Apple Reports $3.07 Billion Profit for Q2 2010, Best Non-Holiday Quarter Ever

[lewisdorigo]

Really not true at all. And almost hypocritical of them to say that. I am currently typing this on a MacBook Mini (HP Mini converted to 10.6) and it does wonderfully as a browsing computer. Does the OS overpower it sometimes? Yes but only because the build wasn't optimized for this platform and vice-versa. And it kinda hurts to hear Apple say that there is no market for this. I could practically GUARANTEE a large number of sales of a device such as mine constructed by Apple. Especially since they have primed the market for program/music downloads from iTunes and not off of a CD.

The hypocritical part, comes from the MBA. When you think about it, it IS a netbook. It just has some key program tricks to make it more like a regular laptop (being able to share a CD drive from a desktop). But the form factor and price are what keep it from being positioned as a true netbook.

Imagine if you will:
-A smaller MBA (10-11" screen)
-An OS that is a blend of a standard OSX build and an iPad/iPhone build (to optimize power consumption)
-About a 7-8 hour battery life
-Multi gesturing built into the trackpad (like all Apple laptops now)
-The ability to run both standard programs and iPad/iPhone built programs (you can do that now with the SKD)

All for a price point of about $700 USD.

Would you but it?

No. I wouldn't buy it.

The MBA isn't supposed to compete with netbooks. It's supposed to compete with devices such as the SONY Vaio VPCX11S1 and other "Ultra-Portables".

The problem with netbooks are: small, low resolution screen; Small, cramped keyboard. Why would Apple build anything like that?

Also; a mix of OS X and iPhone OS? Just... Just no. Firstly, iPhone OS was built for touch interaction, not a cursor. Secondly... Just no. And being able to run standard OS X apps, and iPad/iPhone apps? Are you high!?

 

[DesignerOnMac]

I guess you've been ironic . Those iMacs are toys for kids, I couldn't use one of those bloody things to do graphics with their infamous yellow screens.

As a 'professional' in the graphic design business for 35+ years, my 2 year old 24", 2.8 Extreme Alum. iMac with 4 GB of RAM does everything I need it to do and more......

I have no 'bloody' issues with a yellow screen mate, or anything else for that matter. I design websites and design print media and what I get printed looks exactly what I see on the iMac screen.

I run all the pro programs with Adobe professional design suite CS4 with no issues either.

Your entitled your opinion, but ask some professionals first about their use of an iMac and if they have issues or not.

 

[marksman]

At a big cost, consumers downloaded 4B apps but that only generated $1B in revenue or $300 million in net profit. So 90% free apps where Apple is betting on iAd to generate some extra revenue from, i hope it works out.

30% net profit?

I am not sure what world you live in where that constitutes a big cost. That is a huge margin for net profit for pretty much any business or industry. I understand Apple has large margins, but 30% net profit is not exactly showing them loaded down with costs. That means over a billion dollars a year in profit from the Apps store.

 

[Hmac]

...that will take longer than 17 days to implement. I don't know how the accounts of doctors using it now are working. Someone enlighten us.

Many people, including 3rd year medical students, think that the high point of computers in medicine is running ePocrates. Well, ePocrates is fine, but I can run that off any old PDA. The other stuff everyone always likes to point to, like the Merck Manual, or anatomy texts, or diagnostic software, is all stuff that might be important to medical newbies, like third-year medical students, but much less so to their teachers.

That kind of stuff, they're just doo-dads. That's not where the value of computers in medicine is today.

 

[AppleSkin]

Maybe in the future an iPad could be used to run a practice, or do something useful in the hospital. But not now.

these guys seem to have it figured out

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/042010-ipad-healthcare.html

imagine phoning apple and ordering 100 iPads

 

[gohanmzt]

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Enterprise_Deployment_Guide.pdf

And I have to PAY Apple for the privilege of developing an in-house solution for MY business?!?!?

I DON'T THINK SO!

