“According to popular consensus, the much beloved iPod has boosted Apple Computer’s Mac sales and may ultimately help the company get into phones,” Michael Kanellos reports for CNET News. But five years of PC sales data paint a far more complicated picture than conventional wisdom would have it. Did the arrival and popularity of the iPod coincide with a reversal of an ominous slide in sales of personal computers at Apple? Yes. But sales at many other PC makers grew as well.”
“In fact, industry experts say other factors, such as lower prices and new technology, may have as much to do with the slow reversal of the Mac’s fortunes as the iPod,” Kanellos reports.
“Overall, Apple shipped 52 percent more computers in 2005 than it did in 2002. And so far, 2006 is shaping up to be a banner year. In the third quarter, Apple accounted for 2.79 percent of the global market and 5.71 percent of the U.S. market,” Kanellos reports. “How much of the surge can be attributed to the iPod? That depends on your perspective. Market share in PCs has jumped. A similar “halo effect,” theoretically, could give Apple a boost if, as many expect, it pushes into phones. But the iPod isn’t the only thing goosing Mac sales.”
Full article here.
It’s a combination of things that are boosting Apple’s Mac sales, not just one thing. In random order:
• Windows insecurity, frustration
• More knowledgeable, more tech savvy consumers
• Apple’s growing network of retail stores
• Mac product placement in media
• Steve Jobs’ keynotes and special events
• Apple’s robust financial health
• ‘Switcher’ and ‘Get a Mac’ campaigns
• iPod Halo Effect
• Boot Camp, Parallels offering Windows users a more palatable way to try Mac
• Lower Mac prices, price competitiveness with comparably-featured Windows PCs
• Mac users helping spread the word: “there is a better way”
• Excellent Mac reviews
• Excellent Mac OS X and Apple software (iLife, others) reviews
• iTunes for Windows Halo Effect
• Superior design
Related articles:
Apple’s Mac market share surges, up 35-percent year-over-year as growth accelerates – November 01, 2006
Analyst: Apple has ‘real shot at dramatically expanding Macintosh market share’ – October 31, 2006
Analyst: Apple Mac gains market share, the reason why is significant – October 26, 2006
IDC: Apple Mac attained 5.8% of U.S. market share in Q3 06 – October 18, 2006
Gartner: Apple Mac grabbed 6.1% of U.S. market share in Q3 06 – October 18, 2006
Apple Q4 earnings results: $546M net profit on $4.84B revenue, sold 1.61M Macs, 8.729M iPods – October 18, 2006
Gartner: Apple Mac grabbed 4.6% U.S. market share in Q2 06 – July 19, 2006
IDC: Apple Mac attained 4.8% U.S. market share in Q2 06 – July 19, 2006
V.I.S.T.A. is the reason…
Virus, Infection, Spyware, Trojan, Adware.
That are the 5 reasons that people are leaving Windows.
Almost forgot: even though i’ve become a huge Apple supporter, i’ve respect for Microsoft and other companies. Computers are tools so if there was something better (for me) than Apple products, i’d use it.
Michael Cheung,
‘I have never heard anyone say that about any other electronic device, let alone a windows machine.’
My girlfriend loves her new Jackrabbit personal vibrator and the case of ‘D’ cell batteries I gave her for her birthday.
I don’t see her much anymore.
“What’s boosting Apple Computer’s Mac sales?”
Space aliens, I tell you! It’s a conspiracy!
Who Bucking Fares about any relationship with the iPod! Bottom line you tech writer wankers- No one gives a rats arse!
Apple is selling their computers on their own merit, and because they are beautifully constructed pieces of technology.
Relate that!
“But five years of PC sales data paint a far more complicated picture than conventional wisdom would have it.”
I love it when someone says “conventional wisdom” when talking about the personal computer industry. Oh yeah, those time tested theories that go back, gosh, almost 25 years. This game is still BRAND NEW, kids, and it’s going to change a lot, in very big ways, before any “conventional wisdom” can be established.
Computers have been, for the last 15 years, basically razor blades. You use one, and after a few days you toss it. Nothing special about it (okay, it might have 17 blades and a jet engine by now, but…). Certainly nothing to get attached to.
Apple is one of the few companies that don’t make razor blades, they make the sweet self-cleaning foil shaver that you’ll use for 10 years. A few other companies are doing it, too, but none of them have their own OS. ;P
The MS way is not long for this world. Computer companies are going to have to start building WHOLE COMPUTERS, not receptacles for some shaven, chair-throwing monkey’s latest ‘vision’. MS took the whole pie for over a decade and let it spoil, and we’re all getting sick of the stench.
-c
MW: ‘done’ (with my homework, going out to play in the snow)
“What’s boosting Apple Computer’s Mac sales?”
It’s the window stickers that come with every new Mac!
Mail’s built-in, ad-free spam filter is superior to anything I’ve found on the Windows side so far. What a waste of time I’ve spent searching for a decent filter, only to be limited by Trial and “Free” versions that lack critical features.
My vote is for number one on the MDN list! Total frustration and utter disgust with every version of Windows since 3.0. For years, I think I was really a “closet Mac user” as I watched Windows get worse and worse with every version. I’ve finally seen the light and there ain’t no goin’ back!
Get a Mac. It just WORKS! (preaching to the choir here…)
MW=USING (as in I’m tired of Micro$haft “using” me to further their profit margin)
<No kidding, huh?>