HardOCP News
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I hate to say it, but I think this guy is 100% on the money. Initial demand for the uber-high priced iPhone will no doubt be strong but, once the hype fades, sales will drop off significantly.
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IPhone Sales Will Disappoint?
- Thread starter HardOCP News
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ABSOLUTELY.
As a smart phone, it will be tedious to use. As an iPod....well everyone already has one.
Now, Apple, take the design/interface of the iPhone and design the new iPod around it. Then sit back and count your money as EVERY SINGLE iPod owner double-dips.
As a smart phone, it will be tedious to use. As an iPod....well everyone already has one.
Now, Apple, take the design/interface of the iPhone and design the new iPod around it. Then sit back and count your money as EVERY SINGLE iPod owner double-dips.
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sounds a lot like the ps3 hehe
but you underestimate the religious mac users that will preach the superior ways to everyone they can get to listen
but you underestimate the religious mac users that will preach the superior ways to everyone they can get to listen
GJSNeptune
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Maybe I'll be interested in the iPhone Video G5.
TechLarry
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That's what they said about iPod/iTunes.
Big failure there
Big failure there
That's what they said about iPod/iTunes.
Big failure there
Agreed. I am thinking Apple will have a hard time keeping up with iPhone demand for some time to come... Even consider their ridiculously high price.
Given that people will pay $100s for the newest and greatest phone, let along the 100 million+ iPods which have sold in the last 5 years, I think Apple's right on the money with combing the ubiquitous cell phone with the only slightly less common iPod.
they'll miss their "worthless" free phones
The iphone is better than pretty much any pda/smartphone out there in that it doesn't need a stylus and doesn't have the little keyboard taking up all of the devices real estate. I like it a lot, but I like it at $300-$400, not at $500-$600. If HTC releases their Touch pda at $300-$400, apple can kiss their iphone sales goodbye, because you'll get the same form factor and (finger) touch screen ability with tons more applications (windows mobile) and none of the apple BS (lack of storage upgrading, stranglehold on software/content). Plus, the HTC should be useable with all carriers. I'm anxiously waiting to see what the new HTC device comes in at price wise, end of summer is when I'll be due for a new phone and contract renewal, so if they offer the touch for a decent price, it'll be the way to go.
I'll like to point out you don't need a stylus in a lot of the PDA/Smartphones sold today. Personally I prefer to have a mini keyboard on my device.
The HTC Touch looks nice but it's a triband 900/1800/1900 phone so it won't work that great in the US (reception will be a issue unless they decide to add the 850 band.)
Also it's kind of nice that they're regulating 3rd party software as that would mean less buggy software. It would be nice if they added a memory card slot though.
Even with these limitations there will be a market segment for the iphone. It'll be right up there with the LG Prada, Nokia 8800, Nokia 8600, etc.
With all this said, I'll still pass on the iphone. Personally, I love my Nokia
Manny Calavera
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That's what they said about iPod/iTunes.
Big failure there
Bingo,this will be a hugely successful product for Apple.
HardOCP News
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That's what they said about iPod/iTunes.
Big failure there
So you are buying an iPhone and a two year contract with AT&T? Post pics of it when you get it to share.
But it's not even a "regular PDA." Is lacks 3G. It lacks any enterprise level email conectivity.
It is an iPod with a really crappy phone grafted on to it and a nice UI. Apple does great UI work but it's still lipstick on a pig.
I think it will launch well but only the loyal Acolytes of The Jobs will buy in to it.
D
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The iPhone should appeal very well to the Moto Q / Audiovox Thera / Blackberry user, but not the average user. It is a niche and corporate product.
As I said before, the reason for the RAZR took the MASS market by store was its size. The iPhone is just too big for that kind of sales, even if it was cheaper.
I'm sure Apple knows this and has a "nano" version they are keeping under wraps for the rest of us.
As I said before, the reason for the RAZR took the MASS market by store was its size. The iPhone is just too big for that kind of sales, even if it was cheaper.
I'm sure Apple knows this and has a "nano" version they are keeping under wraps for the rest of us.
iPhone is hardly corporate.
It will appeal to the "casual" blackberry user; ie the 'crackberry' addicts who use their phones simply to e-mail their friends.
