There is no better way to start an addict than by offering him free samples. Apple knew this and with solid software bundled with every new Mac sold, adding value to an already hefty purchase, created an instant hit. With it, a novice could easily aggregate and share photos, edit video, create a song, burn it all to DVD and finally advertise it on their self-made web site. This was a feat heretofore unimaginable in the consumers space, and for years had no rival in terms of price and ease of use. iLife was all about us, and we agreed whole heartedly.
One of the things that has made the Mac standout in recent years has been its ever evolving iLife suite (iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, iDVD, iWeb). Over time, the message was clear: If you want an easy and affordable way to manage your own multimedia, get a Mac. Not everyone took kindly to that, however. Yet, like a lone scott-terrier trying to challenging a seasoned wolf, matching it proved futile. No, to defeat a beast of this size and strength, you can't go it alone. You need help.
Dell just announced an addition to their XPS line with a new software bundle that seems exclusive to certain Dell XPS systems (still trying to sort out the details): Adobe Elements Studio. This software package provides Adobe Elements, Adobe Premiere Elements and Soundbooth CS3. This is basically the iLife Suite provided by Adobe. We know that Adobe and Apple have been both allies and rivals for some time now, but to me, this move looks like Adobe is ready to draw another line in the sand. By partnering with Dell (who just released there new XPS One) Adobe, Dell and Microsoft are now saying that one no longer needs Apple to have an (i)Mac-like experience. "Dell is the new Mac!" How will this new threat fare against Apple? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, with new look and feel of iMovie '08 meeting mixed reviews at it's inception, the triple-alliance are looking to take advantage and stun Apple in its own territory.
Like Jack London's White Fang, Apple has thus far taken down every opponent who has challenged it in the all-in-one space. Will this new multimedia initiative be the bull dog that takes Apple down? Perhaps... However, if history is our guide, this new alliance hasn't seen anything yet. To truly take down Apple, one would have to go to for the juggler. The gateway to life itself: Mac OS X and its host hardware. In my opinion, Vista has been at best partly-cloudy on that front and as anyone from California will tell you, there is nothing like the California sun. Especially with a space walking Leopard on the prowl.
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