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01/18/2002 Entry: "18-Jan-2002 -- Steve Jobs And The Oh-So-Cool iMac"

Steve Jobs And The Oh-So-Cool iMac (Slashdot) -- "The truly successful technologies and technology companies are utilitarian and dull -- decidedly non-hip. You will never seen a Microsoft or AOL exec talking about how cool the their companies or products are, only how useful and easy to use. They don't really care how much heavy breathing they generate in the media or among excitable teenagers and college students. Those two companies have, in fact, dominated their environments by pointedly focusing on the non-technologically adventurous middle-class and busy business executives and workers and by presenting themselves not as cool but as reliable and accessible. And for this sin they get jeered at -- all the way to the bank."

Replies: 5 comments

First, sorry for my english. I'm french-canadian.

I think Apple, for the industrial design aspect of computer, are on the right track. Most computer still look to much high tech. The new design offer something more playfull and less impressive. It's look easy to use.

So on this level, I dont agree with slash,dot

But I agree in thinking not many people want to edit movie on computer. We live in a society of instant gratification. People will think the idea is cool but find the learning curve to long.

Richard

Posted by Richard Lehoux @ 01/18/2002 08:57 AM EST

Apple lost, not the ease-of-use lead, but the large gap between Win and Mac. Design for a cool look, and you'll get some customers. Design for cool user results and you'll get more. Win doesn't do this, but then neither does the Mac.

Posted by (the other)JS @ 01/19/2002 07:52 AM EST

IMHO, Apple lost the day they refused to allow manufacturers to make Apple clones, which resulted in uncompetitive prices and therefore a huge loss of market.

Posted by Francis @ 01/21/2002 09:53 AM EST

the real point is - give me your (deep deep) reasons for buying a computer. If "being a cool&stylish person" features among them , then buy Mac. Don't you think it's quite the same with Nokia vs other phones?

Posted by Lalu @ 01/22/2002 10:51 AM EST

In fact, you DO see Bill Gates talking about how cool his products are (X-Box, Mira, Freestyle), MS and AOL care DEEPLY about their press coverage and about how target markets (like college students with disposable income) respond to their products.

It's true that AOL has coveted an easy-to-use image (justified or not), but MS really hasn't done this until the last year or two.

Posted by Andrew @ 01/22/2002 11:25 AM EST

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