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Subject:Re[2]: Which computer for a contractor? From:"Walker, Arlen P" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 25 Jul 1997 08:41:11 -0500
2. Use Mac only if a high-paying client insists on it. Why? Apple
is on the way out (read the financials).
I usually stay out of these questions because computing platform is more a
matter of preference than anything else, but the factual misinformation
here should be corrected.
Apple's financial performance has consistently beaten analyst's projections
(the last quarter was nearly 30% better than the consensus prediction). The
last quarter was a loss (amounting to about 5% of cash-on-hand, meaning
they could survive another 5 years of identical performances) and the same
consensus that's been consistently low in the past is predicting black ink
for the future. (Some investment letters have moved Apple to their
"speculative buy" list. Admittedly not a ringing endorsement, but an
indication they think there's a reasonable chance recovery is happening.)
Try all the platforms out, then buy the one you're most comfortable using.
File format issues can be addressed and overcome as needed, but
productivity issues will be with you forever. Don't buy a machine that gets
in the way of you doing your best work most efficiently. Whatever you buy,
make it fast. Your production is of primary importance; if you can't
produce good work on time you'll never make it as a contractor, despite the
latest Binford WhizBang 2000 on your desk.
Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 224
Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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In God we trust; all others must provide data.
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