Apple's Record Mac Quarter 'Almost Unbelievable' in Face of iPad Cannibalization

[nutjob]

Define "serious work."

I'd say the work I do on an iPad is "serious" enough.

Is doing a Master's Thesis in Pages on the iPad while in a hotel room in Niagara Falls not serious? Or is working on serious paper toward serious degree not serious?

How about a lawyer on the road composing an e-mail to opposing counsel? Is serious lawyer not so serious? Seriously?

Or how about the Doctor using the iPad to treat patients seriously?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzMmYV8DO_A

Serious or not serious?

Old definitions are being blown away. Seriously.

Interesting that you don't reply to the posts this subject and quote them. If you did you might have quoted me saying that anyone can find narrow examples where the iPad is useful, or people who can put up with it. Obviously not everyone is a doctor. Who cares if one person wants to write a thesis on his iPad? Broadly, the iPad is less productive than a computer with a keyboard and a pointing device. It's just common sense, it's much slower to type on a touchscreen and using your finger as a pointer is inaccurate. There is very limited software for the iPad compared to mainstream OSes, outside of games and repackaging of websites. Most people will find it slow, clumsy and frustrating.

The fact that you have to reach so hard to find examples is just an illustration of how much the iPad is removed from the productivity mainstream. It's a heavily hyped toy. That's all it is.

 

[drewtje]

Yes! Can't wait for the New Mac Pro's, Cant wait for the new video card line

 

[gnasher729]

And the fact that you think they could get most if not all their work done as effenictly on a iPad with a Keyboard shows you have ZERO understanding of the bussiness world.

In my office there are I think three iPads, used by people who have MacPros to do the real work and want something to carry around easily. However, there are plenty of people who are not working in an office and where the first priority of usability is "easy to use when walking around", and an iPad, without keyboard, beats any laptop in that situation.

 

[gnasher729]

I almost feel between the lines, Cook was saying...

"Ugh, why are Macs selling???!!! The plan was to discontinue the Mac Pro, then the iMac, then gimp the MBP to an Air like machine."

Hopefully the #'s breakdown are the 13' MBP doing really well, and the iMacs. The 15' 17' Pro should be 1299 and 1799 currently unless they want to throw SSD's in them. Starting at 256GB. iMacs still are priced fine IMO. Mac Pros should be collecting dust. 1799 tops currently, Apple is too good for price drops.

You must have listened to a different conference call than I did. Apple has sold record numbers of Macs this quarter. According to Tim Cook Apple's computer sales grew eight times more than the total market, what he didn't say was that the rest of the market with Apple excluded didn't grow at all. There has been growth of over 20% for many years.

Macs are a business that is right now making six billion dollars profits every year. Apple is the most profitable computer maker in the world right now, especially since HP has been doing their best to destroy their business. That is "computer maker", not counting any other sales. Nobody is doing anything to destroy a business worth $6 billion profit a year.

 

[richardw]

Good news for the Mac and OS X. Can't wait for new Macbook Pros next year.

 

[kironin]

While you were doing that Microsoft was busy improving Windows, Office etc and now offers the best software that it ever has. Windows 7 is rock sold (I'd say more reliable and less buggy than Lion) and Office is simply unmatched.

then why do I have clients complaining about Windows 7 and making plans to convert to Mac OSX after becoming converts to iOS on their iPhones and iPads ?

your statement is laughable.

 

[Renzatic]

Yeah? And I've seen people try out a Mac, then run back to Windows 7. Does that mean OSX sucks? No. Just means it wasn't for them.

Anecdotal evidence, dude guy.

 

[acidfast7]

Define "serious work."

I'd say the work I do on an iPad is "serious" enough.

Is doing a Master's Thesis in Pages on the iPad while in a hotel room in Niagara Falls not serious? Or is working on serious paper toward serious degree not serious?

How about a lawyer on the road composing an e-mail to opposing counsel? Is serious lawyer not so serious? Seriously?

Or how about the Doctor using the iPad to treat patients seriously?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzMmYV8DO_A

Serious or not serious?

Old definitions are being blown away. Seriously.

As a biochemistry prof, I find the iPad totally useless for serious work. I can't write, read/make notes on it fast enough to be useful. However, I could find the 3G (should be 4G by now) connection quite useful.

I opt for the lowest spec'd MBA for serious work.

As an owner of 2 shuffles, an iPod, an iPod video, an iPod Touch, a Blakcbook, a unibody MacBook, a MBA, an iMac and an Apple TV, I have an understanding of Apple products and their role in my lifestyle.

