Linux Overtakes Mac on the Desktop
Several Mac sites reported the news story today that Linux has overtaken Mac on the desktop. I fully support the use of Linux as an alternative to Windows. Still, I think it’s sad this is the case. Why? Because I believe Mac OS X is already what Linux hopes to be…an elegant Unix based operating system for the consumer. It has a beautiful graphical user interface. It is easy to use....something Linux is still not known for, though it has gotten better.
I have to ask myself “why is this happening?” I really don’t know the answer, but my guess is it’s mainly an issue of perception. While the average computer user is much more aware of Apple’s products than he or she was even a few years ago, the perception still exists…and for a reason…that Macs are simply too expensive for the average Joe. Apple’s prices are a lot more competitive than they used to be and really are on par or only slightly above its competitors for a machine with the same capability. But on the low end, the only machine below a grand is the eMac, and it is about $200 higher than a low end, Dell, Windows driven system. In the store, the average buyer sees dollar signs and forgets the amazing hassle and complexity that a Windows’ computer brings with it, even if it is running Windows XP. That leaves the masses with the idea that Apple is a company they just can’t afford, even if it’s not really true.
It’s hard to say what path really yields Apple’s brightest future. Most financial analysts seem to argue that the company needs to increase its market share, something Apple seems incapable of doing with its computers. Others say that those who fail to heed history’s warnings are bound to repeat its mistakes. Apple seems to have dead ears. While the iPod is all the rage, if Apple is going to remain as a computer manufacturer (and it may not), it’s got to focus equally as hard on the computers it’s producing and do whatever it takes to get them into a lot more customer’s hands.
I have to ask myself “why is this happening?” I really don’t know the answer, but my guess is it’s mainly an issue of perception. While the average computer user is much more aware of Apple’s products than he or she was even a few years ago, the perception still exists…and for a reason…that Macs are simply too expensive for the average Joe. Apple’s prices are a lot more competitive than they used to be and really are on par or only slightly above its competitors for a machine with the same capability. But on the low end, the only machine below a grand is the eMac, and it is about $200 higher than a low end, Dell, Windows driven system. In the store, the average buyer sees dollar signs and forgets the amazing hassle and complexity that a Windows’ computer brings with it, even if it is running Windows XP. That leaves the masses with the idea that Apple is a company they just can’t afford, even if it’s not really true.
It’s hard to say what path really yields Apple’s brightest future. Most financial analysts seem to argue that the company needs to increase its market share, something Apple seems incapable of doing with its computers. Others say that those who fail to heed history’s warnings are bound to repeat its mistakes. Apple seems to have dead ears. While the iPod is all the rage, if Apple is going to remain as a computer manufacturer (and it may not), it’s got to focus equally as hard on the computers it’s producing and do whatever it takes to get them into a lot more customer’s hands.
posted by Andy Foster at
2:46 PM
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