Kinda' depends what you need in a computer, too. Most of my applications are Windows-only, being a games developer.

I guess also its a gamble for certain consumers. If you've never used Mac OSX or a Mac, one might be hesitant to spend substantial amounts of moolah on something unfamiliar.

Having a rival entry-level machine from Apple might just help their market share. Rather than bringing down prices of the current line of products - they should build machines that match entry-level PCs. Its just my opinion, but -most- consumers are probably after a machine that does internet, e-mail, word-processing and the usual tasks. Why spend $1,000 on a Mac when a $300 Dell will do all you need? Having a rival Mac product at that $300-500 price-point would really give the "easier and simpler to use" approach by Apple some credit with most consumers.

That's of course if Apple is willing to sacrifice some of the fancier styling. Macbook Shuffle anyone? Macbook with no buttons!


I kid, I kid. My thoughts anyway.

Ok, so Macs are more expensive outright, but I typically own and maintain both a Macs and PCs. What I've found is a ratio between the two. For every Mac I've bought, I've gone through 3 PCs in the time it takes for one Mac to run it's life span. Extrapolated out, I'll spend $1300 on a Mac that lasts 5 years with no maintenance. In that same amount of time, I'll spend $800 each on two or three new PCs plus maintenance costs when they crash for no discernible reason (I don't abuse my computers). By that logic, Macs are both less expensive and more practical and reliable.

In response to Kelly - I've had a Windows-based computer since 2002. That's 7 years. I've been adding and upgrading parts ever since to keep up with technological advances and basically to allow my computer to do the tasks that these advances demand. In total the upgrades cost less than half the price of a new computer, in addition to the money saved due to building it initially. So, your spending curve is a little much. Chances are, your 3 computers that you've had in 5 years crashed for a reason. And when they do, it's not really that hard to fix. Meaning, you don't have to spend $800 each every 2 years. Just take some initiative and get a screwdriver.

By the way, theres no real point in owning a mac unless you're doing some sort of graphic design. Other than that, you're just showing off the fact that you have money and want to go out of your way to stand out when in reality all you're going to do is check facebook, send a couple emails, use Microsoft Word and probably update your iTunes. Something you could do via a $300 netbook.

Just my 2 1/2 cents.

In resonse to maty I am also a game developer and a lot of the programs and applications needed are already on a mac or available for download for free on the Apple website. I totally agree with Kelly because my parents on a dell and I own a mac and the price ends up being the same with all of the upgrades and fixes that are needed pcs. if ur not already a computer whiz upgrading a cheap or outdated pc will be expensive and tedious. The Genius bar at the apple stores will fix just about any problem you run into, but its like pulling teeth to get a dell or hp fixed.

Harvey:

Your response to the Apple/PC article was appreciated, and informative.
Something seemed 'wrong' about the head of a major corporation taking a
phone call from another major corporation in an almost "hey, I just called
my neighbor to tell him to keep his dogs quiet" way...it seemed far too folksy
and simple, and as you pointed out, isn't consistent with the way lawyers and
the law works. Thank you.

I think I can answer a question you brought up in your response: Why Microsoft
would spend so much money supporting PC manufacturers, when they are in the
business of software. Every time a PC computer is sold, there is also a bundle
of Microsoft software sold. Over the lifetime of that same PC, the owner will likely
purchase more software as needed, and almost all of it is likely to come from Microsoft.
Make sense? While the direct sale of a PC computer doesn't benefit Microsoft, it does
so indirectly via the bundled software on board that computer, as well as down the road as the PC owner purchases new software.

Hope that helps, and thanks again for your input.

Dean Anderson

That is exactly why MS is using other companies in their ads, it's showing the world that 99% of the worlds computer manufacturers run on MS software and that the largest percentage of aftermarket software and even hardware runs off MS. Think of buying a car, a few decades ago when Fiat or Alfa Romeo was sold in the U.S., everybody wanted one, and they were fairly expensive to buy into for what you got.Then came the issues of of parts availability and the high cost of the those parts as well as someone to do the service, and even finding a place to service them was an issue.then they started to not sell so many cars and parts to the point they stopped sales in the U.S. for good. (yeah I know Fiat might be coming back, but after 30+ years) However, those who opted to buy another car, whether that be Ford, Chevy, even Datsun at the time, may have had reliability issues from time to time, were still guaranteed to be able to find parts or service. Macs may have less reliabilty issues for awhile, but they will, anything mechanical or software driven always will. I've always had a pc, never any real issues, minor stuff here and there, but I consider that like owning a vehicle and its upkeep, oil, brakes, and the like. Ferrari is famous for looks, performance, but who wants to pay 5k for a simple tuneup? I really think Mac would be better off sticking to hardware but at the same time loosening up on its proprietary stranglehold. If they want to sell more hardware, let other OS's work with them.

