Fresh Apple: GigaOMApple (5 сообщений)

rss2email.ru

Roumik.ru - новый блог про SEO

ИНФОтека: справочник блогера

Nice 2 Look | Смотреть Приятно

Вкусные кулинарные рецепты с фото

GigaOMApple

http://gigaom.com
рекомендовать друзьям >>

iPhone Owners Most Loyal, Satisfied
According to Reuters, a German market research survey reveals that (shock!) more than half of all smartphone owners are ready to jump ship to another device, while just a quarter said they would remain loyal to their manufacturer of choice. From Reuters:

The survey found that 56 percent of smartphone owners in key global markets were keeping their options open about which phone they would buy next, with only Apple commanding a significant degree of loyalty.

Who are these finicky smartphone users? Apple users are the most loyal (with 59 percent of current iPhone users planning to stick with the iPhone). The survey’s lead analyst explains:

“Loyalty with a handset is a lot more complicated these days in that people buy into experiences at the high-end level. If a phone doesn’t do what it says it will do or what the owner hopes it will do, the maker will lose loyalty.”

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is another nebulous survey category. About a week ago, the results of a survey conducted by ChangeWave confirmed what iPhone owners have known all along – the iPhone is by far the greatest thing since sliced bread.

In that survey, the iPhone 4 ranked highest in customer satisfaction among smartphone owners at 77 percent. In case you do care about the runner-ups, the other smartphone manufacturers included in the survey were Motorola (71 percent with the Droids X and 2), HTC (63 percent with the EVO 4G and Droid Incredible), Samsung (45 percent with the Galaxy S) and RIM (44 percent with the BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Torch).

In the words of ChangeWave’s CEO Paul Carton:

The iPhone 4's exceptionally high Very Satisfied rating confirms our earlier survey findings that despite the controversy surrounding its initial launch, the iPhone 4 has been extraordinarily well received by its owners. These iPhone 4 scores are even better than the ratings for the earlier generation iPhone 3GS models which were recorded in our May 2010 new smart phone owners survey.

A Matter of Perspective

In the end, it’s nice to know –- but far from surprising –- that iPhone owners are satisfied enough with their phones that they would buy another. After all, the iPhone pretty much defined the modern smartphone, and besides, it’s about the most expensive smartphone one can buy. Isn’t it pretty safe to assume that someone buying an iPhone has given their purchase more deliberate consideration than if they were buying a much cheaper alternative?

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd):
Переслать
The 3 Ghosts of Christmas Family "Techspertise"
If you are your family’s resident geek, you get a lot of tech-related questions. They can range from tech support to questions about what you think the future of tech looks like. Here are a selection of questions of holidays past, present and future you either have encountered or will encounter, and some possible answers for each.

Questions of Holidays Past

What virus scan software do you use? I was asked this question so many times I had to come up with an answer for the PCs in my life. So I looked around, and thankfully, Patrick Norton on The Screen Savers (yes, that long ago) once reviewed AVG Free, so I tried it on an XP machine and started answering “AVG” when asked this question. On a Mac, well that’s a different story entirely.

How often do you defrag your hard drive? While a common practice on Windows, I haven’t performed this task very often on Mac, at least not in the same way as on a PC. I do recommend executing the Disk Utility’s “Repair Disk Permissions” as well as purchasing a tool like Micromat’s TechTool Pro. Keep in mind that if you did purchase AppleCare, then you did get the deluxe version of Micromat’s TechTool product.

My hard drive crashed and I don’t have a backup; what can I do? In most cases, nothing, you’re out of luck. It’s always good to have a solid backup strategy. Here’s an area where there are a lot of options on a Mac like Mozy, Carbonate, Backblaze or CrashPlan. Some options like Time Machine are very easy to set up and use, not to mention it ships free with every Mac.

Questions of Holidays Present

When do you think the iPhone will be on Verizon? The new Mac vs PC battle has been replaced with the Android vs iOS battle. Many have speculated that this battle is really an extension of the AT&T vs Verizon battle, which Verizon already really won a long time ago. While AT&T’s exclusivity isn’t going to last forever, it’s still not certain when exactly other carriers will be selling the iPhone.

