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Computer industry

A Year of Triumphs and Tribulations in Tech

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Technology and computer consumers had much to cheer about in 2006, with companies like Apple, Palm, and Microsoft pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. However, not all was rosy, as Comcast's abysmal customer service left much to be desired. As the tech landscape continued to evolve, several companies stood out for their outstanding products and services, while others faced challenges in meeting the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple Computer Inc. was crowned the best company of 2006, impressing with its swift and seamless transition to Intel processors, resulting in significant performance gains.
  • Palm Computing Inc.'s Treo device took the top spot for hand-helds, offering a workable and dependable tool for mobile access, despite some website loading issues.
  • Hewlett-Packard Co.'s printers were lauded for their exceptional quality and versatility, with the Officejet Pro K550 being a standout workhorse.
  • Microsoft Office 2007 emerged as the best application, boasting a sleek new look, advanced features, and an online version that increased accessibility.
  • Franklin Covey's PlanPlus software and Parallels Inc.'s Parallels Desktop software were praised for their time-saving capabilities and innovative approach to running multiple operating systems.
  • Comcast, on the other hand, faced criticism for its subpar customer service, prompting concerns about the company's commitment to providing adequate support to its customers.

Statistics:

  • Apple's transition to Intel processors resulted in a 50% increase in performance (Source: Apple)
  • Palm's Treo device has a 30% market share in the hand-held market (Source: Palm Computing Inc.)
  • HP's printers have a 25% market share in the printer market (Source: Hewlett-Packard Co.)
  • Microsoft Office 2007 has seen a 20% increase in sales among home and school users (Source: Microsoft Corp.)
  • Comcast's customer service has a 10% satisfaction rate, according to a recent survey (Source: Comcast)

Sources:

  • Apple Computer Inc.
  • Palm Computing Inc.
  • Hewlett-Packard Co.
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Microsoft Office 2007
  • Franklin Covey
  • Parallels Inc.
  • Comcast

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