 

[ValSalva]

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Enterprise_Deployment_Guide.pdf

Please read all of chapter 5 if you are really curious. As I said you have no idea what you are talking about. Enterprises can develop, sign and internally distribute custom apps. You are trying to talk about business use of devices but you are handicapped because all of your knowledge is anecdotal and based on consumer experience.


Seriously, you are simply in realm you do not understand. There are many applications you do not know how to buy, that does not mean it is not there. It is not vapor ware. You should really stop, because to anyone with healthcare IT experience, you look ridiculous.

OK know it all. Name or link to some practice management iPad apps.

 

[ValSalva]

Many people, including 3rd year medical students, think that the high point of computers in medicine is running ePocrates. Well, ePocrates is fine, but I can run that off any old PDA. The other stuff everyone always likes to point to, like the Merck Manual, or anatomy texts, or diagnostic software, is all stuff that might be important to medical newbies, like third-year medical students, but much less so to their teachers.

That kind of stuff, they're just doo-dads. That's not where the value of computers in medicine is today.

Agreed. Most of the practice EMR applications I've seen advertised and evaluated are kludgy and take more time than manual documentation in the form of typing or dictating.

The EMRs used by many institutions are designed to squeeze every last penny from insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid. They are of limited clinical use with their focus on reimbursement keywords. Sad.

 

[Hmac]

these guys seem to have it figured out

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/042010-ipad-healthcare.html

imagine phoning apple and ordering 100 iPads

Believe me, it looks far better on paper than it does in practice.

The problem is that it's all based on Citrix. We have that too, and it works fine for me when I want to access the EMR from home or on the road for looking up a record or two. But it requires logging in to the Citrix desktop via the VPN by using the little fob to generate the key, entering the key, logging on. It is almost unworkably slow, especially if we're talking about pulling up xrays from the PACS server or scanned records such as outside correspondence.

For day to day use in actual normal patient care, needs a lot of work. I've been working with our IT guys trying to get it even slightly usable on an iPad, it just ain't happening. And these guys aren't typical Windows wankers...they all have iPhones they use for system maintenance.

 

[lewisdorigo]

OK know it all. Name or link to some practice management iPad apps.

Name or link to some practice management netbook apps.

Netbooks are completely underpowered for doing anything remotely serious on - even more so than the iPad due to the fact that it's running a bloated desktop OS.

If you want to do anything serious, no the iPad isn't an answer but neither is a netbook, and the person(s) running a medical practice off of a netbook shouldn't be running anything.

 

[ericinboston]

I love the quote from the concall "It's a no-brainer that someone would opt for the iPad over the netbook. The netbook doesn't do anything well."

Now that's just plain wrong. First, netbook sales have been off the charts for the past 2 years and still growing strong. People don't buy stuff that "doesn't do anything well". Second, I agree that the netbook (compared to laptops) have lower powered CPUs and ram limitations, but they are still full-fledged (yet small with their 10-12" screens) computers...and much more capable of an iPad as far as I/O jacks, screen resolution, storage capacity, and overall more of a personal computer than the iPad. Yes, the iPad does quite a few things well, but netbooks do, too...such as internet surfing (and by golly you can use whatever browser you wish...WITH FLASH)...printing (um, iPad doesn't print)...webcam (um, iPad doesn't have that)...full application support (iPad's apps are specialized and limited compared to full desktop apps)...and netbooks' keyboards type very well thank you very much.

I like the iPad...and I like netbooks...they both have their strengths and weaknesses and I do NOT believe they are in the same target market. But that quote is just an ignorant slam. Oh, and I laugh at the fact that you still NEED A COMPUTER to use the iPad...even if it's only for initial setup and some rare connections. That's not very magical...sounds very dependent if you ask me.

-Eric

 

[Hmac]

Name or link to some practice management netbook apps.

