> Lets say Apple authorized Dell to sell dual boot computers. After they checked out OSX for a while I'm sure most users would end up using Windows 7 most of the time
Hodar, your wish shows that you don't understand that Apple is a SYSTEMS company, that makes their money on their hardware, not their software. Apple can't "compete directly against Windows" -- they make and sell SYSTEMS. Not just software. Totally different business model. It's like wishing that a football player would model lingerie -- it just doesn't work that way.
Dennis, I agree with you that eyeball-to-eyeball, most users would end up with Windows rather than OS-X. But the reason is that most users (90%) presently use Windows, and most Windows users have at least one Windows-only application they depend on. They won't switch arbitrarily to Mac.
It has nothing to do with which OS is "better", or "prettier", or "easier to use", or "stabler", or "more secure". The decision would be made, most of the time, on the basis of "Does it run my Windows-only application that I'm used to?", answer = "No", result = stick with Windows.
Users like that don't want to hear about VMware or Parallels or BootCamp, either. So arguments that they can have BOTH Windows and Mac cut no ice.
Unfortunately, I think you are correct. Most users would opt to stick with Windows due to the critical mass of applications that are available for Windows.
However, I think you are overlooking the silent majority; Mom and Dad who are close to, or in retirment who only want to send email, read the news and maybe put together a photo-album DVD of their family vacation.
My parents are in their 70’s; and teaching them to use Windows - alone - it a very frustrating experience. The ease of use, and base elegance that is OS X makes this a great candidate for this demographic.
Now, is this demographic 90%? No, but it’s far greater than the ~6% that Apple currently enjoys.
The eternal defense of an indefensible system. Can you name three?