“RickGeek,” writing for Geek.com tries “to get a pulse on what people honestly think about Windows and the x86-based PC systems now that we’ve had a few years of Windows 95-like operating systems to work with, and to look back honestly on all of the problems that go with them, and to find out your thoughts on a possible escape route to jettison the Windows baggage once and for all.”
“Users of Windows XP know how much time they spend each week on Microsoft’s Windows Update website. And I doubt there are many of us not running some type of anti-virus program and/or pop-up/ad-blocker software, all of which take time away from our productivity,” RickGeek writes. “I’ve read about a few Mac viruses, but they’re nothing compared to Windows-based PCs where you have to perform updates on your anti-virus software every few hours every single day because there’s some new threat out there that’s been discovered–never mind the ones that haven’t been discovered yet, many of which are incredibly damaging before they’re fixed.”
MacDailyNews Note: There are no (0) Mac OS X viruses.
RickGeek continues, “Microsoft Windows-based operating systems have so many security holes in them that the time for a switch is now. I can’t imagine Windows Vista–Microsoft’s follow-up to Windows XP–solving any of these problems. The reason? Because Bill Gates is still the CSA (Chief Software Architect). And he already has a track record dating back 10 years (since Windows 95) showing that he doesn’t know how to write or buy systems that are secure. Buffer overruns going unchecked on incoming streams of data … what kind of programmer writing something as important as an operating system doesn’t think of such things?! It makes me angry to think about it. It’s inexcusable. Period.”
“In my opinion, Steve Jobs made a huge, HUGE mistake by not simply releasing OS X to operate on any PC-based architecture. He could’ve taken over the operating system world before Windows Vista even had a chance. He could’ve already had legions of crossover users following him holding little apples in their hands, myself included. Had he released a full version of Mac OS X to run on any x86-based system, his revenue streams would be through the roof today, let alone next year,” RickGeek writes. “Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users? Are you listening to what I and many others are saying? We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use. Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC. The legions that will crossover, probably overnight, will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams… Windows’ days are over. The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now. Bye bye, Bill.”
Much more in the full article (with a must-read reader comments section that illustrates just how much work Apple has to do to overcome Joe Windows Sufferer’s massive Apple, Mac, Mac OS X ignorance) here.
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Related MacDailyNews articles:
Switching from Microsoft Windows to Apple Macintosh – December 04, 2005
Apple’s Mac OS X, Safari web browser show market share gains – December 03, 2005
Want to switch to Mac? Mossberg answers common questions – November 10, 2005
Why people are switching from Microsoft’s Windows to Apple’s Mac OS X – November 09, 2005
Windows PC retailers face tough holiday season, meanwhile Apple stores are packed as Mac sales surge – November 09, 2005
Analyst estimates over a million Windows to Mac switchers during 2005’s first three quarters – November 07, 2005
Windows sufferers: It’s not your fault, but it is your problem – switch to Mac – November 07, 2005
Tech writer: Windows PCs highly vulnerable to zombie hijacking; get an Apple Mac instead – November 06, 2005
Windows switchers, now’s your chance: Apple Mac mini with Mac OS X Tiger for $379 – November 03, 2005
Computer columnist: anti-virus software purely optional for Apple Macs, not so for Windows – November 01, 2005
Microsoft apologists and why Apple’s Mac OS X has zero viruses – October 24, 2005
Mossberg: Switching from Windows to Mac – software not an expensive proposition – September 30, 2005
Windows to Mac switchers: recommendations and Total Cost of Ownership analysis – September 29, 2005
Switching from Windows to Mac is easy and liberating – September 14, 2005
Mossberg offers resources for Windows users interested in switching to Apple Mac – August 18, 2005
Windows users’ questions and concerns answered about Windows to Mac switch – July 27, 2005
Defending Windows over Mac a sign of mental illness – December 20, 2003
Another PC-head who doesn’t quite “get it” (yet). Glad to see you’re starting to see the light. Now, come on over and bathe in it, RickGeek!
Why doesn’t he just buy a Mac????
Right on.
I’m bored already.
Panther is for the most part, better than Tiger.
Meh.
Here’s a cluestick for Rick: The price of admission to the virus-free zone is a Macintosh.
As in… viruses on a machine 10 years ago, with the Mac name, but no relation to the current OS? Viruses that CANNOT infect any current Mac?
Anyway, welcome to the best consumer UNIX!
I would never go back to Panther. Tiger is far superior.
Read the comments to the article.
100% ignorant, 100% anti-Mac, and 90% just plain wrong facts.
People really REALLY get scared at the idea that Microsoft might have the worse product.
But they do.
What can Dell, HP, Gateway, or eMachine do that is exactly better than how Apple operates? I have plenty of headaches with musicans I don’t need a fincky computer to add to my list of worries. Open hardware = thousands of new drivers and hundreds hours wasted shifting through them.