The vast majority of EHR's are Windows-based, and virtually all of them will run fine on a netbook. Personally, I use a Fujitsu tablet, but its virtual keyboard is problematic because our password time-out is too short and it's a PITA to keep logging in on the touch screen. We use Allscripts in the office and Meditech in the hospital.

 

[ValSalva]

Name or link to some practice management netbook apps.

Netbooks are completely underpowered for doing anything remotely serious on - even more so than the iPad due to the fact that it's running a bloated desktop OS.

If you want to do anything serious, no the iPad isn't an answer but neither is a netbook, and the person(s) running a medical practice off of a netbook shouldn't be running anything.

Generating progress notes are easy on a netbook with Word or OpenOffice. One can easily make templates too. Outlook can be used for appointments. Very inexpensive software can be used to generate HCFA forms. Of course I'd rather use OS X with TextExpander but the only way to do that is a hackintosh and that's just not reliable enough to have a practice depend on it. Every practice management windows program will run on any current netbook.

I knew you couldn't name or link to one iPad app

 

[Hmac]

Generating progress notes are easy on a netbook with Word or OpenOffice. One can easily make templates too. Outlook can be used for appointments. Very inexpensive software can be used to generate HCFA forms. Of course I'd rather use OS X with TextExpander but the only way to do that is a hackintosh and that's just not reliable enough to have a practice depend on it.

I knew you couldn't name or link to one app

No. It's about integrated solutions. It's not about progress notes on Word, it's how those progress notes interface with the rest of the medical record. What you're describing is 10 years ago, in the era of paper records. Now we're talking about order entry, xrays, lab, scanned correspondence, appointment scheduling, insurance info, e-prescribing, billing...and it all has to be interfaced. And it all has to be absolutely secure. It's big, it's cumbersome, and it's outrageously expensive. It's not about mom and pop anymore. Marcus Welby is long, long gone.

 

[lewisdorigo]

Generating progress notes are easy on a netbook with Word or OpenOffice. One can easily make templates too. Outlook can be used for appointments. Very inexpensive software can be used to generate HCFA forms. Of course I'd rather use OS X with TextExpander but the only way to do that is a hackintosh and that's just not reliable enough to have a practice depend on it. Every practice management windows program will run on any current netbook.

I knew you couldn't name or link to one app

You've just listed some generic software that can be used for anything. In that regard:
Notes for generation progress notes.
For more advanced stuff, Pages - one can easily make templates too.
Calendar can be used for appointments.

How well would it run? 1.whatever GHz atom processors aren't too powerful, and when a good chunk of the power is being drained by the OS...

The same issue with RAM - the OS is using a good chunk of it. I've said it before; a netbook shouldn't be used for anything serious - that's what laptops/desktops are for.

 

[ValSalva]

No. It's about integrated solutions. It's not about progress notes on Word, it's how those progress notes interface with the rest of the medical record. What you're describing is 10 years ago, in the era of paper records.

But it's still applicable for private practitioners and consultants.

Hospitals and institution are more on the cutting edge. We'll all get there eventually.

 

[jaw04005]

First, netbook sales have been off the charts for the past 2 years and still growing strong. People don't buy stuff that "doesn't do anything well”.

They do if it’s cheap and good enough. We’ve been in a recession for 2+ years.

 

[ValSalva]

You've just listed some generic software that can be used for anything. In that regard:
Notes for generation progress notes.
For more advanced stuff, Pages - one can easily make templates too.
Calendar can be used for appointments.

How well would it run? 1.whatever GHz atom processors aren't too powerful, and when a good chunk of the power is being drained by the OS...

The same issue with RAM - the OS is using a good chunk of it. I've said it before; a netbook shouldn't be used for anything serious - that's what laptops/desktops are for.

Every practice management windows program will run well on any current netbook. They have low requirements. There are dozens and dozens of them.

Pages on the iPad is very limited. Many experts (Andy Ihnatko) agree.

 

[Hmac]

But it's still applicable for private practitioners and consultants.

Hospitals and institution are more on the cutting edge. We'll all get there eventually.