What apps should I get for my iPad? The market between smartphone and laptop is, at least for the time being, totally owned by the iPad. For me personally, the best apps for the iPad are for the kids. Perhaps productivity is more your thing, or games, but there are just too many out there to say what’s best for all. The best accessory for the iPad is an Apple TV, and then the best app would be Apple’s own Remote.

Do you really get eleven hours of battery life? Yes, yes we do. Well, some of us at least. Those of us running iPads and those of us not running Flash on the new MacBook Air. While the iPad is advertised at being able to watch videos for ten hours straight, others have been able to keep their Macbook Air running for just about as long.

Question of Holidays Future

What ever happened to Google’s Android? This isn’t to say Android won’t exist in the future, because it will. Rather, I think it’ll less and less be Google’s Android alone. It’s very likely we’ll start seeing greater divides between device manufactures, carriers, marketplaces and even the third-party apps themselves. Not even Google has it straight about where and when to use Android and where and when to use Chrome OS.

So this holiday season, when you’re asked for your assistance or opinion, give it freely. The time is coming when the average consumer will know enough about Apple to carry on an informed discussion anyway. What sort of questions do you think you’ll be asked this holiday season, and what are some of your favorites from times past?

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd):
Переслать
Consumer Guide: Where to Buy a New Mac
You know you want a new Mac, but where to buy? There’s no shortage of sources, but when it comes to getting great service and warranty support, the options narrow considerably. Here’s a list of where your money will go the furthest.

1. In Person from Apple Retail Stores

It’s a popular option, especially with Apple’s aggressive retail expansion of late. However, its popularity can be its greatest weakness. If you go into an Apple store during a peak time, expect a large crowd and long wait — and not much personal space. Personally I feel a bit awkward discussing a large transaction being elbow-to-elbow with others.

A major advantage of buying from an Apple Store is that they usually have the best stock levels. And, like the App Store, everything in the Apple Store is curated, and the staff are more likely to be familiar with all the products. They’ll spend as much time with you as you need to help you make the right decision. Your computer and AppleCare are automatically registered and any rebates are pre-submitted on your receipt.

Educational and government employees can also use their discounts here, but the proof you need to show can vary by store and staff. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to bring your college/government ID as well as a class schedule or a paystub. To find out what your pricing would be, check online first.

You won’t find many discounts at the Apple Store, but at least you’ll always know that you aren’t being overcharged, either.

2. Online from Apple’s Website

Buying online from Apple helps you avoid the hassles of the store, as well as serving parts of the country where no physical Apple Store might be located. You will retain all the benefits of buying direct from Apple, and you can even order from your iPhone with the Apple Store app. In fact, for educational and government purchasing, this is easier because no verification is required to buy from these programs online.

The drawback, of course, is the wait. If you want your Mac as soon as possible, you can pay for faster shipping. You’ll also have to be home to sign for the shipment. Returns can sometimes be made at a brick and mortar Apple store, but that’s at the manager’s discretion. As a general rule, you should expect to have to ship it back should you want to return it.

Apple online is also the primary place to purchase refurbished Macs — computers that have been repaired or returned and certified by Apple as fully working and warrantied. Be aware, refurbs sell out quickly so they often won’t have what you want. Apple will fully warranty the unit from the date of purchase and allow you to extend your warranty via AppleCare. For price conscious consumers, this is a great deal. Beware of buying a refurbished Mac anywhere else, though, as it may not retain Apple’s full warranty.

3. Online from Authorized Resellers

Before Apple stores existed, third-party authorized resellers were the primary way many of us bought our Macs. Every few weeks you got a catalog extolling the virtues of Apple’s new products, and “Jennifer” from MacWarehouse was ready to take your call! Today, the “indirect channel” struggles with its primary supplier also being its biggest competitor.

Although Apple has “Minimum Advertised Pricing,” these retailers will offer slight discounts on occasion of up to 5 percent, but since it angers Cupertino, they don’t do it often. More likely they’ll throw in extras such as additional memory or software. These upgrades may not be covered by Apple’s warranty. In particular if they add additional RAM, Apple won’t cover it.

