Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

[macdong]

Rip, Burn, (computer crash)... Oh Man.... (@#$%....)
Ok, let's try that again...
Rip, Bur... (computer crash)... God Damnit!!!
Rip, B... (computer crash)....
AHHHH!!!!! How am I supposed to "respect"?

 

[Vector]

Originally posted by DreaminDirector
Technically, Gateway didn't copy Apple on the Music Service.

Nonetheless, Gateway will screw it up.

Close enough for me. It was reported by the mainstream media that apple was working on a service, and now we hear that gateway is doing something similar. Yes, it is not as if apple released it and then gateway copied it, like happened in the other instances, but it is similar to the past incidences. Technically Gateway did not copy apple in the other two instances, so it really just depends on how narrowly you interperet what copying is.

 

[digitalbiker]

Maybe Apple is trying to copy Gateway

Gateway Store => Apple Store
Gateway Music Service =>Apple Music Service

This is a competitive business. No one really leads anybody. One company introduces a good technolgy product and others jump in to compete for the sole purpose of making money. They don't neccesarilly scout the other companies R&D and then go try to copy it.

 

[Vector]

Re: Maybe Apple is trying to copy Gateway

Originally posted by digitalbiker
Gateway Store => Apple Store
Gateway Music Service =>Apple Music Service

This is a competitive business. No one really leads anybody. One company introduces a good technolgy product and others jump in to compete for the sole purpose of making money. They don't neccesarilly scout the other companies R&D and then go try to copy it.

I think you may be on to something there.

Although apple seems to have implemented the store idea better as they are not bleeding red ink from their stores like gateway has been.

I am not saying that gateway is over at apple spying on jopnathan ives latest designs, but they are certainly taking advantage of the successes of apples designs. The all-in-one computer that was similar to the FP imac is a copy in function rather than appearance as the new gateway laptop is. I have no problem with gateway or any other company using the ideas of another just as long as it does not violate and patent or trademark as happened in the emachines case. It is business, and there will always be emulation of successful products, gateway has just been emulating apple to a greater degree than other companies as of late. I am not saying that they should not do this, i just find it entertaining that they recently they seem to have run out of all original ideas in their final attempt to resurrect the company.

 

[DreaminDirector]

ok....

There seems to emerge a fine line between who copied what and when. For me, who's a mac user and maybe little fanboy-ish about it, I can't see how the ideas that Gateway comes up with are of any benefit to others.

Ok, I'll step back from that statement for a minute. What I mean is that whether it's an all-in-one, a retail store or this music service, Gateway's heart (deep deep down in thier creative department...) seems to be in the right place. However, as the idea probably travels up the chains of command, it gets torn apart, jigsawed back together only to repeat that process. Sure, Gateway looks at the trends of industry and wants to capitalize on them. But it seems they always put out product that is half-conceptualized and twice over shined on an older idea.

That's why I love Apple. They take ideas and develop them. They play, they wonder, they dream about the next big thing. Like the iPod. Or the new LCD iMac. Sure, I'm frustrated that there is no Apple PDA, but maybe Apple knows that I would never need something like that because they've done thier research.

It doesn't matter who copies who in the end. What matters most is that the product is something we all love.

Apple delivers that about 98% of the time.

 

[jettredmont]

Re: Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

Originally posted by locovaca
Gateway, otoh, has announced this service. I sincerely doubt that Gateway just planned this overnight, and for all we know Apple could be copying Gateway. Gateway has been trying to make inroads into more than just computers (remember those annoying "My way" commercials that also advertise MP3 players and Plasma televisions?) and this would seem to be a continuation along that road.

Do note, however, that Gateway is not offering any service here, just promoting established third-party services (Listen.com and EMusic.com). The thing Gateway is selling is the idea that their computers (and hardware/software packages) are somehow better at working with music than their competition, piggy-backed on an RIAA-lite advocacy message. (For the record, I don't see any substance to the claim "Music is getting complicated. Gateway makes it easy" ... offering a handful of file downloads, a pack of CD-Rs, and a CD-label applicator for $1 doesn't make dealing with MusicMatch or WMP any less complicated!)