Corporate users, who need push technology; updated online contacts and calendars, scheduling capabilities and Infrastructure integration (think "What I see here I will see at my desktop too") will be severely limited with an iPhone.
It's definitely a niche product, but I'm not sure what niche apple is looking to take over with it.
D
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You would be suprised at the companies that hand out smart phones to their employees, but don't actually use them for anything more than voice mail. The hospital where I live does this and so does the local media stations...
Might appeal in situations like that
I feel like Apple was feeling like they couldn't come up with an iPod that looked exactly the same and functioned almost exactly the same yet sold for more and was branded the next generation anymore.
So they came out with an iPod that looked different and seems to act different and called it an iPhone. hahaha
Oh and from that article
"Here in the U.S., we're a nation of button pushers, and we demand our tactile feedback. Soft buttons just don't cut it. Why? In part, it's because of our fat fingers. Blame it on McDonald's or KFC, but our stubby digits tend to mash more than one screen-based button at a timeparticularly when compared with the slender appendages delicately dripping from many European and Asian palms. We're also less facile with our fingers. Basically, we're fat and uncoordinated, and that's why we need buttons."
Thats just plain rude
So they came out with an iPod that looked different and seems to act different and called it an iPhone. hahaha
Oh and from that article
"Here in the U.S., we're a nation of button pushers, and we demand our tactile feedback. Soft buttons just don't cut it. Why? In part, it's because of our fat fingers. Blame it on McDonald's or KFC, but our stubby digits tend to mash more than one screen-based button at a timeparticularly when compared with the slender appendages delicately dripping from many European and Asian palms. We're also less facile with our fingers. Basically, we're fat and uncoordinated, and that's why we need buttons."
Thats just plain rude
Oh and as far as sales.
Other than for work, I do not know more than maybe 1-2 people willing to spend more than $100 dollars on their phone period. I believe for the most part cell phones that are sold in huge quantity are still by and large the free and super cheap brand.
I think it is hilarious that people can scream to high heavens about the PS3 being $600 and yet the $600 dollar dressed up $250 dollar phone/mp3 player is a present from the gods. It is amazing.
Other than for work, I do not know more than maybe 1-2 people willing to spend more than $100 dollars on their phone period. I believe for the most part cell phones that are sold in huge quantity are still by and large the free and super cheap brand.
I think it is hilarious that people can scream to high heavens about the PS3 being $600 and yet the $600 dollar dressed up $250 dollar phone/mp3 player is a present from the gods. It is amazing.
I don't think anyone is excited to pay $600 for an iPod with only 8GB but twice the size of an 80GB, simply because it does music and phone\pda...
I will grant that the excessive iPhone price could certainly be the biggest "hit" to sales. Just the same, I highly doubt Apple/Cingular will have a problem selling the iPhone... just like Sony hasn't had problems selling the PS3. *Sure, one could argue Sony is in third place of the latest gen console wars because of the price, but that's a whole other issue (BluRay format winning out worth far more than #1 console sales position in the short term, etc).
Anyway, back to the iPhone it's sale potential, I can easily see far greater number of users buying this device if Apple/Cingular were to subsidize the purchase price. However, I don't see them doing that any time soon. I'm guessing the the initial launch quantity (if it really is one million units) will sell out very quickly. There are plenty of people with money and/or who simply must have the latest and greatest. Following the razor analogy, those phones sold for 300 for a good year or more after they were first released.
The real question is long term sales of the iPhone....
While I could easily be wrong, I still think Apple will continue selling iPhones in large quantities, long after launch, simply because it is a product which fits a consumer need and does so both beautifully and functionally, and (in following those three criteria) it is an Apple. Now, please don't get me wrong. I couldn't care less about Apple. I'd love to have an iPhone (not to mention a MacBook 17", Mac Pro 8x Core, and a 30" cinema display)... but I'm not likely to buy any of them at current prices... other than the iPhone.... maybe....
Its a beautiful device and I would love to own one...just can't seem to get over the whole phenomenom about it being so ingenuis. You have to give props to Apple and there marketing department. Yes it has a few niche features that will appeal to a niche crowd.
To bad it only works on AT&T wireless.
