Stan Shih, founder of PC maker Acer, thinks the iPad, along with the tablet market it created, is little more than a fad. He went on to say that ultra-light notebook computers like the MacBook Air will fade away quickly, too, because the real market is still desktop and traditional laptop PCs, according to DigiTimes.
DigiTimes didn’t day exactly where Mr. Shih made his comments.
Despite his proclamation that the iPad will fade away into obscurity, Mr. Shih praised Apple for going against industry trends and in the process turning its multimedia tablet into a success. He said other PC makers should follow Apple’s lead, which seems like a bit of a contradiction since he doesn’t see tablets as a viable long-term business.
Mr. Shih added that PC makers need look to innovation for new laptop designs — a statement that’s hard to argue with since innovation is what Apple used to design its MacBook Pro and popular MacBook Air product lines.
He added that PCs are the foundation of the computer industry, and that smartphones and tablets will always need those computers for what he called add-on value.
Presumably, Mr. Shin hasn’t heard of iOS 5, Apple’s soon to be released iPhone and iPad operating system that eliminates the need to connect those mobile devices to a computer.
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He sounds like that old guy rambling about how REO Speedwagon and the Dodge Dart were the best there ever was.
Wake up. It’s the 21st century.
tablets and ultra books are a fad. The Apple iCore Cortical interface is the future.
I am thinking he was at Ned’s on Broadway at about 3:15 PM. The bartender rolls his eyes and goes down the bar to talk to a regular about which taxi to call so that Mr. Shin can get home without getting a DUI.
I think that he is correct, for the time being, that we still need PCs. In the future perhaps it will mostly be content creators that need PCs.
“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”
I believe that PCs (laptops and desktops) will always have a use, albiet, with less users. Professionals will always have a use for a more powerful device with direct keyboard and mouse interface for a variety of programs.
However, I also believe that the tablet market will continue to grow, as the vast majority of users will chose it as their daily device. Many professionals may also choose a tablet as a second device.
“The Fox and the Grapes” is one of the traditional Aesop’s fables and can be held to illustrate the concept of cognitive dissonance. In this view, the premise of the fox that covets inaccessible grapes is taken to stand for a person who attempts to hold incompatible ideas simultaneously. In that case, the disdain the fox expresses for the grapes at the conclusion to the fable serves at least to diminish the dissonance even if the behaviour in fact remains irrational.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_and_the_Grapes
Mr. Shin’s contemptible comment is simply another version of the “Apple is dying.”
Unstated is this idea: “While it’s dying, however, my innovation engineers at Acer will continue to copy Apple’s innovations until we reach parity. This will satisfy me. After Apple dies, Acer will be on top. Innovation is no longer needed, thus no longer needing to waste my money on improving stuff.”
Here are some quotes from a recent Venturebeat.com article on Acer, “Acer stock plummets in midst of identity crisis”.
“Acer’s stock price has plummeted 22 percent since March 25.
Apple had 21.5 percent profit margin last year. Acer had 2.3 percent.
There is good consensus among the board members that the tablet is the way to go, Chief Financial Officer Tu Che-min told Bloomberg.
Acer has its own Picasso tablet that uses the Android operating system, but there in no information available on the release date or pricing.”
And we’re listening to him, why? Oh, yeah, a good laugh.
Man, I thought we were done with crack-heads like this that sit around and think up new ways to mix crack and drain cleaner to keep getting dumber! Mr. Shih REALLY needs to go to some citadel on a remote island and contemplate his navel and have his mouth stitched shut…...
I’m also still waiting for that fad called the Internet to go away. It’s sure putting up a mighty struggle against the inevitable.
At the rate he’s been muttering utterings that just make him look like a total horse’s ass, Stan Shih should change his name to Stan, Shhh.
Tread softly, guys.
The conflicting statements are not subtleties; a little worrying, suggesting evidence of confusion. Let us hope he has a wife or close relative attuned to his state.
Regardless, I wish him well.
True that, he is probably stressed quite a bit.
What are you talking about, Sir H.
He’s mad as a hatter!
(hey, check back to Apple Clamps Down. Never thought I’d ever find a use from Henry four one.)
He could be a danger to himself or others.
Yea, one would be advised not to come within a stone’s throw of this nut, and all children hidden behind their mothers’ skirts; save the one that treads the darkside of the Droid world-send him thither.
LMAO. Just reading this now. Sir Harry and mhikl, you guys are cracking me up!!
Thank you, thank you!
That is all for tonight! We will be here all week, tell your friends or bring them back with you and enjoy another show, we have a different routine each night. We are available for weddings, divorces, bachelorette parties, keggers, MacWorld Expos, and just about any kind of event. CDs are for sale in the lobby, or you can buy our videos at the iTunes Store. Visit our website bardiacs.calm
Have a safe drive home and please don’t drink and drive.
No!! Encore!! Encore!! You owe your fans more!! (Lighters out and waving).
Sir Harry, I got your “private message” but I have no clue how to log into MacObserver and view my Inbox. Can’t find the option anywhere. But I did receive the joke in email.
Thanks for the encore (and once again, the laugh). The dirty side of Sir Harry - excellent!! This fan says you’ve earned your pay tonight!! Remember to tip your waitress, and try the veal next time!! Goodnight everyone!!
UPDATE: I figured out how to view private messages!! I guess I’m a little slow!!
Click on your name in one of the posts, or click on the “Forums” button at the top of the page. Both take you to your page where you can read messages, set your preferences and such.
And remember Thursdays is ladies night at Jeff’s Comedy Club.
And I shall be singing a sweet balled accompanied by Sir Henry on the harmonica for in truth, though well rehearsed in the shower, his voice is better lent to the renderings of Lear in storm and rainy weather. And our hats will be out for some small coin to earn as new MBAs are due in good order. Ron, if you’re willing and the kilt fresh in its odour, join us in dance but keep your eye off the larder.
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