No, this does not just pop up overnight, but comparing this promo/advocacy campaign in any way to offering a real service (as Apple is rumored to be preparing) is just plain silly.

 

[greenstork]

I undestand the title appears to be a big ripoff of Apple but the idea of an mp3 music service can hardly be attributed to Apple. Seriously folks, I am sure every computer company in the industry is trying to jump on this bandwagon.

In my opinion, competition=better prices, better products for consumers. Apple always makes their products that much better than the rest. I want to see them be the best at everything and they rarely let me down (with the possible exception of Motorola processors). If this means Apple will have to innovate more and make this music service that much cooler than Gateway and whoever else comes up with a service, then GREAT! This will also keep prices in check. All good as far as I am concerned.

 

[Future Man]

Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

Originally posted by Shadowfax
i guess it would probably be too unintelligent to say "copycats!" but i feel like it anyways

copycats!

ummm.... .Mac? My how quick we are to forget...

 

[scem0]

I have high hopes that an apple mp3 service would be much
better than one offered by Gateway.

Probably because Apple can innovate while Gateways can only
copy.....

 

[Sun Baked]

At least this ad campaign has CBS's stamp of disapproval.

Gateway ad raises hackles at CBS

Computer manufacturer Gateway Inc.'s latest promotional campaign hit an unexpected snag Thursday when the CBS television network balked at running the company's new commercial, saying it may violate the network's policy against advocacy ads.

The commercial urges consumers to buy Gateway computers and receive a bundle of free songs. It closes with the address of a Web site that shows consumers how to copy music legally and calls on them to lobby Congress against anti-piracy mandates.

CBS has been a vocal advocate in Washington for anti-piracy mandates, as has its parent company, media conglomerate Viacom International Inc. whose holdings include Paramount Pictures and Blockbuster Inc.

The mandates would apply to computers and other digital gadgets, including the ones sold by Gateway...

 

[eric_n_dfw]

It's actually kind of cool

Just surfed around at www.ripburnrespect.com/music and, besides the similarities to Apple's "Rip, Mix, Burn" marketing slogan it actually is a pretty good site. They're on the same page as Apple, I think, in that they want people to chose do the right thing rather than having the industry and/or government force us to.

 

[PretendPCuser]

Affiliation

Will i do agree that Gateway is first to market with a service like this (well, first btwn Apple and Gateway), Gateway seemed to align itself with other services whereas i think that Apple, if they do have a music service will be building the infrastructure themselves. Granted, first to market doesn't always breed success. Look at the internet. Though Amazon and eBay are two shining examples of first to market working, there's a long list of firsts to market that are long gone.

I do have respect though, Gateway is at least trying to do something.

 

[voicegy]

Gateway has no identity anymore, and that's the fault of who they choose to market it.

It reminds me of "Burger King". At one time, they were at the top of the heap..."Have it Your Way" "The Burger KING Character", etc. For the past several years, they don't know what they are or who they cater to, and it shows in their awful schizophrenic ad campaigns for the past number of years.

I see that happening at Gateway as well. And every "innovation" they've come up with in the past year or so has always been looked upon as the last desperate gasp of a company past its prime. Heck, we even stopped buying them (San Diego City Schools) and Dell, and we kept IBM and Apple as our only computer vendors. These people have an image problem, big time.

Rip, Mix, Burn. Apple's been doin' it for years. *sigh*

 

[Shrek]

Originally posted by MacsRgr8
Did you also say that when Windows was introduced?

I was just a baby when Windblows was introduced, well almost.

 

[SwitchMonkey]

Bully for Gateway

Yeah, well I kinda agree. It's difficult to brand these days, but the Gateway brand is much stronger than at any time previous. I actually think that all the changes it has implemented has brought it above the Micron level (which it had lagged behind) and almost up to the Dell level. Gateway is not seen as a business brand however-- Dell, IBM and HP/Compaq have that locked up.

