14.002 8. The Computer Wars Chronicles: ISSUE 72/ No Foolin'
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This article is from the Apple II Csa2 FAQ, by Jeff Hurlburt with numerous contributions by others.
14.002 8. The Computer Wars Chronicles: ISSUE 72/ No Foolin'
Last year's Apple II predictions were, mostly,
on-target. According to a Reuters News Service release, II series
shipments fell nearly 52%. Many new games have not been released
in a II format, some users have defected, and a few established
publications (notably dear old CALL Apple) disappeared. On the
other hand, the Great Apple Dump predicted by some, turned out to
be a 'Dump- ling'; net user base probably held or increased. Most
product releases continue to include, eventually, a II version;
and, s
everal very attractive products are available ONLY for IIe or IIgs. In Star
Trek terminology, the II series took a 'direct hit' in '89; and has come back
stronger and tougher.
Which brings us to the other half of the infamous Issue #67 commentary.
True, we do not see curls of smoke rising from Cupertino, circling vultures,
and fat barbarians bidding for the crown. We do see lower profits, dropping
stock value, and declining market share. Big Green, as in the days just prior
to its last II series 'rediscovery', needs a major, attention-getting,
marketing success. Some "industry analysts" have suggested a low-priced Mac;
but, aside from being a contradiction in terms, IF a fo
r-real '90's technology Cheapo Mac were offered, the first casualty would be
the current high-profit-margin Mac II. A not-for-real sub-performing Cheapo
would, of course, merely repeat IBM's PC Jr. fiasco.
In following through with release of GSOS 5.0, Apple demonstrates that it
is not quite ready to fall on its sword. Whether Big Green has forgotten how to
wield it remains to be seen. A vast market is still wide open, ripe for
plucking by the first manufacturer able to tell a "PC" business machine from a
genuine "Home Computer". Apple used to know the difference; and, with Spring in
the air and just a bit of prompting from its II users, may be on the verge of
remembering.
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