It will probably see huge numbers sold during the summer and holiday shopping season. Then, after customers start to realize that it wears, breaks, and drops just like there other wireless phones and they start to line up at the Cingular / AT&T wireless stores for replacements and repairs the sells will drop dramatically and consumers who actually use iPods will re-vert back to carring two devices (Wireless phone and iPod). Those that didn't need or want a iPod to start with will still have there music on there phone anyway for a whole lot less that the iPhone.
Disappoint? Apple?
To bad it only works on AT&T wireless.
It will probably see huge numbers sold during the summer and holiday shopping season. Then, after customers start to realize that it wears, breaks, and drops just like there other wireless phones and they start to line up at the Cingular / AT&T wireless stores for replacements and repairs the sells will drop dramatically and consumers who actually use iPods will re-vert back to carring two devices (Wireless phone and iPod). Those that didn't need or want a iPod to start with will still have there music on there phone anyway for a whole lot less that the iPhone.
Disappoint? Apple?
TheGeekFreek
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My ROKR E6 is plenty sufficient, and UPGRADEABLE!!
All touchscreen, 300$, tons of features, easy to use.. its lacking internal memory of only 8mb, but right now up to 4gb SD cards work, and as soon as they are capable of SDHC, the HC card will max at 2048gb.. so fxck you apple.. HAH
11 hours of straight music playing, A2DP (Music over bluetooth).
Must be hacked for 850mhz and EDGE internet.. wish it was 3G..
Hacks are easy to do..
But yeah.. E6 > iPhone
All touchscreen, 300$, tons of features, easy to use.. its lacking internal memory of only 8mb, but right now up to 4gb SD cards work, and as soon as they are capable of SDHC, the HC card will max at 2048gb.. so fxck you apple.. HAH
11 hours of straight music playing, A2DP (Music over bluetooth).
Must be hacked for 850mhz and EDGE internet.. wish it was 3G..
Hacks are easy to do..
But yeah.. E6 > iPhone
the $600 price tag IS subsidized, it requires a 2 year contract.
buying this without contract will be about $900 dollars.
TheGeekFreek
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be it 400, 600, 900$.. it doesnt matter..
Apple feasts off the stupid..
Apple feasts off the stupid..
I know a couple people that are looking at the damn phone EVERY DAY on the website because they cant wait for the phone to release. When they told me that i just shook my head and smiled, i did that because all they are going to use it for is to look "kewls", they wont/dont need it for work. They are elite apple fans i guess... on top of that, theyve been in 1 or 2 accidents each because of cell phones. They like to texty while driving apparently. Id hate to see them lose their licenses because they get more tickets/accidents. The phone has no keys so now they must look at the phone to do anything, theres no way they can go by touch or feel. I guess if they do lose their driving privilege its better for everybody since they wont be putting anybody in danger. Anyway whatever i say doesnt matter, its their lives, their money, they can do whatever they want. just my 2c for the thread.
Stupidly wealthy perhaps... or those with an overly developed sense of style (form) over function. Wait, isn't that a requisite for being stupidly wealthy?
To be fair, why do people buy fast cars, big houses, or expensive jewelry??
MadJuggla9
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It's like a movie you want to see, and you know it's going to suck when the release previews 2 months early. By then you knnow the plot, characters, and it sucks. Surely Apple thought of this.
Answer this: What's the point of 3G if the carrier's 3G footprint is non-existent in most places? The one thing in that article I completely agree with is that the initial buyers will likely move on in 6 months (but those people do that ALL THE TIME). What I disagree with is that "It's not a razr." The Razr wasn't in everyone pocket when it was 300 or 400 bucks. Now it is, because it's 50 bucks or less.
The difference is that I believe there is a HUGE markup on the iPhone, while the PS3 is sold at a loss. Unless demand starts high and stays that way, I expect to see rebates (with a 2 year contract, of course) by the end of the year, which will drop the price by 100-150 bucks. By the end of 2008, the price will be half the launch price....maybe lower if iPod prices drop.
I'll be interested when it's not exclusive to Cingular and it holds at least 30 or 40GB I can't fit all my CD's on 20GB.
This isn't a phone with an iPod, it's and iPod with a phone. It may seem like semantics, but from a marketing perspective, it's very different. Besides, if you're carrying an iPod and a PDA, you might want to just sell your iPod and carry the phone.
One thing's for sure, they won't hit those numbers if the price remains at 600 bucks for a year. But why sell it for less to start? The early adopters will pay it.
