Readers split on MS-Apple deal

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NEWS.COM readers rallied to the question: "Has Microsoft saved Apple?" Here's a few excerpts from reader responses that said "yes." Check out the next page to see responses from readers who disagreed.

Microsoft deal adds credibility
"Among the options available, this is a pretty good shot. Why? Because it adds credibility to the Mac platform."
-- Joe Helmer

"I think that Microsoft's move is a clear message to every other company in software development: current and future Apple platforms are viable and worth the effort; and to brand new corporate buyers: Apple hardware will run the software you want and more."
-- Diego B. Vega

"They still innovate, they still make great products, and they've got 27 million rabid users around the world. Their PR department just stinks--and I mean rotten. MS's investment just lends a helping hand to their reputation."
-- Jon Rust

Deal puts Wall Street at ease
"Since the overwhelmingly negative and inaccurate media coverage has done major damage to Apple's public perception as a viable enterprise, this largely symbolic gesture by Microsoft and the resulting knee-jerk Wall Street reaction has reversed this unjustifiable drubbing of a great company."
-- Ron Bischof

"This is a shrewd move on Jobs's part. He has, in one step, taken away a great deal of criticism from the financial community, which will in turn, give Apple the breathing room to seed the market with new products now shipping."
-- Robert C Flisik

Devil's in the details
"In my opinion, it was a very necessary step--but surely enough, Apple will pay for it at a later date much more dearly than they can imagine. By then, will the only operating system we have to choose from be Windows NT 10.0?"
-- Duane

"In my opinion, I must say that YES, the deal with Microsoft has given Apple a much needed boost; in the eyes of the Mac loyalists, this is close to an ultimate sin. Only their God, Steve Jobs, could have pulled such a maneuver. However, business is business. Microsoft rules. Apple innovates. It will be an interesting union with much potential. Let's wait and see if Apple hasn't given away too much in this deal..."
-- John P.M. Higgins

We love Steve Jobs
"Steve Jobs--the man who can walk out on a stage, command attention, and make Microsoft's advertising campaigns look like a joke, may in fact have a vision of the future that includes Microsoft in the way that a bully is included in a childish game at recess. When one of the other children is ready to challenge the bully, he will go away. Until then, diplomacy is used."
-- Stephen W. Cote

"After a series of historically bad business and strategic decisions at Apple, I'm excited to see any action in a new direction."
-- Andrew Russell

The best decision for Apple
"Together they may both succeed, where alone Apple would almost certainly fail."
-- Rakesh Malik

"If the $150 million is used to integrate Windows 95 with the Mac 0S so that Mac and Windows computers become cross-platform functional and useable, then I can see Apple Inc. surviving and even thriving."
-- Tim Fung

Readers look to Star Trek for answers
"Jobs is taking his playbook straight from the Star Trek: The Next Generation. His plan: Like Picard as Locutus of Borg, he burrows himself deep into the collective. Then he quietly programs the Collective into a deep sleep. Zap! Then he goes in for the kill!"
-- Tony Cecala

"Apple? .. like the Borg say.. "Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated..."
-- Ryugen C. Fisher

"Microsoft, like the infamous Borg in Star Trek, will eventually assimilate Apple."
-- Mike Funk