Apple Seeing Continued Strong Mac Sales on Little Cannibalization by iPad, iPod Sales Remain Lower

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Seeing as how I just joined the Apple family last month after years of watching from the outside...I am too forming a wish list:

Welcome to the family

It's not a club and it's not a family. If it was a family, I would have already started poisoning my siblings or run away.

You just bought some consumer products, manufactured for Apple Inc by a Chinese factory. There is no drama in that.

Well I don't want to be in your family anyway.

Obviously Apple will kill the iPod, with only nine million sold per quarter. Not.

He was referring to the specific classic model, not the entire iPod product line.

I don't think we will see the classic leave this year but it might not see any upgrades, even in capacity as there have been no announcements for new 1.8" Hard drives this year. The only upgrade available capacity wise is 240GB and it is not a single layer hard drive.

Its funny that everyone thinks the Classic is going to go, yet it is consistently in the top 10 in sales at Amazon.com. It is almost always outselling the iPod Nano too, even though the classic has been roughly the same for 3 years now.

Wrong!

Amazon.com ipod classic:
Black model: #11 seller in electronics, #3 in mp3 players
Silver model: #34 seller in electronics, #9 in mp3 players

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-classic...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1278446572&sr=8-1

ipod touch models are #1,2 and 4 in mp3 players depending on storage size.

Nothing shabby about that.

True, but still you need to take into account there are 18 different iPod nano versions (both color and size) and amazon classifies them each individually, as opposed to only 2 iPod classics...

iPod classics are still selling, sure, but not even close to the numbers of the iPod touch and iPod nano.

I'm not sure about the shuffle, because it is farther down the list but there are still 10 different versions of it in the newest model alone, plus amazon still is selling the older generation shuffle, with one being as high as 39th in mp3's. There sales are probably very similar to the classic.

 

[PsyD4Me]

i had a lot of my music in lossless format and got sick of it taking up too much room. converted it all to AAC and never noticed a difference. and i use Sennheiser headphones with my iPhone

which pair are you using?

 

[kiljoy616]

No needi make the Mac better if you can milk you customers with outdated hardware in all Apple Macintoshes except the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro.

Well said, sad to know apple is doing so well, means they can take more time and not update, but also get careless and not care if there are flawed problems like we have seen on the iphone.

 

[wizard]

Poor choice of words, Macrumors can do better!

I'm talking about that word cannibalization which is really out of place here. First the iPad is effectively a new product category. Second iPad is a consumptive device for the most part, as such you can't really compare it to creative possibilities found on PCs.

Thar is just in respect to iPad, iPods are actually doing very well when you consider that the iPhone is an iPod. Even here the iPhone can't be seen as cannibalizing anything in the iPod line up as it is simply a model with a different feature set than the other iPod models. Just like the Nano has a different feature set than Classic or the Touch.

In any event the headline is imflamatory and Macrumors really should be ashamed of themselves. Especially considering that Apple is doing very well with its entire lineup. What is even worst is the idea here that iPad, in its current configuration, is even remotely competitive with a Mac. IPad maybe one day but it is far from that today.

That isn't being critical of iPad it just recognizes that with limited RAM and OS capabilities the iPad isn't a solution for people that need a Mac. It comes back to the idea that iPad is a new category of device.

Now that I'm off my soap box, did anybody expect Apple to be pushing 2 million iPads a month already? Just wait till rev two hits the street, with 512MB or more RAM and a dual core processor.




Dave

 

[Eric5h5]

In any event the headline is imflamatory and Macrumors really should be ashamed of themselves.

What? It's standard wording for articles like this, has been done thousands of times before, and is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Welcome to the English language.

--Eric

 

[wizard]

Are you guys immature or something worst?

Well said, sad to know apple is doing so well, means they can take more time and not update, but also get careless and not care if there are flawed problems like we have seen on the iphone.

I keep seeing all these baseless claims that Apples is ignoring it's Mac hardware yet just about every month this year they have introduced new hardware. This includes really innovative Mac Book Pros ion time for back to school shopping. A vastly improved Mini just came out too. Apple certainly is not ignoring the Mac product line.

Now many will say what about the Mac Pro which is four months over due for an upgrade. Well first four months is nothing on a machine that only gets annual update to begin with. More importantly though is the potential for vastly updated hardware. The wait will be well worth it if Apple introduces the significant new technology that is expected by many.

So people let's justify this idea that Apple has ignored the Mac. Oh what's that, you can't based on the fac. Then stop the whining please.



Dave

 

[Yamcha]

I keep seeing all these baseless claims that Apples is ignoring it's Mac hardware yet just about every month this year they have introduced new hardware. This includes really innovative Mac Book Pros ion time for back to school shopping. A vastly improved Mini just came out too. Apple certainly is not ignoring the Mac product line.

