This week was indeed interesting. I stayed home on vacation since my kids were going back to school. I wanted to be around to spend time with them, and take them on outings before they head back. We had some fun times, and they had a great first day of school. While at home, I caught the news that hit the bloggosphere: Steve Jobs resigned as CEO, and became chairman of the board at Apple. WOW!
First off, I sure hope that Steve’s health condition will get better. He has been through a lot, and hope that he can remain as a Chairman at Apple for a long time to come. It is crazy since Apple is back on top. I think all people agree that they are on top because of the leadership of Steve Jobs. I think what I find the most amazing is that they introduced the iPad, and there is still not a competitor worthy to compete with them. A few company have released some tablet/slate devices, but the market did not buy them. Microsoft has said that they will have something for the hardware manufacturers, but it won’t be out until 2012. That is a long time for Apple to gain a lead. However, looking at Microsoft’s history, it is clear that they don’t release something first, they come from behind and take over market share. All will be watching to see if that will happen in this category. I tend to think they will bring something worthy to the market, but they are not showing anything for us to believe. Not yet anyway. I think this time they don’t want anyone to copy what they are doing.
Another interesting piece of information is that HP wants to get out of the PC business! Wow! My first thought is that Apple must be shaking up the market. I have read many editorials on what could really be going on, but as a general customer, it seems odd. I think I felt the same way when IBM sold their ThinkPad and consumer PC line to Lenovo. One editorial mentioned that it takes HP selling 7 PCs to match the profit Apple makes on 1 PC. To me it seems that Apple has really invested in their manufacturing process. They can now make amazing machines and sell them for a low price.
As I compose this one my iPad with a bluetooth keyboard, it makes me wonder what a competitor could bring to the market that would want me to change. They could, just not sure what feature would lure me.
Steve Jobs, good luck in your new role! Keep driving Apple to have a focus on devices and don’t compromise.
