1.11.2005
2005, The Year of Apple
No, I'm not talking about Chris and Gwyneth's new child. I'm talking about those makers of well-designed non-crashing computers, iPods, and a huge cult following.
After selling about a zillion iPods last year, Apple just announced the release of the iPod shuffle, a diminutively-sized audio player starting at $99, and the Mac mini, a tiny multimedia-focused Mac starting at $499.
Sure, this may sound like nothing new to most techies, but I see two distinctive elements Mac is addressing that may lead to another huge market-share gain. First, PRICE. Macs have always been written off as being too expensive for the great mass of computer buyers. Why buy a Mac for $1500 when you can get the "same" thing in a PC version for $750? Well, with a machine starting at $499, they've certainly made a strong argument to put the "too-pricey" qualms to rest. Ditto goes for the iPod shuffle, and with a price tag from $99-$149 (instead of the normal $299+), deeper market penetration certainly seems to follow.
The other interesting feature to these gadgets is SIZE. Apparently the iPod shuffle is about the size of a pack of gum, and the Mac mini is "just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches tall." Why does this matter? Smaller size = greater transportability and therefore greater assimilation into people's everyday life.
Sounds like a good year for Apple. I just wish I had some cash to buy some new toys (and maybe a few shares of their stock).
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