Now many will say what about the Mac Pro which is four months over due for an upgrade. Well first four months is nothing on a machine that only gets annual update to begin with. More importantly though is the potential for vastly updated hardware. The wait will be well worth it if Apple introduces the significant new technology that is expected by many.

So people let's justify this idea that Apple has ignored the Mac. Oh what's that, you can't based on the fac. Then stop the whining please.



Dave

Hardware updates occur frequently in the PC world, infact something new comes out every few months.. Apple needs to keep up.. No machine should have a Core 2 Duo anymore.. Its going to be obsolete in months. It was first introduced in 2006..

Time for an update, theres USB/SATA 3.0, Direct X11 capable video cards, Core i3/i5 processors, HDMI, Apple needs to start adopting to new hardware..

They haven't even updated the processors on the notebook line =/

 

[wizard]

It is poor form on Macrumors part.

What? It's standard wording for articles like this, has been done thousands of times before, and is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Welcome to the English language.

--Eric

It is the wrong word to be using in this case! If Apple introduced an XMac that cut Mini sales in half we might have a discussion but the iPad isn't even in the same category.

In anyevent there is no good reason to use imflamatory language when reporting positive sales results.


Dave

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

In anyevent there is no good reason to use imflamatory language when reporting positive sales results.

The only person I see upset by the wording is you. This leads me to believe it isn't inflammatory and you're just sensitive. The iPad may not be in the same category as desktop OS computers, but it does accomplish many of the same tasks at a cheaper price, that's what makes it potentially cannibalistic.

 

[dscuber9000]

I just graduated high school and A LOT of my friends are getting Macs or have already gotten one for college. I mean, A LOT of my friends. WAY more Macs than PCs. Kinda makes me wonder if college kids keep buying Macs like this, Macs will really catch up in the market to PCs.

(Of course, I may have helped a little to get some to get a Mac.)

 

[wizard]

Have you even looked at any recent releases from Apple?

Hardware updates occur frequently in the PC world, infact something new comes out every few months..

Yep same for Apple, new hardware releases just about every month this year!!!

Apple needs to keep up.. No machine should have a Core 2 Duo anymore..

You really don't know what you are talking about.

Its going to be obsolete in months. It was first introduced in 2006..

Time for an update, theres USB/SATA 3.0, Direct X11 capable video cards, Core i3/i5 processors, HDMI, Apple needs to start adopting to new hardware..

Have you even looked at the new Mini? As to the actual processor there is a good reason it is still Core 2. Are people really that out of touch that they don't grasp the how and why of the processor selection in the Mini?

It is actually good that Apple didn't try to appease a bunch of losers here with Arrandale integrated graphics.

Further show me a chipset from Intel with USB 3 support. Really show me such a beast, something Apple can build one of its machines out of.

They haven't even updated the processors on the notebook line =/

Excuse me but what in the hell are the processors in the new Mac Book Pros? Frankly your post irritates me because it appears that you have your head in the sand or just believe Apple has some sort of ability to wish into existence the parts it needs to make your dream machine.


Dave

 

[mr.steevo]

Hi,

In regards to the iPod Touch, I don't consider it to be an iPod. I hardly ever use it for listening to music, rather I prefer to have it for email, web browsing, youtube viewing, and checking the temperature.

iPod has become a default installed App on the Touch that I don't use.

s.

 

[Ademius]

RIP iPod Classic: September 2010

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. End of an era...

I would. Cost is an isssue. A 160 GB iPod Classic is currently priced at $249, while a 64 GB (highest available capacity) is $399. IF we were to get a 128 GB model in September (somewhat unlikely given that we didn't get a 64 GB iPhone), it would most probably be priced at the current price for the 64 GB model, $399. As long as there's that much of a difference in price, it makes sense to keep the iPod Classic.

Time to kill off the classic iPod. There's really no use for it now. I don't see how they sell any of them.

If you want video, buy an iPod Touch.
If you just want a music player, buy a Nano or Shuffle.
If you want all of that plus a phone, iPhone.

Maybe i'm missing something, but what type of person wants a classic iPod?

There's plenty of use for it. Many are using them for their car stereo, and not everyone need the features offered by the iPod Touch. Many people also enjoy large music collections at a capacity that currently cannot be satisfied by the Nano, Touch or Shuffle offerings. And lastly, as I've said above, COST is also an issue.

I'm not saying it won't be EOL'd eventually, because it inevitably will. We're just not quite there just yet. Until you can get an iPod with equivalent capacity at the same price, the iPod Classic still has a place in the iPod product line.

