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Send each idea as a separate submission in a single paragraph of 100 words or less:
Apple Hardware & Software Suggestions (82)
(Jot down the numbers of your 3 favorite suggestions and VOTE! at the end of this page)
(Not necessarily listed in order of
importance)
Apple
needs to make a machine
and OS that can't crash!
(Build it and they will come!)
- Entered 7/97. #1 - Vote=2
Apple
needs to make a machine
with a relatively inexpensive full-page color monitor.
- Entered 7/97. #2 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make a machine
with NTSC composite (TV) output/input.
- Entered 7/97. #3 - Vote=1 - THANKS
Apple!
Apple
needs to make a machine
with an affordable thin screen monitor.
- Entered 7/97. #4 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make a machine
with a monitor that swivels.
- Entered 7/97. #5 - Vote=1 - THANKS
Apple!
Apple
needs to make a machine/OS
that has protected system memory, to help prevent crashes.
- Entered 7/97. #6 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to stop with all
the different models already! What happened to small, medium, large and
extra large? You're confusing the customer!- Make only a few good models,
even if you have to put all your money on one good horse. Focus! Focus!
Focus! - Entered
7/97. #7 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh G3 build-to-order on-line direct
sales, with fewer advertised models!
Apple
needs to give away new
OS software, and even hardware calculated to yield future benefits. Tie
developer and shareware author agreements to future version profitability.
- Entered 7/97. #8 - Vote=2
Apple
needs to know what everyone
knows, but no one wants to admit, that gaming drives a huge portion of
the computer industry- Apple should get on the bandwagon!
- Entered 7/97. #9 - Vote=1 - THANKS
MESA members!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh Entertainment Software
Association!
Apple
needs to offer a machine
that has reasonable cost PC compatibility (not $1,000 for a plug
in card), to help allay potential customer's fears about diminishing choices
for Mac software, and third party add-on hardware, and an uncertain company
future. - Entered
7/97. #10 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to be primarily
a software supplier of platform independent applications, and give the
world a superior alternative to Microsoft Windows.
- Entered 7/97. #11 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to put a "lost
leader" on their machines to make people buy them. Something
like a DVD drive, a CD-R drive, or a scanner, etc. If you're going down
you want to go down fighting. The bottom line is already gone- you may
as well try something radical!
- Entered 7/97. #12 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh lines, many with zip drives
included!
Apple
needs to build some superior
business applications that will be applauded by the business community.
- Entered 7/97. #13 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to pick the best
of the Wintel portables in each category, and then make a better/cheaper
one. - Entered 7/97.
#14 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to get rid of the
cables & go wireless. The technology has been ready, willing, and able
for quite awhile.
- Entered 7/97. #15 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to tap into the
move toward push media technology by creating a network computer with state-of-the-art
technologies, such as; videogame support for Nintendo 64, top-notch graphics
with Quickdraw 3D support, and the best possible bandwidth.
- Entered 7/97. #16 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to build a PDA
for under $250 that actually does something. Such as; cellular e-mail,
56 Channel TV; Internet phone home, etc.
- Entered 7/97. #17 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to port the Mac
OS to the Intel platform, with its huge investment in hardware, software,
training, and experience. Don't ignore it; co-opt it. Operating systems
are dependent on installed base; that is your biggest hurdle now, not the
head-to-head , feature-set comparison between Windows and Mac OS.
- Entered 7/97. #18 - Vote=2 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Rhapsody OS!
Apple
needs to take advantage
of NeXT's easy and powerful OpenStep programming tools to entice a new
generation of Mac software developers.
- Entered 7/97. #19 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Rhapsody OS and its object tools!
Apple
needs to abandon the
operating system it just acquired and run the Windows NT kernel instead.
This would let Mac run existing PC programs. (Microsoft actually has Windows
NT working on Mac hardware. It also has emulation of Mac programs with
NT running on both Power PC and x86.)
- Entered 7/97. #20 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make Java work
on it's OS. Then develop an enterprise computing strategy in partnership
with Sun. - Entered
7/97. #21 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to get the top
systems integrators to push NeXt's WebObjects as the ultimate intranet/internet
development environment. You cornered desktop publishing, now do it with
the Web! The Web is even bigger, and there is plenty of room in this area
for new tools. -
Entered 7/97. #22 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to build a computer
and OS that features a diagnostic/error handling (ROM?) shell that completely
isolates, contains, and recovers from; all system errors, freezes, file
conflicts, memory management problems, hard drive problems, SCSI/termination
problems, etc. This area of environment stability has been improving steadily
over the years, but still needs work. Rock-solid, uninterruptable platform
sentience is a future necessity - and should be a present day Apple projects
imperative. I know you can lick this biggie Apple. Good luck, break a leg,
and don't forget to file specific, unique-use copyrights.
- Entered 7/97. #23 - Vote=1
Go Apple!!
Thanks for listening.
Apple
needs to simplify their
personal computer product line. Reduce the number of motherboards, and
the number of system models.
- Entered 7/97. #24 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh G3 build-to-order on-line direct
sales, with fewer advertised models!
