Do Apple have confidence in there hardware?

[TheTazman]

HI All

I have yet to be tempted by any of these ipad devices or kindls etc. I am surpised though that every few months Apple are having to release yet another updated new super hyper speed device. I saw last night that a new version of the ipad is due to be released in February.

Do apple not have the confidence in there own technolgy for it to last beyond a few weeks and then they are trying to get you to upgrade again.

THanks

Simon

[davejc64]

Anything that Apple do, to milk the cash cow, never surprises me.

[ashgray]

I bought an IPod classic three years ago so I could listen to my extensive music collection whilst on the move. I have to say it's one of the best "gadgets" I've ever bought and i would not be without one - in, fact, I've just upgraded to the new 160 Gb version which has a huge capacity and used with my B&W headphones, the sound is superb! As an upgrade, it's exactly what I was hoping for - greater capacity and a better sound.

I realise how tempting it can be to exercise the usual cynicism about Apple but thought it more useful to others to put company pre-conceptions to one side and, in terms of the IPod itself, say it as I see it...

Let's not forget that upgrading is voluntary...

Ash

[TheTazman]

I like that quote. Thought that maybe the case. Its not like you have to update a PC every few months. At least it can see you right for some time longer than a few months.

Anything that Apple do, to milk the cash cow, never surprises me.

[Rockdoc2174]

The fact that Apple or anyone else upgrades their products regularly is undoubtedly to catch the mugs who absolutely have to have the latest version of everything but it doesn't say that any earlier version becomes obsolete overnight. I've had an iPod Touch v2 for several years and use it every day with a wonderful pair of Sennheiser MM450 bluetooth headphones. It handles any audio I have, including Audible audio-books and quite a few BBC and other podcasts. Its hardware is now unsupported and the firmware hasn't updated for 18 months at least but it works fine for what I need. I'm getting the impression that the life of the battery per charge is starting to reduce so I'll change it for the latest version when that becomes really noticeable but not before.

Keith

[stephenholmes]

Two years a go I received an I pod classic 160GB for Christmas
I love my MP3 player and have it connected to Sennheiser headphones
It enables me to keep my sanity especially from being subjected to gangsta rap courtesy of noisy neighbours
Kind regards Stephen

[haddock1000]

I owned an iPod touch for the past three years, and I haven't actually upgraded it until a couple of months ago. When it comes to technology, my philosiphy is 'Buy expensive and top of the range, and keep for years.' IMO Apple products are pretty much top of the range because they upgrade their products so often.

thanks,

haddock1000

[TransportSteve]

HI All
Do apple not have the confidence in there own technolgy for it to last beyond a few weeks and then they are trying to get you to upgrade again.
Simon

Hmm, I don't know, I don't own anything like an iPlod, never truly bothered with these new fangled gadgets for listening to music on the go, I thought Apple had sole competition in this market anyway, or, have they got to keep ahead of all the other companies that offer such techno wizzos that they need to keep bringing out new versions every 5 minutes?

Cheerz. Transport Steve.

[photons66]

I've never owned any Apple products whatsoever, whilst I appreciate they're good for many people, remember it's 'horses for courses' and what suits you does not necessarily mean it's the 'de facto' product.
I find that a lot of these gadgets, Ipad, Ipod etc replicate what a lot of existing technology does already and probably, although this is strictly IMO, better, and are regarded more as a 'status symbol'. It's a bit like these Premier League footballers plumping for a Ferrari over a more economical Fiesta. And the fact they're connected to Facebook and Twitter is probably, again IMO, the main reason people buy Apple products.
It's not about 'exercising the usual cynicism'', moreover, it's about 'voicing an opinion' and often opinion over Apple's products are cynical because, let's face it, they are expensive. I think that Apple, for all their highly-rated products, are in a niche market and to expand and find these economies of scale, they need to tempt customers like me away from my existing gadgets, the fact they're from 10 years ago notwithstanding.
I'll stick with my CD Discman, Vista Laptop and W7 Desktop and ask, why should I bother with an I-thingy when my technological life style is adequate?

[stephenholmes]

Good afternoon everyone
One thing I never do is change something for change sake
I will only replace my ipod when it gives up the ghost
Years back when I was young and foolish I would spend money on the latest craze
As you grow older and wiser you tend to prioritize what you'll spend your money on
Kind regards Stephen

[john13]

Do apple not have the confidence.....

I think they have the confidence in their customer base! OK, a lot of their gear is expensive, but it does work well and look good. We have an iPad - great for pictures, easy enough to use too. My wife's elderly mother could work it well enough to see family photos. We've found it handy on holidays too - good for checking emails and making hotel bookings if needed. The 'look and feel' is much better than the other similar sized tablet devices too I think. My wife is a recent convert to the iPhone and finds it so much better than the previous 'smartphones' she's had.

As Ash says, one doesn't have to upgrade with every change of model - though plenty of people seem to especially with the phones. I don't think I'd be tempted by the 'laptops' - just a bit tooooo pricy, but an iPad mini would be nice!

Cheers

John

[ashgray]

Interesting - taking David's (Photons66) point, I bought an IPod because of what it offered me for the price, against a backdrop of little or no competition for these gadgets. The fact that it was an Apple product was not a factor in my purchase.

However, there's no way I'd ever buy an IPad - I bought a Google Nexus 7 and I'm very happy with it's features, size and it's far cheaper than an IPad.

Brand names mean almost nothing to me.

Ash

[Acorncomputer]

However, there's no way I'd ever buy an IPad - I bought a Google Nexus 7 and I'm very happy with it's features, size and it's far cheaper than an IPad.

My mother has missed out a bit on modern communication as computers are fraught with problems that she may not be able deal with and so the idea has not been pursed. It does seem, however, that modern pads/tablets may be much more reliable and easier to use so we are going to look into this as a real possibility for her. I know little about these devices but acknowledge that they are brilliant pieces of technology and may be just what a 97 year old could easily use. She will, of course, be looking for something that will have a long and useful life so frequent upgrades will not be attractive and reliability is of utmost importance.

[45002]

I absolutely love toffee apples and a bottle of scrumpyjack on long hot summer nights

Problem is toffee apples get stuck to my false teeth

Also have a few fresh apples a day to keep me regular

MARTIN

[gswindale]

Apple have, what appears to be, a very good marketing dept - one that many other manufacturers could do with in fact.

Ipods were quite late entrants into the mobile music playing market; yet due to Apple setting up iTunes and marketing it strongly it became dominant. Other manufacturers such as Creative had got out there first but had not got the marketing right, nor had they built up a "closed shop" environment - meaning that it was too fragmented whereas Apple created a seamless environment.

The same thing happened with tablets & to a certain extent mobile phones.

My personal view is that Apple products tend to be more style over substance - when I bought my last mp3 player several years ago; 32gb was one of the largest capacity models around - the Creative Zen was a lot cheaper than the Apple equivalent. Works just as well now & coupled with a pair of decent headphones gives out a good enough sound for me.
I suspect that in a few years time; if I want to travel with all my music I will need a larger mp3 player; but for now it is fine.

I've got a 1st generation Samsung Galaxy Tab. It does have some issues; but nothing that is a major problem for me; however I do understand that the more locked down products such as the iPad maybe better for less technically minded people.