Depending on what state you live in, you’ll also skip being charged sales tax and most will include free shipping. Additionally, you might find some indirect discounts. For example, credit card companies may offer extra points for shopping via their portal. Amazon credit card owners will get extra points on their cards. Personally, I use Fat Wallet to get a few percent back on each purchase. Only Apple Direct will offer educational and government discounts, though.

When you purchase a Mac from the “indirect channel”, you’ll often have to register your Mac and AppleCare yourself. Don’t forget to register because doing it after the initial warranty expires requires special approval from Apple. Other than the registration, your Mac retains the same warranty and support as a Mac purchased direct from Apple. You can walk into the Genius Bar and get help, call Apple for support, and go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repairs.

The key disadvantages of a third-party reseller is that you have to know what you want. Most online resellers aren’t exclusive to Mac and even if there are sales consultants, they may not be Mac fans. They won’t always be able to figure out the right Mac and accessories for your needs.

Be sure to go to Apple’s reseller locator and make sure they are authorized. Buying from unauthorized resellers can cause a whole slew of problems with warranty and support.

4. In Person from Authorized Resellers

As the popularity of the Mac increases, resellers both big and small want a piece of the action. This includes “big box” resellers such as BestBuy and MicroCenter, as well as smaller companies and regional chains.

Before even thinking of a purchase, make sure the store is an authorized reseller. It’s also good to already know what you want, since Apple doesn’t actively monitor the quality of service and staff at authorized retailers. Around the holidays, too many companies hire temp staff members who may not be properly trained.

That’s really the key disadvantage compared to an authorized reseller: consistency. Some will provide you exemplary service while others just see the dollar signs and don’t really know or care about Macs. Some will also be Apple Authorized Service Providers, so you can get your Mac serviced there under warranty, but many are not.

5. Apple Specialist Designated Resellers

Apple Specialists are unique third party resellers. They’re committed exclusively to Mac. It was the Apple Specialists who were first entrusted with selling the iPad when it came out. In fact, if you want to know if an Apple Specialist is well-respected, ask them if they sold the iPad on day one. Apple clearly holds those that did in extremely high regard.

Apple Specialists are smaller operations and usually will provide you the highest level of sales consulting, but in a less crowded environment than Apple Retail. They often provide free and paid training (in a more private way than Apple Retail). All staff dealing directly with customers are required to be Apple Product Professionals and work at creating a long-term relationship with the customer. Apple Specialists will also have repair facilities in-house, with a Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) on staff.

Similar to other resellers, they won’t compete on price, but they are often willing to deal. The more you buy, the better the deal. Here’s a tip: buy enough and they might even lower the price on your Mac. Resellers are often given coupons by Apple to give special discounts. They only get a few per quarter though. The more Apple-branded products you buy, the more likely that when you ask for a coupon they’ll give it to you. For some, this can lower your price below any other discount, including the education/government discount program.

6. Apple Authorized Campus Store

These are limited to students and others affiliated with a particular educational institution. Not every school has one, so check here. Because Apple sales are usually managed by the bookstore, don’t expect to have highly-trained salespeople or much selection. The obvious advantage is the fact you can get your educational discount and walk out with a new Mac while you’re grabbing your books and other supplies for the semester.

Bottom Line

So of these six choices, which is best? I recommend to family and friends the Apple Specialists. They provide the direction and service non-technical people need to find not only the right Mac, but a complete sales and service solution, without the large Apple Retail crowd. I’ve had nothing but outstanding experiences with the Apple Specialists I’ve worked with and in particular those in the MacXprts network. Here’s where to find a complete, searchable list.

For customers looking for the educational/government discount, and not interested in a large purchase, buying direct from Apple online avoids the verification hassles and the crowds at the Apple store. If price is your primary factor, buying online from Amazon or other major resellers combines tax-free or deferred sales tax combined with other bonus discounts.

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd):
Переслать
Apple Set for Record Holiday Quarter
Last quarter was one for the record books for Apple: $20 billion in revenue, 14.1 million iPhones sold, 3.89 million Macs, and 4.19 million iPads, but that record may be broken as soon as the end of January, when Apple’s first fiscal quarter ends, according to a pair of surveys from IDC and ChangeWave Research.