Part of the reason the Mac is so much more stable is the fact that Apple controls the entire experience. Apple hardware/Apple Software/Apple Operating System.
I believe that you could run OSX on an Intel PC somehow but you will likely have issues with drivers and third party devices (like Windows does – in fact is almost a miracle that Windows works as well as it does). This will hurt the reputation of OSX ant it is probably why Apple doesn’t want to go there. It would basically be a mediocre user experience and SJ doesn’t want to be mediocre and is willing to lose market share to prove it. I respect that but it does make me wonder. If Apples just would….
My 2 cents.
Yeah, well, Geekyboy, with share prices around $73, it is clear to everyone that Steve Jobs screwed up big time.
Now, repeat after me: Apple is a hardware producer.
Just because you’re too cheap to buy a decent computer does not mean Apple has to support you.
The momentum switch is beginning, albeit slowly. It is great to see that people, hardcore PC-people, beginning to realize that there is better out there. But the situation is more of a Catch-22.
Here’s how it breaks down, it has been said before, for Apple to reap the benefits of a major market share gain—which most people think of about 30 to 50% jump in about a year, if not less—would be the death of ANY company. Demand would suffocate supply; yes, it is economic termonology, but think of it this way: to get the amount of users to switch in such a short time, Apple would run into damaging issues. Most obviously would be supply of Macs. We would be reading about the complaints about the lack of supply of machines to satisfy demand. This, of course, would ease over time, but think about the chain that goes into creating supply; which leads to the next issue.
Quality of manufacturing would most certainly fall. With the pressure to get Macs out into the stores, and people’s homes, there would be another uproar about why the touted quality that Macs have enjoyed are no longer present. (Best comparision: purchasing an eMachine, it’s cheap, but you pay in the long run. Don’t get me started on that crap.)
Of which leads to the next issue, Support. With all the new users that will be demanding to get their Macs fixed, an overload will be likely, which could lead to criticism against the shining reputation that AppleCare currently enjoys. Do I need to say “Tech Support”?
Next we come to quality of software. With the introduction of an OS X86, the amount of support that would be requried to support the wide array of configurations would lead to a finiancial drain, if Apple were to continue AppleCare in the same manner, that it would end in bankruptcy and truly kill Apple. Hence, why hardware and software are an integrated system for a Mac. A user will know that, with confidence, that the computer that a user will purchase from Apple will work out of the box and into the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th years of operation. To clarify, a Mac can run and endure changes that can happen within a 6 year lifespan. (I state this from personal experience. I have used an iBook—Blueberry G3 333MHz—and ran OS 8 to OS X 10.3.) No “PC” can even come close in making such a claim—their lifespan is usually 2 to 3 years, at maximum.
Overall, with all the potential “bad blood” that will be spilled by having a company that grows seemingly overnight, it can be said that having a sharp growth of market share would make Apple turn into Microshquish; in reputation, at least.
Finally, There is one factor that is consistenly ignored: the Lowest Common Denominator. Essentially the moronic, idiotic, and plain stupidity that is present when dealing within Retail Business. As a salesman in a local hardware store, I see this everyday. It is such a taboo subject, that noone dares to mention it. But it is a prime aspect of operation. What I am talking about is people who are going to try to get the most for the least. Perfect example, within hardware stores anyway, is “the unoffical rental policy”: when a customer purchases a tool then brings it back—usually the next day( or even that same day)—with obvious indications of wear from use; aka a wrench that has scratches and a wiped grease stain. This translates into inexperienced users expecting more than what they pay for. They purchase an eMachine being brainwashed into thinking that it is “just as good as a Mac”, either by a brainwashed salesman trying to get his numbers up, or a closed minded, “hardcore” PC person who doesn’t know the truth of Mac ownership because he has not experienced both sides of the field.
To summarize, now that I have written a three page essay
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” /> Apple is doing well to keep a slower paced growth model. For the Mac Geeks/Geniuses/Addicts out there, it would be nice to have a jump in market share, but in the way that everything currently operates, such a growth spurt would hurt everyone.
i dont agree with this article…macs are not pc’s. I hope Jobs doesn’t whore out his beautimus OS. go mac and dont look back!
MW: easy as in: “dont be an easy mark”
All these PC drones calling for Apple to release OSX for X86 have NO FRIGGIN CLUE what they are talking about.
First of all allowing it to run on any hardware will diminish the user experience and the quality of the product.
Secondly the entire reason they want it for any PC hardware is because of this ongoing moronic mentality that Apple hardware is more expensive. It’s not, and PC dorks need to get over it and actually compare feature sets instead of drooling every time they see a Dell ad that promises them a 399$ PC that somehow never can be found on their website.
