“Something is going on with the Macintosh,” David Pogue blogs for The New York Times.
Pogue writes, “The best theory I’ve heard is: ‘Windows Vista.’ When people found out they’d have to buy a new computer and learn a new interface, a certain slice of them just said, ‘Well, if I have to buy a new machine and learn a new interface, I may as well get the cool-looking, virus-free one.'”
Pogue writes, “But could that effect explain this gigantic 35 percent leap in just 12 months? It’s still an expensive proposition to switch platforms once you’ve got an investment in software and peripherals.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Obviously, those switching due to Vista disappointment and for other reasons must realize that they can also slum it with Windows XP (or even the dreaded Vista) on their beautiful new Macs. Therefore, since they’re buying a new computer anyway, there is no “expensive proposition to switch platforms,” since they’re able to utilize their Windows software on their new Macs via Apple’s Boot Camp or via fast, inexpensive virtualization from Parallels (Desktop for Mac) or VMWare (Fusion).
Buying a Mac gives users OS-unlimited machines. No OS-limited PC box assembler can match the value; HP, Dell, etc. simply can’t offer Mac OS X Leopard, iLife, iWork, etc.
Because Apple provides a means for the sufferers to bring along their Windows insecurity blanket with them, they can switch to the Mac versions of their WIndows apps over time as part of their normal upgrade cycles. Also, their printers, drives, scanners, and other peripherals are quite likely to be USB and therefore Mac-compatible, too.
When it comes time to buy a new computer, smart people get themselves Macs. We expect the Mac surge to continue and accelerate over time as more and more people become informed.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Linux Guy And Mac Prodigal Son” for the heads up.]
Best from the comment section was this:
“I switched because I am getting too old (24) to feel that 4 hours tweaking an operating system (XP, and apparently also Vista) to get a new install to behave “normally” AND stop giving me “are you absolutely sure you want to open this file? No, really? Really? I’m telling you, this file, I wouldn’t open it, are you sure?” messages is a profitable use of my time.”
Vista is probably the best thing ever to happen for Apple. And Linux.
Ampar,
“Or a canister vacuum cleaner and a jar of Vaseline. (And some privacy.)”
Seems like I remember hearing back in the 80’s about guys in Europe trying this. Turned out some of the vacs had spinning impellers inside. Kinda like a mechanical Lorena Bobbitt. Hokey smokes Bullwinkle, that’s gotta smart!
“spinning impellers inside”
OW ! ! ! That really must suck.
I read some of the comments. Do some of you Vista crybabies want a little cheese with your whine? How many “oh look at me, I can e-mail a picture to grandpa now” comments can someone take? Whoop-de-freakin’-do MAC sheep.
Hey, if 1 or 2 babies couldn’t handle Vista and went somewhere else, fine. Thins the herd and only the strong survive. I can’t believe they went to MAC though. So there’s your “surge” MAC dorks. 1 or 2 sissies bought MACs. Congratulations. Us Windows enthusiasts didn’t need ’em around anyway.
Your potential. Our passion.™
Ampar,
Yeah, fer sure. Thank goodness our vac didn’t have that. Unfortunately, it was a shop vac. Lost my right testicle and all belief in the Republican Party.
Z.T.,
“Thins the herd and only the strong survive.”.
But in this case, any strength is negated by inbreeding.
Here’s another good one:
“I think it was the iPhone more than anything. Until the iPhone was released and my father and brother bought one, they thought Macs were a waste of money, because “no one uses them.” They thought I was crazy for buying Macs.
Now after having an iPhone for a few months, my father bought a MacBook Air, and my brother has been asking me about a MacBook. Without the iPhone, that wouldn’t have happened; my brother has owned an iPod for years, and has been experiencing adware, spyware and regular Windows reinstalls since.
With the iPhone experience, they’re now interested in the OS X exprience I’ve enjoyed since 2002.
— Posted by Greg”
“Lost my right testicle and all belief in the Republican Party.”
I had a friend that had installed a home vac system that fit into the wall. Cool idea. You just attach a hose to the wall in whatever room you’re in. Well, he got curious and then got stuck. His parents came home to find him having his way with their house. He’s probably a Republican senator now.
Ampar,
Poor fellow lost his left nut, eh? Was his name John or Fred?
Hi Zune Tang.
yep, looks like all the sissies are going over to macs now. Sorry to disappoint you but we’re not as STRONG as you Windows oaks. We like stuff to just work and not to have to struggle everyday to do simple tasks. Do’nt give up on Windows and show us mac-sissies who’s THE MAN! YEH! ; )
“Was his name John or Fred?”
Yes.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”wink” style=”border:0;” />
iTunes. from the moment iTunes invaded the PC platform, PC users have discovered the ease of use, simplicity and power of the Mac user interface. without this, PC users would not have known what a bungle Vista is.
David Pogue’s blog has surged to 230 posts Sunday morning.
Quite impressive given that it is filled with interesting intelligent responses. (Unlike useless rude repartee posts on MDN).
I’d like to address donnie’s very good point about “useless rude repartee posts on MDN.”
If you MAC morons would stop spewing Cupertino’s FUD and discontinue making smug, wild and inaccurate claims about MAC’s “superiortiy” or “everything just works” the MDN forums would be a much nicer place to share ideas.
Face it, MAC dorks, MACs are expensive, proprietary toys that can’t be customized or play games. Windows enthusiasts would never behave like you MAC astroturfers—when life is so nice on the Windows side, you don’t have time to wallow in your MAC user’s negativity, disenchantment and misery. Besides, computers are just tools and Vista is just like a MAC. Now let’s have a friendly, honest and open discussion among friends.
Thanks again, donnie for speaking up.
Your potential. Our passion.™
Z.T.,
“Now let’s have a friendly, honest and open discussion among friends.”
I couldn’t agree more. And in all honesty I think you and donnie are turds. Now please don’t construe that as being rude, because it’s not meant to be. I’m just being opened and honest, and frankly, it felt great to say. You are so wise.
OK, who’s next to comment about Zune Tang and donnie?
@Zune Tang
“Macs are toys that can’t play games”? Something in that phrase you keep repeating seems, well, stupid. Sorry if that was rude.
About computers being tools Zune, I agree 100%. And as a professional tool user I’ve no use for toys to play games with, I require real tools for real work! MAC fits the bill every time.
You keep playing games there little Zunee.
WBFS,
I listen to your station all the time. You guys are the greatest with blues, funk and soul music. Keep pumpin’ out those tunes bro.
“OK, who’s next to comment about Zune Tang and donnie?”
Well after I flushed I saw two tapered spindles the color of a zune, that reminded me of them, dancing and swimming about in a circle until the rushing roaring waterfall sound drowned them out and they disappeared into a hole…never to be seen or heard of again.
Next…..
Buster,
Bravo! Good job. That was almost poetic. This could be great fun!
LorD1776
Actually that was one of my crappier efforts
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”grin” style=”border:0;” />
Buster,
ROTFLMAO! Keep ’em coming. Hilarious!
Your potential. Our passion.™
Buster,
Be careful, it might be a trap.
be afraid…be very afraid.
Hey ZT…if you liked that, I have more in the works…(He says as he eats a bowl of All Bran).
LorD1776, you will always be my number 1, but Buster, you are my number 2!
Keep posting!
Your potential. Our passion.™