Windows XP upgrade to Windows 7 = $50.00
Apple OSX 10.4 Tiger upgrade to OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard = $169.00
Windows Vista upgrade to Windows 7 = $0.00
Apple OSX 10.5 Leopard upgrade to OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard = $9.95
Apple OSX 10.4 Tiger upgrade to OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard = $169.00
That $169 also includes the current version of iLife and iWork. How much for Windows 7 plus a full install of the latest version of Office plus the Windows equivalents of iPhoto and iMovie, assuming equivalents exist?
So, in response to Apple's lower prices for Snow Leopard, Microsoft decided to undercut itself and slash prices. They must be running scared... or they are trying to rebuild lost goodwill with their customers who refused to upgrade to Vista.
Why would I say "we thought they would?" Oh, it might just be because that is exactly what Ed Bott said and you said you agree with:
Bott's summation: "Apple’s $29 pricing decision is a clever one. They’re counting on gullible reporters and analysts to make oversimplified comparisons with Windows 7, and they’re hoping to goad Ballmer and Company into reacting with a slashed price of their own. If Microsoft is smart, they won’t take the bait."
Blue Highway's assertion: I think Ed Bott summed up his article well with these last 2 paragraphs. I happen to agree with him and don't see how you can spin it any other way Swordmaker. Knowing you though, you can't help it and you will try to spin it anyways.
Looks, waddles, and quacks... it's a duck. YOU said you agreed. Ergo, both you and Bott think that Apple was wanting Microsoft to slash prices.