Apple
needs to release their
450 and 533 MHZ processors this summer. Your lead over Intel will be remarkable.
And when the new operating system is instituted, the PowerPC will really
kick butt. Brag about this!
- Entered 7/97. #25 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make damn sure
that Rhapsody also runs on the Intel chip.
- Entered 7/97. #26 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Rhapsody OS!
Apple
needs to create a new
colorful kids computer for the home and school (Maybe in the cute Mac Plus/SE
style.) Make it an upgradable Mac/Wintel-compatible machine, in bright,
rugged (Apple rainbow) multi-colors that can take multiple layers of stickers
and other abuses, that a young user will be proud to call their own. This
computer has two killer apps: auto-grading of homework for the teachers;
wireless e-mail note passing for the students. Price: $350-$400 before
upgrades. - Entered
7/97. #27 - Vote=1 -
Apple has made several rounds of price reductions, and sj has announced
a low cost consumer machine due out in the fall of '98!
Apple
needs to price their
CPUs to sell. Offer novice first time Mac buyers the ability to enter the
Mac market at a very competitive price, and later move up the power
curve as their level of sophistication matures. The large initial price
keeps new buyers away.
- Entered 7/97. #28 - Vote=1
(Note: IMHO this idea coupled with the multi-colored kids computer
idea above, is among the best suggestions on this page - it reminds of
early Apple's school program; but even better. - Ed.) - Entered
7/97 - Apple has made
several rounds of price reductions, and sj has announced a low cost consumer
machine due out in the fall of '98!
Apple
needs to include a CD-ROM
disc with each of their new entry level computers, that contain cute integrated
programs for home use, such as; family album/genealogy; friends and family
friendly letter/envelope printer/dialer, home inventory, etc. And a nice
multi-media program that explains Apple's history, product line, and offers
easy e-mail/voice employee accessibility, and description of Apple's departmental
hierarchy. - Entered
7/97. #29 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to develop a way
to program for the rest of us that requires no scripting or coding. A visually
based connect the icons language similar to Novell's Visual Appbuilder
program is a good example, and might even be available for purchase by
Apple. (Note:
We may see this emerge out of the newly acquired NeXT technology. - Ed.)
- Entered 7/97. #30 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to open discussions
with Video Technology (If they are still around) and Franklin Computer,
to work as partners on Apple projects, and other "shareable"
technologies. Give them a generous discount on the license arrangement,
if they are interested.
- Entered 7/97. #31 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make the cheapest,
easiest to use, Web server on the market!
- Entered 7/97. #32 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to offer a nicer
software bundle (better than the substantial PC clone bundles): The Apple
Office, all the software you need for the right price. That would help
ally the concerns most people have about software. Ironically enough, I
think most people who buy PCs only buy Microsoft Office and maybe one or
two other programs, almost everything else comes with the computer.
- Entered 7/97. #33 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to recognize that
Microsoft's Achilles heel is that I think most people really don't like
Windows much. They tolerate it, because they've been told that it's all
that's available, but I think many of them would bolt if there was something
that looked even halfway viable. The message Apple has to provide is that
there is a choice, there's plenty of software for most things you'd want
to do, and the platform is still going places - new systems are coming
out at a fine pace. Indeed, I believe the fastest PC running a mainstream
consumer OS is a Mac. (Digital Alphas running NT don't count because there's
no real software for them).
- Entered 7/97. #34 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to definitely design
a new look for the OS. (Of course maybe they're doing that with System
8 - I really don't know). The on-screen controls should be updated so they
at least have the 3D look; that will supply the perception that things
are going on in the OS environment, whether they really are or not. I don't
think that's something that can wait for Rhapsody; do it now!
- Entered 7/97. #35 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! - For OS 8 and the new Rhapsody OS!
Apple
needs to know that Bill
and crew full well understand their own weakness. If you wonder why Microsoft
continues to run like stink even though it seems like they have the world
by their feet, that's why. I think at bottom, they're scared. Ironically
enough, that very running may well keep them on top for a while. It's complacency
that helped limit companies like IBM and Digital; this is one thing you
can't say Microsoft has.
If Microsoft is eventually done in, it will be because people realize how
horrifyingly bad most of their products are.
- Entered 7/97. #36 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to create incentive/evangelist
programs to stimulate software development. Speaking as a software developer
- SHOW ME THE MONEY! I like the comment that small developers are actually
better off on the Mac, because Mac users are more willing to take a chance
with an untried company, as long as they put out a good product. I've noticed
that a lot of innovative products, like the Connectix QuickCam, come to
Apple first and then get moved to the PC world once established. So I think
there's a good idea there - encourage and support small developers to do
great stuff! - Entered
7/97. #37 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to go back to the
toll free tech support. Do you know how many of us MIS people are getting
pissed off at MS because they charge us to call and report bugs with their
software? - Entered
7/97. #38 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to work on making
a larger entertainment software division.
- Entered 7/97. #39 - Vote=1 - THANKS
MESA members!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh Entertainment Software
Association!
