[The Great RJ]

While the sub $500 Mac is a step in the right direction, it is still a Windows dominated world. It is ironic that my son's new Mac comes with the ubiquitous Microsoft Office. If Apple succeeds in better integrating the Microsoft software into its platform it may open new markets particularly at the lower price. However, many of us still have large software investments in our Windows machines and would be reluctant to make the trade if it meant starting over.

[Vermonter]

The Mac version of MS Office is reportedly better than the PC version. I can't verify this as I have never used it.

Macs come with most of the software the average user would want, but there are limitations in the area of games and specialized apps. There are workarounds, like Virtual PC, a program now owned by Microsoft.

[John Valentine]

Microsoft has been making and marketing software for the Mac since Microsoft began.

Microsoft Office for the Mac is not a port of the Windows version, as far as I know, even though the programs operate similarly and produce compatible documents.

I use both versions, and for my money, the Mac version- Office 2004 for the Mac- is better looking, and better functioning.

So your comment about Apple succeding better "integrating the Microsoft software into its platform" is uninformed and WAAAAAY off the mark.

Apple offers a machine with far superior software/hardware integration out of the box thatn you are likely to manage with an army of IT types.

Try your sons machine... I think you will find it a revelation. And just wait until he gets the new OSX 10.4 software loaded on it in a couple months....

You'll be drooling.

[1LongTimeLurker]

It is ironic that my son's new Mac comes with the ubiquitous Microsoft Office

It came with office??? Typically Macs ship with AppleWorks. Office can run several hundred dollars depending on if you buy the Windows emulator or use a student discount.

[Frapster]

I would have to upgrade from PC to Mac my Photoshop CS, Illustrator 10, InDesign CS, Dreamweaver Studio MX, and all my utilities. I've been working on PCs for the past 15 years and a Mac the past 5 months (on a contract). I can do with either but I'm content with my PC.

[js1138]

It is ironic that my son's new Mac comes with the ubiquitous Microsoft Office.

Bill Gates owns 20 percent of Apple. It's Win/win for him.

[Barney59]

"If Apple succeeds in better integrating the Microsoft software into its platform..."

That's been a reality for a few years now, at least since OSX (UNIX/NeXT-step underpinnings)... I'm all Mac, all my clients are all PC, never a day goes by that we don't seamlessly pass PC/Mac files back and forth from WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, and the always handy PDF, without a second thought...

[Mad Dawgg]

"It is ironic that my son's new Mac comes with the ubiquitous Microsoft Office."

Actually it is logical. I mean, doesn't Microsoft own a piece of Apple? Or did they sell it off?