1 Million Windows to Mac Converts So Far in 2005 891
UltimaGuy writes to tell us AppleInsider is reporting that according to one Wall Street analyst over one million Windows users have switched to Mac in the first three quarters of 2005. It is speculated that these numbers are a direct result of the popularity gained through the iPod and related technologies in addition to security concerns from Microsoft. From the article: "According to checks with Apple Store Specialists, Wolf also said a larger than expected percentage of Windows to Mac converts appear to be purchasing Apple's higher-end systems and that their transition is fueled by the epidemic of viruses and malware on the Windows platform."
Analyze this! (Score:5, Interesting)
As a young man that works for a family owned and quite large computer business I've over the years seen people generally not ask very many questions, to now every day hearing people wanting details on Macs, and how they compare to standard white boxes.
Now bundle this in with the fact that our local, and only Apple store is constantly flourishing with business as compared to a few years ago when it was rare to see more then 1 person at a time in there, you'll understand why it's possible Apple have converted so many users.
Just in my direct experience over the last few years, it's converted myself, my brother, my mother and a few friends of mine - (2 to be exact).
It's also at the point, and while I am growing up and establishing my future that me owning and operating a Apple franchise is highly possible.
I've also seen the websites I manage, which are local to our area, sky rocket from 5-10 hits per week from Mac users, to now over 250-300 unique Mac users per week and raising.
Apple are on to something here, and Steve Jobs knows it!
Onlly reason I haven't... (Score:5, Interesting)
I get to play with a Mac a little at work for some of my app testing, and I have serious envy of the guy whose desk it sits on...
Mac mini (Score:5, Interesting)
Startup School (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:"switched" or "also bought"? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:"switched" or "also bought"? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Analyze this! (Score:5, Interesting)
My personal situation is that I have bought 2 Mac machines in the past 6 months (does that make me 2 'converts'?) because the underlying system suits my needs better.
I spend ~45% of my time using PuTTY on a Windows machine connected to a linux server doing things that I can't do on a windows laptop without a net connection. When you have this capability locally via the OSX terminal, I can do whatever I need to on the move and not be tied to an internet connection and SSH session.
The other benefits I get is that the OS is very solid, I get all the unix tools I need, and it 'just works'.
Ah, but how many Linux to MacOS converts? (Score:5, Interesting)
I'm a statistic. (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:"switched" or "also bought"? (Score:2, Interesting)
That's a really stupid assumption, a lot of Mac buyers could either be buying their first computer or upgrading from an old Mac.
Price, duh. (Score:1, Interesting)
Quality of Hardware might also be a factor. (Score:2, Interesting)
But I do agree that the iPod and iTunes has probably introduced many people to Apple. I realize I am not typical in my knowledge of the pros and cons of OS's.
apples and oranges (Score:4, Interesting)
The lifecycle of a PC is about 2 years. A mac is about 5 years. Its probable that this is just a turnover of pre-existing mac users.
Nobody I know or has met who has a Mac bought one because of an iPod.
One one person I've met has bought a Mac because of Windows issues... and they were also a frustrated Linux user.
However, I've met a few people who have bought Macs just because they look cool, fit in with their Ikea furniture, and are trendy.
(I'm a former Mac user. Now I use Windows, mostly for games. Not that I want to... I had the choice between starving MacOS developer, average Wintel developer, or corpulent enterprise Java developer. After starving for a number of years, I chose the corpulent route.)
Re:Mac mini (Score:5, Interesting)
For me it was the ipod that made me seriously consider the switch, and the mac mini that drove my decision. The mini was priced at a point where I could try it out and abandon it if it didn't work for me. The plan was that if I didn't like a mac as my main desktop machine, I would use it as a server, running linux, and buy a cheapo windows system. I never did end up buying that cheapo windows system.
I'm just mad at myself for not having made the switch sooner.
What do they consider a "switch"? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:to be fair (Score:3, Interesting)
I'm not debating the reasons why. I'm refuting the article's author's assumption that because someone buys a Mac or an iPod they are instantly a "convert".
Mini (Score:5, Interesting)
Then you have an ever-growing application support for OSX. Large games like World of Warcraft coming with a Mac client at release surely can't hurt.
Plus, damn if the iBooks don't look a lot nicer than my drab, boring Thinkpad.
Re:"switched" or "also bought"? (Score:2, Interesting)
In fact if you use their logic, and assume that any nominal growth in market A is caused by people in market B (and disregard all other markets), it probably doesn't look good for them. (I have nothing to back it up, but I doubt the nominal growth of the PC market would be less than that of the Mac in the same period).
