But this 'growth' has been traditional 'growth', through a multiplication of product, and not really any clear advantage, one product over the other.
Case in point, I overheard a discussion over the many different iPad models at the local Worst Try. 'Which one is better?' 'They are all pretty much the same.' came the unintelligent answer from the over worked, underpaid, and undertrained drone. 'Well, I can't decide. There is no difference between them?' 'Nope, just price. Oh, one has a better camera.'
THAT kind of 'informed salesperson is what Apple gets for trolling the depths of 'Big Box Land!' (Imagine sinister music crescendoing in the background, and lightening flashing)
Then throw in the iPhone v iPad, and the iPod v iPad v iPhone. At one point there were what, three generations of iPads in stores? Two generations of iPhones?
They have lost control of their brand. They have too many products in the catalog. They have too much inventory. They are repeating the machinations that nearly killed it in the past. If what's her name kills the 'Store Experience', Apple will be left with nothing. No cache... No 'private club' feel.
Since Tim Cook is a 'process guy', one would hope that he is riding the 'product guys' hard and fast to keep the plethora of products from being the noose that hangs the company, again...
