The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg answers questions about computers that he’s received recently, two of which address Apple Macs:
Q: How can you suggest that people consider buying a Macintosh now when Apple Computer will be coming out with all-new models based on Intel processors starting next year?
A: With any digital-technology product, the pace of change is so rapid that there is always a newer, supposedly better model on the horizon. But people buy these products when they need them. If you wait and wait, you lose the use of the new computer or other product in the meantime. And the next model may be flawed or otherwise unsuitable.
My recommendation last week of the best desktop computer on the market this holiday season, the Apple iMac G5, was meant for people who plan to buy a computer this holiday or within the next few months. Apple’s changeover will be gradual; there is no indication when the iMac G5 will be replaced by a Mac with an Intel processor. It could be as late as 2007, according to Apple’s public statements. There is no way to know if a future Intel-based model will be better or less expensive.
In addition, current Macs will remain highly useful for years even after the Intel models arrive. Makers of software and peripherals are highly unlikely to restrict their products to Intel-based Macs, which will be few in number compared with the tens of millions of Macs based on the current design. Apple has devised a system for creating software that runs on both designs.
Q: In your favorable review of the new Apple iMac G5 computer last week, you said it may be the wrong choice for day traders. Why? Are Mac owners unable to trade stocks?
A: Although I believe Apple’s Macintosh computers and its Tiger operating system are superior to Windows computers today for mainstream consumers and small businesses, I have long advised that there are some niche groups for whom Windows is still the best choice. This is mainly because the Mac can’t compete with Windows for cutting-edge games and niche software.
The biggest examples of people who should stick with Windows are heavy-duty game players, or users who rely on specialized Windows software provided by their employers. I mentioned day traders in this list, because heavy traders sometimes rely on special software available only for Windows, or on Web sites that work best in Windows.
But I was speaking only about the most intense, full-time, stock traders. You certainly can buy and sell stocks on a Macintosh, using the popular Mac Web browsers, and many people do.
Full article, including info about Web-based instant-messaging, here.
[UPDATE, 11:40am EST: Fixed link to full article.]
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Related articles:
Mossberg: ‘Apple iMac G5 the best consumer desktop you can buy this holiday season, period’ – November 30, 2005
Computerworld: Apple’s new iMac G5 ‘very quiet, minimalist, a wonderful machine’ – November 28, 2005
BusinessWeek: Apple iMac G5, the best gets better, best consumer desktop around – November 18, 2005
USA Today: Apple iMac G5 ‘exquisite, handsome, mighty attractive’ – November 17, 2005
Apple’s new iMac G5 a solid all-round performer that also has ‘wow factor’ – November 13, 2005
PC Magazine review gives Apple’s new iMac G5 with Front Row 4.5 out of 5 stars – November 04, 2005
Apple’s brilliant, deceptively simple Front Row software has a bright future and raises questions – October 28, 2005
NY Times’ Pogue: Apple’s iMac G5 with sleek, virus-free, spyware-free OS earns place in living room – October 20, 2005
Analyst: ‘media companies will call Apple to strike deals, Front Row is Media Center done right’ – October 12, 2005
Apple’s new iMac G5, iTunes 6, iPod video designed to bait Hollywood – October 13, 2005
Apple’s Front Row with Apple Remote and iMac G5: media center done right – October 12, 2005
Apple introduces new thinner iMac G5 with built-in iSight video camera, ‘Front Row’ media experience – October 12, 2005
Switching from Windows to Mac? Save money by asking to ‘crossgrade’ your software – April 12, 2005
MDN: Your link to the “full article” links back to this MDN webpage.
How much do you think Mossberg gets paid by Apple to write this stuff?
It’s funny how he says that windows computers are really only good for a few select niche makets. Isn’t the mac part of it’s own niche market?
Ah! The recursive link of DEATH!
I think Mossburg gets paid by MDN. Hence the recursive link.
The Mac is about as niche as the iPod. The Mac, however, integrates more open standards, so I’d argue that it’s LESS niche than an iPod or Windows.
I use ETrade daily to see how much my AAPL has risen.
tow of which? Do you mean TOW away your PC?
hammer — Me too.
I agree with Walt. The iMac G5 V2.0 range is sweet.
Ooooh! You are “so” clever! Pretend Mossberg is making up facts when you know he’s telling the truth!
Can you make ANY points against what he’s saying?
No–he’s reporting the truth. Sorry, troll. You make us laugh.
I used my Mac to buy 1000 shares of AAPL for $12.00 ea. in 2001.
It worked ok for me!
So:
Walt Mossberg is probably the preeminent technology journalist writing today. His objectivity is unparalleled by any journalistic standards you care to use.
Also, has anyone noticed how many of the questions are now about Apple/OS X? Even a couple of years ago all of the questions were about windows. Nice.
Hammer,
Do you like ETrade? Does its site work well with safari? I am currently using Ameritrade but am unhappy with their web site – lame and does not work well with safari.
Very good article. I have to use a PC just for some specialized quilting software. I’ve been try to get the developer to make a Mac version – but alas it ain’t happened yet.
MW = foot. Like in sewing machine foot.
Always when someone sides with Apple, he’s getting paid. Grow up!
So: How much do you think Mossberg gets paid by Apple to write this stuff?
About the same as Microsoft pays Paul Thurrot to write his “Windows is awesome” crap. Nothing. This “journalist X disagrees with me so he must be paid off by the competition” BS is getting real old, folks.
(Mind you, Rob Enderle is paid by Microsoft to write. He’s a paid consultant and lists Microsoft as a client.)
Yep. I made a cool grand day trading AAPL just this afternoon – bought on a dip and it’s back up an hour later. Well, I guess to be accurate, I’ll only make the “cool grand” if I sell right now – I guess I’ll go ahead and do that. Here’s hoping it doesn’t continue to rise tomorrow!
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is mossberg being paid off by stevie;-)
this guy always and a sales pitch
love it though
Scottrade works well with Safari.
And speaking of Safari, if there’s any truth to the Dharma rumor, things could get real interesting come MWSF. Can you imagine Safari running on Windoze? Gotta think that’s another Trojan horse for the Windoze crowd.
I thought “may you live in interesting times” was supposed to be a curse.