Comments on: Is Apple in danger of becoming Microsoft?

With Microsoft's reign as the world's evil empire drawing to a close, Don Reisinger believes that Apple will fill that perceived role. Just don't expect him to agree.

[jaspoon187]

Great article Shill! Apple is not microsoft, this entire article is childish and places cNets loyalties plainly in sight. Once again the stupid populace will eat this garbage up thinking that you are an unbiased "journalist" just reporting the facts. Reality check - cNet sucks, cNet does terrible reviews, cNet has no clue how to write a column (as you can plainly see above)

[The_Arm]

Apple is WORSE than Microsoft. They are proprietary which is bad for the computer industry and consumers. They only thing Microsoft is guilty of is being successful.

[Jkirk3279]

Proprietary?

You mean like Intel vs. AMD, each with their proprietary methods and technology?

I don't see why any company should GIVE away their hard-won designs.

And you said "Apple is WORSE than Microsoft" and "They only thing Microsoft is guilty of is being successful".

So, if Microsoft can do no wrong, why say that Apple is WORSE than Microsoft?

As for proprietary, the only thing Apple keeps to themselves is their software. Their computers are all Intel based now.

Do you expect other companies to act selflessly?

Maybe Mercedes should give away the plans for their next engine so Chevy can copy them?

But then how would Mercedes stay in business?

[SheriffBooth]

"And while Microsoft is still hated by hard-core tech gurus, it has become an aging empire that may be on the verge of a huge collapse."

This may be one of the dumbest things I have ever read. Microsoft brings in almost $1B in cash monthly, and has cash reserves equal to it total debt. Not just assets equal to its debt - CASH. It's one of the most stable and financially healthy companies in the world, and it continues to grow and evolve. Microsoft is a lot more worried about Google than Apple.

[Nicholas Buenk]

The king of proprietary is Microsoft. Windows is by far the most proprietary OS around today.
Lot of apple software has foundations on open source technology. The core of OS X is an open source unix OS. Only the GUI is proprietary. OS X will run a lot of Linux software without much modification, only a recompile. Lot of Apples work on OS X is freely released to the open source community, the kernel for example.
Quicktime and itunes are based around open industry standards these days, and any company can make a product that understands the formats without having to pay apple any royalties. The exception being the fairplay DRM. This is because Apple of today likes open standards. It's to do with the flexibility it gives consumers and popularity it adds to software.
Their hardware is standard off the shelf components. Fact is a typical mac is less proprietary than a typical PC box. Just with a more restrictive EULA.

[iconoclast04]

Hmmm...so I guess I can just grab an 8800 GT graphics card of the shelf and put it in and iMac or a PowerMac, right????

[Rick Cavaretti]

I have never liked the ability of MS (or any other large corporation) to use it size, bank account and army of lawyers to coerce smaller companies and surpress innovation. I believe they have done more to slow down progress in the field by implementing their tactics. All of this in an attempt to keep their ancient platform at the forefront. Just imagine where we would be today, technologically, if these tactics were not employed.

[kdj916]

Hey guys- you know what? Instead of all the whining (and this goes for Don Reisinger- for this passive-aggressive article) - vote with your dollars! That will show old baddie Apple! I have never owned an Apple product.. UNTIL THEY MADE ONE I WANTED!

- I don't own an IPhone, not because of AT&T (I've been a customer for 7 years and have NEVER had an issue with Customer Service) but because Apple/AT&T decided to use the outdated EDGE network for data connectivity. Did I whine, b*tch, and moan about it (or write a CNET article)? No - I voted with my dollars - great device, call me when you get 3G connectivity.

- My new MacBookPro 2.4 "17 - (my first Mac computer) is the best computing device I've ever owned - and second place isn't even close. See what I did here? When Apple made a machine worth purchasing, I VOTED with my dollars by purchasing a superior product! Did Apple "price gouge" this machine? Compare it with anything from IBM, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, etc... very comparable price for the internal technology and no competition for the quality of the display.

- OK.. maybe 5 IPODS in my family is a bit fanboi - but I really like the fact that I can get almost ANYTHING I want in ITUNES. I haven't cracked a CD case in almost a year (except to rip it) and I can selectively sync every device off of a central music library. But you know what?? (come in close)... I CAN CHOOSE ANOTHER DEVICE ANYTIME I WANT!! ---- the big bad Apple, let me un-DRM all my music!

Whine whine whine - hate hate hate - Just buy a Dell Insperion (my hated work laptop) and a Zune and give the finger to Apple.

[john55440]

Apple just sued the online publication "Think Secret" out of business.

That sure was evil.

[Jkirk3279]

"Think Secret" often reported details that seemingly could only come from a violation of Non Disclosure Agreements.

Apple sued to find and stop the leaks. I don't know if I'd say that was evil.

The fortunes of a Tech company rise and fall on rumors. And certainly, on the honesty and reliability of their employees.