Thirdly, if they STILL object to buying Apple hardware because they have no need to at this time, all I can say is if they all have this delusion that VISTA or whatever they are calling it this week isn’t going to require all new hardware, then perhaps they are the ones who should stop drinking Kool-Aid.
yep , it’s cost of long term ownershop thats the pcs real problem
hidden costs and hidden problems
dell hide it all behind that big $399 sign
If Steve Jobs released Mac OS X for all PC”s, it probably wouldn’t have the stability that it does today. Locking it to Apple’s hardware ensures stability. Maybe in the future, Steve will released Mac OS X for a few “select” PC companies.
Dear hagar57:
HEY, ASSHOLE, REPEAT AFTER ME, “APPLE MAKES GREAT SOFTWARE!”
You do Apple a grevious injustice when all you can see is the goddamn box dipshit.
Sorry, I don’t usally go off like that, my blood sugar is off a bit.
Steve, please don’t sell out to junky Dell! I NEED a stable OS like Tiger and a well built machine like the Mac for my life to run well. I DON’T MIND being in a smaller “elite Apple club”! Money is not an issues. Don’t listen to the cheap RickGeek morons who are so blind as to not to be able to see the difference between a a nicely built Mac/OSX and a piece of crap called DELL.
Apple, follow the game plane of SJ!
FIND: as in RickGeek, find your mama and cry on her lap, please!
I have a couple of comments:
When these “journalists” mention there are a few Mac viruses, why don’t they name just one of them? I’m fscking serious, name one. I have searched for them – because I seriously want to know if any exist – so I can avoid them and/or eradicate them if I get one. I have yet to find anything except a couple of trojans that are easily avoided. Where are the OS X viruses?
Why does anyone think that Steve Jobs gives a flying fsck about Windows users? They made their choice already. Steve cares about making great products. He doesn’t need to sell OS X to every PC user. Look at how much Apple has grown in the last two years. He is making money hand over fist and he is making great products at the same time.
Linux is perfectly stable in numerous x86-configurations. Why do you think that OS X for x86 would be any worse?
i think it will be inevetable that mac os will be licensed just not in the way windows does, i think that when apple have the x86 spec down and stable apple will release the third parties tieing them to a set base spec, from then on, upgrades such as processor, graphics card etc etc will be upto them, apple will still make profit by taking a good percentage from the fee the computer makers, and will prob continue to make the finest computers known to man
or not, we’ve seen how apple are with the ipod
RickGeek writes. “I’ve read about a few Mac viruses”
Sure, we’ve all read about Mac viruses. They’re frequently talked about by people with no understanding of Macs.
But nobody has ever experienced an OS X virus.
I’ve also read about Father Christmas and also the tooth fairy, but I haven’t actually encountered them in real life.
Hey reverse thrust, you seem to be a bit challenged both linguistically and on the cogitive side. So let me explain in more detail:
Yes Apple makes great software. But their money comes, for the most part, from hardware sales. To further simplify: they make all this great software for the sole purpose to help sell the great hardware, i.e. computers and iPods. That’s why they are a hardware producer and have no interest in distributing their operating system to PC cheapos. Got it?
Next time, don’t shout. You are being impolite.
MW: sales, as in hardware sales.
Linux is better than Windows and it is available for installation on any PC but it is not taking the “PC” market by storm….
Re: Linux
Most people are prepared to make the jump from Windows to Mac OSX (if they keep their existing hardware spend) because OSX has all the familiar programs available for it. They don’t quite get that projects like Wine will allow software such as Photoshop, Office etc. to run on Linux.
Now I know that OSX is always going to be easier to use and configure than Linux, but if I was stuck with a bunch of x86 hardware that I didn’t want to get rid of yet, Linux would be such a step up from Windows, it would be straight on my system, at least until it was time to replace the system unit.
Apologies for my increasingly poor grammar. I blme txt msgng.
Wow… Some of those comments to the article on the full article’s site… Just wow.
This was one of my favorites:
“The Mac and OS architecture are solid, I will admit that. But they are in no way as user-friendly as a PC and a good old install of Windows XP.”
Just… Wow. lol
*shakes head*
“Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users?”
Yes. That’s why he and his teams work to make Macs and make them continuously improve them.
“Are you listening to what I and many others are saying?”
Yes, but the solution already exists.
“We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use.”
Here, I’ll help you out. Just go to http://www.applestore.com. If you live in a non-US country, just change the country at the bottom of the page.
“Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC.”
No.
“[The legions that will crossover, probably overnight,] will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams..”
Too bad my number one priority is making insanely great hardware that runs insanely great software. That’s why my salary is only $1.
“Windows’ days are over.”
That’s why we’ve been working so hard on Mac OS X.
“The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now.”
Actually, the time was 1984. But, hey, glad you’re joining the party.
“Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users?”
Yes. That’s why he and his teams work to make Macs and make them continuously improve them.
“Are you listening to what I and many others are saying?”
Yes, but the solution already exists.
“We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use.”
Here, I’ll help you out. Just go to http://www.applestore.com. If you live in a non-US country, just change the country at the bottom of the page.
“Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC.”
No.
“[The legions that will crossover, probably overnight,] will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams..”
Too bad my number one priority is making insanely great hardware that runs insanely great software. That’s why my salary is only $1.
“Windows’ days are over.”
That’s why we’ve been working so hard on Mac OS X.
“The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now.”
Actually, the time was 1984. But, hey, glad you’re joining the party.
“Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users?”
Yes. That’s why he and his teams work to make Macs and make them continuously improve them.
“Are you listening to what I and many others are saying?”
Yes, but the solution already exists.
“We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use.”
Here, I’ll help you out. Just go to http://www.applestore.com. If you live in a non-US country, just change the country at the bottom of the page.
“Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC.”
No.
“[The legions that will crossover, probably overnight,] will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams..”
Too bad my number one priority is making insanely great hardware that runs insanely great software. That’s why my salary is only $1.
“Windows’ days are over.”
That’s why we’ve been working so hard on Mac OS X.
“The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now.”
Actually, the time was 1984. But, hey, glad you’re joining the party.
“Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users?”
Yes. That’s why he and his teams work to make Macs and make them continuously improve them.
“Are you listening to what I and many others are saying?”
Yes, but the solution already exists.
“We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use.”
Here, I’ll help you out. Just go to http://www.applestore.com. If you live in a non-US country, just change the country at the bottom of the page.
“Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC.”
No.
“[The legions that will crossover, probably overnight,] will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams..”
Too bad my number one priority is making insanely great hardware that runs insanely great software. That’s why my salary is only $1.
“Windows’ days are over.”
That’s why we’ve been working so hard on Mac OS X.
“The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now.”
Actually, the time was 1984. But, hey, glad you’re joining the party.
“”The Mac and OS architecture are solid, I will admit that. But they are in no way as user-friendly as a PC and a good old install of Windows XP.”
Just… Wow. lol
*shakes head*”
The thing he doesn’t tell you is that the last time he used a Mac was when he bumped into (literally) a Power Mac 7600.
“”The Mac and OS architecture are solid, I will admit that. But they are in no way as user-friendly as a PC and a good old install of Windows XP.”
Just… Wow. lol
*shakes head*”
The thing he doesn’t tell you is that the last time he used a Mac was when he bumped into (literally) a Power Mac 7600.
“”The Mac and OS architecture are solid, I will admit that. But they are in no way as user-friendly as a PC and a good old install of Windows XP.”
Just… Wow. lol
*shakes head*”
The thing he doesn’t tell you is that the last time he used a Mac was when he bumped into (literally) a Power Mac 7600.
“”The Mac and OS architecture are solid, I will admit that. But they are in no way as user-friendly as a PC and a good old install of Windows XP.”
Just… Wow. lol
*shakes head*”
The thing he doesn’t tell you is that the last time he used a Mac was when he bumped into (literally) a Power Mac 7600.
A grain of salt here, please.
Let’s get an understanding underfoot first thing.
Fifty percent of the people in this world are below average.
Steve Jobs’ products appeal to the upper fifty percent mostly.
Steve Jobs doesn’t need the headaches caused by the lower fifty percent. They belong elsewhere. Sorry about that but sometimes, people just don’t fit in, like those who choose to get by with whatever is just adequate for the moment. Life is too short to be held back by such excuses.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Steve’s not on that road, I don’t think, not according to the judging from my little experience with his images.
Anyone wishing to get involved with Steve Job’s ongoings is free to do so. All that’s required is the gumption to do it, the sort of gumption naturally arises from those in the upper fifty percent.
Happy holidays to all, to even those who continue to choose to belong elsewhere.
C’mon Dude, STFU and buy a Macintosh!
The reason why the Mac is so great on so MANY different levels, is that Apple controls the entire experience from concept to drawing board to start up sound and beyond.
Microsoft and Windows can’t possibly keep up with the infinite possible varies of hardware configurations to be able to create a decent OS. I’m not even going to mention their horrific idea of what an interface should be.
I love “reporters” inability to conceive a computing experience with ZERO viruses, ZERO adware and ZERO spyware. I’ve been using Macs since I bought a Mac 512K in January 1985. I saw a a virus ONCE, in 1991 or ’92, that a friend’s kid inadvertently brought home from school on a floppy disk. I quickly killed it and have NEVER seen another!
So, duuuuuuude, sell the Dell and buy a Mac!
MDN Magic Word: THINK… as in…
If he’s too cheap to buy a Mac, then why doesn’t he try LINUX??? Geez….
