Hmmmm, and you may notice that Dell was above Apple for a bunch of the period following the iPod's release, so nobody can say all of Apple's value comes from that source.
Posted on 08/27/2006 7:13:20 PM PDT by Swordmaker
"What drives the purchase of an Apple machine isn't the OS itself -- it's the packaging, the cabinet design, the quality of the graphics. I don't question that Mac OS is an easier operating system, but I don't think that alone drives Apple's sales anymore. A Mac is almost an appliance like a home entertainment center or a big-screen TV," said Charles Tatum II.
In a recent column, I asked users of Windows-based PCs if they were tempted at all to switch to a Macintosh , as I am considering doing for my next home computer.
As is often the case when the subject is Mac versus PC, I got a big response -- both from Windows and Mac users.
I heard from Windows users who were intrigued by the power of the new Mac Pros, those who were adamant about staying with Windows and those who had made the switch already. I heard from Mac users who encouraged me to make the leap and others who suggested I do everyone a favor and stick to Windows. (After my column was posted on a Mac devotees' Web site, it drew commentary deriding me as clueless).
It's All About the Benjamins
The vast majority of Windows users who responded, however, weren't interested in making the switch. The reason most often cited: the lower cost of Windows PCs.
From Steve Fong: "I, too, like your daughter, am in the design field where Macs are the norm. In fact, when I pull out my HP laptop, I can feel the derisive looks and snickers from around the conference table. However, being a freelance designer, I use a PC because I can get more power and storage without spending $$$$. It just makes sense for me. The new Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Macs are tempting, but I won't switch just to get a cool, shiny silver case. But they are purty!"
Several readers mentioned that Macs are attractive to some Windows users because, well, they're attractive.
From Charles Tatum II: " ... What drives the purchase of an Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) machine isn't the OS itself -- it's the packaging, the cabinet design, the quality of the graphics. I don't question that Mac OS is an easier operating system , but I don't think that alone drives Apple's sales anymore. A Mac is almost an appliance like a home entertainment center or a big-screen TV; it's something that adorns a den or living room. While PCs have improved somewhat in that respect, Macs -- and the new Mac Pro -- capitalize on the coolness factor, hands down."
Len Brewer is a graphic designer who's been holding out, using Windows PCs because of price, but that's changed with the Mac Pros.
"I have long been one of the few graphic designers who uses the Windows platform. I just couldn't see spending extra to get a Mac when I could accomplish the same thing on a PC for less money. No more. High-end Macs are now cheaper than high-end Dells -- and I'm making the switch -- in a big way. The fact that they now run Windows closed the deal. I have software (Act, Premiere, etc.) that only runs on Windows."
Losing Its Luster
One of the most interesting responses came from Charles Burt, who said that as a longtime Mac user, he has not been happy with the evolution of OS X .
"Since the advent of OS X for the Mac, much of the 'beauty and grace,' if you will, that was the essence of Macintosh computers is gone. Yes, they are still beautiful to look at, and yes, they are very fast. But with each successive OS update ... the platforms become less stable (especially Tiger), and I'm sorry to say, more like a PC Windows machine. I used to be Steve Jobs' best salesman. All things being equal, I would tell anyone who was in the market for a new computer to spend a little more and get the best computer available ... a Mac. I no longer make that recommendation. I still work on them every day, all day. But the fun in my job has nothing whatsoever to do with the computer I use any longer. And that makes me a bit sad, to be honest."
I also heard from several former Apple users who switched to PCs, including veteran Gene Doremus, who feels burned:
"I have an Apple history. My first computer was an Apple II that I got in 2/80; I loved it, upgraded to each new development until Apple let the Apple II die. At the end you couldn't find any new programs for it, and the operating system was a horror. Almost everything crashed. I was forced to look elsewhere and got a PC. My first PC was a Compaq luggable. I was also amazed to discover how much cheaper PC programs and equipment were. I came to hate Apple, and I'd have trouble trusting them again about anything."
Several readers noted my interest in swapping out hardware and making system changes, saying the Mac is better for those who don't want to tinker.
From someone who signed himself simply Norm: "I can understand your issues with the Mac. It's sort of like buying a Toyota Camry. There is nothing else to do. It comes ready to go, with everything (pick your model, and that's it). If you want to drop a transmission and change gear ratios, etc., it's not anywhere as easy as it was doing it to a 1956 Chevy. LOL. I guess the old days are getting pretty old. LOL."
LOL indeed.
As a ping list member I will add an amen. My thoughts were the same as yours (Swordmaker) even before I read yours.
I'm less interested in whether you use your ping list to dispense your own opinions on such things, as I'm interested in whether or not said opinions make much sense. I find the instant assumption that people who disagree with your choices are somehow malicious or defective to be tolerably amusing. YMMV :)
And then you proceed to debate him in your next paragraph.
By the way, Apple now has a 12% marketshare for portable computers in the U.S., and their desktop growth rate is well above the U.S. industry rate, indicating increasing market share for desktop computers too. But market share is not the most accurate measurement of usage share because Apple's systems are more durable and replaced less frequently than PC clones are.
"And what's this constant BS about "high end" Macs are cheaper than "High end" PCs? I have worked with computers every day of the last 20 years and literally don't know anyone who has a MAC at all, or a "high end" PC, for that matter..."
I live in Apple's worst market area. We don't have an Apple Store here, but I know plenty of Mac owners.
"Now about the "low end" real world market..."
Apple's prices have dropped enough to be competitive in all of the segments they're targeting, and they're less expensive than Dell in the professional models. Macs are certainly a better value in every category when the bundled software is considered. Dell loses money on each sale of their cheapest models, while Apple has decided to manufacture products where they can make a little profit instead. As everyone in the industry knows, Dell's business model is in trouble and may not be sustainable in its current form.
Apple's strategy of switching to Intel processors has Microsoft more worried than I've seen in my 28 years as a customers of both companies. It's amusing to read the Microsoft employee blogs complaining about how Apple ships great products on time, and Microsoft can't.
Hmmmm, and you may notice that Dell was above Apple for a bunch of the period following the iPod's release, so nobody can say all of Apple's value comes from that source.
GOOD! I am glad you were amused... I succeeded in my goal of bringing a smile to someone. Thanks for validating me. ;^)>
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