However, I still haven't seen the use of an iPad (except for 3G, which the MBA should have, and it should be 4G by now) or an iPhone (650€ is quite pricey compared to the Samsung S2 4G).

 

[Bernard SG]

Interesting that you don't reply to the posts this subject and quote them. If you did you might have quoted me saying that anyone can find narrow examples where the iPad is useful, or people who can put up with it. Obviously not everyone is a doctor. Who cares if one person wants to write a thesis on his iPad? Broadly, the iPad is less productive than a computer with a keyboard and a pointing device. It's just common sense, it's much slower to type on a touchscreen and using your finger as a pointer is inaccurate. There is very limited software for the iPad compared to mainstream OSes, outside of games and repackaging of websites. Most people will find it slow, clumsy and frustrating.

The fact that you have to reach so hard to find examples is just an illustration of how much the iPad is removed from the productivity mainstream. It's a heavily hyped toy. That's all it is.

I think you and Kurfer are the ones who are removed from the mainstream. Those whose jobs involve some heavy-lifting computing, stuff like photo/video/audio editing or CAD or coding… those people are not the majority of folks who use a PC at work. Moreover those folks, most often aren’t going to use any PC (or Mac) either, they will go for highly spec-ed hardware because your typical PC is gonna be useless all the same as the iPad for that kind of computing tasks.

For the great majority, most professional tasks that are done on the desktop or laptop CAN be done on an iPad, sometimes with the need for some adaptation, of course. And you can trust Apple and, hopefully, competitors to work hard on improving the usability of those post-PC devices; for example, it won’t matter much that the physical keyboard and the mouse allow for more speed than a touch-UI because we’ll just use dictation. It won’t be long when the PC paradigm will be redundant for the most of us.

 

[ranReloaded]

Call me irrational, fanboi or whatever; but in my own experience Microsoft has earned so many 'negative points' that at this point, even if they come up with an OS 10 times better than Snow Leopard, I'm not getting anywhere near any of their products, for life. Just out of spite. They had it coming. "Irreparable Reputation".

If it works for somebody else, good for them. As long as they don't try to force-feed them on me.

 

[SVegard]

The thing is, I have a feeling that the vast majority of users out there don't need a device that can do "serious processing". I think that's something that only professionals (i.e. people in the music, movie, and graphic arts industries) really need. Therefore, a lot of people are finding that the iPad is perfectly fine for their needs.

I don't agree. I like anyone else know lots people (well, that would be everyone you know these days) who use computing devices on all levels, for all kinds of tasks. And none I know does any kind of work, "serious" or not on iPads. The closest to working must be some situations where documents are moved around in situation where tons of paper would be difficult.

I love my iPad as a "add on device" to my computer, but I prefer my wifes MBP over the iPad. As do everyone else I know. However, I rather use my Mac Pro over her laptop. And it is here we should draw the line on this topic. Not make it a iPad vs. Macs/Computers in general. It seems like most people use laptops more than desktops ( if they are not gamers).

But...what kind of work can be done with the iPad? Typing on them is uncomfy. Your fingertips are big and you can not do any tasks that demands "hitting small spots" because of that. Just to name a few...but very important issues.

 

[Renzatic]

...it won’t matter much that the physical keyboard and the mouse allow for more speed than a touch-UI because we’ll just use dictation.

As much as this makes sense from a usability standpoint, I hope it doesn't become the accepted standard anytime soon. I can take breaking out my phone on occasion, and shouting "FIND NEAREST HIGHEST RATED MEXICAN RESTAURANT" at it without feeling too dumb, but having to dictate entire reports? I dunno if I could do it.

And what happens when you start getting involved in a more risque text conversation? I can see it now...

"SIRI, TEXT SUE! I HOPE YOU BOUGHT THE CHERRY EDIBLE PANTIES, BECAUSE THEY'RE MY FAVORITE FLAVOR, AND I'M TOTALLY READY FOR SOME HOT HOMEMADE FRUIT ROLLUP ACTION TONIGHT IF YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYIN. END TEXT"

"...what, Grandma? Why are you staring at me like that"

 

[kazmac]

This is great news

I probably will get rid of my 2010 iMac next year for another Mac (definitely not an iMac though. I'm really over the all-in-one).

This is fabulous news and I am very happy the Mac continues to sell so strong. As much as I love my iPad, I won't replace the iPad 2 until I absolutely have to. While I've gone back and forth about the whole Post PC thing, the iPad is not a fully functioning Mac yet and until it is, I'm sticking with the computers.

