There are certain things which shouldn’t come as a surprise in life: death, taxes, Ashley Cole’s infidelities and Apple’s inability to see anyone else’s point of view.
Dailytech reports that Apple COO Tim Cook, speaking at a Goldman Sachs tech conference this week, predicted the end for netbooks:
“I’ve been very clear about my view of netbooks, I think they are an experience that most people will not want to continue to have,” he is quoted as saying. “People were interested in the price and they got it home and used it and went ‘Why did I buy this?’ so I think when somebody looks at iPad and compares it to a netbook, I find it hard to believe that people are going to buy netbooks. Not everyone will make the comparison so I’m not suggesting that. But I think what I’d rather do with this question is report back to you.”
Cook is wise to throw in those last few sentences given the widespread sense of disappointment which met the iPad’s debut last month. Furthermore, netbooks have no problem mastering a number of critical flaws inherent in the iPad, namely typing, multitasking and the simple inclusion of USB ports and SD card readers. Smartbooks can also chip in with matching the iPad’s battery life and portability, equally finger-friendly OSes such as Android, and integrated 3G (missing from the first wave of iPads).
That said, we’re not trying to pick a fight with Mr Cook, that would be pointless. After all, this is a man who spoke to the New York Times a few days earlier, endorsing Apple’s decision to ban adult-themed apps, while completely ignoring the counterpoints of parental controls, categorization, hypocrisy (Sports Illustrated and Playboy remain on sale), and the App Store’s stocking of violent video games.
To slightly modify that classic Borg saying: reason is futile…
Gordon
