Can we file a class action against Apple?

[FlashLackey]

As far as others coming to market with similar (better) products, it really won't matter in the grand scheme of things. People will still talk about the Slate and others with comments like 'So, it's like an iPad?' There are tissue makers other than Kleenex, but none that I buy...

Apple sold record numbers of them in the first 3 months and there are still Apple stores in this country where you cannot walk in and buy one all the time. They don't need to be the best, they just need to do what they're doing to be king of the hill.

To me, having the largest market share is what makes a business "king of the hill." So, selling less than your competitors would matter more than people remembering that you made the first version of a type of product.

[hanratty21]

^ ^ ^
Not sure at all what you mean? Who is selling less? And less of what product? Are we still talking iPad here? Is there actual competition that you're referring to?

Or is this some sort of hypothetical statement about when someone comes to market and magically manages to outsell the iPad? Zune, anyone?

[FlashLackey]

Android phones are already outselling iPhones. Presumably due to price difference.

There are a lot of new touchscreen products coming onto the market that I believe will outsell the iPad due to price difference.

Similar to how other brands outsell every other Apple product due to price difference.

[hanratty21]

Presumably due to price difference.

That's a big presumption. There are many more Android phones on the market. Sheer volume could just as easily be the reason. Could also be that people choose not to use ATT. Could also be that iPhone is not what they're looking for. Perhaps they want a physical keyboard.

Don't presume.

...that I believe will outsell the iPad due to price difference.

Well, until someone ACTUALLY comes out with a viable competitor, I guess this discussion is moot. Again, believe what you want, but presumption is overrated.

[FlashLackey]

That's a big presumption. There are many more Android phones on the market. Sheer volume could just as easily be the reason. Could also be that people choose not to use ATT. Could also be that iPhone is not what they're looking for. Perhaps they want a physical keyboard.

Don't presume.


Well, until someone ACTUALLY comes out with a viable competitor, I guess this discussion is moot. Again, believe what you want, but presumption is overrated.

Like how you presumed the way you thought iPads would be used before you had links to show?

Don't presume yourself.

The reason why people choose Android over iPhone isn't really the main point. Though, I do think that it's primarily price driven. The point is that iPhone is not on track to be "king of the hill" for much longer. I don't think the iPad is either. It will be too easy for competitors to make and sell that device for less.

I think companies will be giving such devices away similar to the way netbooks come with every deal you can think of now.

And yes, it's a prediction. Not a reality. I never presented the idea as anything else. Doubt it if you want. But, don't say I didn't tell you so when it happens.

[hanratty21]

But, don't say I didn't tell you so when it happens.

I won't. But I'll be sure to tell you when it doesn't.

All of these phantom 'competitors' you'd like to see take the king of the hill title away have one thing missing. Ubiquity. The App Store integrated with iTunes is key to Apple's success in all of their mobile products.

Apple also has momentum on it's side. Momentum which does not seem to be letting up at all.

[FlashLackey]

I thought it was about enterprise solutions?

Corporations don't care for or need the App Store or iTunes. If a hospital wants to order 300 touchscreen devices to run one proprietary health care application, there will be no reason for them not to go with a less expensive device. There isn't anything sophisticated about the technology in an iPad. A $200 Dell version with Windows or Linux would do just as well for them.

And the competition is far from phantom. Dell, Asus, Google, Aigo, HP, Cisco and many others are preparing to launch variations that compete in varying ways. Some with price, others features. Just google "iPad killer" and you'll get a few hits, articles and press releases.

[hanratty21]

And the competition is far from phantom. Dell, Asus, Google, Aigo, HP, Cisco and many others are preparing to launch

Preparing to launch = phantom.

Perhaps you should google iPad popularity.

Better yet, let me google something for you.

As far as "it" being about enterprise solutions, it's about the entire process. Enterprise will drive one level of distribution, kids demanding an iPad (not an Aigo or whatever) in their stocking will drive another level. As will gadget freaks. As will Apple fanboys. Get it? Good.

[gerbick]

The step towards enterprise so quickly wasn't entirely shocking, it's the folks making the move to Objective C so quickly that's caught me off-guard.

Sadly... I might have to join the ranks of Apple iPad owners for a possible project being pitched to me here soon.