 

[xXHexagonXx]

I find this interesting. It was the quality of the iPad that helped me to switch from PC to Mac. I consider it to be an entry drug, LOL.

 

[JHankwitz]

The thing is, I have a feeling that the vast majority of users out there don't need a device that can do "serious processing". I think that's something that only professionals (i.e. people in the music, movie, and graphic arts industries) really need. Therefore, a lot of people are finding that the iPad is perfectly fine for their needs.

Correct. It looks like PC now stands for two different things; Personal Computer and Professional Computer. Apple has made it possible to fully address the diverse needs of each type.

 

[guzhogi]

Interesting that you don't reply to the posts this subject and quote them. If you did you might have quoted me saying that anyone can find narrow examples where the iPad is useful, or people who can put up with it. Obviously not everyone is a doctor. Who cares if one person wants to write a thesis on his iPad? Broadly, the iPad is less productive than a computer with a keyboard and a pointing device. It's just common sense, it's much slower to type on a touchscreen and using your finger as a pointer is inaccurate. There is very limited software for the iPad compared to mainstream OSes, outside of games and repackaging of websites. Most people will find it slow, clumsy and frustrating.

The fact that you have to reach so hard to find examples is just an illustration of how much the iPad is removed from the productivity mainstream. It's a heavily hyped toy. That's all it is.

I agree that the iPad is limited at the moment. But I'm sure people said the same thing when transitioning from pen & paper to typewriters & computers. It'll take a while before people can find ways to do what they need on iPads or other tablets as well & as easily on desktop/laptop computers.

I think you and Kurfer are the ones who are removed from the mainstream. Those whose jobs involve some heavy-lifting computing, stuff like photo/video/audio editing or CAD or coding… those people are not the majority of folks who use a PC at work. Moreover those folks, most often aren’t going to use any PC (or Mac) either, they will go for highly spec-ed hardware because your typical PC is gonna be useless all the same as the iPad for that kind of computing tasks.

For the great majority, most professional tasks that are done on the desktop or laptop CAN be done on an iPad, sometimes with the need for some adaptation, of course. And you can trust Apple and, hopefully, competitors to work hard on improving the usability of those post-PC devices; for example, it won’t matter much that the physical keyboard and the mouse allow for more speed than a touch-UI because we’ll just use dictation. It won’t be long when the PC paradigm will be redundant for the most of us.

I kinda wish Apple would put more effort in some of the non-mainstream areas as well. You've probably seen all the comments on the FCP X threads complaining about the lack of features. And the xServes were pretty good servers for small-medium businesses. It seems, to me at least, that Apple is focusing on only mainstream products & ignoring the more professional it once catered to. I do not see mainstream and "professional" hardware/software as mutually exclusive. Sure, stuff like servers might not sell very many or have a high margin, but they're important. Plus, if they provide good service, they might persuade people to got other Apple products. Also, how much money did Apple pay in servers for its NC datacenter and how much are they paying for service? If Apple provided servers & support, they could easily make several million, if not billions.

So in all, I can see the iPad as a possible future for a vast majority of people, but I feel Apple should also cater to the non-mainstream people as well so they can provide better service for everyone.

 

[duffmanth]

Great News!

This is awesome news! The more Macs and less Windows PC's that are out there, the better! Now lets see some Macbook Pros with SSD's that don't cost a fortune!

 

[ChipmunkTX]

Just saying...

I'm going to be honest, even if unpopular. I don't want cheap MACs. Keep the prices where they are at. I want quality and I'm willing to pay for it. Cheap products are....well cheap. I don't think Apple is in the market of a MAC in every houshold...and I hope they never make a sub $500 laptop or desktop just to fill that market. I never want to associate Apple products with cheap crap....period!

 

[SVegard]

I agree that the iPad is limited at the moment. But I'm sure people said the same thing when transitioning from pen & paper to typewriters & computers. It'll take a while before people can find ways to do what they need on iPads or other tablets as well & as easily on desktop/laptop computers.


.

Well, when you say that it sounds more like "these iPads are not that great but people will get used to them". Like it would be a goal to make tablets replace computers no matter what the best option is.

And then we have to ask this. What is so fantastic about a tablet compared to a PC/LT that we would gain anything from doing it. It must be some advantage here right? Or else the "atempt" would be meaningless.

There are some topics to consider here.

First of this has to do with hype, that touch devices are somewhat still a new thing. Therfore a lot of people think it is so cool that you can make things happen with your fingers. This apply most to people who are new to smartphones and tablets. Fact, there is a lot of "fun factor" here that will fade soon.