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Now many will say what about the Mac Pro which is four months over due for an upgrade. Well first four months is nothing on a machine that only gets annual update to begin with. More importantly though is the potential for vastly updated hardware. The wait will be well worth it if Apple introduces the significant new technology that is expected by many.

At this point, pros are waiting for Apple to bring the Mac Pro on par with PC offerings (and at the usual apple premium!), not "significant new technology." Blue Ray is out. USB 3 is most likely out. Lightpeak - not a chance. People are hoping for e-sata in the Mac Pro at least.

So people let's justify this idea that Apple has ignored the Mac. Oh what's that, you can't based on the fac. Then stop the whining please.

Dave

Thanks for the lecture Dad... I mean Dave. Apple isn't ignoring the mac, but their behavior leads many - with good reason - to believe they are moving away from the creative professional. And that's all based "on the facs" as you've so eloquently put it.

Hi,

In regards to the iPod Touch, I don't consider it to be an iPod. I hardly ever use it for listening to music, rather I prefer to have it for email, web browsing, youtube viewing, and checking the temperature.

iPod has become a default installed App on the Touch that I don't use.

s.

Me too. I use my iPod touch for almost everything but music! I only plug it in at work to access my music to tune out some co-workers. The rest of the time, it's apps, apps, apps! Put that nice back camera from the iPhone 4 on there, and I will upgrade my iPod touch day 1. Plus get more storage!

 

[Primejimbo]

I love my iPod Classic a lot. When I go on trips I don't have to pick what music I have to delete, it all comes with no matter what mood I'm in. Also for my work truck it comes with me so I can play it on the radio. For the price you can't beat how much music you can put on it. I also have an iPhone so I have no need for an iPod Touch.

 

[Lestdog]

We'll I guess this is good news for all of us who are sick of hearing fanboys screaming the sky is falling and that Apple will soon get out of the desktop business.

 

[Kristenn]

Time to kill off the classic iPod. There's really no use for it now. I don't see how they sell any of them.

If you want video, buy an iPod Touch.
If you just want a music player, buy a Nano or Shuffle.
If you want all of that plus a phone, iPhone.

Maybe i'm missing something, but what type of person wants a classic iPod?

People like me who have over 3000 songs in 320kbps AAC?

Thats over 30 GB of music right there. All I would buy from the iPod line is the classic because its the cheapest one that will hold all my music.

 

[Man-Droid]

Time to kill off the classic iPod. There's really no use for it now. I don't see how they sell any of them.

If you want video, buy an iPod Touch.
If you just want a music player, buy a Nano or Shuffle.
If you want all of that plus a phone, iPhone.

Maybe i'm missing something, but what type of person wants a classic iPod?

Speak for yourself. I prefer the iPod classic. I have a music library that is about 500GB in size and I need a device that can hold a large portion of it. The smaller drive options on the other models just do not cut it for me.

 

[3282868]

It's been over 6 years, and no real Cinema Display updates.

 

[kernkraft]

You don't buy your place into a family, you buy you place into the mob

In no way is that remotely ironic.

Maybe not, but it makes the iPhone an overpriced iPod Touch.

All I know, is that my friends and family that own Apple products (that have been encouraging me to buy) all said - welcome to the family when we finally bought our MacBook Pro.

That's how your family members treated you before you bought computer equipment of their preference?! That's awful! What kind of a family is that? You were already in their family, regardless of what stupid material goods you have been using!

I also know that Apple has historically had a following that is unlike other tech companies...more like a family/club.

If it makes you happy, then yes, Apple used to be cool. Then all sorts of fat old man started having their used Mac portables on the train and in cafes; all sorts of dumb kids started showing off their iPhones and all sorts of boring people thought that they entered a club or a family just because they bought a computer and an iPhone.

The iPhones are around in their millions, the iPods in tens of millions and Macs are as rare as rats in a dark alleyway. All the hip and cool factor vanished. If you like Macs or iStuff, buy it for their own merit, not because you want to belong anywhere.

Well I don't want to be in your family anyway.

Calm down, nobody invited you!

 

[Earendil]

At this point, pros are waiting for Apple to bring the Mac Pro on par with PC offerings (and at the usual apple premium!), not "significant new technology." Blue Ray is out. USB 3 is most likely out. Lightpeak - not a chance. People are hoping for e-sata in the Mac Pro at least.

Blue Ray is out. Where has Apple made a comment about USB 3 and lightpeak being impossible? I'm honestly interested. If these are just your musings, than they hardly count as proof of neglect.

And of course People are waiting for Apple to "Catch up", that's the way it always works right before a product refresh. Leap frogging. Heaven help the computer industry the day that Apple produces a desktop that hasn't been topped in a 12 month period!

