Analysts defend Apple decision to abandon Macworld
updated 12:05 pm EST, Wed December 17, 2008
Analysts on MW10 pullout
Investors have no reason to panic over Apple's decision to substitute Phil Schiller for Steve Jobs at Macworld 2009, and abandon the expo entirely in 2010, say analysts with Needham & Co. and Kaufman Bros.. The former notes that the substitution is bound to raise questions over Jobs' health, given a gaunt appearance in recent months, and largely discredited rumors of cancer recurrence. Needham claims, however, that its sources suggest Jobs is cancer-free, and that the real reasons for its Macworld policies are strictly business-related.
Both Needham and Kaufman point out that Apple feels Macworld is no longer worth its time or investment, particularly in light of the increasing number of events it sponsors on its own -- such as WWDC -- and its diminished dependence on tradeshows as a whole. First-party events give Apple complete control over how and when its products are marketed, and it is thought that the company believes Jobs' presence might be better used elsewhere. The grip of recession may also be leading the company to pull back to its most effective marketing techniques, Kaufman's Shaw Wu writes.
A more immediate concern is said to be whether Schiller's lead at MW09 indicates a lack of any major product announcements. Wu counters this by mention of sources who say Apple is cracking down on leaks, which may give the illusion that the company has nothing special planned; in reality it is working on "many exciting new products," according to Wu, though the analyst admits that low-key Macworld announcements are a possibility.
Quad imac...
12/17, 12:48pm (1 reply) reply
... i7 tower, mini & hopefully 18.4" HD quad macbook pro amongst others ? The lineup actually seems as stagnant save the macbook as it has been in a while I suspect hoping to juice sales after the holiday goldrush, or perhaps simply technical challenges with cooling & those pesky video chips...?
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Announce THIS.
12/17, 02:13pm reply
I want a new desktop, dammit.
Monstermind
Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
Back to his home planet
12/17, 03:12pm reply
Steve Jobs' isn't speaking at MacWorld because he's going back to his home planet for upgrades to his Reality Distortion Field...
http://www.maccomedy.com/steve-jobs-not-speaking-at-macworld-due-to-trip-to-home-planet/
WiggyWack
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Joined: Jan 2002
Not Really a Big Deal
12/17, 06:19pm (1 reply) reply
Sure this is getting a lot of press from Mac centric news sites, but it really only is news to hardcore mac fans. Most of my mac friends don't even know what mac world is, then you have people like me that watch the quicktime keynote and special events when I get back from work.
What is kinda ticking me off a little is some of these Mac centric news sites are tying the cancellation of the Expos to a drop in Apples market value. I think this is total BS as even when Apple has the event and introduces brand new product designs, Apple's stock drops. The markets are down today anyways and have been way to volatile to be able to support the suggestion that any drop in Apple's stock is related to this news. One site that suggested this yesterday was AI, which I personally consider one of the better Mac news sites, it just came across as emotional and completely unprofessional. I get it, for folks that have been going to these things for the last 20 years, well they are going to have to figure out what to do for a couple of weeks a year moving forward. It's OK, we'll all get through this together, jeez.
slider
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
"Aaaannd....
12/17, 06:27pm (1 reply) reply
boom."
Flying Meat
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Joined: Jan 2007
time better used elsewher
12/17, 10:33pm reply
What could he possibly do for a few hours on a day in January that is more useful then personally talking to every important developer and geek on line?!
MacnnGregor
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Joined: Apr 2004
Not really just a few
12/18, 11:22am reply
Hours. I'd imagine, like most productions, there's a lot of time and energy invested in preparing for these Keynotes that we just never see; and at a major expense to boot.
slider
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
I was thinking...
12/18, 12:06pm reply
This likely costs Apple a bunch of money, and the company putting it on makes money had over fist. WWDC is much more lucrative and meaningful to Apple.
I like Phil and I think he'll do a great Jobs, er job.
Deal
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2001