Doubletrouble’s take on Apple’s focus on the upper 50% of the market may be a bit conservative. Apple focuses on providing the best vertically integrated human/machine interface experience that they can. My feeling is that perhaps the top 20% of the market is in a position to appreciate that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle
At this point less than half of that 20% have experienced the goodness on an up close and personal basis, and of those who have not all are in a position to act on their findings due to external factors (narrow-minded IT policy etc.)
Anything beyond that target 20% that comes along for the ride is gravy.
like OSX? Buy a Mac. Simple, easy.
In Italy we say: “fanculo” (f**K you), you ‘ve got a PC. Enjoy its bugs and viruses.
We enjoy our Macs and its OS.
Dear Dr. Jobs,
Please save us from all these virusus’ we are infected, dying a slow death and you are the new messiah and must protect us. PLeeeeeeaaaaseeee
Dear Infected,
My MAC hospital has been sitting here for decades waiting for the sick to come, you did not open your eyes and see!
You and all your infected friends are most welcome to visit and stay as long as you like but must come to my hospital as my instruments of cure only work here.
Please come you will receive better care and feel much safer and healthier when I have cured you.
Dr. Jobs
Let me first say that I do like OS X very much, but that there are some features in my Thinkpad T42 (currently running Linux, NOT Windoze) that I wish I had in my powerbook:
Swappable media bay optical drives — makes upgrades easier.
Higher resolution display, the 14″ display on the T42 is 1400×1050. Yes, they just upped the resolution on the 15″ & 17″ Powerbooks, but I’m a little disappointed. Most of the PC manufactures have 15.4″ displays availble with 1680×1050, and even 1920×1200 resolution, where Apple went to a mediocre 1400×960. I have a Dell D800 at work (not my choice, I wanted a Thinkpad), it has an excellent 1680×1050 15.4″ display.
I am anxious for the x86 Powerbooks. The 1.7 GHz Pentium M with it’s 2mb cache runs rings around my 1ghz G4 Powerbook (and by more than the clock rate difference).
All that said, while as a technical person, Linux is good enough for me, OSX is stil the best all-around OS for most users, and it is what I recomend to everyone.
And for the record, I have the following computers at home:
Dual 1 GHz G4 (quicksilver) w/ 1.5gb RAM + ACard RAID
1 GHz Al-Powerbook (2gb RAM, upgraded to 4X superdrive)
2.16 GHz Athlon XP 3000+ homebuilt (ASUS motherboard) running Redhad Linux 9, 2gb RAM
Thinkpad T42 1.7GHz Pentium M, 2gb RAM, running Fedora Core 4 (linux).
Yeah, this guy should just buy a Mac and be done with it. He wants to brag about having a $399 computer AND OS X too.
Get a Mac, get a life.
Well, unfortunately, he just doesn’t get it. If apple were to do what he suggests, they would just supplant microsoft. Part of the beauty of the system is the hardware. Apple totally integrates the operation system to the hardware, leaving very little to chance. If they were to release OS X for any intel box, they would have the same compatibility problems as M$. There are hundreds of thousands of possible hardware configurations out there and to try to write an operation system that will work flawlessly on all of them would be impossible. I don’t think Steve Jobs has a desire to supplant the Dark Lord.
Ken
You have *GOT* to read the ‘feedback’ to the column on that site!!!!!
Enough ignorance there to write thousands of MDN posts!!!
When Apple releases the dual boot intel macs in 2006 watch Dell and all ther other ‘junk’ box pc manufacturers crap themselves!
Apple have been quoted in saying that they will not stop windows being installed on their hardware.
The important thing is that, to access windows you will have to do it through OS X!
Excellent – windows users will HAVE to use OS X anyway and Dell or any other maker out their will never be able to do that with their boxes because Apple will not licience the OS to them.
Brillant move Steve!
I wish I had bought Apple shares!!!
You want OSX? Buy a Mac.
It’s sad that the author of the article fails to realize that nothing prevents him or anyone else from switching to the OSX operating system. It has been proven time and time again that the financial investment in the maintenance of windows more than compensates for the difference in cost of the Mac hardware. He sounds like the investor that bought into a dog of a stock but keeps waiting for a rebound that never comes. He alone has the power to cut his losses but blames everyone but himself for his predicament.
MasterMacNikon
Dec 08, 05 – 01:32 am
Recommended read. Well considered. MasterMacNikon offers an inside the channel insight. Thank you.