12 Months, btw, is the product refresh cycle for these machines. We are only a couple months late "late". I wouldn't be concerned until we hit 6-12 months late. Apple is allowed (in my book) to extend an average time frame to accommodate a quality solid product.

Thanks for the lecture Dad... I mean Dave. Apple isn't ignoring the mac, but their behavior leads many - with good reason - to believe they are moving away from the creative professional. And that's all based "on the facs" as you've so eloquently put it.

Moving away from the creative professional? You just about turned your argument on it's head. What are you trying to prove, that Apple needs to update hardware more, or that the creative professionals are being ignored? Perhaps if you clarified your point it would be easier for us to accept your argument.

Hardware has NEVER been produced by Apple at a rate that made people happy. Everyone is always wishing for sooner. G5 Powerbook anyone?

 

[waloshin]

It will be an extremely sad day when Apple kills off the original iPod.

Please don't Apple. Some of us need that 160 GB of space.

Then looks at their competitors, such as the Zune.

 

[3282868]

Moving away from the creative professional? You just about turned your argument on it's head. What are you trying to prove, that Apple needs to update hardware more, or that the creative professionals are being ignored? Perhaps if you clarified your point it would be easier for us to accept your argument.

Hardware has NEVER been produced by Apple at a rate that made people happy. Everyone is always wishing for sooner. G5 Powerbook anyone?

As a creative, I must admit that Apple has been very neglectful of its "pro-sumer" line. The Cinema Displays (with the exception of the 24" LED LCD, which is primarily for the notebook line) haven't had a serious refresh since 2003-2004, still using CCFL backlighting.

As for Blu-Ray, many colleagues in the film industry use Final Cut Pro (and Avid for Windows based systems), high definition video is increasing in popularity. As such, it is a tad perplexing that Blu-Ray movie burning and playback (whether it be individually or commercially produced) is not supported in OS X. I have two Mac Pro's, 2009 editions, with four displays, and each Mac Pro has a second SATA Blu-Ray optical drive. Backing up data is essential for my work with Blu-Ray media as it supports 25-50 GBs per disc, equating to less space taken up on my internal bays and less data in "Time Machine". However, having to boot into Windows through "Bootcamp" to play Blu-Ray media seems a bit of a backwards step. The new "Mac Mini" surprisingly includes an HDMI port, potential for a fantastic home entertainment system. Replacing my cable box (no need for it with iTunes, Hulu, etc) and Blu-Ray player with a new HDMI "Mac Mini" that would include an after-market Blu-Ray drive (should Apple not allow for Blu-Ray as BTO option) would be a great addition to my Denon and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Cinema experiences with 720P do not compare to the vibrant experience allotted with 1080P and 7.1 surround sound Blu-Ray movies.

Present focus on iOS4 and iDevices, and a lack of Blu-Ray support, display updates and serious "Pro-sumer" hardware seem to suggest that Apple's focus is on the consumer market, leaving the "Pro"-sumers that have been loyal Apple enthusiasts for decades. This is very apparent with recent rumors that Apple is considering rebranding "OS X" to the new "iOS" monicker. It is interesting that Annie Leibovitz, who utilized Apple products in her work, has done an HP commercial. Many professionals in the creative industry are perplexed with Apple's lack of focus on their pro-sumer market. Perhaps I am mistaken. I hope to be proven incorrect in my assumptions.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

That's how your family members treated you before you bought computer equipment of their preference?! That's awful! What kind of a family is that? You were already in their family, regardless of what stupid material goods you have been using!



If it makes you happy, then yes, Apple used to be cool. Then all sorts of fat old man started having their used Mac portables on the train and in cafes; all sorts of dumb kids started showing off their iPhones and all sorts of boring people thought that they entered a club or a family just because they bought a computer and an iPhone.

The iPhones are around in their millions, the iPods in tens of millions and Macs are as rare as rats in a dark alleyway. All the hip and cool factor vanished. If you like Macs or iStuff, buy it for their own merit, not because you want to belong anywhere.

What crawled up your butt? I think YOU need to calm down and stop being so cynical. Apple (though growing) is still a very tiny percentage (what like 7 or 8%?) of the worldwide market. There is very much a sense of community within those who like Apple and most of us like and understand that. No reason to rain on his parade.

You are only furthering the notion that Apple lovers are pretentious, snobbish pricks.

 

[E.Lizardo]

I can't see how long the iPod classic is going to be around, sales must be fairly miserable.

Wishing that Apple would take its laptop and desktop machines more seriously...

I see this comment constantly.Exactly how are they not taking them seriously?