| Rare is the market event with a single possible explanation. If this is not obvious, here are some examples: -- Microsoft's Revenue Drop * PC buyers care about their computers less than Apple buyers, so in a global economic downturn, they cut back on new computer purchases moreso than Apple buyers * PC buyers are waiting on Windows 7 (mentioned in passing by Gruber) * PC buyers feel higher levels of satisfaction with their computers than in previous years, and feel an unusually low need to upgrade * PC buyers have consolidated their personal inventory, perhaps owning only a single laptop (maybe work issued) as opposed to a laptop and a desktop * Microsoft is not attracting first-time computer buyers as much as in previous years * PC buyers are switching to Apple -- Apple's Growth in >$1,000 Sales * There are fewer PC competitors in the market * PC buyers feel that equal or greater value is achieved in the <$1,000 market * The >$1,000 market has contracted around Apple * Apple is attracting more first time computer buyers than in previous years * PC buyers are switching to Apple -- I don't know how probably true these explanations are, before or after reading Gruber's article. |