Apple
needs to bundle VirtualPC
with EVERY Mac and leave no reason to get a Wintel. Take a lesson from
Sony's beta. Having a superior system does not mean you're going to sell
it. - Entered 7/97.
#40 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to increase the
number of developers for the Mac. One way to do this is to help in some
way, small developers to get their products on the market and begin to
make money for it.
- Entered 7/97. #41 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to encourage software
companies to produce Mac OS versions of their software, Apple should offer
them a one-time free use of Apple's mailing list of customers so that the
software company could advertise their Mac OS products to potential buyers
via direct mail at significantly lower costs than they could otherwise.
- Entered 7/97. #42 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to build those
killer boxes we've been waiting for! Give Power Computing the freedom to
do so. Better yet buy Power Computing and let them fix those terrible bus
speeds, tiny L2 caches and Low RAM configurations that you give us! - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple! I've
been a MacAddict ;-) since 1984! I've had an approved Apple loan since
last October but you simply refuse to build me a top of the line machine
that is not crippled in some way. I want video in/out and 64MB RAM base,
4GB HD 16x or better CD-ROM, Jaz and Zip options, wicked fast bus speeds,
fast built-in video, FAST and HUGE L2 caches at least 1MB like PowerCC.
I also love that back-end 275Mhz cache speed on their new 275Mhz G3 prototype
box. And build a bunch of 'em 'cause your gonna need 'em... IT REALLY HELPS
THE BOTTOM LINE WHEN YOU MAKE ENOUGH BOXES TO ACTUALLY SELL TO CUSTOMERS!
- THANKS sj!, THANKS
Apple! What a concept!
I should be CEO. GET WITH IT or get OUT OF THE WAY and let Power
fix and build the boxes for you!
P.S. - Power Computing -- the reason I haven't bought a killer machine
from you yet is because you haven't given me a payment plan. And your lease
option is only for business. I want a killer machine now and I want it
for ME not for my business. I deserve it and I can flat out make use of
it! - Entered 7/97. #43 - Vote=1
Apple
should... I work in the
EDA (Electronic Design Automation) world. We had Mac's here for business
and admin., but the PC is slowly (quickly) replacing them. There are very
little applications out there for electronic and mechanical /architectural
CAD for the Mac, and that's but one reason why the Mac market is dissolving.
There are no high end EDA solution on the Mac. I hear engineers every day
down the hall complaining about the PC/Wintel platform, and how much easier
it would be if they were developing on the Mac! I'll bet that within 2
years, there won't be a Mac at this company, where we used to have thousands.
(Sad...) Apple has to get into companies like mine and do some major
damage control. -
Entered 7/97. #44 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to bundle HyperCard.
HyperCard should be included for free with the MacOS. It used to be included
for free with all Macintoshes. HyperCard lets even non-programmers develop
applications, and helps encourage the use of the MacOS. That's worth more
than the $89 Claris gets for selling Hyper Card. One of the most popular
games of all time, Myst, is a HyperCard project!
- Entered 7/97. #45 - Vote=1
Apple
needs games, games, games,
games. More than half of my friends buy computers because they want games,
that's when they turn to PCs. Why did you ever halt the game sprocket?
It was such a good move that had just started to show its pay off.
- Entered 7/97. #46 - Vote=1 - THANKS
MESA members!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh Entertainment Software
Association - stay tuned for game develpments here!
Apple
should simplify the System
folder!!! I know that OS 8 will have new "blessed" folders to
help organize things more, but lets face it: There are WAY TOO MANY Control
Panels now!!! How about consolidating them? Example: Take the three Open
Transport Control Panels (TCP/IP, PPP, and Modem) and consolidate them
into one OT Control Panel?
- Entered 7/97. #47 - Vote=1
Apple
should bring back Hypercard
from the dead and give it away to everyone.
- Entered 7/97. #48 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to continue the
hardware business, despite the anal_lists opinions, as follows: A. Workstations:
PowerMac 6XOO, 7XOO, 8X00, 9XOO for professional users (content creation,
CAD, CAM, scientists, etc.) Price as current B. Servers: Powerhouse servers,
both implementing the Mac OS and the future Rhapsody OS. The server market
has HIGH MARGINS!!! C. Network Computers: The way to inspire the business
folks to save money. Imagine a network that has NCs that cost <$800
(plus a monitor), that can be administered from the server! No more administering
each individual machine (upgrading, servicing, etc.). Give the business
people what they want--cheap computers! This is what they wanted a long
time ago, while Apple was making "workstations" that actually
did have more than wanted (multimedia! for my secretary? "I'm not
going to pay for that!") That was/IS the mindset,...MONEY, MONEY,
MONEY!!! The customer is asking for it--build it! D. Consumer Computers
(see below with the updated Newton OS/Pippin Platform). These are for the
folks that will NEVER buy a computer! Lots of them out there. Just listen
to the horror stories of upgrading the awesome new Win95! -
Entered 7/97. #49 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to... Newton, Inc.
