Microsoft Executive Admits the Halo Effect is Real
by , 2:40 PM EDT, July 29th, 2005
During a demonstration of Windows Vista to Wall Street analysts, Will Poole, Microsoft's executive in charge of desktop operating system products, admitted that "The halo effect enabled [Apple] to go after PC users and sell them Apple products."
A New York Times article detailing the demonstration also noted that "many features [of Windows Vista] shown today are ones already introduced in Apple Computer's OS X Tiger operating system."
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer promised better revenue growth from the company; his plans include premium versions of Windows and the Office productivity suite, although he declined to give details. He also expects Microsoft to continue to acquire other companies, with transactions as high as US$2 billion within his sights.
He complained that Microsoft's stock is currently undervalued, although he admitted that even the executives who report to him aren't buying it right now.
iPods were out long before before the Mac mini and Apple's market share didn't budge. The Mac mini enabled financially-challenged Mac idolators to replace their old failing Macs with an even more pathetic system, so Apple got a temporary mind-blowing increase of .3% in market share. Why do you think Apple won't break out its Mac sales figures. The Mac business and pro markets have completely collapsed, that's why Apple has decided to switch and make Intel PCs.
LOL, I busted up laughing reading this article. Even MS agrees that the Halo effect is real, there's nowhere for RC to run and hide from it.
Man, it sure is fun to see RC getting blown up all the time, this time by his bestest buddy, Microsoft itself. How can it get any worse for our darling dunderhead? Poor RC.
Jeez, if we were financially challenged we would be forced to buy chintzty Windows systems. As you have pointed out numerous times Mac are more expensive.
Thanks for the chuckle, nothing like a little comedy relief to start the weekend.
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RealityCheck wrote: iPods were out long before before the Mac mini and Apple's market share didn't budge. The Mac mini enabled financially-challenged Mac idolators to replace their old failing Macs with an even more pathetic system, so Apple got a temporary mind-blowing increase of .3% in market share. Why do you think Apple won't break out its Mac sales figures. The Mac business and pro markets have completely collapsed, that's why Apple has decided to switch and make Intel PCs.
- Check the facts about Apple's rosy financial situation. The iPod won't save Apple:
- Just because Apple is dying slowly doesn't mean it's not. Apple's death spiral is beginning to tighten this year, here's why:
- Mac sales are winding down and Steve has moved on to iPods and consumer electronics.
- (May 2004) MS will soon launch its music service with a $50 music player that's just as good as the iPod, 1/2 of what Apple charges to replace an iPod battery. MS will sell the players at a loss, just like it's doing with Xbox, to quickly crush iPod sales. With Apple's iPod profits gone, Apple won't be able to hide its money-losing evaporating Mac business. Apple's stock by early next year will be less than $15.
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How much money did you make short-selling Apple, RC? Now even RC has been forced to admit that Mac sales are going up and the iPod is the leader in the industry. Face it RC, you will die of old age in a world where Apple is strong, and vital to the PC industry.
Apple is now the #4 PC vendor. How have their sales collapsed you moron? Next year they'll move on #3. Hopefully your trolling head will explode at that point.
OK kiddies, time for a math lesson. Pay attention, RC!
The market share increased from 2.2% to 2.5%. This is a 13% increase. To verify, just take 2.2 and multiple it by 1.13 to prove it to yourself. As you pointed out in your early troll days
"Based on 8th grade math, a change from 1.1% to 1.4% is a 27% increase in warranty costs based on revenue. Good Grief, it's not a 0.3% increase. Here's an example to help. If I spend 10% of my income for gas one year, then next year spend 20% of my income for gas, I'm paying twice as much for gas, not just 10% more."
Nice try at using creative math when it suits your needs.
"iPods were out long before before the Mac mini and Apple's market share didn't budge."
I'd say you should check the facts, too, but you're blind to them because the facts are rather unflattering to your fanatic delusion that Apple's perpetually on the edge of disaster.
The iPod didn't become the must-have MP3 player overnight. It took time. But when it finally did become must-have, it found its way into the hands of Windows users. That's when Mac sales started to increase. Now why, do you think, Mac sales started increasing when Windows users started buying iPods? The halo effect.
So to answer what you're saying, which does of course have nothing to do with checking reality, why didn't the halo effect take place sooner? Because it couldn't exist until Windows users started buying iPods, which was quite awhile after they had been on the market. You lose.