The editor of "Think Secret" started all this when he was 13 years old. He's in college now, and I suppose he's got other things on his mind.

[dipinjain]

Every success is hated by competitors, on who dont have share of it and all of those who are influnced by them.
This was true for microsoft, is true for apple and shall be true for their successor.
So one who hate success let them do so, and one who want be a part of success let them enjoy it.

[arcticmaniac]

Unfortunately, we all live in a CAPITIALIST society. We are not COMMIE's.

Therefore, rule #1, only the strong survive. Bill Gates/Microsoft - in the end, they were there to 'make money'; just like Steve Jobs/Apple; they are all out to make money - "crush" the competition.

Look at Google - itself is an 'evil empire' in search. Granted most of the time when I google it gives me more crap that had nothing related to what I want - even though the 'paid' links are on the side, I get more 'shopping links'

Look at Ebay - they are the number 1 auction site, nothing even comes close to it. I hate ebay because of not only the fraud that occurs but ebay has the 'balls' to charge it even if the fraud is not your fault. Plus if no one buys your item, you still pay ebay a fee. I use to use yahoo auction alot till ebay ran them out of town. And also used half.com (till ebay bought them out)

[alansky]

How dumb can you get? This is like asking "Is Barack Obama in danger of becoming George Bush?" Afterall, he's running for president! This is a desperately dumb story.

[Nicholas Buenk]

Capitalists societies need competition. The enemy of that is a monopoly. Microsoft is therefore an enemy of capitalism, by attempting to own the whole market of operating systems, they are essentially taking over the free market with an empire.

[Drnich]

Please stop spewing what you?ve been told and start thinking for yourself. Microsoft is NOT a monopoly. You?re remarks about Microsoft being an enemy of capitalism and attempting to own the whole market is an oxymoron. Companies that have been sold to Microsoft do so because of capitalism. It is the entire mission of all For-Profit Companies to MAXIMIZE A SHAREHOLDERS INVESTMENT.

[cyde01]

HA!!! I predicted this long ago here: http://www.cnet.com/5208-1_1-0-10.html?forumID=142&messageID=2518218&threadID=230355

The claim is made that the term "evil empire" is inaccurate and stupid, but I beg to differ. Derek Jeter may be a classy guy but look at A-Rod and the Steinbrenners. They use money to buy players at prices that literally no one else can afford. And they're tearing down the hallowed house that Ruth built, and for what? Money! The new Yankee stadium will have more luxury suites at the expense of thousands less affordable seats. Way to stick it to the little guy!

Microsoft was an evil empire because they forced us to buy a shoddy product by using their corporate clout and shrewd (and questionable)business tactics to destroy any competition. They would have done it with Google and the new Apple as well, if it weren't for those companies' innovation. Apple is an evil empire because while they make fashionable products, they keep things closed and proprietary like someone else mentioned. And by keeping things closed and proprietary, they can do certain things to overcharge a customer. Like forcing a consumer to buy a whole new iPod rather than buying a new battery. Like adding all the DRM limitations on iTunes, and forcing iPod users to use iTunes. Like overcharging for something as simple as a ram upgrade or forcing iPhone users to go with a crap carrier like AT&T. The masses like things open, widely compatible and non-proprietary. Hindering that means limiting a consumer's freedom to use their products how they want to. Naturally, a large corporation limiting consumer freedom results in accusations of being an evil empire.

[Jkirk3279]

"Like forcing a consumer to buy a whole new iPod rather than buying a new battery"

Apple will replace an iPod battery for a reasonable fee -- it's not like they refuse to replace batteries.

DRM limitations were the only way to get the Music industry to sign up. Jobs doesn't like DRM and is trying to ditch it.

Overcharging for a RAM upgrade? Buy your own RAM, put it in. It's easy, I've done it several times.

As for AT&T, Apple had to go with a partner, and AT&T was interested.

If you don't like AT&T, you don't HAVE to buy an iPhone.

[cyde01]

In reply to jkirk's comment:

I don't have to buy an iPhone? No crap, I don't have one and I don't plan on buying one. And if you're denying that Apple makes it hard to customize one of their computers yourself you are crazy. They make their warranties void over the smallest little thing you do yourself and charge crazy prices if you want them to do it for you. Everybody knows this. And yes, Jobs has claimed he is against DRM in recent years. That doesn't change the fact that in order to use an iPod, you have to go through iTunes, which is a marketing scheme to encourage more PC users to buy Macs. Apple is always scheming ways to force consumers to use their software. I personally use a Mac for work, but I hate iLife. Why should an iPod user be forced to use iTunes? Why should an iMac user be forced to use iPhoto when they hook up their digi cam to their iMac? Why should a iPhone user not be able to use a mobile firefox? Lets not forget that the iPhone was at first closed, and only reluctantly opened up to 3rd party apps. Oh, and Apple may reluctantly replace an iPod battery for a fee, but that shouldn't even be necessary. They make it hard for the consumer to get a new battery to add that extra incentive for the consumer to buy the newly updated version (that was released only 12 months after the one you have). It shows you they are less about consumer satisfaction and convenience then they are about keeping control over the consumer.