Re:Analyze this! (Score:2, Interesting)
Still though, I don't see the trend as continuing; I love my iPod (even though it is a scratched up Nano), but I don't have any tingling urge to buy a Mac.
Then again, I'm kind of crazy when it comes to my purchases, so I may just be an anomaly. Who really knows?
Re:Analyze this! (Score:4, Interesting)
iPod-induced OS switch (Score:3, Interesting)
The Mac Experience - not all its cracked up to be (Score:2, Interesting)
Background: First notebook computer I ever owned was a Powerbook 100, followed by a Powerbook 140, back in the early 90s. I left the Mac world (thanks to my job) in 1994, and I returned in fall 2004 with my purchase of an iBook G4.
I really like this machine. Most of the time, anyway. It's small (I got the 12" model), light (5 pounds), and elegant. It performs well enough for everything I do, which includes some system administration, some development, and a lot of email, web browsing, and writing. I love the integration of PDF with the system, and the fact that so many useful applications come bundled with the machine. OpenType is simply beautiful, at least with a word processor like Mellel that uses it (don't even ask Word to do something like NICE typesetting). TeXShop is a wonderful environment, and it only runs under OS X. I love having a UNIX command prompt for when the going gets tough.
Sadly, I find myself considering running Yellow Dog Linux on the machine lately, if only to get some tools to do larger-scale writing with. I don't really like Word for Mac 2004, but, frankly, what else is there? OpenOffice.org is a superb writing platform, but OpenOffice.org under the Mac's X11 is painful. NeoOffice/J is even more painful, simply because it's so SLOW! Mellel is sleek and inexpensive, but kyrie eleison if you try to do anything other than report-type text (e.g., a brochure, screenplay, etc.) The big DTP packages are here, but do more (at a higher price) than what I need. Scribus isn't quite where it needs to be yet. TeXShop/LaTeX do beautiful work, but, again, for anything more than report-type text, I'll spend hours figuring out the incantations to get it to format the way I want it to.
I really love this machine, but, over the past 6 months, it's just not doing the job I need it to. And that's why I use a computer -- not because it's cool, or cute, or powerful.
Would someone please tell Apple to fund the development of a real competitor to Office? One called OpenOffice.org is a prime candidate, but they need help.
Re:Analyze this! (Score:5, Interesting)
I also think that current Apple software is very top notch. Apple Mail, Preview, Terminal, Soundtrack, and Keynote are all excellent. And there are others that I'm interested in trying Logic Pro. I've heard good stuff about Final Cut, and Aperture really looks nice.
Apple hardware is pretty top notch as well. Just about any notebook or desktop system looks dated or junky compared to a comparable Apple product. The same goes with software. When I see a Windows desktop or Linux one or UNIX one, it looks dated like a picture of people from the 50s or 60s with those funny glasses or a picture of a parking lot from the 70s.
I don't have too much insightful or informative to say, I don't think, but I think Apple has done wonders for computers in the past 5 years. I know they did innovate before that timeframe, but I simply did not like the pre-OS X operating system. I liked my Apple
I guess I could be considered a "fanboy" or whatever, but in my opinion, they have earned it. Apple is not perfect, but for many things they are the leader of how computing should be.
i'm a contributor (Score:3, Interesting)
Why people switch? (Score:3, Interesting)
Sure, over 90 million computers world wide run Microsoft Windows. We run this OS because its not a choice, Windows is basically imposed in our daily lives, even our careers. As a computer engineer I know that. Go ahead and put in your resume, you only know Mac. You will never find a job... (at least on a computer oriented career), Windows rules all our lives and what do we get of it? More viruses, faulty hardware, lack of security and the same ol' beige box feeling we have had since we laid our hands on a PC for ever. I mean, anyone my age knows that the first PC they laid their hands on was a beige tower of some bulky size. And that was at least 15 years ago. Take a look how cars change in 15 years...
Then look at apple... everynow and then, they shove out a new computer design, always pushing technology to an edge, first with the flat panel imacs, then the ipods, and then OSX, which is basically what everyone has tried to do with Linux. OSX to me is the embodiment of Linux on the Desktop.
I just know that since i switched to apple, I dont worry anymore of viruses, nor i worry if my e-mail has some bundled adware into it, and like many other people have said in this post, it could eventually happen, but right now it hasn't happened for me.
I recently dug myself deeper into apple. I bought a G5 Dual 2.0ghz and have it running with 4gb ram, and the works. Sure i admit i miss my games on the PC... although i play World of Warcraft, without any problems on my powermac, and any other games I play, i play'em on my Xbox, and eventually my 360. My GF who is also an Engineer uses windows because of her daily work, but she uses my mac everynow and often and she likes it a lot... im sure she will want one once we move in toghether.
