25 Jun 98
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The whole AMP thing is ridiculous. Steve needs to sent to the Midwest to live as an Ordinary AmericanTM (AKA Joe Six-Pack). The AMP would be low margin, but it would be money that he would otherwise never see, ever! This would grow the marketshare and mindshare for Apple into a realm of people who wouldn't consider getting a "Real Computer" and when they get into using the AMP they just might consider upgrading to said real computer. What will they do when they do that? Buy what they already have software for, buy an Apple branded box. Why sell a sub $1k unit unless you think you'll be able to talk the consumer into trading up to a real machine later?
Yes, we'll be posting content today. Some might be wondering why the "Mick Apple Logo" has made a reappearance. Ah, there's the "Mystery." But, why bother spoiling the surprises in store? We're having too much fun seeing the collective "Them" trying to figure out some way to activate their "Windshield Wiper Effect!"
Gee. What was heresy and nonsense just a few short months ago is now being used to generate speculation about What will be happening between Apple, Disney, Pixar, et al.
Working.....
A friend sent us this picture with the speculation that it was the "inspiration" behind the design of the iMac. The similarities are chilling.....
Coincidence? Accident? By Design? The Truth is Out There....
We've been receiving messages like this of late because people are under the impression that there hasn't been "output" since 03 Jun 98, and others complained that the "Document Dump" was dated from May RFI Content. So, we're going to clear some things up as we try to filter the RFI content that can be released to the public on the Apple Recon site.
First, and foremost. From the very start of Apple Recon we were honest and upfront that there would be a time delay in posting RFI content on the public areas. RFI releases to Apple Recon what it can, when it can. And even with the time delay, the content is usually timely and informative to the general public.
Second: "The Output" issue. RFI generates a lot of output. There are the RFI Weekly and Daily Updates. Then, there is the RFI Apple Recon Weekly Update. Then there are the Reports, etc. that are generated. And when there are breaking issues with either the markets, the general Tech Sector, Apple / AAPL.O, etc. all resources are diverted to servicing RFI's subscribers. In case anyone has failed to notice, the markets have been more than a little hectic of late, and RFI has been sending out lengthy RFI Apple Recon Reports to its subscribers. Why? And what about? Well, that's what has been diverting our resources, as well as doing some digging at the behest of others.
Third. There are times when "silence" is the best strategy and tactic. In other words, sometimes it is best to refrain from public comment when speaking publicly might not be the wisest course of action. Timing is important in such periods.
Is RFI's refusal to release certain content of import? Yes. But, that has to be addressed at the proper time. Nothing "bad" for AAPL.O, but why tip your hand and possibly spoil opportunities? And, some sources specifically request that certain things are not released to the public areas. And that is a request that RFI has to honor. Hard to accept, in the belief that "it's free," but we have to accede to their requests when they're made.
Both RFI and Apple Recon realize that there is a demand for updated content on Apple Recon, and we're trying to provide that as soon as it is feasible. We've got to perform a delicate balancing act. And, we appreciate those who queried about the Updating. But, we've got to carefully weigh what can be released to Apple Recon and when. It's as simple as that.
And we also realize that those who most desire the "Recon" we post have a hard time waiting. For that, we apologize. Specifically, our target audience isn't geared towards "reviews, announcements, and releases."
We're working on it, but it's a delicate dance as a lot can be inferred from the content that RFI has been generating on Apple Computer and AAPL.O over the past 6 weeks. And, that is why we have to be careful what is released and when. Our apologies. FWIW, RFI's subscribers aren't complaining about "The Output" and aren't upset that we're being careful about what is released and when.
Thank you for your patience. Even if it is wearing thin.
Working.....
With less than a month before Apple announces its Q3 earnings, and before its analyst briefing, RFI has been having a lot of fun watching the consensus estimates regarding that earnings report. And while the quarter isn't booked until it's over and the final numbers are readied, we're having a lot of fun watching consensus try and figure out what factors that are plaguing the General Tech Sector are going to spill over into Apple's earnings. A lot of fun. Infer from it what you will. You'll see soon enough.
Well, the heck with it. We might as well let it out as we don't care whether Apple gets all hot and bothered about it or not. After Mr. Jobs' previously discussed comments in Business Week, we don't care. We're going to let you know how Mr. Jobs intends to have his cake and eat it too; while also getting someone else to lie down in the bed that he's made regarding the AMP Set Top box.
When is a Set Top Box NOT a Set Top Box? When it's a "LC."
What do we mean? Well, it's simple really. RFI already knows that Apple will most likely cut the price of the $1299 iMac to $999 soon after its initial introduction after the early adopters provide some nice profits.
Then, Apple could: pop the iMac guts into a monitorless configuration in some "Cool Plastics" (like the eMate plastics, not the form but the type plastic and/or color), have a 3rd Party video card installed for a "Out to TV" port, lop some more off the price from the iMac's repriced sticker, etc.
What would the result be? Something that Apple needn't call an AMP Set Top box or NC but something that they could say: "Well, you could hook it up to a TV, cable modem, DSL connection if you wanted too..." as well as enabling people to hook up a monitor to it if they so desired. Gee. They could offer a Set Top Box without offering a set top box. And all that power for about $699 - $899 retail. Will wonders never cease?
So, we've given you the answer to the question well in advance of Macworld Expo NY as well as that "LC" announcement that might come at or after MWNY. It's just another piece put into the puzzle. And, it starts making the picture all the more clear.
As Mr. Jobs said, he's not going off into "La La Land" with set top boxes. No, he's not. He's just making a "La La Land" all of his own making.
While RFI is still not buying into this, we're reporting the answer that we've unearthed and let time make it's own decision as to whether the sources are correct or not. We'll have to see.
On another front, RFI does know that there are plans to cut the iMac price from $1299 to $999 as soon as production is ramped up and the initial glut of orders are filled. You see, the price erosion in boxes is still extant and Apple will need to convince the general mass market consumers that the iMac and "LC" is more bang for the buck than the others. We'll see.
Okay. So RFI allowed us to do a "Document Dump" on the unsuspecting public and populace. And instead of cluttering up the main page with the links, the Document Dump Index will handle that. And, don't be fooled by the distilled links on that page. There's a lot in there to chew on.
And, we're still trying to figure out how to best deal with the public demand/opinion for the vMac/AMP but Macworld has been running an iMac poll that might be the first of several. If they decide to gauge interest in the vMac/AMP, then why should we reinvent the wheel?
Enjoy!
Working....
Subscriber Notice: If you have had problems receiving the Report sent out today, please notify RFI. Apparently, some were having difficulties receiving the report.
Apple Recon will be updating with "document dumps" sometime tomorrow.
Working.....
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