has a little catching up to do. A. How come MS (Microsoft) is not only
capitalizing on the Mac "look and feel" with Win95, but also
with WinCE? The WinCE units are easier to use (less handwritten recognition)
than the Newton units (until you have poked around figuring it out). Well,
consumers do not spend enough time poking around in the store--they see
WinCE anyways. B. A subject not even looked upon! As follows: MS is trying
to purchase WebTV Networks. Apple used to have the Pippin, and fully licensed
it to Bandai. Good move:) The replacement for the Pippin should be as follows:
The same as WebTV:) Surprise! The WebTV is an awesome unit! Sells for $249
and fully upgrades itself (due to it being a super-thin-client, the server
is actually updated). The WebTV unit also knows what the local ISP # is
when plugged in, and those former Apple employees have redeveloped the
TVs resolution to be much sharper--like your monitor! This is the ultimate
Consumer Computer, related to the Network Computer. Now here's the eye-catcher:
This new devise is not like the Pippin, no CD player (upgradable however)
to have the OS and software, because the OS lies on the FLASH ROM and is
upgraded via the server, all software, preferences, etc are on the server,
etc. And like the WebTV, the new Consumer Computer will have the look and
feel of an upgraded Newton OS (to look and fell more like the Mac). This
is what MS is doing. MS is making the WebTV into WinCE! A "desktop"
OS with the Mac "look-and-feel." Already the WebTV/WinCE has
been demoed to work in Hotels with the following new icons on the WinCE
desktop "TV," "Movies," and "Music." Your
Hotel room just became cool! The customer is asking for it--build it!
- Entered 7/97. #50 - Vote=1
Apple:
Software! If Steve Jobs
is correct, it takes only three people to make a spreadsheet compared to
MSs 200+ Excel workers, due to the Powerful OpenStep tools and Objects!
OK, so here's a list of what we need: A. Front Office (word processor:
that implements the QTML, all media types, and publishes to the press and
the web, includes templates for all types of needs; spreadsheet that includes
all formulas and can tap into Statistica and Mathmatica, etc, with tons
of templates from leading spreadsheet examples!; database that rocks!;
(built-in email/fax into Rhapsody so forget about that one). B. Back Office
(Inventory that works with handheld devices like the MessagePad, Accounting
software, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, etc. C. Operations: CAM, etc. D.
Workstation: CAD, graphics, animation, music, etc.
- Entered 7/97. #51 - Vote=1
Apple:
Solutions Provider. Yes-sir-ee, that's one that is a MUST! Apple needs
to let others REAP IN THE REWARDS-- SHOW ME THE MONEY! Well, train some
folks on how to take real world situations and solve their problems with
Apple hardware and software. Pretty simple, but a real mess when you try
to do it all yourself. Also you have to let others reap in the money from
your platform. Look at GM, they make 80% off of parts, and most folks get
their autos fixed at third party service stations, not GM dealers. That
analogy is why MS is so successful--MS is GM! Let the others make the money
(period). Let others show your products off as you are doing with WebObjects,
such as Lante <http://www.lante.com>,
who has expertise in Lotus Domino (a very similar product).
- Entered 7/97. #52 - Vote=1
Apple
needs corporate software
solutions just like NeXT Software was doing. An MS insider has informed
me that MS has "great plans" of doing just that. Now, how could
Apple revert an IS dept that has proprietary software solutions crafted
by MS? It will then be almost entirely impossible for anyone to change
those companies around to any other platform once they are tailored to
the MS solution. The NeXT inside of Apple knows this, let them continue.
That's not the answer, but its one hell of a start and allows Apple to
make some serious money ($20B+) in sales, customers are happy, shareholders
are happy, and others are making money--so we're all happy (and stinking
rich). - Entered
7/97. #53 - Vote=1
Apple
should make the Finder
3-D, with the extra dimension being used for feedback as much as "flash."
3-D icons, folders that open up in front of your eyes, folders that appear
fat or skinny depending on how much stuff is in them, Windows that "unfold"
before you. THANKS
OS 8! - THANKS Apple!
Apple should also get rid of the Open and Save dialog boxes and have programs
send people back to the Finder instead. The Open and Save dialog boxes
are a holdover from when the Mac wasn't always running the Finder in the
background and the user needed access to the directory structure for file
placement. - Entered 7/97. #54 - Vote=1
Apple
Hardware: I began with
the 128k Mac and (I can't believe I'm writing this......) Even though disk
swapping was the norm in those days I almost never had a crash. I never
got to see the ugly Mac face with the x in it and I didn't want to. It
was a great machine because it was reliable and productive. I now have
a 7200 PPC that looks much better and does a ton more on the surface, but
I'm still pretty much doing the same things on my 7200 that I did on the
128k machine just lots faster. Both machines have one thing in common.
DATA I really don't care much about the machine I use but I want the machine
to be able to manage my DATA easily and reliably. Both are key.
Here's where my idea comes in:
Apple has a wonderful technology in the Newton I have a MP 100 that I really
like because I can jot down notes and it provides an interface with me
and my Mac even though it's a pain sometimes hooking it up and getting
everything to talk to each other. Here is what I want as a consumer, and
it is close to what Guy was touting years ago. I want a Data transferring
tool. 1. I want to be able to plug my newton into the front of my Macintosh
like a game cartridge and have it sync my files automatically, I want to
be able to enter data to and from my newton while in this Mac interface.