As Fortune‘s Apple 2.0 blog reports, a ChangeWave survey of 2,812 American consumers shows increasing interest in Mac laptops, up from 25 percent in October to 36 percent in November. Not coincidentally, that time frame covers the launch of the rejuvenated MacBook Air, and DigiTimes is confirming the success of the new portable. According to component suppliers, shipments of Mac laptops will average one million per month during the fourth quarter, with 20 to 25 percent of that volume attributed to the MacBook Air.

While desktop enthusiasm remains flat at 24 percent, Apple’s share still stands to grow as demand overall in the PC market is down. This suggests another big quarter is coming for Mac sales. Last year, the increase in Mac desktop sales from the pre-holiday quarter to the holiday quarter was about ten percent. This year, if Apple manages to repeat that feat, it will result in 4.3 million Macs sold for the holiday quarter. That’s a lot of Macs, especially as the desktop market overall continues to shrink.

But Apple will likely sell even more iPads. AppleInsider quotes an NPD survey asserting that 11 percent of respondents are planning to purchase an iPad by February 2011. How many of those purchases will occur before January, when some anticipate the iPad 2 to be unveiled, is unknown, but analysts have been adjusting their estimates of iPad sales for the holiday quarter upward. With Apple selling 4.19 million iPads last quarter, six million iPads before the close of January doesn’t seem unrealistic. To put that in perspective, iPod sales routinely double from around ten million to 20 million during the holiday quarter.

That leaves only the iPhone as the unknown this quarter. While it’s hard to imagine surpassing the 14.1 million sold last quarter, expectations of ten million or better certainly aren’t far-fetched. Apple sold 8.7 million iPhones during the holiday quarter in 2009. Put this all together, and the conclusion is pretty simple: Apple will take home quite a haul from the holidays.

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd):
Переслать
Rumor Has It: iPad 2 Will Have USB
While many were busy stuffing their faces with turkey, and filling malls to the brim on Friday, some new, interesting rumors about the iPad 2 came to light. The rumors included some obvious claims, but one seems out of left field: a built-in USB port.

DigiTimes is reporting that the Chinese-language Economic Daily News claims the iPad 2 will definitely include five new features, including a video phone, better mobility (presumably a smaller form factor), USB port, Retina Display and 3-axis gyroscope. USB is really the only surprise on that list.

FaceTime is widely expected to make its way into the next iPad iteration, and if it doesn’t, I’ll be very surprised. A smaller physical footprint is in keeping with Apple’s general upgrade strategy. Both the iPhone and the iPod touch continue to get a little bit smaller with each new case update. The Retina Display isn’t as sure a bet, since it could be fairly pricey on the supply side to bring 336 ppi resolution to the 9.7-inch screen, but Apple does seem quite committed to the technology. A 3-axis gyroscope is an obvious choice, since one already ships in both the iPhone 4 and latest generation iPod touch.

Basically, the only rumored feature without precedent among the rest of Apple’s iOS devices is the new USB port. From a UX perspective, obviously, it’s a no brainer. You wouldn’t have to get Apple’s Camera Connection Kit to import photos from your digital camera, and in theory, you could use wired keyboards with the iPad 2, along with potentially many other hardware peripherals.

But USB on an Apple portable has always made good sense from the perspective of the consumer, yet we’ve never seen it before. That’s because Apple’s dock connector has long been the only data-compatible port on any of its iOS devices. It keeps the accessory ecosystem under control, and allows Apple greater say over how, with what, and for what purposes users can access their devices.

If Apple was going to introduce USB anywhere in its iOS lineup, the iPad 2 would be the most likely suspect. That’s because people use the Apple tablet more like they would a PC than a smartphone. A USB port that allows compatibility with more computer peripherals then makes sense, in terms of attracting more potential notebook buyers to the iPad 2 instead. Also, design-wise, there’s much more real estate on the iPad’s case edge than on the iPhone’s or iPod touch’s, so adding a port wouldn’t be as much of a compromise for Steve Jobs’ decidedly minimalist tastes.

I still think USB is a longshot, but if it makes sense anywhere in Apple’s mobile lineup, it makes sense on the iPad 2. Do you think we’ll actually see it included? Existing iPad owners, do you think it would even add that much to your experience?

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req'd):
Переслать