I like this site

Droscaru.ro
It's clean and simple. :) Congratulations!

Apple's mistake

I have longed for a PowerBook a few years now. Too expensive for my budget.
But I still think that Apple's recent decision to offer Mac mini for $499 and a flash based iPod for $99 is a dangerous one.
Some of the reasons:
1.) Mac mini is intended to lower the cost of switching between PCs and Macs. OK. What happens to this brand and Apple's sales when PC users switch to Mac and find out they can't use most of their "beloved" applications on Mac mini because they need to much RAM to run a VirtualPC or they just can't find Mac versions of the needed software?

2.) iPod Shuffle means less focus on iPod and its original concept. "iPod is a hard-disk based mp3 player". This is how consumers perceive iPods... It's a classic case for dangerous brand extensions.

PS: I know it's very easy to speak about other people's mistakes and it seems to me that I have developed a pattern (Connex, Apple)... "I am ashamed" (remember Finding Nemo) but I'm not the only guy in town who said Apple might be using the wrong strategy: Do New Apple Products Make the Grade?

Again Connex :)

My post on one of Wireality.com groups:

I have tried to offer you a clear picture on the evolution of Connex as a brand. I might be wrong about some elements, but they express my feelings and
opinions on Connex.

There are many scenarios but I have chosen only 2. One of them is
outrageous, the other is "clever".
Here we go:
1.) Connex is going to be sold this year (I have been hearing this rumor since 2000! Will it ever happen?) and they are preparing to say good bye to this name and concept.
2.) 2 events have affected Connex's brand strategy:
a.) A new MK VP has landed in Bucharest (who worked for Orange, IF I'm not mistaken) -> Orange + saffron
b.) Elections are over and Romania is entering a new phase -> hence a need to fresh things up

Have a nice evening,
Andrei

PS: Connex has started a big CSR campaign and I like it! Congratulation!