IF Apple agrees to drop the price in 6 months or so, then yeah, I see it contending without any problem. Otherwise, I still see it being a mark of the wealthy, kinda like the RAZR used to be, but less stupid looking and actually useful for something besides calls.
The degree of vehemence for Apple on here doesn't surprise me, but it does amuse me. "Preys on the stupid?" *chuckles* Unless you're a gamer, there's not really a huge reason to NOT go with an Apple (aside from the price, but honestly, what percentage of people can actually build their own computer?), and yes, I know I'm likely asking for a fight there . Why shouldn't people pay more for something that not only works, but also looks damn good? It's all a preference.
My car may not be a Jaguar, but for the most part, it does the same stuff (goes, stops, power mirrors/doors, etc. ). If I could afford a Jag, should I not buy it just because they look damn fine, work effectively, and mark me socially? *shrugs* Whatever.
The degree of vehemence for Apple on here doesn't surprise me, but it does amuse me. "Preys on the stupid?" *chuckles* Unless you're a gamer, there's not really a huge reason to NOT go with an Apple (aside from the price, but honestly, what percentage of people can actually build their own computer?), and yes, I know I'm likely asking for a fight there
. Why shouldn't people pay more for something that not only works, but also looks damn good? It's all a preference.My car may not be a Jaguar, but for the most part, it does the same stuff (goes, stops, power mirrors/doors, etc.
). If I could afford a Jag, should I not buy it just because they look damn fine, work effectively, and mark me socially? *shrugs* Whatever.
Manny Calavera
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I still think it'll be incredibly successful.
AceGoober
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Looking at the feature set, the iPhone does not encompass all the features I need it to do. As such, I will not be purchasing one regardless of it's "coolness" attributes.
JediFonger
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my biggest b33f with iP is you can't replace batteries. wtf kinda' design is that shit? other than that it does look pretty nifty. reminds me of star trek TNG communicator!!!!
as soon as someone hacks this or another copycat version of this phone comes out, some trekkie will make a skin, i will soon be scanning for lifeforms
i already own all the star trek tos ringtones
as soon as someone hacks this or another copycat version of this phone comes out, some trekkie will make a skin, i will soon be scanning for lifeforms
i already own all the star trek tos ringtones
January 18th article, which happens to also clearly state $599 for the phone price and it's been clearly made known that the price is for a two year contract.
Also, in the past with all pda phones in this price range, to buy the phone right out, you are looking at $900 to $1000.
my biggest b33f with iP is you can't replace batteries. wtf kinda' design is that shit? other than that it does look pretty nifty. reminds me of star trek TNG communicator!!!!
as soon as someone hacks this or another copycat version of this phone comes out, some trekkie will make a skin, i will soon be scanning for lifeforms
i already own all the star trek tos ringtones
A skin is already availible for all the other PDA phones which gives the phone the same navigation and interface.. however, good luck finding it as Apple sued every site offering the interface design. You might be able to torrent it.
Funny thing is that skin mimics it perfectly, and you still get all the features you would lack with the iphone...
I personally love my EVDO, tethering, TomTom GPS (and google maps occasionally), and MS exchange capabilities and wouldn't give them up. I have a 4gb SD card that I carry for music, files, and all the other junk etc.
I don't really know what I think of the Iphone. All I can really say is it will probably be big with the younger kids and will become a "me too" kind of phone. Anyone in the working world who actually needs a smart phone will find its capabilities limited and move on quickly.
I personally love my EVDO, tethering, TomTom GPS (and google maps occasionally), and MS exchange capabilities and wouldn't give them up. I have a 4gb SD card that I carry for music, files, and all the other junk etc.
I don't really know what I think of the Iphone. All I can really say is it will probably be big with the younger kids and will become a "me too" kind of phone. Anyone in the working world who actually needs a smart phone will find its capabilities limited and move on quickly.
The skin might look like the real thing but it is far from it
It's like dressing up windows to look like OSX.. in the end it's still windows.I'm just curious but what capabilities do you need in the "working world"?
Read between the lines in my post. Those are all things that come in extremely useful for a variety of jobs. I probably use our exchange server the most out of any feature on my phone. Although the GPS does come in handy when I am doing any consultant work. One of the biggest applications that I use is a remote access client from my phone to our networks. Saves me a lot of grief needless to say.