My Unbiased Opinion (re-posted)
I switched to Mac about 4 years ago and I’m soon about to switch back to PC (for my desktop system at least…I plan on having a PowerBook as my laptop for the foreseeable future). Don’t get me wrong, OS X is an excellent OS, far better than Windows XP in many respects. I think Apple’s huge mistake is the switch to x86. When I bought my Dual 2.5 GHz G5 a year and a half ago nothing in the PC world could really compare to the specs. Dual processing at that time was basically non-existant for desktop PCs. Most unbiased benchmarkers agree that the Dual G5 system is pretty much up there with the current dual core Athlons, so the G5’s obviously packed a mighty punch back then. Now, I can’t see spending so much for a Mac when I could build a far better system for much cheaper. OS X just isn’t worth THAT much money plus a sacrifice in performance. I love the Mac platform, but I don’t see people buying a $3000 Intel system when they could get a similarly configured PC for half price.
All he has to do is buy a Mac and stop complaining about what Apple should do. If he thinks OSX is so great then he should go to the Apple store and buy a Mac. Apple is a computer company that sells computers. It is not a software OS company and that’s why Apple is not releasing OSX to the general PC population. Apple’s thinking in the box by controling the hardware and the software to get the best performance possible. If they released OSX to the general PC population there would be tons of problems because of all of the non-standard hardware out there. That’s another reason why Apple will not release OSX to the masses.
Well you gotta let Linux have its pick of the litter too
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CMUGeek,
I read your original post as a response to the posted article. I again read it here, so I’ll respond.
I’m sorry that you can’t afford to use Mac OS X. I really am. You say it’s not worth it. In my eyes, the price I pay for using OS X is worth it every day.
Read the responses to that article. How many of them say “There’s no way that a Mac works perfectly every time. No computer does.” This is the mindset of the PC user. My Mac works PERFECTLY every time. It should, and it does.
I’ll gladly spend whatever it costs to have OS X over Windows XP because I need my computer to always work perfectly. If you can’t afford to run OS X, it’s a sad day for you.
How much time (remember, time is money) do you spend per year on removing spyware, updating anti-virus software, killing popups, dealing with other malware? How about the BSOD? How about other frustrations? Remember again, time is money. Now, how much is your time worth?
Hey rick geek we’ll make it easy for you:
1) reach into your pants
2) pull out wallet
3) pull out MC/Visa/Amex
4) type http://www.apple.com on your browser
5) search Apple G5
6) click Buy
7) go ye and whine no more.
I’m with Mr Reese and all the other posters that are just sick of all the whining. Get out your wallet and spend a few bucks and get a real operating system and a real computer instead of the collection of Kludges we call Windows.
When it comes to viruses and worms, he’s sort of right. Sofar as I know you can’t get a virus or worm just by clicking into a website in the OS X world unlike the world of windows. So do something smart and spend the bucks.
RickGeek was just ranting. He is confused and frustrated. Ranting is not the same as thinking and being logicial. RickGeek knows he’s one of Bill’s slaves but he cannot bring himself to run away from the M$ plantation yet. Ranting is good, even when illogicial. Once Rick calms down he’ll be able to think more clearly or he’ll just slip back into his deluded mental state.
Anyway who gives a crap what this Windoze whore thinks!!! I don’t!!! Let them eat crap and complain.
Jimbo,
“I’m sorry that you can’t afford to use Mac OS X. I really am.”
STFU and read – I have a PowerBook and am keepin it.
My point: Apple’s mistake is switching to x86. My Dual 2.5 GHz G5 was better than any comparable PC, in specs & price. Years ago, when I bought it, dual processing was almost non-existant for desktop PCs, and unbiased benchmarks show the Dual G5 pretty close to current dual core Athlons. The Quads pack an even bigger punch. Once they drop that proc though, they’re building x86 machines that I can build, spec’d the same or better, for cheaper. Since they won’t open OSX to PCs I can make for less, I’ll stick with Windows on the desk. Simple.
Get off your high horse and pay attention, idiot. You Macbois are just as bad as the Windows flamers – ignorant all around.
I don’t know why the Mac’s marketshare is always toted as a negative, whether it is 5% (or as high as 16% some say) here’s another group that are about the same proportion.
Americans represent 5% of the world’s population, obviously their influence is greater (for better or worse) than their numbers. Very much analogous to the Apple vs. PC world.
CMUGeek: you can make it for less but you can’t maintain it for less.
I too believe Apple made a serious mistake in moving to Intel. But only time will tell. The reason behind the move is still fuzzy – you can’t really believe anything that’s been written about the subject. So there’s no real point in arguing about it and the shoulda’s. The bottom line here is that if you can build it cheaper go ahead (I’ve done it myself). But in the end the Mac costs less in lost productivity than any PC I’ve ever used. And Jobs is correct to not open the OS to whatever box a tinkerer/hobbiest might want to use. This isn’t the ’80s. There’s work to be done!
CMUGeek,
You made 2 statements about price:
” I can’t see spending so much for a Mac when I could build a far better system for much cheaper.”
and
“OS X just isn’t worth THAT much money plus a sacrifice in performance. I love the Mac platform, but I don’t see people buying a $3000 Intel system when they could get a similarly configured PC for half price.”