I want my Mac to recharge my newton while in this bay. 2. I want my newton
to plug into my flip phone and I want to be able to transfer data (phone
numbers etc) to and from my phone. I want to be able to use my newton as
a duplex phone and this connection could also be used make wireless fax/internet
connections. The Newton is a perfect data transfer tool that just needs
to be made a little more convenient. Key connections are 1. Easy interface
with my Mac (NO WIRES) 2. Easy interface with my phone. Wires may be needed
for duplex features. Please consider this idea, I don't believe any of
the crap people say about the Newton, I believe it could save Apple if
a version of the Newton were sold with every desktop machine. It would
be like taking the duo to the opposite extreme. Leaving the bulky desktop
at home and just carrying around the data. For me the data will always
be more valuable than what it is in.
- Entered 7/97. #55 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to search out small
software areas that are strictly Wintel oriented and have a software group
at Apple bring out timely Mac versions. These are highly visible to the
customer but are not huge commercial applications. Examples: a local university
does not offer online classes to Mac users because they only have Wintel
interface software, AOL's premium games were for Windows 95 only for the
beginning, my accountant has Wintel interface software so I cannot use
the net to transmit my company's finances to him. The MacWay digest has
several examples of this every day. -
Entered 7/97. #56 - Vote=1
Apple
should NOT abandon innovative,
productive technologies that are unique to the Macintosh - things that
make Wintel users sit up and go "Wow!". Things like the virtual
multi-monitor desktop, which is impossible (AFAIK) to use in the Powerbook
3400. - Entered 7/97.
#57 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to have their former
"Performa" type machines CPU upgradable like Power Computing.
I am speaking of the 6500 series. Look at the Power base series-a 240 machine
for around 1500. Make machines in the 1400-1800 dollar range fully loaded!
16x+ Cd-roms, NOT 8x! Ram is cheap-24 min. standard plug-in CPU chips -
fully upgradable. Phone assistance 24 hrs as others do! Be innovative-look
what Gateway has-a 31 in. monitor/tv, surround sound, etc. MMX PC system!
For years Apple has been too snobbish - too proprietary. I did get a Franklin
and Laser which worked as well as my Apple 2e. Don't let competitors dictate
technology-beat them to it at a LOWER price. (ex.: Look at the fully loaded
gateway being advertised - monitor/etc. for $1499.) Go out and open some
tech centers/sales stores - franchises for Apple materials, and DON'T dictate
terms to these independents with a thumbscrew. Make it worthwhile for vendors
to WANT to handle Apple products, including REPAIRS! I spent 2 days looking
for help with my 6300 - and drove 40 miles to COMP USA for repairs - which
Apple did not even mention as an authorized center. Finally- get a new
PR and advertising firm. Develop a new focus and slogan - listen to the
customers for input - not the closed-minded corporates!
- Entered 7/97. #58 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to give away Hypercard
with every license of MacOS to encourage the hobbiests.
- Entered 7/97. #59 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to put a ton of
money in to Claris to make an Excel and Word killer so they don't have
to cowtow to Microsoft.
- Entered 7/97. #60 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to give away HyperCard.
It's not the US$89 that are important, but the amount of people that develop
things for HyperCard. Also, Start an Apple FreeWare Division that anyone
who can program can join and make FREE utilities for the Mac.
- Entered 7/97. #61 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to work out a deal
with Connectix for Virtual PC to be bundled with the Mac OS so as to guarantee
consumers application compatibility with the Wintel platform. Soft windows
is also an option, and of course this wouldn't be needed on DOS card models.
Additionally, for the education market, which has a large Apple II investment,
including the Warp 5 Apple IIGS emulator would be a small & cheap added
incentive to stay with Apple.
- Entered 7/97. #62 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to do the biggest
end run ever to save itself. Build a computer that runs Mac software and
PC software many times faster than any Pentium could ever hope to. Offer
it for a price that can't be refused. Let the PC users have better access
to PC software than they've ever had before, but create an environment
where those users can easily be seduced into trying the MacOS and experiencing
its superiority over Windows.
- Entered 7/97. #63 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to keep pushing
the speed barrier so that the Wintel platform can't even pretend to be
keeping up. - Entered
7/97. #64 - Vote=1 - THANKS
sj!, THANKS Apple!
Apple
needs to give Rhapsody
away. Yes! Give it away. Especially Rhapsody for Pentium. First time's
free so Windoze zombies can have a taste of a real OS. Then we have them
hooked for upgrades and hardware.
- Entered 7/97. #65 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make a computer
like the E-mate with a built in modem and a connector to hook into a normal
TV. The keypad should be larger so that people won't criticize it. No lcd
display would be necessary, so the device should be cheaper than the E-mate.
With an ac adapter for power, and automatic connection to the web on power-up
( or something close to that ) Apple would have a real low cost entry into
computers for novices, kind of like a Video game product.