"The Mac mini enabled financially-challenged Mac idolators to replace their old failing Macs with an even more pathetic system, so Apple got a temporary mind-blowing increase of .3% in market share."
So, you're such a rabidly fanatic Winbot that you'll deny the halo effect even after it's been proven so thoroughly that even an executive of Microsoft, the very company you worship, is forced to admit it's real? If Microsoft suddenly collapsed overnight and Apple gained 99% of the PC market, you'd still say Apple was on the verge of doom and Microsoft was #1, wouldn't you?
"The Mac business and pro markets have completely collapsed, that's why Apple has decided to switch and make Intel PCs."
I don't think I could ever prove that you're disconnected from reality better than you do regularly, though. The Mac business is collapsing? Sorry to slap with reality, Reality Check, but Apple's Q2 results show that they've sold the largest number of Macs in their history. Plus, although it's been slowly receding, Apple's pro line is still selling well. If you'd bothered to check the facts and take a look at the most recent breakdown of Mac sales, you'd have known that.
"Has anyone tried to work out who this guy is?"
What's it matter? He's just your typical blind-to-the-facts Windows zombie. There's nothing special about him.
Damnit, Reality Check is a troll - what he does, obviously very effectively, is to annoy the $#!% out of everybody who disagrees with him. It's what trolls do. Don't feed him. The topic is the halo effect - talk about that and not about somebody whose reality is altered.
Take it from me! Apple Computers Inc. is not going anywhere. I come from the Commodore days when I thought Apple would have been dead by 1990, and the Amiga would be the best of the best. As it turned out I was totally wrong. Like the masses I ended up going to the PC and Windows. First, with Windows 3.11, then 95, 98, and so on....
Apple is still around, and over the last several years I have been watching Apple. I expected them to die a long time ago, yet they always managed to stay around some how, and I really admire that in Apple. Their willingness to continue on and inovate in the computer industry depite their miniscule sales in the overall scheme of the computer industry.
In march of this year I purchased a Mac G5. My very first Apple product, and my first time using an Apple product since high school in 1990. I am very impressed with Mac OS X Tiger, and the system over all. Everything just works. It's stable, and although I only bought the 1.8ghz single processor it's very speady and does everything that I need it to do, and very well at that. It has become my primary computer in the house, I have 2 other PC's running XP which I rarely use anymore. My next computer will definitely be a Mac. I'll probably be one of these that hold out for the Power Mac line of Mactels.
So, for those that still think Apple will die off someday I just don't see it coming. I've ditched the b*tch and made the switch, and I don't see me turning back.
Mac Observer needs RC. He dishes up indefensible twaddle that causes Mac diehards to jump up and down, gibbering and foaming at the mouth, thus getting a much-needed workout.
Of course, RC needs Mac Observer a lot more. Where else can a troll get 16 square meals per day for so little effort?
"RC" (and the Trolls before him...BloodOath or something) are just TMO staffers trying to stir up interest in their site. They get extra hits and comments with one little post. That's why "his" lies are never consistent. At one point last year "he" was claiming to hate Windows but love Linux. (Seriously. Check the facts.)
Seriously....let it go. Nobody with a brain takes anything "he" says seriously. You're all being played.
But why do all the Mac addicts keep rising to the bait? And not just rising to the bait! They come back with even worse nonsense than anything written by Reality Check!
Guest wrote: But why do all the Mac addicts keep rising to the bait? And not just rising to the bait! They come back with even worse nonsense than anything written by Reality Check!
It is human nature. Well except for coming back with "worse nonsense", it is more like fighting lies with the truth.
Guest wrote: But why do all the Mac addicts keep rising to the bait? And not just rising to the bait! They come back with even worse nonsense than anything written by Reality Check!
It is human nature. Well except for coming back with "worse nonsense", it is more like fighting lies with the truth.
The halo effect? It is real.
No more like Mac fan nature, which isn't human nature, because Mac fans are subhuman. No halo effect. Windows users aren't giving up their pc's for tiny, fire hazard Macs.
CloseViewName:Guest Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:40 pmSubject:
"Damnit, Reality Check is a troll"
He isn't a troll.
"Don't feed him."
You know, that's a good idea. Everybody should just let him get away with lying. That'd really be for the best.
