Computer makers are no different from any other consumer retailer. They ride a roller coaster that cycles through periods of boom and bust. It's a cycle as natural, and as inevitable, as the monsoon rains in Asia. Computers, like movies, books, and music, are a hit-driven business. A popular new technology or piece of software powers sales.
Consumers are bored with what computer makers are offering.
There's no hot new game, such as last year's The Sims, to get them excited enough to buy new, more powerful computers. Because of its special role as the computer world's stylish alternative, Apple is especially vulnerable to the industry's monsoons. Jobs's iMac propelled the company out of its doldrums. The G4 Cube has failed to sustain that momentum. It engenders an almost fanatical following among the faithful.