I used to REALLY PASSIONATLEY HATE Gateway2000--- but these days the support has drastically improved, its web site is usable and the product isn't the crappiest PC you could buy.

And I know a few people with a Gateway product. I'm surpised at the current quality actually. I'm rooting for them, businesses need decent options to the hulking HPQ and Dell selling machines.

But that said, I personally prefer to build my own PC.

Long live Steve Jobs and may God continue to bless Apple Computer. ..

Orig. posted by voicegy
Gateway has no identity anymore, and that's the fault of who they choose to market it.

 

[SwitchMonkey]

Microsoft "Agile Business"

Talk about a great ad campaign over the past 8 months -- The Microsoft "Agile Business" tv ads are really effective.

These ads tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of American business. This hopeful ring and business zeal is something Apple marketing seems to have lost. Hmm, Maybe because Apple has become a consumer brand like Gateway???

It would be nice for Apple to address their brand from a business perspective again. (Comarket with IBM??) It's a great platform to base a business upon. Though most people think that Apple platforms can't cut it. They are wrong of course.

When the G5 Powermacs ship later these year, I'm sure that we will see something new and cool from the Apple marketers.

"Apple-- the entrepreneurial choice." (TM)

 

[Hugh]

Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

Why is it, Gateway keeps copying Apple in ads and machines? This is what, the fourth ad that is very simular to Apples.

Although I did hear that Microsoft is planning an ad campain simulor to Apple's switer ads.. I don't know how true that is....


Hugh

Originally posted by Shadowfax
i guess it would probably be too unintelligent to say "copycats!" but i feel like it anyways

copycats!

 

[Hugh]

Re: Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

I wouldn't say Gatway was copying Apple by the music service. I would say they are copying Apple by their slogon. :/

-Hugh

Originally posted by locovaca
While I doubt that Gateway will do things right, I would like to point out that Apple has not announced any kind of service, but was only rumored. Gateway, otoh, has announced this service. I sincerely doubt that Gateway just planned this overnight, and for all we know Apple could be copying Gateway. Gateway has been trying to make inroads into more than just computers (remember those annoying "My way" commercials that also advertise MP3 players and Plasma televisions?) and this would seem to be a continuation along that road.

I guess, since this was announced before Apple, I wouldn't just denounce Gateway as a copycat.

 

[MacQuest]

Re: Bully for Gateway

Originally posted by SwitchMonkey
...but the Gateway brand is much stronger than at any time previous.

Umm...I'd hate to be the one to break this to you, but...Gateway will most likely be out of business by this time next year:

http://money.cnn.com/2003/03/17/technology/gateway.reut/index.htm

I am just relaying what I've been hearing from financial analysts as well as Gateway employees that I've met. This seems to be the consensus across the board.

They've been shutting down stores consistently since the year 2000. I'm actually surprised that there are any stores left. At least there's 76 less to worry about as of recent and as noted in the article I linked above. Although I do feel bad for the 1,900 Gateway employees who have recently been layed off...

On a happier note though, Apple, within the past 2 years, has opened 50+ successfull Apple Stores and is rumored to be planning international stores as well:

Tokyo
https://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/02/20030214115816.shtml

Netherlands
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-943509.html

Australia and Canada
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14396&apple+retail+stores+international

All this amidst horrid economic conditions. Kinda makes you think how strong Apple will be when the economy bounces back and it has better, and hopefully, new products.

 

[shadowfax]

Re: Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

Originally posted by Hugh
Why is it, Gateway keeps copying Apple in ads and machines? This is what, the fourth ad that is very simular to Apples.

Although I did hear that Microsoft is planning an ad campain simulor to Apple's switer ads.. I don't know how true that is....


Hugh

gateway actually has an ad in PC magazine that features an apple powerbook G4, lol.

 

[MacQuest]

Re: Re: Re: Gateway Promotes MP3 Service

Originally posted by Future Man
ummm.... .Mac? My how quick we are to forget...

You need to watch SJ's keynote from MacWorld NY in July of '02.