I think you are the one speculating. Sounds like wishful thinking to me, old boy. I agree with those who said they were tired of the insulting MAC ads. I think PC hit it on the nose. It's a lot cheaper and does a lot more, especially if you are into games. Do remember that MAC was also called and told to take off their ad about "no viruses" and they did. MAC only had no viruses because so few people had them, the hackers didn't bother. Now that more people are buying those expensive machines, they too have viruses to deal with. I do like sort of leveling the playing field and letting the CONSUMER decide. Something our weird president does not believe in ....ala the new healh care bill that prevents people from buying private insurance. What right do they have to do that???
Anyway, you are off base here by guessing instead of finding out if the information was true before you say it isn't.

Actually, the big difference is the laptop hunter ads mention the brand name "Apple" whereas the "I am a Mac" ads do not actually mention a competitors name, just the generic "P.C." And it would be someone from the legal department that called not PR because it is a legal issue.

Thats probably it Harvey. Obviously you are a genius.

That's all a bunch of hooey and you know it. Stop trying to determine what happens within a corporate environment that you're not part of.

And saying that people are jumping over to Linux is preposterous. Of course they aren't. If they can't handle OSX, they surely cannot handle Linux. That's just an idiotic supposition. If you meant to say that programmers are using Linux, I'll give you that...maybe...but to say that's what the average Joe is doing is over-reaching to the nth degree.

Microsoft is using these manufacturers to promote their products simply because their products come standard on such machines.

I know you're not that obtuse; stop pretending to be.

The ads are really quite good and Apple/Mac users are just upset (as is the company) because they got their lip bloodied. Hey, all was well and good with them when those Justin Long ads started. Put your big boy pants on and come up with a better ad.

Sheesh. That's how the game is played. You're not the only game in town, nor have you ever been.

"The answer is probably because Microsoft can't show their own product, Windows, in a positive light when comparing it to Mac OS X."
___________________________________________________________

Microsoft can't show their own product in a positive light when compared to themselves.
98 was a pretty stable platform, but everything since has been a memory munching glot of bells and whistles that crash for no apparent reason.

The iPhone will be open to all carriers as soon as its contract with At&t has expired. I have to say that I have had note books that were PC and then this year, I got a Mac Book. It is worth EVERY penny that I paid for it. My first notebook was a Gateway and it lasted about 5 1/2 years. I did have some problems, like the hard drive died within the first year and I had problems with Windows, such as holes in the programs, they would shut down, freeze up, things that are typical with a PC. My second PC notebook had a beautiful display, (also Gateway) but I had the same problems with Windows and within the first six weeks of ownership I had to have a computer repair person get my windows to work. Further, the Microsoft support tried to get me to do things to the computer that would have voided the warranty. Basically, I found that the problems that I had with PCs were extremely common and more often than not people had many many problems with their PCs. I think that you get what you pay for for the most part. It's all about preference, however, I prefer Mac.

it is true that microsoft doesnt build computers and yes, macs are a lot easier to maintain, however most folks looking to buy laptops are looking for desktop replacements with 17 inch screens, or still have all that power in a more compact 15 inch screen..... you can easily get all that with all the bells and whistles with pc's but macs, with less features, is double the price..... and most people will always go back to the price.... no matter what else you tell them.... because no matter how you slice it.... pc's are the norm..... im sure this convo will be mute in a couple years..... technology is going so fast, its almost astonishing.... the problem with buying a laptop now is that in a couple months, there is one out there thats better than yours with more everything and its cheaper..... i dunno if i even made a point in this rambling..... im quite high.... plus most people go to pc's because that is what they are comfortable with ..... its what they know they know that start button..... they know virusscan, they know defrag, thats usually all they know.... the ones that dont know that are screwed from the start.... i think every computer should come with an interactive program to teach you how to use your new computer

Everyone you know who has a PC has a problem? How long did it take to do the research of contacting everyone you know? What is the breakdown, how many tens of people you know use a mac? How many hundreds of people you know use a PC? Show us the details of this extensive research. Although you don't know me, I have a great PC and it is fantastic with no issues. On the other hand you might know me and you forgot to check with me before posting the results of your extensive research.

I don't know you but I've had PCs all my life and never had a MAC because they were designed for teachers in schools, ran only elementary school programs and would not handle the software I needed for my work. That has changed somewhat but MACs still aren't the best choice for games, graphics, etc. I have had Dell computers for which I paid about $600 for a full laptop with major memory, CD burner and graphics card. I've had it 4 years with not one problem.All of my friends have PCs - I personally don't know of anyone with a MAC except my sister who teaches 5th grade and uses it for her class. I haven't heard anyone complain of a PC except for viruses which they did not install programs to prevent. MACs now also have viruses, as you have probably found out, since now enought people own them to bother to send them the virus. Notice they've taken the "no virus" claim off their ads??? There's a reason, kids.