My point is that you think that because the benchmark is faster on some shitbox that you built yourself, that somehow makes up for all the shortcomings in Windows XP. I disagree. I’d rather run a box that is reliable, secure, and always works rather than some superfast machine that runs Windows XP.
Ignorant? I don’t think so. I’ve been working on a Macs and PCs since they came out, so I’ve been around the block a few times. I’m not making my choice based on the fact that this is what everyone else uses, or based on benchmark speeds. I’m making a choice based on real world experience.
So suck on that one, little man.
I don’t believe in AlanAudio. So there.
“Never ask what sort of computer a guy drives. If he’s a Mac user, he’ll tell you. If not, why embarrass him?”
Tom Clancy
The only thing different between a Mac and the PC in terms of hardware is the motherboard. Apple charges too much for what the rest of the components can be bought a NewEgg. Open up a PoweMac G5. What’s different??? Yeah, Apple’s logo over the Toshiba’s sticker and the $3000.00 price tag.
If everybody who built their own computers paid for all the software they used, including the operating system, then they would barely save any money. Add to that a warranty and technical support that covers more than just an individual part w/ a proof of purchase smaller than a wad of spit and you get into major convenience and peace of mind. You are not technically gifted. You have a hobby. More power to you. However, just because you enjoy doing something doesn’t mean that it is in any way applicable to the mass market.
Get an Intel based Mac and make the price comparison, but don’t forget to add a good 50 percent to the cost of the highest priced non-bundled version of Vista or XP just to come close to the reality of Mac OS X. It’s not just 50% better or an operating system and a half…it’s a good twice as good. Not only don’t you have to deal with assorted malware, but you can actually use it. Is it perfect no, but it’s the best.
Does Apple need to appeal to the top 20%? Funny they make the ipod for everyone. The ibook is consumer and the mac mini is as consumer as it gets. Apple is appealing to everyone. It’s the bottom 50 that need something easy and powerful (provided it isn’t a button on some military hardware). Then there’s cloning or releasing for other vendors…
About 15-20 years ago would have been the time for large companies to have continuously developed their own OS. It would take a good 5-10 years for any current MS vendor to be even somewhat viable with their own operating system. The value of Mac OS X on a different platform over MS is more than just Windows v whatever-else-ran (OS/2, Amiga whatever, PET, TRS-80 ++ v2.5, etc) it’s about a company even having an OS. They don’t now. That’s one of the big fights because if MS goes they are completely out.
Microsoft took advantage of a small window of opportunity. That trick doesn’t work twice. Apple would have to dominate every single part of the industry (kinda monopolistic) before they were able to pull head to head with the entrenched villain and make the majority of their profit on other software (office…but done by Apple).
So…nobody else is able to compete with MS head to head..yep that’s about the way it is. Should Apple license OS X? Not without some serious market dominance. If Dell or anyone else wants a piece they need to give it up and merge (although that would be a blessing)..better to just be acquired.
Reading the article and the posts, I’ve come to the conclusion that we Mac users should just let the MS Windows shitkickers have their useless OS. Its not going to matter one iota what the facts really are or who is stating them as in recent articles and comparisons.
They are living in a bubble created by Microshit and theres no way to convince them of.
I’m happy with my Mac, as all of you are, so lets leave them to their selected misery and let them feed the MS kitty.
As one of the posters resonded about no longer helping his MS buddies when their systems went down, I too have stopped. Since then, one has even GIVEN his Sony VAIO w/XP away to purchase a Mac, and has never had a problem since. Even got me a bottle of Vodka for the advice.
It gets cold up here…….
Hey bling your are wrong. I build my PCs and buy all the software and I save alot of money. And as for technical support I do not need any, because my PC’s hardly ever goes down with the right stuff and If a part does fail, I can replace it in 24 hours.
@ bling –Building a PC is no different than people doing their own car maintance. Alot of money is saved. People do oil changes, buy their parts at pep boys for 1/2 the price for what they give the dealers. I have a 5 year old sound blaster, a 2 year old motherboard, a 3 year old hard drive, an outdated modem in one of my PCs and it’s still going strong. My Friend’s DELL needed serviceing 3 times this year for bad parts.
Apple is NOT porting shit over to x86 PCs!
No company that spends millions of doallars and thousands of man hours to keep OS X on Apple hardware only would just one day say “we’re giving up…” thats BIZARRE!
Loser: not only are you a loser but you’re a liar also. You can’t build a PC cheaper than the big boys can make it. Your breath must smell like crap because you’re full of it. And hardly ever goes down? Must not use them except as space heaters…
Just another Windoze loving wannabe tech… troll
Jimbo:
Methinks you have pissed off our guest enough, so take it easy on the language – you’re just making it worse. I’m sure the “ignorant” remark came from the fact that your original post clearly gave him no credit for being a Mac user. Who knows – after this little exchange he may actually give it up (jeeze, lost another one)!
