The Second Coming of the Macintosh

Love it or just like it, the iMac is doing something very important for the Macintosh community. It's bringing the shine back to the Apple logo.

It's been a long time in coming. Mac users haven't had a machine like this to crow about since the days of the original Mac. The iMac is innovative, it's cool and it's the computer to want and to own. Apple is going to sell lots of these things, believe me. There is some indication Apple has managed to get some Windows users to switch, as well as attract "newbies" who have never owned a computer of any kind.

PC users thought it was all over as recently as a year ago and that Apple Computer was all but out of business. I have to admit that I wondered a times myself, really for the first time since buying my first Mac in 1987. How wrong we were!

Not only is Apple back, but in a big, big way. Apple is taking chances again and working hard to become the innovator that made the company a legend. From what I'm reading in the Mac press, we haven't seen anything yet! Look at what's coming to an Apple retailer near you ...

The iBook Cometh ...

Soon to come from Apple is a new consumer portable, which some are dubbing the iBook. Speculation is running amuck on this new machine, but one thing is certain, it will be different if the iMac is any indication of Apple's new direction. Let's just hope that it runs the complete Mac OS and not some "Lite" version!

PowerPC is Getting More Powerful ...

While Intel and the Windows world is nearing the end of the road with its CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) microchips, the PowerPC RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) is just now hitting its stride. While Mac computing has gotten faster the past couple of years, wait until System X takes full advantage of PowerPC and IBM's copper chip technology. Talking about screaming!

Apple, the Mac and Microsoft ...

Microsoft has problems with the government and many of its customers who must live with "The Microsoft Solution." Microsoft's attempt at total world dominance hasn't worked out the way Bill Gates planned. Microsoft isn't cool any more (Mac users know it never was!). Apple and the Mac is regaining its status as the cool computing platform for those who desire to stay Microsoft-free. Look for this trend only to continue.

Some Problems (or should I say Opportunities) Still Exist ...

Apple needs to figure out how it can allow other computer manufacturers to build its machines without giving away the store. I don't necessarily mean the reinstatement of clones, but perhaps "agreements" that will allow other manufacturers to build iMacs and other Mac machinery. There is just no way Apple Computer, absent other manufacturers, can build enough boxes to significantly impact market share. Of course, this is all predicated on Apple continuing to produce innovative products like the iMac that create enormous demand.

"The Road Ahead," to use the title of Bill Gates' book on total world dominance (who read it anyway?), looks bright for Apple and the Mac.