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Zach Bass (a.k.a Ernie Varitimos) is Chief Bloviator of Investor in the Wilderness. He has 30 years experience as a Tech Maven, Investor and Consultant. Zach has been using Macs since their introduction in 1984, and investing in the markets just as long. His mission is to help guide all level of investors through the Apple Ecosphere and make sense of the markets. Zach's take on Apple, the markets, and life pursuits, will keep your mind tuned.

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Just Like the iPhone But Crappier

June 29th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under
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Where have all the innovators gone? Is Apple the sole possessor of creative genius, the lone leader of usability and aesthetic, the single creator of new markets, the only company that knows what buyers want before they know themselves? It would appear so. Just look at all the imitators of iPhones and the all-in-one computers trying to duplicate the iMac experience. This isn’t a new phenomenon by the way. Apple has been the de facto leader of innovation in the personal computer industry from day one. But now it appears Apple will lead the way from hereon-in with consumer devices as well, a la the iPod, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

You may have noticed for example, that smart phones with iPhone-like features are no longer called “iPhone Killers.” That’s because no one has come close to dethroning the Super Phone maker. And attaching the “Killer” moniker invokes a standard they cannot live up to, which invariably tags the device as an also-ran before it makes it to the store shelves. The latest such phone is the Samsung Instinct offered by Sprint. The best Sprint can do is create a manufactured shortage, and time that shortage just before the release of the 3G iPhone in order to steal some marketing thunder. They can only hope that unsuspecting consumers, that want a “hot” device, will place an advanced order.

We’re all familiar with the old cliche that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But Apple imitators have taken it to a new level by seeming to build it into their business model. They are simply resigned to wait for the next Apple innovation, and then do their lemming best to create a knock off with hopes to capture the leftover bread crumbs. Why don’t they just give Apple a retainer?

Come on folks. If you want the most innovative products in the world, that are designed from the ground up with your needs in mind, that just feel right, and work the way you would expect them to, just go Apple. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

More on this topic (What's this?)
iPhone = Tickle Me Elmo? (The Curious Investor, 7/13/08)
The End of Steve Jobs ™ (The Curious Investor, 12/18/08)
Apple’s 3G iPhone Will Be Even More Successful (The Razor's Edge, 7/9/08)
AT&T Sells Too Many iPhones (Telecom Ramblings, 10/22/08)
Read more on IPhone, Apple at Wikinvest

Viewing 4 Comments

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    Point is the copy cats can only try to copy the design but not the engine. For that you need an operating system as good as OSX and only Apple has it.
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    You are correct Claudio. OS X is a strategic advantage. Especially since it runs across almost the entire line of Apple products, with the exception of the iPod Shuffle, Nano and Classic. But they are due for a refresh, and I expect soon, the refreshed products will make it unanimous.

    This means Apple only has to maintain one core OS, and products and development cycles can be shared across all platforms. That's extremely powerful.
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    ZackO,
    If more companies were as innovative and creative as Apple this nation would be so much cooler.

    Think about it. If Ford, Cheverolet, GM and the big Auto maker were innovative and didn't listen to unions and really created some nice fuel cell, or electric cars they would sell. Case in point, Toyota who is kicking the living SHIT out of the "BIG 3" kept pressing forward with the Prius, ( I own one) and they are selling like hot cakes.

    My point is for a nation that is suppose to be so, "with it." Corporation have and are losing the creative spirit and genius that made us great. Not to mention that we have some many companies that bend over for SPOILED employees that are ungreatful for even having a job and are the first ones to bitch when they do like polices.

    Jobs has made his mark as one if not the greatest, company leaders, and makes Ioccoa look like a bafoon.

    I don't think Apple thinks it is flattery, I think they just laugh at the jokes call cell phone out there on the market and really don't give it too much thought or worry.
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    Crazyhorse, what do the unions have to do with the lack of creativity in the auto companies? Rick Wagner is solely responsible for the final decision to make products that nobody wants. The unions just assemble the parts. Did you knowbenifits ofCEOs equal retreemnenifeis of all e workers combined?
 

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