R.I.P. Apple Computer, Inc., thanks for changing the world.
You may read the title of this asking, "But Apple is still around, why do you say 'R.I.P.' did I miss something?". If that is your first impression don't worry, you are 100% correct, Apple is still around. However, at Macworld San Francisco (an annual conference held in January), keynote speaker Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc., announced that Apple Computer, Inc. has officially changed it's name to Apple, Inc.. While this may seem like a trivial technicality to some of you. For me, an avid Mac user, and fan of Apple's innovation in the computer industry, this change is a sign of what's to come.Now let me just start this off by saying this, I've always believed that the iPod would provide for the eventual weakening of Apple's computers. It's quite apparent that Apple has been shifting their focus from computers, and more towards consumer electronics and software. While this would be a smart move for Apple to make, for someone who enjoys their hardware, it hurts a little to watch it all unfold. I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple, sometime in the future, transform into a software/electronics company and give up on the hardware aspect of their computers altogether. Not to be lost in the fray is Apple's top notch software. With programs such as: Mac OS X; Final Cut Pro; iLife; Shake; Motion; Aperture; Logic; among others, Apple has a stronghold on quite a few industries, and it doesn't seem as if they plan on losing that grip at any point in the future. In regards to Apple's eventual aversion from the computer hardware they've commenced laying the foundation for such a move, by making the switch to Intel processors in 2006. Again, this was an extremely smart move considering the Intel move means that, eventually, people will be able to build their own Macs (which I would love to see). But on the other hand, I find it hard to believe that Apple will have the ability to be as innovative with their technology since they wont have as much control over what goes into the computers.
Also, let's look at this practically, from a dollars and cents standpoint. Apple makes the most money from the sale of their electronics and software. In-fact, the amount of money that they make from their computers is essentially chump change, in comparison to their software and electronics sales. So, what if they could put all of their efforts (and money) into their exceptional software and the hardware that makes them the most money? For one, it would make them a lot more money, along with giving them much more exposure to an even larger customer base, than what they currently have. For instance, if Apple were to pull out of the computer (hardware) game, and sell Mac OS X hardware independent, you'd see a dramatic shift in the operating system landscape, because they would open the door to the people who've always wanted to build their own Macs, for gaming, ultimate customization, etc.
Overall, it's a very smart business move for Apple to make, but while I'd be happy to see Apple grow even more as a company, I can't say that I'd be too excited to see them to lose their hardware "body". To sum it all up, Apple would essentially make themselves stronger, by pulling a metaphorical "Obi-Wan Kenobi".