And not to mention that Apple, the other mobile marked, media and fashiondriven hipsters have managed to sell the idea that this is somehow the future of computing.

Another piont is that multitouch phones can be called a revolution because it made things we do on computers possible to live with on our phones (anyone remember using internet on pre-iphone mobiles?). And brought a userinterface that change on demand to make a lot more nonphone tasks work on them. But did iPads and other tablets revolutionize our computing to the same degree? Nope, it did not. Seems to have more to do with milking the concept than revolution.

Sorry. I can not see anything with low cost consumer tablets beeing better than PC/LT and I don't see why some people are so into making them the future...they are good add ons but...no.

 

[GorgonPhone]

as it is now , for pro users, the ipad does not at all substitute fro a mac computer.. but for the casual user there is more possibility

 

[Confuzzzed]

Somehow what you post makes me think you never used Lion.

Certainly not a machine pre-loaded with Lion. I have a 2011 13' MBA preloaded with Lion and it is a pleasure to work with. Lion enhances the end-user experience immensely. However on my 2007 MBP, the experience is more mixed. Then again, a 2007 PC would be completely unusable by now. Nay, probably at a landfill. And at work - not my choice - I use a brand new HP PC desktop with the latest Windows goodies on it so I can compare, which probably applies to a lot of people with jobs. After fighting with Windows and PC world all day long at work, coming home to my Mac world is like walking through a medow in spring.

 

[NickFalk]

Well now it's just turning into an argument of whether or not the iPad is good vs bad and that shouldn't be the case.

I personally love the thing, I think it's the next big thing in technology but I still stand behind the fact that as a PC replacement it is NOT and simply doesn't do it justice. To me the iPad is a perfect compliment, and anyone could make an argument that it does things alot better than a pc/laptop:

As a point of sale terminal the iPad blows away a PC. I don't want keyboards on POS terminals.

If I am presenting at a podium, it's nicer and cleaner to have than a laptop.

If I am a doctor and looking at charts and medical records, again great choice.

But....

...
No way I can make a power point I am proud of on an ipad...

While I agree with most of what you're saying I'm a little bit dumbfounded about the PowerPoint remark. Personally I think this is the kind of "serious work" (whatever that means) the iPad (and tablets/pads) in general are very well suited for. The most efficient PowerPoint presentations are the ones ewoking emotions, using imagery more than words and the whole "flow" of the thing seems perfectly suited for pad-authoring.

As for the whole can/can't be used for serious work discussion: Obviously it can, but it's a lot worse off than a traditional computer for a lot of tasks. The opposite is also true however, as not all "serious work"* means using a keyboard...

*seriously, how do you define this?!

 

[Frobozz]

I'll go on record (yeah, who cares) to say they will ship 5.75M in the holiday quarter. It would be nearly unthinkable they can't top 5M. 5.75M is only about 15% more.

----------

This is awesome news! The more Macs and less Windows PC's that are out there, the better! Now lets see some Macbook Pros with SSD's that don't cost a fortune!

My 2011 MB Pro cost $500 extra for a 256GB SSD. That's only about $100 more than street (I know because I have the Samsung OEM part in my desktop gaming rig.) For that $100, I kept my factory warranty in place. I also didn't have to rip apart my laptop, put in the new drive, and reinstall the OS. I think that's fair.

SSD's are a premium, no doubt, but street price on many 256GB SSD's are in the $400 range at NewEgg. It's when you bump up to 512GB that the cost is hard to justify.

There's no question in my mind that the single component that improves my day-to-day experience on my MB Pro is the SSD.

 

[SVegard]

as it is now , for pro users, the ipad does not at all substitute fro a mac computer.. but for the casual user there is more possibility

Yes, I see your piont. IPads is almost useless for other than add ons for pro users. Most people agree on that.

But lets take casual stuff like web, msn, facebook etc. I still use (like I said) my wifes laptop over my iPad, and my Mac Pro over her laptop even when doing casual things! So does everyone else I know.

What I want to know is what makes the iPad so fantastic for casual things that casual users will scrap PCs and laptops...

 

[BaldiMac]

Sorry. I can not see anything with low cost consumer tablets beeing better than PC/LT and I don't see why some people are so into making them the future...they are good add ons but...no.

This argument seems to be that if you can't currently replace your main computer with an iPad, than they aren't computers. Letting aside that some people can replace their main computer with an iPad, their primary use case is as a secondary or even tertiary computer. The obvious advantage of the form factor is in portability and their ability to be used in a variety of orientations on the go or away from a desk.