3 ms·

I feel like their biggest problem was confusion. Apple does this very well: their products aren't terribly confusing. As a consumer thinking about buying a ta

I feel like their biggest problem was confusion. Apple does this very well: their products aren't terribly confusing. As a consumer thinking about buying a tablet computer, you think OK there's the iPad, but what else? Oh, Microsoft has a tablet. Hey, it runs Windows, I know windows! But Windows RT? It doesn't run my existing card games? I thought it was Windows? Oh but if I buy the pro, it'll run my Windows stuff? How do I install my card games? But it's more money? What's different about that one? Screw it, I'll just get the iPad.

junto 13y ago
This hits the nail on the head. It isn't just that Apple do this well, very well, but Microsoft are just terrible at it!
LordHumungous 13y ago
Also, it was marketed as something that's a laptop replacement- it runs windows! it has a keyboard! Oh but it only has 15GB of available storage. Never mind, I guess I'll just get a laptop after all.
dombili 13y ago
Spot on. It's really strange that enormous companies like Microsoft can't see why consumers choose Apple. Maybe they do see it, but can't execute their plan, but I doubt that's the case with Microsoft. What would stop them? They have the money, marketing, talented people in place. There's no excuse.
- tmzt 13y ago
  Which is pretty sad given the answer is so simple: 1. Small number of products and product lines make it easier to explain where each one fits in your "digital lifestyle." 2. Mostly numerical differences within those product lines, amount of storage and overall computing power. Memory for desktops and laptops. Retina is an obvious exception to this, but most likely transitional. 3. Mostly self descriptive naming, no Sony style model numbers, no overly cute but inconsistant naming. (Apple reserves this for features, mostly ones that only developers ever see.) 4. Visible price points, value emphasised over price. (Same reason I don't expect a plastic iPhone outside of possibly China.) Price points match up with point #1, more storage costs more in mostly even increments.

junto 13y ago

This hits the nail on the head. It isn't just that Apple do this well, very well, but Microsoft are just terrible at it!

LordHumungous 13y ago

Also, it was marketed as something that's a laptop replacement- it runs windows! it has a keyboard! Oh but it only has 15GB of available storage. Never mind, I guess I'll just get a laptop after all.

dombili 13y ago

Spot on. It's really strange that enormous companies like Microsoft can't see why consumers choose Apple. Maybe they do see it, but can't execute their plan, but I doubt that's the case with Microsoft. What would stop them? They have the money, marketing, talented people in place. There's no excuse.

tmzt 13y ago
Which is pretty sad given the answer is so simple: 1. Small number of products and product lines make it easier to explain where each one fits in your "digital lifestyle." 2. Mostly numerical differences within those product lines, amount of storage and overall computing power. Memory for desktops and laptops. Retina is an obvious exception to this, but most likely transitional. 3. Mostly self descriptive naming, no Sony style model numbers, no overly cute but inconsistant naming. (Apple reserves this for features, mostly ones that only developers ever see.) 4. Visible price points, value emphasised over price. (Same reason I don't expect a plastic iPhone outside of possibly China.) Price points match up with point #1, more storage costs more in mostly even increments.