription-could-subsidize-the-apple-tablet?source=feed#comment-609703 609703 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:11:44 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/152858-an-itunes-subscription-could-subsidize-the-apple-tablet?source=feed#comment-609687 609687
An Apple tablet would have to be a notebook replacement (a MacBook replacement, not a MacBook Pro replacement).

If it's more or less based on iPod Touch technology they could keep it relatively cheap (at least on par with PC notebooks -- remember the iPhone is their counter to netbooks) while maintaining healthy margins.

Pair it with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and you have the only computer most people in this generation will ever need. And that extra sale would put a little extra in Apple's pocket (those accessories have great margins).

All I'm saying is Apple could quite conceivably capture a huge swath of the low- to mid- range PC notebook market with this new device, without cannibalizing their MacBook Pro or iPhone sales. Why ask people to carry around yet another new product, when I bet most people will gladly put down their crappy PC notebooks for a sleek tablet that does web browsing, email, games, word processing, video editing and stores their digital photos right out of the box (not to mention all the Apps that will be written for it in the coming months).]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:07:14 -0400
An Apple tablet would have to be a notebook replacement (a MacBook replacement, not a MacBook Pro replacement).

If it's more or less based on iPod Touch technology they could keep it relatively cheap (at least on par with PC notebooks -- remember the iPhone is their counter to netbooks) while maintaining healthy margins.

Pair it with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and you have the only computer most people in this generation will ever need. And that extra sale would put a little extra in Apple's pocket (those accessories have great margins).

All I'm saying is Apple could quite conceivably capture a huge swath of the low- to mid- range PC notebook market with this new device, without cannibalizing their MacBook Pro or iPhone sales. Why ask people to carry around yet another new product, when I bet most people will gladly put down their crappy PC notebooks for a sleek tablet that does web browsing, email, games, word processing, video editing and stores their digital photos right out of the box (not to mention all the Apps that will be written for it in the coming months).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/147462-10-reasons-not-to-buy-apple?source=feed#comment-582529 582529
Good points. The only thing I would dispute is the fanboys flaming -- at least on a financial/investing forum.

I think most of us here would like to hear a good, well-reasoned argument against Apple. As you point out, this article was not that. The vast majority of the criticism here was directed at the author's logic and his understanding of the issues.

There are probably lots of dangers to look out for with Apple, and even lots of external factors that can influence the stock. But this author didn't seem to understand some fundamental things about Apple's business or the markets is operates in: Apple gets a huge subsidy for their iPhone from AT&T (making it a very high-margin product); the introduction of the iPod Touch has moved sales from cheaper iPod Nanos to higher-end Touches; Apple's retail stores have the highest sales per sq/ft of any retailer; Apps are growing iPod sales by moving the product into gaming; the smartphone market is growing at a huge rate.

The author is simply not qualified to speak on the issue.]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:18:53 -0400
Good points. The only thing I would dispute is the fanboys flaming -- at least on a financial/investing forum.

I think most of us here would like to hear a good, well-reasoned argument against Apple. As you point out, this article was not that. The vast majority of the criticism here was directed at the author's logic and his understanding of the issues.

There are probably lots of dangers to look out for with Apple, and even lots of external factors that can influence the stock. But this author didn't seem to understand some fundamental things about Apple's business or the markets is operates in: Apple gets a huge subsidy for their iPhone from AT&T (making it a very high-margin product); the introduction of the iPod Touch has moved sales from cheaper iPod Nanos to higher-end Touches; Apple's retail stores have the highest sales per sq/ft of any retailer; Apps are growing iPod sales by moving the product into gaming; the smartphone market is growing at a huge rate.

The author is simply not qualified to speak on the issue.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/147873-apple-great-products-great-investment?source=feed#comment-581592 581592
Maybe you were late to the party -- trying to cash in on a hot stock.

If you bought AAPL at the launch of the iPod, not that many years ago, you would have paid something like $7 (taking into account splits).

If you bought it last year, keep it maybe another 6 months and you'll be back up to $200. What other stock can you say that about in this economic climate?

People need to start thinking longer-term.]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:41:12 -0400
Maybe you were late to the party -- trying to cash in on a hot stock.

If you bought AAPL at the launch of the iPod, not that many years ago, you would have paid something like $7 (taking into account splits).

If you bought it last year, keep it maybe another 6 months and you'll be back up to $200. What other stock can you say that about in this economic climate?

People need to start thinking longer-term.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/147873-apple-great-products-great-investment?source=feed#comment-580710 580710
Funny thing innovation. You don't always know where it's going to take you. But Apple has consistently innovated, and consistently created very profitable new spaces to grow in. If you want to use visibly sustainable direction as a guide to investing, you're going to end up investing in companies like Sony, Dell, Nokia -- all of which Apple is beating in the marketplace with their innovative products, and trouncing in the stock market with their new revenue streams.

Remember, in 1901 buggy whip makers though they had "visibility about future sustainability". A track record for inventing new markets will always trump milking a "sure thing". In the long-term there's no such thing as a sure thing.]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:47:16 -0400
Funny thing innovation. You don't always know where it's going to take you. But Apple has consistently innovated, and consistently created very profitable new spaces to grow in. If you want to use visibly sustainable direction as a guide to investing, you're going to end up investing in companies like Sony, Dell, Nokia -- all of which Apple is beating in the marketplace with their innovative products, and trouncing in the stock market with their new revenue streams.

Remember, in 1901 buggy whip makers though they had "visibility about future sustainability". A track record for inventing new markets will always trump milking a "sure thing". In the long-term there's no such thing as a sure thing.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/147873-apple-great-products-great-investment?source=feed#comment-580600 580600
If this is your understanding of Apple's recent corporate history you have no business whatsoever commenting on the stock. It's so factually wrong it's not even funny.

There are very real reasons why Apple has done well recently -- "being open" is not one of the reasons. Apple has always had 3rd party applications/developers on it's platforms. Always.

(Actually the two most visible turning points were in 1998 with the iMac, a Mac that was basically in-line with mainstream PC pricing, and 2001 with the introduction of the iPod, which made it okay to buy something from Apple again and then showed people the quality and usability Apple brings to it's products -- but there were many factors including computing usage patterns changing, with a greater emphasis on consuming web and media which are not platform-specific, people are free to choose the computer platform they prefer, not have to settle for the one that's dominant).]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:02:37 -0400
If this is your understanding of Apple's recent corporate history you have no business whatsoever commenting on the stock. It's so factually wrong it's not even funny.

There are very real reasons why Apple has done well recently -- "being open" is not one of the reasons. Apple has always had 3rd party applications/developers on it's platforms. Always.

(Actually the two most visible turning points were in 1998 with the iMac, a Mac that was basically in-line with mainstream PC pricing, and 2001 with the introduction of the iPod, which made it okay to buy something from Apple again and then showed people the quality and usability Apple brings to it's products -- but there were many factors including computing usage patterns changing, with a greater emphasis on consuming web and media which are not platform-specific, people are free to choose the computer platform they prefer, not have to settle for the one that's dominant).]]>