If Apple continues gain market share, I can see them becoming more and more obsessed with controlling the consumer. Apple and Microsoft beware, open source is coming and you'd better not get left behind!!

[elcharlie814]

Comparing Microsoft to Apple is like COMPARING APPLES WITH ORANGES. (Or should I say Apple and Microsoft is like Yin and Yang?)

Microsoft always had a defective product, yet its marketing tactics were extremely successful.

Apple always had an extremely successful product, yet its marketing tactics were defective.

Now that Apple's marketing is being successful in getting an excellent product sold by the billions it faces the same EVIL that Microsoft faced years ago. That evil is called success. How they handle their success is how they will be remembered in the end.

I've never owned an apple product. On the contrary, I have always been a user of Microsoft products, for better or worst. But I have always been aware of Apple's superb engineering.

To Apple I say:

GO APPLE! KICK BUTT! THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON YOU NOW! ENJOY SUCCESS! Just don't turn into an "Evil Empire". :) :) :)

-CH

[nickclark567]

I agree with what you're saying in this article. It was an interesting read, and thank you for the time you put into it. I am a HUGE Apple fan and I agree, Microsoft makes crap. I have a comment on the whole Slattery v. Apple case. The iPod iTunes integration is perfect and what makes it such a high seller. That is not unfair at all, just ingenuity and good product development.

[Drnich]

Finally, someone who has an understanding of the free market system.

[schlockmaster]

I have been in the computer and hardware business for over 20 years. Initially selling the original IBM PC with DOS and then finally retiring at Windows XP. Last year I happened upon a fantastic deal on a MacBook Pro and purchased it. I run Leopard, Parallels, Windows XP and Windows Vista. The Hardware is SECOND TO NONE!!! The design, quality, reliability, and seamless operation with no crashes is like living with the most perfect woman on Earth. Microsoft may have played dirty ball over the years, but their crime is that they got caught. Many others are far more unscrupulous and get away with it. We have made Microsoft what it is at the expense of alternatives that are cheaper and more reliable. Apple is not Evil, nor sells products that are too expensive, but offers merchandise that is SUPERB. Steve Jobs rightfully takes control seriously right down to how their hardware is manufactured in China. This should demonstrate to people who insist on bashing China that it is possible to get high quality when the American company takes quality control very very seriously. Everyone could take lessons from Apples playbook. Others like to bash Microsoft but actually its like anything else, we create the monster then we complain about it.

[bubuschoeny]

Wow everyone is so negative about each company. A successful product is simply a matter of trial and error. Learn form your mistakes and move on.. Example: Apple's ITV and Microsoft's First Generation Zune. Every large company has had bad products, not just Apple and Microsoft. This trend isn't specific to the techology sector. Fanboys are such a funny bunch.

[bubuschoeny]

And by funny bunch I mean lifeless losers.

[Tec Consumer]

Apple is worse than MS as an evil empire--but better in media campaigning.

Example: MAC/PC advertisement where mac makes fun of pc because he needs surgery to upgrade to vista. The joke: Macs aren't upgradable.

The list goes on and on. Mac = closed box, proprietary everything with flashy advertising. MS = open box machines that are compatible with third party everything (and almost no advertising).

I look at it like this: The number one criticisim of Windows is COMPATIBILITY! Yet, when windows, which is is compatible with more third party, nonproprietary hardware and software than anything apple, does anything to IMPROVE compatibility - everyone complains that the windows OS isn't perfect. Why? No idea, but my guess is that people only Love flashy fads, but just only LIKE old dependables like PC.

[Jkirk3279]

Macs ARE upgradable. Not the laptops, no. In a laptop, everything is too tightly packed in to allow upgrading much but the graphics cards and hard drives.

But the desktop line is upgradable.

[yappingidiot]

Your an Idiot.

No one is imune to style and fashion.
Apple overprice their pc and laptop.
Ipod i don't care for... I have bought 2 60 GB Ipod video, 1 nano and 1 Iphone.

I cracked the iphone the first day I got it.
very disappointed in it by the way.

They are like looking in at a saks fifth store and seeing the price of a women wristlet... $988.00. Overprice for a name brand.

Apple encourage hackers and rogues to attack microsoft in their prime, apple might soon get the same treatment of every hacker and malicous person.
virus, bugs, exploits and every thing that has become standard with windows OS.

[cpopken]

Some people need to calm down and get outside more.

[preamblepreamble]

"Some people hate the United States because of its perceived warmongering, yet it's the world's go-to country when something goes wrong."-Wrong

Most people hate the United States as a result of its warmongering. But it is the go to country when something goes wrong. Thing is it doesnt do anything when we go to it. Eg.The Kyoto protocol