- Entered 7/97. #66 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to make a new keyboard
with LCDs built into the top of each key. The keys could show the current
font on top of each key. If each key included a tiny microchip with enough
memory for 4 bit maps, you could see the shift/option fonts without waiting
for an update to be sent to the keyboard. This would bring the graphical-user-interface
(GUI) to the keyboard! Better yet, if all the function keys where replaced
with keys the size of the shift key, then a real msg could be put up by
the application. No more cardboard templates, but truly useful msgs that
could change as you move about within the application! Such a keyboard
could also let the user do things like select QWERTY or Dvorak style keyboards,
or let international users have their keyboard display characters appropriate
for THEIR language - maybe it could display kanji characters. Games could
reconfigure the keyboard displays to make it easier to control the game.
Apple would have ONE highly versatile keyboard they could sell to everyone
& we customers would benefit from having an advanced GUI keyboard.
- Entered 7/97. #67 - Vote=2
Apple
needs: "One word
- games. After all who else is fueling hardware improvements on the PC
but gamers with (often parental) disposable incomes? With Rhapsody's 'write
once, deploy anywhere' programming future and MacOS's premiere multimedia
capabilities, the Mac is set to be the No. 1 games platform. PC developers
- just look where Bungie is now! Having Quake 2 predicted to come out for
PC just a few months after Quake 1 for Mac sucks - Apple should encourage
developers to dev. for both platforms at the same time, and Rhapsody is
perfect. Gaming is a multi-billion $$ industry as Nintendo et al can attest
to, so let's see the best graphics/network gaming platform on earth get
some. Kick ass!"
- Entered 7/97. #68 - Vote=1 - THANKS
MESA members!, THANKS Apple! - For the new Macintosh Entertainment Software
Association!
Apple
needs a worldwide roll-out
of their system software. 21 in every 22 people do not live in the United
States of America and there is no reason they should wait up to three months
for those updates. Especially when they contain real improvements.
- Entered 7/97. #69 - Vote=1
Apple
hardware: Each Apple
computer (I won't refer to them as Macintoshes) should have the capability
of being a Multi-Platform device. This would be achieved by separating
"the computer" into, on the one hand, those components which
can be shared and are, therefore, common to all platforms, such as the
power supply, data-buses etc, and on the other hand the platform specific
components which would be contained in 'plug-in' modules. (Rectangular
boxes with connectors). A 'platform module' would consist of CPU, ROM,
RAM and Hard disk. These small modules would come with their respective
operating systems pre-loaded. They would simply slide into the main chassis
like a video-cassette. So I'm talking about a modular computer. This carries
the following advantages: Innovation is typically more rapid for the components
in the 'platform modules' and they would be far cheaper to replace than
an entire computer. The customer would keep coming back for new modules;
but the 'chassis' part would be a longer term investment. (Software would,
of course, still be upgraded in the usual way, by loading new versions
onto the hard disk contained in the 'platform module,' via CD Rom or whatever,
and compatibility would be ensured). A 'platform module' would be available
for each of the "popular" platforms. This would enable Apple
to properly service their customers needs for running Windows applications,
for example, without it being perceived as having 'sold out' by 'going
the Windows route.' (A Windows platform module would, of course, contain
an Intel CPU, whereas the MacOS and BEos modules would be PowerPC.) The
different platforms could be readily compared and it would easily become
apparent which platform was the best at specific tasks (e.g. high speed
graphics rendering) A "desktop" (non-mobile) machine, could have
'slots' to hold several modules at the same time, with a master switch
at the front for selecting which "platform" to use during any
one session. This would be a toggle switch which could have each of it's
positions labelled with the corresponding platform's logo. Mobile Apples
would probably only be able to hold one module at a time; but modules could
be swapped, in and out. (Preferably there would be no difference between
the modules used for Mobile and non-mobile Apples). I have no idea whether
any of this is technically feasible; but I doubt if it's beyond the realms
of possibility and hey, we did say "Insanely great" remember?
- Entered 7/97. #70
- Vote=1
Apple
software: Apple should
clarify it's organization with respect to software generally. For example,
when I went to enquire about MacOS 8.0 recently on the net, I was bouncing
backwards and forwards between Apple and Claris. My suggestions pre-suppose
that there should be separate Hardware and software divisions as others
have suggested before, and a separate section within the hardware division
for each of the 'platform modules.' Far more people have heard of Apple
than have heard of Claris and I for one perceive of Claris as a rather
sensible (boring) company. Even the name's boring. I know that seems a
bit cruel; but it's a cruel world, as we're learning. I think Apple software
should be 'Apple software,' period. I see Rhapsody as an operating system
which should move Apple into the future whilst still looking after the
interests of legacy and existing customers; but this should not be at the
expense of exploiting the full potential of the Power PC, or the BEos could
still prove to be a better choice for high speed Graphics, Video etc. I
believe most personal computer enthusiasts want to be able to program those
computers. When Apple bundled the first versions of Hypercard with Macs
it was a very popular move for that reason. Hypercard sold over 400 books;
but I wonder what percentage of people who brought those books actually
became programmers. Although many people have produced truly useful Hypercard
stacks, particularly in the Education and Medical areas, Hypercard didn't
really turn out to be the programming tool many of us hoped it would be.
