It may be long overdue, but Microsoft is finally coming out swinging against the rise of OS X. Apple has long played the underdog against the giant, writing Microsoft off as stodgy, technologically backward, and problematic. Microsoft let them do it, focusing more on promoting their efforts than denigrating Apple’s products.
This stance confused some, why didn’t they bite back? It was on a long past episode of Diggnation that Alex Albrecht summed it up, saying in short that Microsoft didn’t even want to acknowledge Apple as a competitor. Doing that would give Cupertino market credibility. Now it seems that enough is enough, and Microsoft is finally fighting back.
Redmond has launched a website to discuss Mac versus PC that deals some serious blows to Apple, whether or not they are valid is up to you. Roughly broken into large sections, Microsoft says this:
Having Fun: Macs Might Spoil Your Fun
Simplicity: Macs Can Take Time To Learn
Working Hard: Macs Dont Work As Well At Work Or At School
Sharing: Macs Don’t Like To Share
Compatibility: Macs Might Not Like Your PC Stuff
Choice: Macs Don’t Let You Choose
One by one, let’s break them down. In regards to ‘having fun,’ Microsoft touts TV tuners, 3G wireless integration, Blu-ray players, and Memory Stick readers as their advantages. Mac responds with great screens, and SuperDrives. Oh, and PCs do have a much larger selection of playable games, adding a few more points to the Microsoft argument. I have to take the PC position here as stronger.
The idea off simplicity is a bit tough. If you know Macs, PCs are difficult to use, as are Macs to the PC user. I use both, and really have to rate them as different but more or less equivalent in daily use. However, Microsoft is saying that for the current PC user Macs take time to learn, which is true. Sure, Macs are generally well designed machines, but to move does take effort. Toss up here.
In its ‘working hard’ section Microsoft has a few small points, that Macs often don’t have all the plugin spaces you might want, and so you might have to buy dongles to run your hardware, and that Apple’s iWork suite might not always be 100% compatible with Office. Fair enough, but those are small complaints. Some Macs do need add-ons to talk to hardware, but that is just not a big deal. I declare a toss up here again, unless you work in a PC environment in which case Redmond is actually right.
Sharing? This is simplest using Dropbox, which works on both platforms. Tie.
In regards to ‘compatibility,’ yes your Mac might not like all your PC equipment, that is because it is designed for PCs. This is like telling people not to move from Dodge to Ford because their special Dodge cupholders won’t fit in their new Ford. Oh, really? Tie.
Choice. Here, Microsoft has a point. You can get a dead cheap PC, or a scary expensive one. You have a PC in any color literally under the sun. Macs are great machines that come in a just a few configurations. If you like what Apple has made, then to you it’s a perfect mix. If you want anything different, a PC will offer options. Does it matter? For some consumers, yes. For others, no. I call another tie, just because people have different tastes.
It’s good to finally see Microsoft stand up, put two middle fingers into the air and play its status as the big dog with some chutzpah. Will Mac fanboys laugh at Microsoft’s little website? Of course they will. For the average PC using Joe, though, it may provide a few views that will help them make a decision. Sure, Jobs hates Blu-ray (as do I), but that hardly means that no one wants it, right?
childish and lame…. everybody uses what he/she likes best, why all this juvenile crap.
Here here! I don’t think any of the ties can really be ties…there’s a lot to be said with how well a Mac plays with PCs as opposed to vice versa.
Most of these points are moot (and a little late)
P.S. Did someone say Kin?
Did someone say “Lisa” or “Newton”?
Score!
Did someone say Vista, Zune, Media Center, Windows Mobile, Play-fur-sure?
Did somebody say Pippin, ROKR, Apple III, Macintosh Portable, or Macintosh TV?
Media center is far from a flop. in fact, engadget just recently posted an article about the major PVR players and how Microsoft’s productrs factor into that in a revirw of WMC 7 and the new TiVO box: “Although TiVo and ReplayTV were the first DVRs on the market, Microsoft’s software actually powered the DISHPlayer Satellite DVR in late 1999. So here we are over 10 years later and while TiVo and Microsoft took different approaches to the same space, of the three original DVR software companies, they’re the only two left”
the article can be found here:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/tivo-premiere-vs-windows-7-media-center/
There are more vista users than mac users. Besides you can’t (shouldn’t ) compare initial flops with total ones.