Finally, i don't know what future Vista will offer anyone. Everything Vista does, OSX does for me. Plus OSX is far more secure than Vista will ever be. The Software part, well its coming around... At least anything i need to use or do I can do it on my mac... no biggy there. Just think other companies should try to develpe more ingenuity and true innovation like Apple does. Instead of stealing ideas only to develop them shittierly than they are originally developed. OSX has brought apple out of the dark ages into the light. I just wish we could all enjoy of the benefits this brings forward.
Now let me go back to my GF and keep raising those GF Points up... I want a video ipod... :)
Re:"switched" or "also bought"? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Mac mini (Score:5, Interesting)
Just last week, I recommended a Mac mini to a small business owner whose PC got infected by viruses and spyware. I told them that it would be a lot easier to support a Mac, and wouldn't require all the anti-malware software. The owner ended up buying one for his receptionist as well.
I wasn't really interested in the iPods at all. In fact, I'm more interested in an iPod nano now, BECAUSE of my Mac. I'm more interested in the NeXT-based OS, because I used NeXTs in college; and the ease of use combined with UNIX underpinnings. For other people, I recommend the Mac mini because of the ease of use, reduced maintenance requirements, and lack of security issues that Windows has.
I bought one, but I'm no convert (Score:4, Interesting)
Mac Gaming (Score:5, Interesting)
SWG? No. . . EQ2? No. . .
Does anyone remember when Bungie was first and foremost a Mac developer? We were all talking about how Halo was going to sell Macs. So much for that plan.
Does anyone remember when Connectix Virtual Gamestation was going to make the Mac an attractive gaming platform, because it could run most Playstation games? Then Sony bought CVGS from Connectix and buried it.
I understand Civilization 4 and Call of Duty 2 were recently released for the PC. How many months will it be before they appear on Macintosh? How many features (like editors) will be left out of the Mac version, while we still have to pay full price?
So . . . I really don't see any upswing in Mac game development, much as I might wish for it. Computer gaming still completely revolves around Microsoft (and DirectX), Macs aren't on the radar screen of most game companies -- and if the Mac platform does accidentally get something good, there are always entities like Microsoft and Sony standing ready to buy and/or bury it.
I'm really not trying to rip on the Mac here at all. I'm just being realistic and telling what experience has shown. Games are the one big area where the Mac is weak, and I don't see anything in the works to change it. Apple could do some things to change it, but gaming just isn't in their corporate DNA.
The word is on the street (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:The Mac Experience - not all its cracked up to (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Analyze this! (Score:5, Interesting)
Most of this is working on CVS stuff (do a checkout when you have a net connection, edit away, then commit when you get back). I know it can be done on Windows, but it's damn ugly.
I personally don't see the point of running cygwin when you can have it native to the OS.
All the apps I used on Windows I found replacements for OSX.
Windows -> OSX
MS Office -> MS Office
Outlook Calendar -> iCal
Trillian -> AdiumX
Outlook Express -> Mail
Firefox -> Safari (yes I know you can run Firefox on OSX, but it's DAMN slow)
ActiveSync -> Missing Sync (to sync my Windows Mobile devices)
Canon photo capture -> Image Capture (to bring photos of my digital camera)
Then of course there's all the unix tools, which are mostly there (the only one I had to source and install was wget and ncftp from memory). It takes a while to find all the replacements, but when you do, it's pretty easy to not look back.
Re:As a Mac user (Score:5, Interesting)
There are still quite a few, though. I'm thinking those are the people who haven't yet pulled their heads out and realized that OS X isn't the same thing as OS 9.
Being a Mac hater for most of my life, I can attest to the difficulty of pulling one's head out when it comes to the Mac. But with all the raving of fans (and $$$ pouring into the market) it became hard for me to ignore.
All I can say is, once you go Mac OS X, everything else seems inferior. And I mean EVERYTHING.
Re:Analyze this! (Score:4, Interesting)
It only "just works" when you use hardware that is compatible. When I got my mac I had many devices hooked up my windows machine that didn't "just work" because the Mac did not support them. For example my hp-3100 printer won't work at all, not even a little bit. I had to go and buy another printer to hook up to the Mac. Of course the reason for that is that it's a windows only printer and CUPS has no support for it.
Macs (just like linux) "just work" when you stick with supported hardware.