Aside from his comments about G5 – which we all know I agree with – his assesment on the economics of building your own PC are probably right … for an experienced builder comparing the likely cost of an Apple-made rig at the high end. Modding is largely a labor of love when compared to what you can get from OEM PC makers, and a lot of software to make them useful is swaped, freeware, reused from before, etc … to keep the cost penalty from being too ridiculus. Yet a fully decked out PowerMacintel, going for the same prices PowerMacs have traditionally been, IS going to be quite high, and without the G5 (or even an AMD chip) as its basis, it won’t be price/performance competitive when compared to a lot of potential x86 based rigs built at home (especially ones using AMD processors).
Now, just let the man be in peace!
MacWrath, you’re stupid, I can build PC cheaper. No proof required. And by the way, I’m a Mac user too. I just wanted to make a comment to Bling. Until you build your own, do make stupid comments. GO to egghead.com and add it up.
It’s been said before and will be said again
1: Apple is a hardware company, the OS is the fancy paint job on the fancy car. Paint a Yugo with a Ferrari paint job and it will still be a Yugo.
2: Every version of Mac OS X sold or pirated for generic PC’s means one less, more profitable, hardware sale. If Apple released Mac OS “Classic” for generic PC’s way back there most likely wouldn’t be a Apple today, because M$ had IBM in their pocket, OEMing every new IBM PC with Windows.
3: If Apple releases Mac OS X for generic PC’s now and tries to sell it, Apple will lose hardware sales first, then M$ will give away Windows Vista (a “good enough” copy of Mac OS X) for free, because M$ makes it’s money through, uh it’s office products. (this is why it’s important for Mac users to not buy OfficeMac.)
So basically for Apple Mac OS X is a loss leader for their hardware (until lately when they have been charging for it and we mostly have been paying for it. Now does anyone really expect them to give that up?) and Windows is a loss leader for Office products.
Windows is pirated the world over and M$ sort of enforces making people pay where they can. In new box sales.
Now does anyone really expect Apple to:
1: give up their hardware sales and profits
2: get into a OS price war with M$ just to satisfy some people’s desire for Mac OS X on their generic cheap PC’s?
First they want Mac OS X for cheap generic PC’s and next they will want it for free
GO FSCK YOURSELVES.
YOU WANT MAC OS X. GET A MAC.
That’s the whole reason why Mac OS X works and looks so good, so you’ll buy the hardware stupid.
STUPID CRYING WHINING PC USERS
Loser: Good for you. I have built my own. Doesn’t pay anymore unless you’re looking at the top end. (no recycling of parts!) That’s why Computer Buyer is merely a digest of it’s once enormous self. As I said the day of the computer hobbiest is pretty much over.
MacDude: you are right. They do want it for free. And for that they should be shunned.
Macwrath,
You couldn’t be more wrong. The day of the “computer hobbyist” is at its strongest point since PC building even became possible, and its only getting stronger….to even suggest otherwise shows how far off reality one must be from the industry.
You won’t find the best chipsets in OEM dealers like Dell, HP, or Gateway. ASUS, DFI, MSI, Gigabyte are examples of strong growing companies utilizing the latest in chipset technology from ATI, Nvidia, VIA, and newcomer ULI (ASRock’s 1695 dual SATA PCIexpress/AGP motherboard is a very popular upgrade for AMD chips).
Go into any CompUSA/BestBuy/J&R etc… and you’ll find a large dedicated area JUST for PC cases (and not the plain beige either). “PC building” have evolved to a point where it bares a striking resemblance to the auto aftermarket/tuning industry. It’s big, and it’s there….whether or not you choose to acknowledge it.
This enthusiast community has been growing for some time….and is far bigger than this puny tiny Mac community.
Those clueless people stating PC users who desire OSX for x86 should just buy Mac hardware, plain and simple, don’t realize that is not an option for any PC user who sees that as a “downgrade”. By nature, PC’s are technology leaders while Apple is currently a follower (with inferior hardware). I’m not talking about OEM builders like Dell, which Mac folks like to associate their iMac/Powermac counterparts with….I’m talking about individual chipset/video/memory R&D behemoths (AMD, Nvidia, ATI, Samsung, etc…) and 3rd party manufacturers (ASUS,MSI, DFI, Gigabyte, etc…) that helped innovate and drive the most technologically advanced hardware on the planet into the PC world.
How long did Apple take to equal what the PC world was one year ago?
I know personally many PC users would welcome a MacOSX for x86. Is it worth the price of admission for Apple hardware only?
No.