Comments on: Vista delay could add up to Mac sales

If there's one company that stands to benefit from the delay of the Windows Vista operating system, it's Apple.

[gizmonationcom]

Micrsoft's two-front war with Google and Apple

After years of not really being challenged all of the sudden Microsoft has to fight a war on two fronts. Apple?s Mac OS X is arguably a better desktop operating system than than Windows XP (and maybe Vista) and Google is currently better online than Microsoft. If they don?t take Mac as a serious threat now, they risk losing share in the near-term. In fact, if Apple so chose they could come out with a retail version of OS X to run on every WinTel machine tomorrow.

I think that in the future most business computing will be done remotely. Anyone who has used Salesforce, webmail or online bill-pay knows how cool it is to have this data available from any computer on the internet. Google?s recent acquisition of online word processor Writely shows me that they agree. Clearly, security becomes even more an issue with this kind of sensitive data being hosted remotely and Microsoft?s record in that area is lacking (understatement of the day)

Microsoft knows very well what?s at stake on both fronts and although the delay of Vista may help Apple in the short-term, it may help them against Google in the longer term. If they can?t get the security thing right the lose on both fronts.

[Tanjore]

I don't think it would add up to mac sales.

Windows users are probably looking to upgrade. They are probably not going to buy Mac machines.

These are my reasons

1) After windowsxp sp2, the number of problems in windows has come down. Many user are being extra careful about their machines. Many ISP are providing adware and antivirus for free (Atlease timewarner does). Microsoft auto update feature is good.

2) People probably spent money on buying software and games for windows. If user moves to mac, then they have to buy software again.
People have learnt to mitigate viruses, adware on windows. So there is no incentive to move to Mac.

3) Most users are used to using windows at work. So for them there is no learning curve to use windows at home. Some employers allow users to download windows software. Most notably Microsoft Office because of the enterprise licensing agreement, the employers have with microsoft.

4) Cost is definetly a factor. Windows machines are any day cheaper by couple of hundred dollars.

5) Microsoft marketing machine is any day better than Apple's. Microsoft also has ton of money.

6) There are tons of free software for Windows(Eg: Good Picasa etc)

However, there will be users who will buy a Mac for its cool looks and great OS. But this is not going to dent Microsoft OS.

Really geeks, who hate microsoft will go and install linux.

If VISTA has persistant issues with Virus, Spyware etc, its market share will definetly erode.

My prediction is Mac market share will go to 7 to 9% (Currently it is 5% - guess). Windows share will remain same or drop a little bit.

Currently I am windowsxp user and I am happy with what I have. Never had any problem with Virus or adware. I like the Mac OSX features and cool looks.

But this has not yet, made me, open my wallet to Apple.

Just my two cents.

[ServedUp]

Ridiculous.

How could the delay of Vista add up to Mac Sales?

Don't get me wrong. I like Apple and I hope to one day buy an
Intel Imac core duo in the near future for the originally cool OS X
and its unix features to just having the best of both worlds from
Apple & Microsoft.

But...

Least we forget that Microsoft is still a monopoly! They have all
the bases covered which is key to keeping their reputation in
place, although bad as of late), these of which are: Software
developers, Computer Manufacturers, Big-Time Investors and
the big ticket item, which is their achilles heel - Consumer &
Corporate mindshare. Its within these key elements they have
free reign over choices, we make as consumers.

They could delay Vista for a year and there will still be a loyal
consumer base buying their products. They probably could even
delay it to two years without a significant dent in their
marketshare. They could release it now, even if its not
completely finished yet (as crappy as it is( and it will instantly
sell in one day more than Apple's OS X could ever sell. Thats just
the truth of how much power they hold over this industry.

So hows this good for mac sales?

[jwang1229]

Doubt It

There are still differences between Macs and PCs and despite Apple's claims, compatibility isn't 100%. Also, many of the programs for Macs as of yet do not have native support for the x86 Intel processor, which is a major point against purchasing a Intel Mac as of now. Third, OS X is a different operating system and many people who are used to Windows do not want to have to learn to use OS X. Finally, the majority of computer sales are in the business sector, and corporations almost exclusively use PCs instead of Macs.

[john55440]

Nope...

If my 2002 WinXP computer dies before the release of Vista, I will get another WinXP machine.

The business world runs on Windows computers, and using one is a mandatory business skill.