Re:As a Mac user (Score:1, Interesting)
In Apple's case, they knew they had to go with newer technology. They did, and are now reaping the benefits. Microsoft, on the other hand, is a very capable company and could write a newer OS, but they are afraid to move because they do not want to loose the monopolistic position which has kept them as the market titan for over a decade now. In the end, though, their inaction will force them to loose big time.
Re:Analyze this! (Score:3, Interesting)
Yes it did take a few hours to get it perfect (followed the ubuntu forums/guide for basic stuff) but I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 running perfectly. Every piece of hardware I have works. Even the blue function keys, the multimedia controls on the front of the laptop, the 1920x1200 resolution, the graphics acceleration, the wifi, usb jumpdrive, usb mouse, usb bluetooth, pda sync, etc. etc. etc.
I love the Apple hardware and software but I cannot justify their markup on the hardware and now I have my free operating system (for life basically) which does all I need to. I have to say it, but I think linux/debian/ubuntu/suse/fedora are taking away from possible Apple converts.
Re:Analyze this! (Score:5, Interesting)
I could go on, but the point is there's a big difference between a green X in a linux hardware compatibility list, and actually having a stable, working driver that supports all the features. And you never really know until *after* you shell out the cash. Macs have limited hardware support too, but from what I've seen if it is supported, it actually works. I stick with Linux because I like its principles, and after you get stuff going it's great. But when my parents asked what to buy for my grandpa it was a no-brainer: iMac.
Re:Analyze this! (Score:2, Interesting)
Time Value of Money (Score:5, Interesting)
It all depends if you'd rather have two-four hours for yourself or a little cash in your pocket...
My point on the Apple vs. Dell... any time I took an Apple machine, then went to Dell and priced an "equivalent" purchase, the price was +/- $50... however, if you start with the Dell, and then price out the equivalent Apple, it is usually a bit more... but you get stuff you may not need, but that is because Apple has limited models...
The Mac Mini is a GREAT office desktop (we have 8, probably going to get 4-5 more)... and its dirt cheap... Once you price out the equivalent Dell and add in XP Pro (home is worthless for a business workstation), and a few other minor upgrades, the mini tends to be $25-$50 less, which is a great deal.
Microsoft Genuine Advantage Sucks! (Score:3, Interesting)
Not intended as a flame, but I just don't regard Linux as mature enough on the desktop for me to go that route. I've spent a lot of time on various UNIX environments over the years, and they usually consume too much overhead for hacking, and these days I just want to get my work done.
Good example of a linux - OS X switcher (Score:1, Interesting)
3 Older Gals Have Bought iBooks (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:What do they consider a "switch"? (Score:3, Interesting)
You're buying a Mac & haven't bought one before, so it isn't a *lie* to say you're switching.
-or-
You're buying a Mac. They're confident it'll do the convincing...
Personally, I'd say it is a bit of both. Apple hardware/software is an utter freakin' delight.
Std Disclaimer: I've never owned a Mac until OS-X Tiger, but I'm fed up with being everyone's free win tech support dude, and all the win-related hassles and reinstalling and etc. My servers run Debian, yet I spend most of my days writing c++ code in VS2003 (lucrative customer, fun project). I know those two well enough, and decided enough is freakin' enough! 'User-friendly Debian desktop' is an oxymoron, and the only way Windows might be tolerable is if it was ROM based so I could turn off relatives' machines and have them bounce back to defaults.
I guess that makes me a switcher.
Re:why don't you.. (Score:5, Interesting)
I also can apply patches and updates without worrying about breaking anything, and I can continue to get fully supported OS and application updates for years (yes, even with the Intels coming.)
Don't get me wrong; I love Linux. It definitely has its place (i.e. my servers.) I just don't have the time to play Russian Roulette with compatibility.
3 months ago (Score:2, Interesting)
How hard would it be to put OSX on my AMD dualcore (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:As a Mac user (Score:2, Interesting)
Mom always said I'd end up as a statistic (Score:3, Interesting)
This is my first Apple, and I used to make a lot of fun of Macs (especially when they came out with all the fruity colors...). But with OS X and the excellent software traditions, this thing really rocks! I'm even enjoying the development tools - which, unlike Visual Studio - come WITH THE OS. Including all the reference material I could ever want. What a joy!
Re:As a Mac user (Score:2, Interesting)
That's a sorry apology for Microsoft.
The fact is, there have *always* been better options than a Microsoft-based PC...go as far back chronologically as you like. The reasons change - DOS was cryptic, no GUI, Windows 1-3 weren't worth the bits they were made from, 95 "home of the GPF", (honestly, easy piracy was the best reason to use MS operating systems through this period), *crap* GUI, Security issues, Security issues OUT THE WAZOO.