Macs can read and write PC formatted hard drives out of the box.
PCs don’t recognize Mac formatted hard drives at all and want to reformat them, unless you pay $$ for third party software.
LMAO calling microsoft childish and lame.
Apple started it!
Although the general consensus of the article is something I agree on, the way Redmond’s arguments are compared don’t add up. For example:
“In regards to ‘compatibility,’ yes your Mac might not like all your PC equipment, that is because it is designed for PCs. This is like telling people not to move from Dodge to Ford because their special Dodge cupholders won’t fit in their new Ford. Oh, really? Tie.”
No, MS just has a point here. And they win. What you say is that you might as well learn Dutch (my language, spoken by +- 20M people in the world ;)) in stead of English: it’s just what you prefer. But from a functional point of view, it just makes a lot more sense to learn English, because half the world speaks it.
Basically, it just comes down to what you are used to and what you want out of a computer. If you want to play games, go for a PC. If you want to produce music, go for a Mac. If you want to browse the web and watch YouTube movies, it just doesn’t matter. :)
Exactly. Especially if this is targeted at people currently using Windows who might be considering moving to Apple
Apple delight your senses! Mac rules.
Yes, in the world of anchors, they rule.
I have been a PC user for 20-odd years (can you say DOS 3.1?), but the first machine I ever used was the original MAC (1984). So why be a PC user? … that’s what we used at work. The PC is a tool in my life. I would love to have a new Mac, but I can’t justify the cost given its limitiations based on MY needs. For that matter, I would love to have a new Porsche (and yes I have driven one on the Autobahn) but, again, I can’t justify the cost (given the limitations of USA speed limits).
The fight will go on, and there will never be a “winner” (can you say Crusades?). To ALL I say: Use what works for you! And get over it!
BTW .. good summation, Alex (my bad)
Woot!
I am all up for healthy debate but it needs to be based on solid facts. Just a couple of points I think worth mentioning. Choice) while there is a bigger selection on the market for pcs made by third party companies and running Microsoft software, these configurations are not all tested by Microsoft. Apple, making their own hardware and operating system, test everything vigourously. Also, can you run Mac OS X on the everyday PC? I can run Windows on my Mac, no issue. Simplicity) there is plenty of space for debate, but with Apple’s making it’s own software, there are so many places where an Appleis easier simply because things like that + button you use on iTunes to make a new playlist also appears in most of the applications, trying to keep it simple. “to add something, use the add button”. PCs are still the most widely spread machines and there is a lot to be said for using the same machine as your neighbour or colleague and being able to share tips or problems, but if you’re close to an Apple store then their training programme is amazing and if not, the helpline included with the warranty will be able to answer most questions over the phone. And finally for now, compatibility) my windows formatted (fat32) USB stick works on my Mac but not vice versa. IWork on my Mac opens the majority of MS Office files but not vice versa. My Mac may have different ways if connecting to some hardware but most of the time you can forget about drivers, they’re just not needed. Yes, I’m an Apple fanboy and I’ve used them since before there was a GUI OS on either Mac or PC but I still have respect for the history of PCs, and how they managed to stay on top for so long. This article to me just feels like Microsoft mud slinging (not that Apple haven’t done their share in the past (mac vs pc tv ads)). I would like to see strong points, not flimsy ‘pcs come in more colours’ arguments.
The only reason a PC “can’t” run OS X (and, yes, IT CAN ;)) is because the Apple locked it. I think it’s more a decision about buying an ready to go appliance (like a TV) versus configuring a piece of equipment to fit your needs. Being a PC user for all my life, using a Mac had me facing a very pretty frontend that did great, but trying to look under the OS hood was excruciating to say the least… if you are a computer user, go Mac… it’s great, less annoying and worry-free, if you are a computer enthusiast or a programmer, then PC it’s your choice.
Looking under the hood is excruciating?
I’m assuming you’ve never used Linux or BSD, then because if you know either of those, mucking around in OS X is a snap.
For the record, I have both Macs and PCs and even a Hackintosh or two. I use linux daily for work, but my primary workstation (at work and at home) is a Mac because it suits me the best.