I am a private practitioner and consultant. What I'm saying is that it's most definitely not applicable. Not any more.

Every practice management windows program will run well on any current netbook. They have low requirements. There are dozens and dozens of them.

Yes.

 

[btrav13]

I didn't read this entire thread....nor did I go back for specific posts the day before the MPB update....but....


Weren't there a lot of people on here saying how badly this would hurt Apple and that it was a terrible decision to be releasing on 4/13 and that it would do nothing but cause them problems?

I listened intently to CNBC today as this was announced and all I could think of was "Man, those guys have something figured out". I know not everyone likes Jobs, but he's making products that people want and are willing to fork out the cash for (me being one of them).

 

[NebulaClash]

You Mean the Trolls Lie?

So all this time we've been told that sales of iPhones are slowing, then Apple has to announce they sold more this quarter than in the holiday quarter.

Poor haters. Undone by the facts again.

 

[ValSalva]

I am a private practitioner and consultant. What I'm saying is that it's most definitely not applicable. Not any more.

Well you are cutting edge. It may depend on the part of the country you are practicing. We are far from paperless, very far. But like I said, we are all heading that way. Many have not jumped in yet because their EMR won't talk to the hospital's EMR or the nursing home's EMR. It not seamless enough yet everywhere.

 

[ericinboston]

They do if it’s cheap and good enough. We’ve been in a recession for 2+ years.

I'm not sure where you are going. Nothing on this planet is perfect. Netbooks, in my opinion, are usually owned by people for a 2nd computer...not their main computer. Moreover, the netbook is designed to be ultra portable while still performing 100% of everyday personal computing tasks (running a full OS like Windows or Linux, USB support, printing, etc...the whole 9 yards a "personal computer" does) while also being inexpensive. What's wrong with that? Nothing. Nobody buys a netbook expecting to run Photoshop or a C compiler or even Vegas! Netbooks are not CPU powerhouses...and neither are Macbooks. The fact is that a netbook can do everything a laptop can do, only that the netbook is limited by it's purposely underpowered CPU and limited graphics...so people should not cry when their PDF file takes 5 seconds to load while their laptop or desktop loads it in 2 seconds.

We've been in a recession for 2+ years and the iPhone still sells like mad...and the iPod...so what exactly are you saying?...that the iPhone and iPod are cheap and "good enough".

Come on man, everyone likes a fair argument/debate but don't post 1-liner ambiguities.

-Eric

 

[Hmac]

Well you are cutting edge. It may depend on the part of the country you are practicing. We are far from paperless, very far. But like I said, we are all heading that way. Many have not jumped in yet because their EMR won't talk to the hospital's EMR or the nursing home's EMR. It not seamless enough yet everywhere.

I practice in rural northern Minnesota. Our 15-doctor multispecialty group is into Allscripts for close to $1 million, and that doesn't take into account the cost of the IT specialist we had to hire as well as the FTE whose sole job it is to scan non-automated labs and correspondence into the record. Nor the fact that the learning curve has significantly affected everyone's productivity. What do we get in return? Better insurance contracts in negotiated fee-for-service, incentive dollars for e-prescribing, and incentives for a standardized QI program that meshes with the standard pay-for-performance programs. It doesn't cover it.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Q: Why were the iPhone sales so good?
A: We had staggering growth rates in some areas. Asia, Japan, Europe growth rates were enormous. Some of this was adding additional carriers in some key countries. Also some other carries in key countries in Asia. But also had strong performance with existing carriers.

Q: Thoughts about iPhone distribution?
A: Three main markets where still exclusive: U.S., Germany, Spain. We've moved a number of markets to non-exclusive and seen unit sales and market share improve. Can't say that will work everywhere though.

So even though adding additional carriers has improved market share in other countries they refuse to move beyond AT&T in the US. If you read deeper into it, notice they say "Can't say that will work everywhere" pretty much means they will be staying AT&T exclusive in the US.