For all the internal stability the drones in Redmond have been able to achieve in modern renditions of Windows (it doesn't crash just sitting there anymore), they've had that progress *more* than eclipsed by malware vulnerability. *And* it's not too hard to see this situation as nothing more than the legacy of their crap software development standards. Additionally, they've never had the discipline that Apple has had wrt designing a *nice* coherent interface. And I say this while acknowledging that Apple took a few steps back in that department when moving from OS 9 to OS X!!
Last, to cede a little ground to the pro-Windows side so they have somewhere to stand....Window is *definitely* the preferred platform to run games on. This is a "duh" point to an extent - the number of packages for Win32 is enormous - but it is important to me to give credit where it's due.
If you're a hard core gamer, you shouldn't look ay anything but a PC.
Past gaming, the pro-Windows argument gets pretty thin IMO.
Re:As a Mac user (Score:2, Interesting)
Guy One says that the lack of malware has nothing to do with the fact that Windows makes up such a large portion of the market, it's just because it's such a great OX.
Guy Two says that it'd be just as easy to write malware for OS X but no one bothers to, and asks whether that's the excellent design Guy One was asking about.
You state that the small expanse of OS X users makes it possible to have a very stable community but that that may not be the case if it were ever to expand to Windows level.
So in summary, enjoy stability while it lasts. You recongnize the validity of his claims, he doesn't address yours. Everyone is happy.
I think you both make good points, making me posting completely uncessessary.
Re:why don't you.. (Score:2, Interesting)
Slightly off-topic, but..
Linux works very well as desktop OS. In our company, there is Max OS X laptops, Linux and Windows XP laptops - and all *just work*.
Secret here is choose your hardware well - I did check Mandriva hardware database before choosing my laptop. HP nc6220 is certified [mandriva.com] to work with Mandriva Linux 2006 - and suprise suprise, it works like a charm - WiFI for example.
It is not that different from Mac OS X situation: you just have to choose your hardware, dont expect every (windows) gadget out there to work with your OS of choise.Re:Time Value of Money (Score:2, Interesting)
You are allegedly getting the same tools their own developers use.
I think that's a good demonstration of their increasing programmer friendliness (about time, and something you can probably thank Microsoft for - MS have always put a lot of time and money into trying to get programmers onto the dark side).
An example of Mac takeup (Score:3, Interesting)
The only problem for me getting one was price, that changed earlier this year with the Mac Mini- I bought one and loved it to pieces. As a result of the Mini being around, my housemate and two of his friends are now owners of 12" iBooks, my uncle is getting a Mini and my cousin is going for a 15" Powerbook. Myself, I just bought one of the new 17" iMac G5s, the recent bump seemed to move it into a sweet spot where I thought it was worth buying.
Seven Mac sales where before there were only PC users, obviously this is just a point of data and not a trend, but I think it shows how thse things can snowball. I do stil use my PC by the way, it is more powerful than the Macs- but I only use it for games now, and to be honest I can't see me upgrading it or getting a new one in the future.
Re:As a Mac user (Score:3, Interesting)
But still, we have to use our computers today as well as in the future, so my advice is to stick with OS X for today, since it's the best combination of user friendliness and security currently available. Just keep your eyes peeled in the future for better options, as ever.
Re:iPod-induced OS switch (Score:3, Interesting)
Uhm. Mac isn't an OS. OS X is the operating system. It makes perfect sense that a consumer who, being more than satisfied with their purchase of an Apple iPod would purchase other products from the same company, once they discover that Apple also makes quality desktop systems. Or that the average consumer who sees the flashy iPod commercials does some research, discovers that Apple makes computers and purchase one based on their research.
What's there to not understand?
Apple. It's not just for the artsy anymore
Re:why don't you.. (Score:2, Interesting)
Whilst we're at it, this reliable Linux vendor should have a chat to Adobe about getting Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash working on Linux as well.
Then I'd like them to sort out a decent desktop, none of this lookey-likey gnome or kde, but something new and original and easy to use. Oh plsu they've got to make it close to standard so it's easy to support.
After that I'd like to see some support for bluetooth keyboards and mice, and an app to sync to my next 3 or 4 phones, or at least one that supports most phones.
When they've done that, I'd also like a suite of apps, that can sync with that mobile phone sync app, you know like ical, adress book, that kind of thing.
Throw in something like Salling Clicker for Mac or Windows, and you've nearly got a deal.
All I want then in the package to come in something as thin, stylish and quiet as the Imac.
Jobs a good un.