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01/14/2005, 11:55am, EST

Friday, January 14th

Forbes: When iPod Sales Run Out Of Steam

With all of the attention on Apple's success, Forbes' Arik Hesseldahl wonders what happens "When IPod Sales Run Out Of Steam." While the MP3 player market penetration is still relatively low--near 15% of US households--Apple may be too heavily relying on the consumer electronic device, according to the author: "Sure Apple can innovate by adding features like video and maybe wireless connectivity. But even for a company as innovative as Apple, that well can run dry, leaving it to compete on price alone. That's a scary thought when you consider that 34% of Apple's revenue last quarter was derived from iPod sales. A sudden, unexpected shift in consumer tastes--they are a fickle bunch after all--could feel like a nasty punch in the nose."


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same Arik Hesseldahl?...
0
01/14, 12:17pm, EST
...who touted the wonders of the now discredited and defunct Liebermann Inc's (http://www.go-l.com) B$ computers?

I believe it is! Forbes had to yank that story almost as soon as it went up.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
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EMC
I hadn't thought of that
0
01/14, 12:23pm, EST
Today people like listening to music....

but will they tomorrow?

Just think, Apple is making ridiculous sums of money on the iPod, but as soon as people realize they don't like music anymore, they'll stop generating that extra profit.

Invest in water purification plants. Everyone's gotta drink, so you know your money is safe.

What a dumbsheet.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jun 2002
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EMC
Heinz Ketchupcatsup
0
01/14, 12:26pm, EST
Heinz Ketchup hasn't innovated in decades, and they don't advertise, but they still dominate the market over cheaper competitors.

the iPod is this generation's "walkman", is success is solidified.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jun 2002
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Um....
0
01/14, 12:26pm, EST
Yeah, and what will happen to Microsoft when they stop selling MS Office???

It is only a matter of time before people stop buying the iPod because music is just not that popular or useful if you think about it.
Mac Elite
Joined Apr 2001
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Overnight
0
01/14, 12:27pm, EST
Somehow I doubt the iPod will stop selling overnight, Apple can then change its plans and maybe come out with a relly good PVR or something.

All businesses have a life, but I don't think the iPod will be Apple's last success.
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined Jan 2001
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end of innovation?
0
01/14, 12:32pm, EST
Did I miss a press release from Apple saying they have stopped all R & D, and will sell the same products for the same prices from now on?
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
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Don't every be a success
0
01/14, 12:38pm, EST
the lesson is, don't ever have a success because you could lose it later...dang you apple for making so much money, why did you expose us to all this risk? What were you thinking?
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Oct 2004
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can you say...S-T-U-P-I-D
0
01/14, 12:40pm, EST
sometimes these people don't know what to say.....

so they say something DUMB!!!
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
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iPimp my iCar
0
01/14, 12:44pm, EST
... nobody has yet to even begin to tap the automotive market.

The new MacMini could be the new automotive beginning ...

When you pay $$$ for the stupidest GPS auto mapping gizmo .. with a terrible screen . and limited functions a Mac Mini could be a great stepping stone..

How to incorporate a LCD touchscreen and multiple monitors .. ( I heard somewhere the graphics card supports two monitors ) but a cool touchscreen mini monitor ( maybe Firewire linked? ) would be dandy for auto use
Fresh-Faced Recruit
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39 Months
0
01/14, 12:45pm, EST
It's taken 39 months for the iPod to reach the incredible levels of sales that were achieved last quarter. Considering that the original iPod took about six months to develop (if my memory is right), Apple will have plenty of warning and plenty of opportunity to compensate. In any case they already are: Mac mini.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Apr 2004
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