The Next Billion: Count Apple Out

PanAsianBiz ^ | June 13, 2006 | Dr. Bill Belew

[G. Stolyarov II]

The next billion is the potential PC market in the developing world. We know they won't be buying MACS because Apple's Steve Jobs has admitted it won't be worth it to his company.

A lot of different companies are trying to come up with affordable PCs that businesses, families, schools, and students in developing countries can buy.

But everyone is having a hard time pinning down just what it is they will want.

1. What traditional features do they keep and which are kept out?

2. Will users be offended if they feel they are getting a dumbed-down version?

3. Would they rather share a community PC?

4. Would they like to buy a PC they can plug into a community server?

5. Do they want brand PCs or does it matter that it is a no-name but does the job?

6. How much can they pay? $400, $250, $140, $70?

7. Will it be dust-proof? monsoon-proof? burglar-proof?

8. Do they need high-speed?

9. Would they rather have a quality PC that costs more, even if it stretches their budget?

10. Who will teach them how to use it?

Lots of questions...

Are there solutions?

What do you think?

[G. Stolyarov II]

I think that-- as a result of Apple's inaction-- PCs are going to find vast markets of eager buyers throughout the emerging economies of Third-World countries. Most of them will likely accept PCs as they are and adjust their own abilities to operate the computers; this has been the case so far in all countries to which computers have spread; the users have adjusted to the standard operating systems and interfaces instead of insisting on something custom-tailored to them. See Dr. Belew's blog at PanAsianBiz

[HAL9000]

MacRumors.com - Apple + 50 Cent = Affordable Inner-City Mac?

[coconutt2000]

Apple's distribution and support model would require them to expand their support operations by several times in order to support a market which wouldn't buy Apple products in large enough numbers to support the expansion.

Those who can afford Apple products in those emerging markets can afford the cost of long distance support using Apple's existing support infrastructure.

Apple will focus on the markets where they currently gain the most profit, and will slowly expand its operations into new markets as those markets reach the level of sophistication and discernment when Apple products become viable as an alternative to the cheaper PCs.

Imagine Jaguar trying to sell its luxury cars in third world countries in large enough numbers to necessitate an investment in infrastructure to support legitimate dealers and store fronts.

[Hodar]

I beg to differ.

If the international avererage annual income in South Africa is $3630; how much of that are they going to spend on a PC? Can they even afford the electric bill to turn it on? Now, given the literacy rate; how much support do you think the average user will need?

These countries are well known for corruption, theft, whole-sale slaughter, kidnapping and riots. Do you want to run a store in a neighborhood that sells these? What percentage of your product will simply 'dissappear'? What do you estimate your bribes will be, simply to not have the police 'confiscate' your inventory?

SlashDot has had more than a few articles regarding the $100 Laptop; but now let's consider the ugliness of these countries. How many $100 laptops are going to be used for terrorism? How many people are going to be murdered so a theif can steal that $100 Laptop. Which OS is going to be used? Think you have a mailbox full of Nigerian once-in-a-lifetime offers now? Just wait.

There are some markets that are worth going after; this isn't one of them.

[plan2succeed.org]

America is a wonderful country. That is why so many try to get in, and very few want to leave. America is the most generous and helpful country as well. The help we give is often top notch.

That brings us to the Mac vs PC matter at hand. We all know that Apple computers, particularly those of the latest variety, far outstrip PCs in long-term value, ease of use, and on and on. See, for example, macvspc.info. If you are a PC user, you can't even conceive of how far advanced Macs are over PCs. For example, the new MacBook is fabtabulous.

Before knocking Steve Jobs, likely due to jealousy, consider what can be done to help poor folks worldwide to get Macs. Besides helping the poor, we will be gaining many thankful friends, instead of millions of people frustrated by the myriad problems and limitations of short-lived PCs.

SafeLibraries.org - Are Children Safe in Public Libraries?

[plan2succeed.org]

Steve Jobs

[A CA Guy]

Apple's action are mostly now in the Ipods.

[Mr. Jeeves]

The next billion car owners...count Lexus out.

So what's the big deal? ;)

[Swordmaker]

Apple Mac Ping!

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[SlowBoat407]

I'd buy a PC, but I'm not living in a war-torn rat hole.

E.T., phone home

[Richard Kimball]

In my limited experience in third world countries, at this time giving computers to people only makes sense if a certain amount of infrastructure is already in place. In the countries I've been to, the populace is about 90% illiterate. Anything much more complex than something US circa 1890's is quickly damaged or destroyed, and there is no infrastructure to facilitate repairs. I suspect that if people received some of the computers that generate electricity by winding up a crank, they'd use them mostly as night lights.

They have a lot of problems. I'd put computers on the list after a safe water supply, reliable electricity, and eliminating cannibalism (yes, it does still exist.)

[Sunnyflorida]

"The next billion car owners...count Lexus out.
So what's the big deal? ;)"

Exactly.
If you want the best computing experience buy Mac. If you want the cheapest then Move on.

[SunkenCiv]

Related topic, a link to what may be the funniest geek message I've ever seen on FR.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1493781/posts?page=9#9

[SunkenCiv]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1551084/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1551280/posts

[CurlyDave]

Has it ever occurred to any of these $100 PC people that the US has an advantage in the world because of our technology and our training.

Instead of trying to disseminate our advantages to every Tom, Dick, and Harry on the globe, we ought to be thinking about protecting our advantages.

Oh well, I suppose if we give them Windows, we sort of are protecting our advantage.

[BlazingArizona]

I would like to see the Mac Mini packaged as a "village computer" for the developing world. It could be equipped with a universal power supply, a miniature UPS to smooth out fluctuating current, and be bundled with some relevant software for bookkeeping, education, etc.

[Military family member]

Early on, Apple used to strike sweetheart deals with colleges to get their students to buy Macs. One school required all students to lease or own computers. since most didn't own, they leased Macs from the school. they school had a large population of Malaysian students, who liked the fact that they could use a Mac with limited English, and still complete assignments because the Macs were extremely reliable and user-friendly.

The on result was a group of graduates who likes Macs and knew what they could do. This same philosophy could work again in Third-World countries.

[noblejones]

>>
Oh well, I suppose if we give them Windows, we sort of are protecting our advantage.
<<

Windows is a product of the CIA, designed to cripple foreign economies. This was a project much like the one that developed crack cocaine to destroy democRATs.

[olde north church]

Which one of the descendents Dr. Albert Schweitzer's patients was the first to develop AIDS? This mindless compulsion to save the "underpriveged" will beget another Hell far too even imagine right now upon the Earth. Let people drop dead in peace already!