I disagree. So I have to be familiar (I useLinux) Unix/Linux/BSD to muck around OS X? It seems even more convoluted that way.
Don’t get me wrong… I love how Macs can get the job done, but in general, it seems to me more a GUI-oriented appliance than a development platform.
I would actually disagree. I am a developer and I switched to Mac from Linux / Windows (dual boot / virtualized) because I found that the development tools are much more developer friendly (and what are developers but extreme computer enthusiasts). I just love that I can use tools like ports since OSX is built on Darwin.
Just my $0.02.
Could you please tell me which development tools are you currently using?
Thanks
The ones Apple tells him to, I’m sure!
Yep, If you know nothing, and want an over sized music player go Mac,
If you truely want to experiance the web. Then go with who designed it in the first place. PC.
I have been a computer user since Dos 2.0 on the Apple green screen. I have both Apple and PC, computers, which I use on a daily basis. If I had to get rid of one, it would definately be the Mac. Windows is just so much more useable, pratical, and way more fun. (faster also, as both of my computers here are basically the same specs, the Windows PC wins reguardless of how you look at it.
OSx is basically a clone of Windows, just written differently. As far as security, the uneducated Mac user will say that their system is the best. But for those of us who know whats what in computing. Microsoft is always on top of the security. (Its the third party apps that make the PC unsecure, and Mac is catching up, and has Several BIG holes, that they seem to not want to fix). Whats Apple doing about security? Everything they can, unfortunately for them its not enough, as they can’t even keep the iPhone stores clean). LOL.. This issue is MUTE, as Mac sure looks pritty, but when you get under the hood and realize that the shiny new pc you actually baught is a Pinto. you will wish you went with the PC.
You know, if you’d written your conjecture-laden opinion down in OS X, it would have pointed out all of those laughable spelling errors.
P.S. – If you’re stupid enough to go against the iOS terms of use and jail-break your iPhone, you deserve viruses.
This issue is MOOT. Unix is far more powerful than MS-DOS. What’s under your hood?
Windows does not have MS-DOS under the hood since Windows XP.
This issue is MOOT MS-DOS!=NT(and later). 1999 called and they want your argument back!
P.S. Unix is better!
Hey, so what exactly led you to believe that the Internet was “created” on a PC? I hate to break it to you but Tim Berners-Lee created hypertext and the first web browser on a NeXT Cube, which is what current OSX based Macs are based on. Microsoft was actually very late to the game. Remember Netscape? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_World_Wide_Web
If you’re running Windows on your Mac, you are no different than someone having Linux and Windows on say a HP computer.
Microsoft is a software company (mostly) and Apple does software and hardware.
What Microsoft is concerned about is how many licenses of Windows they have out there. Assuming you’re not pirating the Windows you have on your Mac, you’re another Windows user that Microsoft can claim in their statistics. It’s no different in the long run than if someone buys a PC preloaded with Windows (although, Microsoft might actually make more money from it… hmmm)
For all these years, it is good that MS has taken a stand but they are both big and made names for themselves. Consumers know what they like and buy what they need. So it’s really up to us. :)
Well actually, the reason you can run run Windows on your Mac is because Windows allows it. Funny, you can’t even get a Mac user to consider helping you do the same with OSX, I’ve been to tons of forums and if you so much as suggest running the precious OSX OS on your generic Windows hardware, suddenly everyones a lawyer “It’s against the EULA!”, “”We won’t tolerate that on these forums” time and again it’s the same argument. Point of fact is usually the person isn’t asking how to acquire OSX, they want to know how to run it on their hardware or emulate it. A lot of times the questions are as simple as ‘Can it be done?’ and that’s apparently flamebait.
The point of whether or not Apple tests all their software is irrelevant, what is relevant is their is a higher cost of entry into the Mac world, regardless of which side you choose (And I own both), each offers it’s own learning curve. Macs are not simpler, there just usually isn’t a choice in the matter, when iphone came out the only way to access alot of the functionality was via iTunes, which in my opinion sucks as a program, especially on Windows. Apple by the way tested that and left it a slow bloated piece of crapware, it runs better on OSX and they controlled that. As does Safari which is only just beginning to be usable as a browser on Windows. By the way, a + is not easier unless your retarded, I mean how hard is it to read the word ‘add’? Not to mention I like context to my buttons, I ‘get’ add… what does + mean? Is there more functionality? Is there another menu? Am I adding something?? I dont know, because there’s just a friggin’ ‘+’ there..