"He dishes up unpalatable truths that Mac diehards need having their noses rubbed in."
He dishes up lies and FUD that deserve to be debunked, and they always are, because luckily not everyone gives him a free pass to spread his Winbot Kool-Aid.
But, hey, if you think he's telling the truth, then please go ahead and point to the evidence that proves him right. You might have a hard time, though, considering there's no such thing.
"But why do all the Mac addicts keep rising to the bait? And not just rising to the bait! They come back with even worse nonsense than anything written by Reality Check!"
Yes. You'd love it if nobody refuted Reality Check's lies, wouldn't you? It's heartwarming that you want to make his job a cakewalk, it really is.
Leave it to a brainwashed Windows zombie to call the 100% factual truth "worse nonsense" than a pack of absolute lies, when the truth happens to be harsh for Microsoft and great for Apple. It's a good thing you live in a fantasy world and not reality, else you'd have a heartattack.
"No more like Mac fan nature, which isn't human nature, because Mac fans are subhuman."
Why does it annoy you so much that Apple puts out higher quality products than Microsoft? They're just pieces of computer software, for christ sake. Windows isn't your mother. It doesn't make the world turn 'round. It's not the messiah. But if you really have to worship a computer operating system, can't you at least have the dignity to worship something better than Windows? It's like having your life revolve around a Ford Pinto.
"No halo effect. Windows users aren't giving up their pc's for tiny, fire hazard Macs."
If that's what you think, then don't ever visit reality. You'd be in for a big shock.
CloseViewName:Guest Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:30 amSubject:
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Anonymous wrote: "Damnit, Reality Check is a troll"
He isn't a troll.
"Don't feed him."
You know, that's a good idea. Everybody should just let him get away with lying. That'd really be for the best.
"He dishes up unpalatable truths that Mac diehards need having their noses rubbed in."
He dishes up lies and FUD that deserve to be debunked, and they always are, because luckily not everyone gives him a free pass to spread his Winbot Kool-Aid.
But, hey, if you think he's telling the truth, then please go ahead and point to the evidence that proves him right. You might have a hard time, though, considering there's no such thing.
"But why do all the Mac addicts keep rising to the bait? And not just rising to the bait! They come back with even worse nonsense than anything written by Reality Check!"
Yes. You'd love it if nobody refuted Reality Check's lies, wouldn't you? It's heartwarming that you want to make his job a cakewalk, it really is.
Leave it to a brainwashed Windows zombie to call the 100% factual truth "worse nonsense" than a pack of absolute lies, when the truth happens to be harsh for Microsoft and great for Apple. It's a good thing you live in a fantasy world and not reality, else you'd have a heartattack.
"No more like Mac fan nature, which isn't human nature, because Mac fans are subhuman."
Why does it annoy you so much that Apple puts out higher quality products than Microsoft? They're just pieces of computer software, for christ sake. Windows isn't your mother. It doesn't make the world turn 'round. It's not the messiah. But if you really have to worship a computer operating system, can't you at least have the dignity to worship something better than Windows? It's like having your life revolve around a Ford Pinto.
"No halo effect. Windows users aren't giving up their pc's for tiny, fire hazard Macs."
If that's what you think, then don't ever visit reality. You'd be in for a big shock.
CloseViewName:les apttPosts: 221Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:48 amSubject:
As a wise pervious poster opined "It's about the Halo effect".
Last Sunday I happened upon a free concert in a city park. Ran into some old friends. They each wanted to know if I was still "a Mac guy" (yep). It was like:
"I'm tired of screwing with windows and Apple just won't go away--if I get one...? The last Mac any of them touched was an SE/30.
They are good people, when they switch I'll send them here.
Also, I've run across many Windows users on the internet asking how to "make it (or parts) look like OS X". Without the iPod keeping Apple's name in the collective forebrain I can't see that happening.
The Halo Effect is very real. And just beginning.
Well, I am one of the victims.. I am a Linux user (forced by the nature of my job). I got myself an nice iPod mini last year and, of course, I was checking the www.apple.com site once a week. When the MacMini appeared I felt the need to buy one. That was the effect of having the nice iPod, that was 100% a good product, and the marketing that I have ingested checking the apple website. Now I have the mac mini and I am completly satisfied with it
CloseViewName:Guest Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:34 pmSubject:
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Anonymous wrote:
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Anonymous wrote: "Hey angry Mac fan, you're a jackass!"
