“A pair of Apple Computer symbols debuted at MacArthur Center last week, marking possible locations for a coming retail store. The trademark bitten-apple silhouette stands out in Hampton Roads, where Macintosh computers remain a minute minority,” Kate Shellnutt reports for The Virginian-Pilot.
“The continued popularity of iPods and the introduction of Intel-based computers have spurred Apple sales nationwide. Coupled with the promotion of the coming Apple store, local Mac market share may be poised for growth,” Shellnutt reports. “Apple computers achieved a 4.6 percent share of the U.S. computer market in July, up from 3.2 percent two years ago, Gartner Research reported. Half of the 216,000 computers bought at Apple stores worldwide between April 1 and July 1 were purchased by first-time Mac users, according to the company.”
Shellnutt reports, “Apple is in the midst of switching all its computers to Intel processors, starting with its iMac desktops in January. The MacBook and MacBook Pro, Intel-based laptops, became available in May, and their popularity doubled Apple’s laptop market share, from 6 percent in January to 12 percent in July, according to The NPD Group, an industry research firm. ‘In general, the rap on Mac was that it was expensive, it was not compatible with Windows and it was a peripheral,’ said Stephen Baker, NPD’s director of industry analysis. ‘That is not true anymore.'”
“Apple’s 155 retail stores, with a wider selection of products, free instructive programming and a Genius Bar for support and repairs, “bring Apple to a whole different level,” said Brian Fountain, a Norfolk Apple enthusiast and the president of the Tidewater Area Macintosh Users Group,” Shellnutt reports. “The stores are known for their distinctive aesthetics and interactive displays. Apple has four stores in Virginia, three in the Washington area and one at Short Pump Town Center outside Richmond.”
Full article here.
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