The renaming of iTools to ".mac" was an intentional public slap in the face to Microsoft's ".net" service which had been, and continues to be heralded as their cutting edge strategy, and still has not materialized.

SJ mocked MS's ".net" service by saying that what they have been planning to do, is what the Mac community has already been doing for years. Like oh so many other Apple firsts!

Do you think that it was a coincidence that this announcement was timed right as the 5 year agreement between Apple and MS was to come to an end last August? I think not.

Six month's later, Safari and Keynote were introduced. Rumored "Word & Excel" replacements in the pipeline.

Now read the first line of my .sig down below.

 

[MacQuest]

Re: Microsoft "Agile Business"

Originally posted by SwitchMonkey
Talk about a great ad campaign over the past 8 months -- The Microsoft "Agile Business" tv ads are really effective.

These ads tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of American business. This hopeful ring and business zeal is something Apple marketing seems to have lost. Hmm, Maybe because Apple has become a consumer brand like Gateway???

It would be nice for Apple to address their brand from a business perspective again. (Comarket with IBM??) It's a great platform to base a business upon. Though most people think that Apple platforms can't cut it. They are wrong of course.

When the G5 Powermacs ship later these year, I'm sure that we will see something new and cool from the Apple marketers.

"Apple-- the entrepreneurial choice." (TM)

Okay, I'm just copy/pasting a post of mine from earlier today in a different thread but about the subject you are addressing, Apple and the business sector:

Have you been to an Apple Store lately?

Strange the way the Pro section of the stores all have "Business' Run Better On A Mac" screensavers. The big pictorial signage also focuses on the same subject. Not to mention the readily available printed business materials, and all the new business leasing/finance options that weren't available just a few months ago.

Did I mention that there are on-site Business Specialists [yes, that's their title] who have their business cards attached to informative business flyers as well?

Also, why are there recurring presentations in the theatre areas of those stores that are dedicated to business applications like QuickBooks, MYOB, etc. Call me crazy, but I don't think that home users are the demographic who attend those presentations.

I know that Apple has only been able to implement xServe solutions in 100 of the Fortune 500 companies in less than a year, but does that give them any reason to shift some focus to the business sector?

For some reason, at this very moment, I can't get that C&C Music Factory song from the early 90's out of my head. It was called "Things That Make You Go Hmmm..."

 

[Hugh]

Re: Re: Bully for Gateway

Actually they just closed the Gateway store in my town last week. They only gave the employee's a week's notice that they where going to close their store.

-Hugh

Originally posted by MacQuest


Umm...I'd hate to be the one to break this to you, but...Gateway will most likely be out of business by this time next year:

http://money.cnn.com/2003/03/17/technology/gateway.reut/index.htm

I am just relaying what I've been hearing from financial analysts as well as Gateway employees that I've met. This seems to be the consensus across the board.

They've been shutting down stores consistently since the year 2000. I'm actually surprised that there are any stores left. At least there's 76 less to worry about as of recent and as noted in the article I linked above. Although I do feel bad for the 1,900 Gateway employees who have recently been layed off...

On a happier note though, Apple, within the past 2 years, has opened 50+ successfull Apple Stores and is rumored to be planning international stores as well:

Tokyo
https://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/02/20030214115816.shtml

Netherlands
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-943509.html

Australia and Canada
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14396&apple+retail+stores+international

All this amidst horrid economic conditions. Kinda makes you think how strong Apple will be when the economy bounces back and it has better, and hopefully, new products.

 

[Qball]

Originally posted by Shrek
Well, good. At least now Apple will have some competition. That could make things much more interesting.

Gateway's strategy is so screwed. They copy Apple and then specifically target Apple in their ads. Apple only has 4-5% of the market. No offense to Apple, but Gateway should just copy Apple in every way and then advertise how much better they are than Compaq & Dell. That's their true competition.

Wake up Gateway. We're not switching back to PC.

 

[finknottle]

To all new Gateway customers
Rip-Burn-Repent at your leisure