Hey, you can't disprove anything I said. Funny how that works, isn't it?
Hey jackass, it's pointless to spit facts at you to prove you wrong. Stop worshipping Apple and go outside and start talking to people!
Buy a clue. Why can't you disprove what I have been saying all along? Because you can't. It's so easy to hit a winbot over the head with the facts. You lose.
CloseViewName:Guest Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:42 pmSubject:
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Anonymous wrote:
Buy a clue. Why can't you disprove what I have been saying all along? Because you can't. It's so easy to hit a winbot over the head with the facts. You lose.
Why don't you buy a clue. You're probably too broke to buy a clue because of all the money you paid on your Mac and warranty and extra costs to fix it because your Mac broke down and Apple wouldn't honor your warranty.
CloseViewName:Guest Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:15 amSubject:
"Hey jackass, it's pointless to spit facts at you to prove you wrong."
Liar. You don't have any facts to prove me wrong with, because the things I'm saying ARE the facts. You could at least try making something up and calling it a fact. That's what more accomplished Windows zombies like Reality Check do.
But why call it pointless? I'm not a Winbot. Facts don't bounce off me. Think up your excuses better.
"Why don't you buy a clue."
Me? Consider that you can't back up a single word you're saying with any facts, because every word you're saying is factless. Then think about who's clueless, yes?
"LOL. Sounds like you're saying that Windows users are giving up pc's for TINY,FIRE HAZARD MACS!"
They are. Or haven't you heard of the halo effect? Or seen the quarter-over-quarter or year-over-year Mac sales numbers? You know, haven't you seen the facts? So call Macs tiny firehazards, or underpowered, or toys, it doesn't matter. More and more Windows users are buying them.
CloseViewName:macinnerdPosts: 1610Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Wed Aug 03, 2005 7:23 pmSubject:
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Anonymous wrote: "Has anyone tried to work out who this guy is?"
What's it matter? He's just your typical blind-to-the-facts Windows zombie. There's nothing special about him.
No, I dont't think he is... He wouldn't be frequently participating in a mac forum. Just think a bit, sometimes, all you guests, instead of blindly squashing, insulting, or doing all in your power to prove him wrong... He isn't called a troll for nothing, after all.
CloseViewName:Guest Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:22 amSubject:
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Anonymous wrote:
I'm a pointless Macbot. Facts bounce off me like bullets off Superman. Think stupid.
"Why don't you buy a clue."
Me yes. Consider that Apple can't back up a single word they're saying with any facts, because every word on Apple's page is factless. My favorite movie is Clueless, yes!
"LOL. Sounds like you're saying that Windows users are giving up pc's for TINY,FIRE HAZARD MACS!"
They are FIRE HAZARDS! Or haven't you heard of the Halo effect, people buying Microsoft products because of Halo. Steve Jobs is Scrooge, piling up and counting quarters over quarters on year-over-year Mac sales numbers? You know, haven't you seen the facts? So call Macs tiny firehazards, or underpowered, or toys, it doesn't matter. More and more Windows users are buying them. Who cares if Macs burn up. Quality doesn't count here.
CloseViewName:Guest Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:08 pmSubject:
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a Microsoft Kool-Aid drinker wrote:
I'm a pointless Winbot. Please don't shatter my bubble of denial. Windows is good. Windows is the best. Facts make me cry, so I'll pretend the facts are lies..
"Why don't you buy a clue."
Me Grimlock. Consider that I can't back up a single word I'm saying with any facts, because facts are the enemy of my lord and savior, Microsoft. I love worshipping corporations more crooked than Enron. Shouldn't everyone?
"LOL. Sounds like you're saying that Windows users are giving up pc's for TINY,FIRE HAZARD MACS!"
When I'm hooked up to a lie detector, THEY ARE FIRE HAZARDS! Or haven't you heard of the Halo effect, people who drunk Microsoft's Kool-Aid and think Halo is a massive hit? Steve Jobs is sticking it to the Winbots like me, piling up and counting millions in profit from Mac sales. You know, haven't you seen the facts? So call Macs tiny firehazards, or underpowered, or toys, it doesn't matter. More and more Windows users are buying them. Who cares if I lie about Macs being fire hazards. The facts don't matter to me.
Check this out: 
Best line I've read in months! Pity Apple can't use it in their advertising.