iPhone’s success on the market seems to transfer its positive influence on sales of Mac laptops too: according to recent reports, Apple’s portable Macs have become the most enticing choice for many potential customers.
After a weak first quarter of 2007, when laptop sales dropped by 2%, Apple’s revenues show signs of resurrection- or at least that is what ChangeWave research firm thinks.
The historical launch of the iPhone (the first phone ever produced at Cupertino and definitely the most successful phone launch in the US) marked a shift not only in the company’s business model, but also in consumers’ preferences.
ChangeWave had previously spotted a positive “halo-effect” generated by iPhone’s inception on the market on June 29, an effect which translated into higher interest for Apple’s products, be it laptops or desktops.
A more recent survey, conducted in the first week of August, confirmed the ascendant trend:
“In an ongoing alteration of the consumer PC landscape, Apple laptop sales surged to a new all-time high over the past 90 days -- up from 12% in June to 17% currently. This was an unprecedented five-point move.”
"These results are great news for Apple," says Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing. "They serve as powerful evidence that the aforementioned 'halo effect' is indeed translating into real world Mac computer sales for Steve Jobs and company."
The survey of 3,665 ChangeWave Alliance members asked those who bought a computer in the past 90 days which manufacturer they had bought it from. The survey then asked those planning to buy a computer in the next 90 days which manufacturer they'd be buying from.
“Twenty-eight percent of respondents who said they plan to purchase a laptop said it will be a Mac- mirroring the brisk momentum we saw in June. Another 23% said they'll buy an Apple desktop- up one point from previously.”
The good news doesn’t stop here: the survey has also found out that 86 percent of those who bought a Mac over the past 90 days have been "Very Satisfied" with their purchase- by far the highest of any manufacturer.
The loser in this equation is PC manufacturer Dell, which continues to face sluggish sales and low interest from customers.
“With no signs of a bottom, only 30% of purchasers said they bought a Dell desktop in the past 90 days. This represents a seven-point drop for Dell since June -- down to the second-lowest percentage it has recorded for desktops in a ChangeWave survey. Similarly, Dell laptop purchases fell four points to a new all time low of 24%.”
Speaking of iPhone’s halo effect, Apple has started selling refurbished phone models for a $100 less: the refurbished 4GB gadget now costs at the company’s online store only $399, while the 8GB model is available for only $499. They both come with one year warranty.
The Cupertino giant has also brought iPhone’s firmware to version 1.0.2, through an update that “measured” no less than 3.7 MB. According to early reports, no new features have been noted, just some minor "bug fixes".