I'm not going to lock myself into being an Apple-only hardware buyer. With Windows, a person can choose to buy their hardware from Dell, or HP, or...

I'm not going to throw away my current Windows application software, and replace it with Apple software, if available.

Windows has a larger library of available applications than Apple.

Etc., etc., etc...

Apple makes pretty computers, but they are just obscure small-niche machines.

[J.G.]

The perfect Windows user!

You are exactly the person Microsoft wants - poorly informed and a
rote echoer of FUD. Here's hoping that you never figure out that
Macs are much more than pretty machines. You belong on a Dell,
dude!

[ServedUp]

The Johnster.

Dear John,

Your unrequited love for Microsoft is touching.

But its exactly that unrequited. Its not reciprocated on their
behalf. John i'm sad to say that they truly don't care about you
as an average consumer. They love your money though. Did you
ever take a look at the pricing model for Vista. John, I'm sorry.

John you said "The business world runs on Windows computers,
and using one is a mandatory business skill." but don't you know
its because of this mentality they are harming consumers with
they're Monopolistic ways. Regardless of what the government
deems as such. John are you brainwashed?

John if its your choice not to by Apple software. So be it. I know
Microsoft wouldn't want it any other way and given your views
Apple wouldn't want it any other way, either. John you said
"With Windows, a person can choose to buy their hardware from
Dell, or HP, or... I'm not going to throw away my current
Windows application software, and replace it with Apple
software, if available." John you truly are demonstrating your
savage love for Microsoft. I respect that, but don't you realize
thats its because Windows is availaible on all those machines, its
also harming consumers choices and John whether it be Dell or
HP or Sony its not by choice on their part. Why? Apple hasn't
licensed the Mac OS, yet.

Lastly John you said "I'm not going to throw away my current
Windows application software, and replace it with Apple
software, if available. Windows has a larger library of available
applications than Apple." John seriously now.. Its not about
quantity its about the quality of software thats out there and I'm
sure you haven't seen the titles readily available for the mac so
why bother getting into detail.

And yes Apple does make super cool looking computers, I know
thats what you had meant buy "pretty" but John theres also
substance behind those pretty looks. I wish I can say that for a
Dell machine John, but I can't their just horrid. John you don't
sound like the type to own either a Dell or an HP are you also
one of those Windows users that treat their machine like it was a
classic automobile.. Haha..

Either way John good luck with your Windows machine.. I'm sure
its your source of pride and joy.

[ericblr0716]

re: Nope...

"Windows has a larger library of available applications than Apple."

One word... "Overkill"

I hate to repeat a tired argument, but it still rings true.... Who needs 100 titles that do the same thing when you can still buy 10 of the really good ones for the mac Platform?

[webterractive]

The Delay Might Not Be The Problem

I am currently running an evaluation copy of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, and it is beautiful but I can tell from just playing around with it its not going to be a cheap OS to install. I have a suspicion that this OS has been tailored towards computers like the DELL XPS, so this will make it really hard for a normal user to run this OS. My specs are:
P4 2.53Ghz S478
512MB DDR 2700 RAM
80GB HDD
128MB ATI 9600 AIW AGP
and the rating on my system is 2, so if this is the deal it might just be better for concious computer users who don't really game to go Mac. I know that I will if this doesn't change. Microsoft should worry about quality not quantity. 7 versions of Vista is stupid, 1 is good enough. I run Windows XP SP2 Pro on a 500mhz P3 and 320MB SDRAM and 80GB HDD with 32MB R128 AGP card and I have no complaints.

[Jon N.]

My thoughts...

Ok. So, what I've said in the past has now transpired, and Vista's release date is set back AGAIN! No surprise. It's all about legacy software & its painful attributes. Apple has certain aspects on their side. It has Administrator Permissions. It doesn't conform to legacy standards like M$ wants to. They have the iPod market, & iTunes(of which I am also a customer). The only OS's that can run iTunes is OS X & Windows. Does Linux? Nope. Wouldn't it be nice, though? If Vista requires a total overhawl of current Intel & AMD systems to operate nominally, then wouldn't it be in Apple's best interest to make a OS X for the other Intel & AMD based hardware already out there? Yeah, but they won't, because they're relying on their hardware business sales. Linux needs iTunes...badly. Mr. Jobs are you listening? OS X on my P4 3.0Ghz. box...or Xandros, or MEPIS Linux with a version of iTunes. With M$ Vista delays, Apple is getting better looking every day. I wish I could keep my hardware, but until Apple comes out with a Linux version of iTunes, then I've got just two options: My current Windows XP, or buy a new Apple. M$ isn't making this any easier for me either, as I really like my ATARI ARCADE game CD. Oh, well.