One product that could turn out to be just that is 'Prograph,' the Graphical
programming environment. Why? because it allows you to program in layers.
You can produce useful applications without getting 'under the hood'; but
you can go much deeper if you wish. It is also a great way of learning
object oriented programming principles and could be a great first programming
language for kids. Prograph appears to be languishing at the moment. Apple
should license it from Pictorius, bring it up to date and bundle it with
every Apple. Each Apple would then be a programmable computer for "the
rest of us."
I hope someone can make use of some of these ideas to help save Apple so
that there is still at least, an alternative. -
Entered 7/97. #71 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to BUY NEW TECHNOLOGY!
Such as Power Secretary or another speech program and bundle it on all
the new computers. Then, Apple needs to hire knowledgeable people who can
go to schools, businesses, reporters, etc. and display the capabilities
and ease of use (side to side) of a Wintel machine and an Apple Mac. Most
people reporting on Wintel machines have never even seen a Mac in operation
and think that if they buy a Wintel it will work as easily as their "dumb"
terminal at work. -
Entered 7/97. #72 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to get out of the
PC hardware business. Printers, keyboards, mouses, peripherals are fine
let the "third parties" make the boxes - have Apple focus on
the operating software. That's the real value Apple provides. -
Entered 7/97. #73 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to create a "one-click"
software package to connect new users to the Internet, including setting
up their web browser, e-mail, news groups and related plug-ins or add-ons.
Right now, it's WAY too complicated to figure out MacTCP, PPP, OT, connection
scripts, and all the rest of it. Many perfectly intelligent friends have
said they don't have the time or patience. -
Entered 7/97. #74 - Vote=1 - THANKS
OS 8! THANKS Apple!
Apple
needs to make a machine
(such as a server or network station) that is hacker proof. -
Entered 7/97. #75 - Vote=1 -
Check out Joakim Jardenberg's initiative to set up a Macintosh server
and inviting the hacker community to try and break into it as one example:
http://www.crackamac.com/ - Ed.
THANKS Joakim! THANKS Apple!
Apple,
in most reports, is still considered hip and cool. Please! Have you looked
at them lately. They're ads are flat, the computer cases are still dull,
and they seem just too Corporate America. They need to revived themselves
with some kick-ass umpth. Read on. The Mac OS: Though this is what is the
installed based for now, it's simply going to have to be tossed when Rhapsody
debuts. That is, only if Rhapsody is everything it's touted as being. Rhapsody:
At first, give it away. Give it to everyone. License it to PC and clone
makers. Make it seem like I HAVE TO HAVE IT! Give the amateur programmer
easy tools to develop programs. I have excellent ideas for applications
and UIs, but just don't know how to get them into reality. That's where
Rhapsody should come into play. Developers are where the strong-arm is
and they should be STRONGLY SUPPORTED, but you need hobbiests as well.
Compete against Windows like you never have before. It's no longer OK being
a niche, because Windows is creeping into every single niche market the
Mac is in, and they're winning. It is time to put the Mac platform everywhere-
not just in the niche market. Licensing: License to every mother @#$!@
who wants it. Get Sony, Toshiba, all the big- guys to make Macs and sell
'em to the masses. It's the OS that counts, not that Apple makes hardware.
Microsoft is software only and... - see!!!!
Hardware (if you have to): Warranties, stress the E-mate since it's a big
hit and sell it to everyone, clone the Powerbook, make cool hi-tech cases
for high end machines and cool gen x colors for low end stuff. Don't make
Macs so sterile. Make them fun! And cheap!
Software: Cater to every person on the planet that wants to write a program
for Rhapsody. The only way to survive is to have essential and non-essential
programs for Rhapsody that you can get no where else. Make the software
so cool it would be years before Windows would be able to catch up- which
is what Microsoft is always doing. -
Entered 7/97. #76 - Vote=1
Apple
needs to take old Macintosh
BASIC off the shelf, dust it off, upgrade it to PPC and bundle it with
all new releases of the MacOS & Rhapsody. Its a great way to give users
a better understanding of their computer and a sense of control over it.
My kids will never be techies, but you should see their sense of power
over the machine when they manage to write a program that makes it do something
that they want it to do. I've been surprised at the number of my teenager's
peers that look down their noses at the Mac because "its not a real
computer - it doesn't run VisualBASIC and other flavors of BASIC are hard
to find for it." Bundling BASIC with the Mac would be an easy way
to make major inroads on this misperception. -
Entered 7/97. #77 - Vote=1
Apple:
I have finally seen a piece of software available for Windows that's not
yet here for the Mac, as far as I can determine, a tool that could become
a killer app: natural voice recognition. It allows writers to dictate and
have their words recognized by a word processor, without speaking in a
stilted voice. It's a dynamite breakthrough for those of us who spend hours
composing at the keyboard. If I'm wrong about the lack of a Mac version,
please let me know! If I'm right, tell Apple. -
Entered 8/97. #78 - Vote=1
Apple
should NOT stop licensing
its OS! The cloners increased the Mac OS market share while Apple had problems
producing enough machines. Stopping licensing would cause two things:
1. Important customers as big companies would stop buying Macs because
they will doubt in the future of their investment (and they will be right).
