I do love Mac, or Apple, but this post is targeting the Mac, their desktop and notebook lineup. Recently (since I started using FCP) I have converted largely to Mac/Apple, they really do have it nailed right now, and their market share continues to climb. I would not discount Microsoft from the equation just yet, yes Apple is starting to rise, but I think Microsoft will reclaim once they get their shit together.
Lets start with Windows 7. I have used it, and its fine, easy to use, in fact it is so similar to Vista apart from some minor interface changes and a few added features, its pretty much the same. Maybe they thought by releasing a new OS the negative stigma from Vista would disappear. Good OS, nothing negative about it except slight compatibility issues, but you get that with every OS when its released, but there is just no point to it, there is nothing really jaw dropping about it, that makes you go, WOW that's such a massive improvement, just seems like a marketing effort. I get the feeling that Apple are so focused on creating new features, and real improvements on their computers, while Microsoft are just trying to get back their name, and are so focused on trying to regain their lost market share, that they aren’t making headway in technology and realizing "cool stuff", which Apple is doing, and it’s working. Microsoft could learn from this, and start making more ”cool stuff" instead of trying to regain their market share, as the side effect of making new innovative products, means consumer uptake, and more market share.
Apple & Microsoft, the big difference. Apple produces a complete solution, meaning, they give you the computer with the software, its a one stop shop. Microsoft produce software (yes they make some hardware, but not much). Mac's are known for their reliability and stability, they control every aspect of the process, the software is perfectly matched to the hardware. Mac have always been this way. So you may ask, why don't Microsoft do this, and make computers? Cost, seen the tag on a Mac, $1300 AUD (December 2009) is the cheapest they start at, you can pick up a Microsoft based computer much cheaper, hell, look at the netbooks (Little Laptops, like the eee pc..) being made, they cost like 400. Which for allot of consumers is better, sometimes we have to go the budget option, we simply can’t afford it, otherwise we would all be driving the latest BMW's.
Apple don't release their software for any old computer, it only works on Mac's (Ok tech guys, yes you can put it onto a PC if you work at it, but were talking about the consumer here, not the hardcore computer pros) which for them is where they want to be, otherwise if the latest Mac OS was put onto an old slow computer, people would go, AHH MAC IS SO SLOW, IT'S SHIT. If Microsoft made complete packages, then that whole argument would die, because they would be able to perfectly match the software and hardware requirements. So why don't Microsoft, I said before cost, but to put it simply, Microsoft sell the majority of their software to the OEM, guys like Dell, HP, Asus, Acer etc etc, these guys make the actual software, and install Microsoft OS onto a Dell computer, so Dell can put slow parts in the computer to maximize profit. If Microsoft pulled the pin, and made the hardware exclusively like Apple, companies like Dell, HP etc would fold overnight, and collapse, causing chaos, the stock market would suffer, thousands of jobs would be lost. Not exactly an easy decision for Microsoft, even though it might be the best business move for them (Microsoft got big buy being "the only one" look up IE vs. Netscape, big browser war...). This is not a PC is better, its simply laying the facts out before you judge.
Ok, Apples marketing campaign, particularly their getamac campaign. Since 2006 they have been using the same tactic, by hanging shit on PC to boost Mac. It really is quite lame, and a very pathetic way to make themselves look good. Remember the school days, putting down someone else to make yourself look good? And how low that was? Well Apple are doing exactly that, their ads spend more time slagging off PC than actually advertising their product. This is where Microsoft have really shown professionalism, by not retaliating, very cool move on their part. Apple, it’s time to think of a new tact, and actually advertise your product, and not push Microsoft down to ramp up your image.
The last topic is Mac's not getting virus, well there are viruses out there for Mac, just very little. So you ask the question, why don't Macs get viruses. Well, currently Apple holds roughly 10% of the market share, which means Microsoft hold roughly 90% which is a shitload more, so for a hacker or someone with malicious intent, it makes more sense to target the larger market which leads to a higher success rate, hence why PC's are more prone to a virus. The thing is, if Macs continue to gain market share, then hackers and virus writers will turn their interests toward Macs, and I can tell you, Macs can get a virus as well, its jut there are none written for them, because there aren’t enough to make it worth it. So Mac will lose that very edgy marketing tactic if their market share continues to climb.
That is it, that was a neutral post, showing the flaws in both companies. I know me personally, will be shifting to Apple in the New Year, 80% of that reason is FCP (Final Cut Pro) which if it was available for PC then I would stay on PC.
Cheers, Sam.