[ericblr0716]

re: My thoughts...

"as I really like my ATARI ARCADE game CD. Oh, well."

Ever heard of Emulators and Roms. I have quite a collection of Atari Arcade games running great on my Powerbook via the wonderful world of emulators.

[ericblr0716]

Sales

I have to agree with those in here that state the obvious. Most people dont really care about, nor do they even know what an "Operating System" is. Just because "Windows Vista" has been announced as delayed, how is that going to affect computer sales? Yes there are commercials on a rare occasion for Windows XP, but they are just that... Rare. That's because in a large part Microsoft advertises to big computer makers like Dell, Hp, Gateway, Toshiba and so on. There are, however, an increasing number of Computer users that are waking up to their surroundings and learning about what makes their computer tick. As society becomes more computer literate, Microsoft will not be able to get away with so many flaws and security holes in their OS without pissing people off. I think Apple's best bet if they really want converts is to get more Apple stores open, stop being such a stickler with major retailers and get more of their computers in front of more people. I firmly believe that if people sit at and work for even just a few minutes, at a Macintosh computer, thats when Apple will strike gold. Microsoft is not selling a product to nearly as many newbies as there were even 10 years ago. People in their late 30's and early 40's today most likely had their first taste of computers around the commodore, atari era of the 1980's. These people are more computer literate than those that are 50 and up.

In short, Microsoft will have to straighten up quick if they want to keep that 90%. I am still rooting for Apple, and I do think this latest setback with Vista does deserve a big "I told you so". I recently started using an OS X machine, and I have loaded that thing with more software than I will probably ever use. I have a ton of games, utilities, graphics apps, etc... When I hear people talk about a lack of software for the mac I usually say, "really? I am glad you told me because with all of the Mac software I have been using and all of the Games I have been playing on my mac, I would have never known!"

[TyTyson]

Message has been deleted.

[welcomnetworks]

Windows Vista isnt just an update

How can you possibly compare Microsoft Windows Vista to Mac OS updates? I think Apple should be happy Microsoft held back on some of the key features Vista was going to bring. I feel when Vista is released, Apple sales will be much more interesting to talk about.

Jay Weatherell
Welcom Networks
Operations Lead
[e-mail]

[welcomnetworks]

Windows Vista isnt just an update

How can you possibly compare Microsoft Windows Vista to Mac OS updates? I think Apple should be happy Microsoft held back on some of the key features Vista was going to bring. I feel when Vista is released, Apple sales will be much more interesting to talk about.

Jay Weatherell
Welcom Networks
Operations Lead
[e-mail]

[GraveDigger27]

Won't make a major difference...

Although the delay of Vista will certainly hurt PC sales in the 4th Quarter, it probably will not make a lot of potential users switch to a Macintosh. Most of the people who will be looking for a new computer this fall will be people who have already purchased a system in the past - PC users aren't going to abandon all of their investment in software to switch to the Mac platform and Mac users are already in that camp. Just like the new game consoles, people need a "killer app" to switch and there's very little on the Mac that can't be found on the PC. Almost every new game comes out on the PC first and there are tons of software titles available on the PC that you can't find on the Mac. Yeah, the Macintosh has an more elegant looking interface and doesn't have the number of security issues that you'd find on the PC, but it's not enough to toss your old system away for. Plus many of the big box, office supply, department or electronics stores don't even carry Mac hardware or software. The Mom & Dad looking for something to put under the tree will find themselves looking at several different PC brands unless they're specifically looking for a Mac. And even then, if they can find them at their local computer store they will be apalled by the lack of software titles that are specific to the Mac. Here in Columbus, the only retailers who carry Macintoshs are Micro-Center and CompUSA and in both cases the Macs are in the back of the stores with VERY little software displayed. It makes it hard to push a product line that isn't front and center. And it's worse when you see so little in software support.

And before anyone bashes me for being a Mac-hater, I run both platforms and am using both a PowerMac G4 and a iBook running MacOS Tiger 10.4.5. I've owned over a dozen Macs over the years (starting with a Mac Plus) and believe that they've always have been exceptional machines. I just don't drink the Kool-aid regarding their superiority.