2. Software developers will stop producing software for the Mac OS as they
expect sinking market shares (and they will be right). So stopping licensing
would be a kind of hari-kari.
With best regards from Munich. -
Entered 8/97. #79 - Vote=1
Apple
should NOT continue to
routinely offer computer hardware items that are one step BEHIND or equal
to the average. For example: don't offer 1.2GB hard drives with the latest
computers when 2.1GBs are the average, and most buyers are looking for
3.2GBs! Don't offer 28.8k modems when that's the average - offer 56k modems!
One reason Apple was successful in the early days was that they consistently
offered the next step up that the customer was already anticipating. -
Entered 8/97. #80 - Vote=1
Apple:
If you guys want to stay in the industry, you have to start manufacturing
IBM compatible machines! No gaming companies or big software companies
are going to make apple compatible versions of their software (except for
a select few). Make EVERYTHING IBM compatible, but still leave your OS
too. Make your motherboards upgradable with PCs. At this point, you guys
just gotta suck it up and face the fact that your OS is not popular anymore
and can't be used by itself! If you tap yourself into the PC hardware and
software, people will think "Hey, if I get this Apple, I can use BOTH
Apple and PC software!" Keep your prices low, until you begin to climb
again. When you really think about it, it's the ONLY way you're going to
stay alive. To sum it up, Make your motherboards compatible with PC peripherals
and Mac peripherals, and the same with the software. You guys are just
going to have to admit that you lost the business bigtime to IBM, and you're
going to have to start manufacturing cheaper IBM compatible machines. Like
I said before, it's THE ONLY way you're going to keep your company. Do
whatever it takes, sign deals with IBM for use with their stuff, but DO
IT! - Entered 8/97.
#81 - Vote=1
Apple:
I have more of an objective observation, rather than a suggestion. I agree
wholeheartedly with the person who said (above)
that you MUST start to manufacture inexpensive PC compatible machines.
Then the buyer is taking a calculated risk by buying Apple, but he/she
is outweighing that risk because the compatibility is present.- But this
translates to a positive decision to purchase only if the price is near
enough to the PC clones. I've come to this conclusion recently because
I myself am now right smack dab in the middle of a buying decision, so
I believe I know of what I speak. Recently my son has entered a state college
and together he and the rest of our family have saved up about $2,000 for
a new computer. I've always had Mac stuff, and my Mac IIcx has served us
all well for many years, but is pretty much obsolete now (16MHz loaded
down runs like about 8MHz). I want to hang on to the IIcx because it is
still useful, but of course won't run much of the new software, games,
and OSs. All my son's friends own PCs (clones), and about 4 family members
have or use PCs. See the odds building up here? My son really likes our
old Mac and other newer (faster) Macs he has used, and is not dead set
against buying a Macintosh (even though all his friends have PCs). We know
that the Macs are better machines, but we also know that almost every piece
of software and available peripheral is considerably cheaper for the PC.
So what's the one thing that would make us (besides loyalty) lean towards
buying a Mac? Not new technology (except OS8) we don't see any! You guessed
it. - PC compatibility and price. Here's what we found:
All prices are for 200MHz, 32MB RAM, 12X CD-ROM, 2GB H.D., 56K modem, entry level color printer, keyboard, system software, mouse, and 15" monitor. We shopped for the best prices we could find, including little or no software bundle, college campus discounts, rebates, latest price reductions, mail order, free shipping, sales tax vs shipping, etc., (without looking at the real cheapies like Packard Bell, or open box, or clearance/refurbished items.) (Note: Some prices have factored values to help equalize features.):
Mail Order Compaq Presario PC
compatible:$1,678. - Entered 8/97
Local office supply store PC compatible:$2,236.
- Entered 8/97
Gateway 2000 PC compatible:$2,278.
- Entered 8/97
Local computer store IBM PC:$2,342.
- Entered 8/97
College Dell PC compatible: $2,562.
- Entered 8/97
Local computer store SONY PC compatible:$2,646.
- Entered 8/97
College MAC 4400/200 w/PC Card:
$3,179. - Entered 8/97
MAC 4400/180/266 w/PC Card: $2,195
Mail Order.
MAC 7300/180/266 w/PC Card: $2,399 Mail Order.
- Entered 3/98 - (Apple dropped computer prices considerably in late '97
and into '98, but to our knowledge a new PC card that is not sold with
an older model, is still about $900-$990 retail. - Ed.)
It's the over-priced PC compatibility card that's messing everything up! ($950-$999). I know you are getting two platforms here, but it just doesn't matter. Like the guy said- it's an absolute necessity that the card (i.e. overall price) be lowered! (By about $400-$600.) We're almost ready to buy, but I can't hold out for Apple/Mac much longer... So, try the price reduction for a while, & see what happens! - Entered 8/97. #82 - Vote=1
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