And really, is part of your argument “if you’re close to an Apple store then their training programme is amazing and if not, the helpline included with the warranty will be able to answer most questions over the phone.” Well considering I’ve only seen Apple stores in upper middle and high ‘class’ areas, I guess thats great if your like, I dunno, a yuppie. That doesn’t really make it easier because you have to take a class or talk to a ‘genius’, most PC users can figure it out on their own, it’s what we do. The reason your Fat32 stick and iOffice can open Word documents is again thanks to MS trying to actually play nice with other hardware.
This article is decent but let us be honest, it’s not remotely mudslinging, if anything it’s generous to Apple just for giving as many ‘Ties’ as it did. I’ve seen Office for the Mac and I’ve seen them showcase it on MS site, hell, it even looks better then Office for the PC which goes to show that at least MS tries, Mac doesn’t even make an attempt. For years those Mac ads were “hilarious” because they were dumping on PC “Oh look, a blue screen joke!” yeah thats so windows xp, which I might add is at least still compatible as is most software back to Win95. Got OSX? well, you’d better not have any software older then Tiger.
I like Macs look and some of the design, but they started this little ‘childish’ bickering, during most keynotes they barely talk about Mac, but for years Apples ENTIRE marketing strategy was to dump on Windows and the only reason they quit those lame ads was because Windows 7 addressed all their sniping. So Microsoft has a site up, so what? They have a horrible marketing department, they aren’t ‘magical’, so other then a few techies no one will ever hear about it.
It’s true that in the end it depends on the ecosystem you like Open (Linux), Mostly Open but not entirely (Windows) or Closed (Apple). Each has it’s good points, it’s bad points and it’s annoyances, but it’s your money spend it how you want…. But– I’m so tired of hearing Mac fan-boys have ridiculous non topic related replies or obfuscating facts and yeah I’m talking about you @Chase Adams… the Kin? Really? How about starting a new thread or at least staying on topic. Geez.
Really funny Mac vs. PC video I saw:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBcQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJkrn6ecxthM&ei=QX5hTOu1D5LSsAOc0sCdCA&usg=AFQjCNGO0iOA0jsrQi4YdMqWUC7vYrj4wA
I’m still using my 8 year old Mac, and it runs Photoshop like a champ. Can’t say the same about my windows machine. PCs have a lifespan of about 3 years before it’s slow as balls, missing DLLs, and needs to be reformatted. Lifespan and frustration should be considered too. A Mac just works. Maybe cause Apple designs the software AND hardware it works so well.
Wow that sounds like apple! I mean WHO designs an OS that slows down merely from have too many icons on your desktop? Oh I guess APPLE does.
I suppose though, if you are clueless or just know nothing about Windows, You might have to reinstall after a couple years. If you actually know the system, it is every bit as easy to keep clean as osx.
Nice try fanboi.
At work we have mac laptops and we just had 4 of them go bad and none were more than 2 years old. Saying Macs last longer isn’t true. And plus when something breaks on a Mac you have to go to the apple store and pay an arm and a leg to get it fixed. Atleast with a PC you have a chance of being able to replace a part and fix it yourself.
It’s all a big jerkoff, which is precisely why I use Linux. Shit is free.
Windows 7 power manglement is seriously broken. Try using your laptop unwired for a few days and you’ll see what I mean. Battery life went from over 3 hours on Win XP to 30 mins on Win 7 and it shuts down now without warning. There are over 10 pages of discussion on Microsofts own support forums regarding this. No fix, or acknowledgement in sight.
Windows 7 turned my laptop into a desktop.. ‘NOT my idea’!
Do and disagree. My Toshiba mini has Windows and it works fine for about 10 hours.
Windows 7 I mean.
No YOU broke it. My 4 year old gateway 17in runs win7 and has well over 2 hours or life. So either you broke it, don’t know how to set it, or have a bad battery.
Funny my laptop (Gateway FX series) gives me over 2 hours of battery time with windows 7
Funny, both of my iBooks give me over 5 hours of battery time with OS X…
The way I see it, what can you do on a mac that you couldn’t do on a PC? I got nothing, and one hell of list of things I can’t do on my mac.
I want a computer that can do anything a computer can do. That’s a PC.
I own a mac, but only because my school issues it to me. When it comes time to buy a new computer, it will be back to PC.
wow, except you can run any (read: ANY) program that runs on a pc on a mac. you just arent educated in the use of your mac. dont try and say macs arent capable because you are ignorant.
What can I do on a Mac that I can’t do on a PC?
– AppleScript & Automator
– Parallels (OS X, Windows, and Linux all at the same time)
– GarageBand
– Expose
– Folder Actions
– iChat
– ffmpegX
– Taco HTML Edit
– read and write encrypted .dmg files
– SoundFlower (no reWire is not the same)
– GeekTools
– X11
– unix (which is equal to about 1000 things I can’t do on a PC)
BTW, I have both Macs and PCs and use them both daily. I can only think of a handful of things I can do on a PC that I can’t do on a Mac and all of these are because they are some esoteric PC-only hack that won’t even work on all PCs…
@Andrew- maybe its because you bought a piece of junk pc or you have no clue what you’re doing. Missing dlls? Sounds like a user error.
Yeah, I suppose you have to be a dev to keep a PC working properly.
Or a 4 yr. old
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssOq02DTTMU
How could choice possibly be a tie? PC has thousands of choices, Mac a very select few.
Clear winner – PC.
So Mac has a few good choices, PC has many more good choices.
dont mind the fact that any of the points about compatibility are a lie because bootcamp can run any windows programs. hurr durr. if you knew anything about using macs and werent talking out of your ass then maybe you wouldnt be presenting such ignorant and asinine points wich are so easily refuted.
LOLOL
Bootcamp = Windows which you hopefully bought a license for and didn’t steal.
Everyone knows the hot chick on the website is totally screwing a mac fanboy!
Wow… not at all obvious that the author is a Mac FanBoy. Yes, you can find plug ins etc that will make the MAC play nice, but the point here is that with a PC, they are built in – in most cases in Win 7. Further, to say that the fact you can customize a PC as something that doesn’t appeal to most is very flawed.
Last time I read any articles by Alex Wilhelm as it seems impossible for him to give credit, where credit is due. There are merits to the MAC, make no doubt, but those areas that were viewed in this article were for the most part in PC’s advantage – the reason MS choose these area’s to go after.
Lame.
What’s really ironic (and you’d know this if you read his other posts) is that he’s actually an MS fanboy. He was trying to be fair and balanced and inadvertently tipped the scales in the other direction. I already let him have it for that. :)
Tee hee, I am a Windows fanboy. Nothing but Windows 7 for me!
the comment about not working at school….. complete crap
http://awangshamsul.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/apple-lecture-hall-1024×682.jpg
It says “if you share your documents with a pc” you may have problems with a pc, ie if you are working in a pc computer lab. Please point out anybody in that photo that is trying to do that.
L I N U X R U L E S A L L !!!!!!!!!!!!!
This article was nice in reviewing information, but declaring every one of them a tie? Why don’t you put your opinion in there and make a choice, that’s why people read your articles.
The wise man stays neutral in the Mac Vs. PC war. Nicely played, sir.
Well as long as you are all singing the praises about how great Microsoft is then explain to me why in the work environment many companies refuse to upgrade past windows xp? Oh that’s right because a windows vista was a complete joke that led to many people downgrading back to windows xp. And while we are at it the software that many of us use at work still refuse to move to the windows 7 platform. I’m thinking if cisco can look at a platform and say no thanks that’s a strike against the mighty windows. Oh and a little bit of history. For the person who said that apple os is a rip-off of windows, you need to do some case law research and you will see how apple actually sued Microsoft over windows being a copy of apple os. Just saying.
You need to do some research Rik. Apple sued Microsoft for ripping off their OS, which they ripped from Xerox, which basically invented the mouse and GUI. At least Microsoft admitted they didn’t invent it unlike that moron Jobs.
Ah Apple, they can do no wrong, because even when they admit to being thieves the zealots defend them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW0DUg63lqU
But microsoft, THEY”RE the bad guys, whatever.
They are all shit
Linux is just free shit