7Jan/090
2009 Predictions: Apple
Hi, my name is Dan. I use a combination of systems including OS X 10.4 Tiger, Fedora, SabayonLinux, Debian, and Ubuntu. I also have FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and OpenSolaris installed. I do not see it as a hobby. It has been necessary that I learn multiple operating systems a year. The knowledge and experience gained in my field has been absolutely invaluable.
I have no side, but I am against the critically negative views that Apple has been spending millions of dollars on that only infuriate the world. These are reasons why Apple's share in the market will go back into a muddy hole while they rely on their MP3 track and player sales once again. Unless, of course, Amazon doesn't become anymore of a threat.
- Guerrilla Tactics: Apple will begin to slowly decline in sales thanks to actions bordering malware practices thanks to Apple update software opening the gates for other services without user confirmation. We installed Safari as your default browser while you were asleep, I hope you don't mind!
- Snobbish Public View: Apple has suffered greatly from annoying TV advertisements and Steve Jobs' biased bashing of Windows Vista. How would you feel if you went to Best Buy to purchase a new desktop or laptop and the salesperson tells you why Windows is a terrible idea, you should buy a Mac. This is no different than what Jobs and Apple have done. If you make a trend seem elitist, the consumer will assume elitism and pass.
- The Latest Trend: There is nothing wrong with OS X, but many users will grow tired of expensive upgrades. Microsoft releases service packs and organizations release the latest one thousand man hour Linux distros for free. It seems we are already hearing about the next Mac 10 version the day after the last one hit retail. This could make a lot of consumers feel that they are luxury items and will never keep up with the trends. The prime example being the iPhone. When iPhone 3.0 is announced, there may be a larger backlash than the $200 price cut.
- Native Applications: To suggest that many Windows users are still using Windows out of ignorance is a terrible marketing ploy. People need Windows to run Windows applications, not just Microsoft Office. Boot Camp is not an option as the majority will never buy a Mac for the sole person to run Windows side-by-side. Why bother when they need Windows more than OS X? Note that almost all Windows software can be installed on Linux and BSD, which are Unix-like operating systems, just like Mac OS X.
- Pushing Geek Stereotypes: The assumption that only gamers and non-professionals in the media field use Windows is more misdirection from Apple. To plant a seed in the back of everyone's mind that unless they are playing World of Warcraft, they have no business buying a $300-500 machine that they need for school or work. No, instead, they can buy a $2,800 17" laptop that plays no games, but they will have more fun editing video and images.
- False Security Blanket: Apple needs to stop preaching that OS 10 is far more secure than Windows. Everyone knows the saying that has become a cliche, but if the market share turned around, obviously it would be more valuable to write harmful software for a Mac instead of Windows. By a simple Google search, many can see how this has already changed dramatically over the last five years. There are no safe operating systems, only safe user practices.
- Obsessed Fan Base: The hardcore Mac fanbase frightens people. Who would want to be in a scene with those kids? You will not see these types of people with Linux. Well, unless Ubuntu is mentioned somewhere. Are there hardcore Windows junkies? I have never really met any in my time.
- Learning Curve: People who have switched over know first hand that learning OS X is not an easy. The calming and soothing words of "ease" and "simple" may bring a few dozen people to switch, but they soon realize that it is just another operating system. Nothing more. A new library of software to learn, menus to navigate, and the fear of what they could break. To dispel a common misconception, a Mac can break.
- Free and Retail Support: The lack of knowledgeable persons in the office, family, or IT department pushes potential switchers away from purchasing a new operating system. Not only that, but a local PC tech bench is usually less than a few miles away in a city while a Genius Bar is a 48 hour wait after the one hour drive. Dropping off the Mac with the Genius Bar is best done on a Friday to allow pick up by at least Sunday. My old team in Fire Dog could turn around a baker's dozen systems in one day. Why the two day waiting period if they are easier to work with than Windows Vista?
- Fear of the Unknown: People are afraid of the unknown, it is our nature. What's even more of a scare is spending $1,800 on a new system that they do not know how to use. This boils down to a stagnant investment. Especially for a student. Don't blame Gates for pushing Microsoft technologies on schools, blame the school budget.
- Alternatives to the Mac: Linux is free. This year, everyone will be able to buy a desktop at hardware cost with an operating system preset for no extra cost. Imagine buying a brand new, top of the line PC for under $300 with a fully functional operating system that can run both Linux and Windows applications.
- Perpetual State: You only have to buy Windows once. Your license is perpetual. If you take time to understand the Windows Product Activation and what repairs constitute a simple five minute phone to an automated system, then no one will panic as much when the motherboard catches on fire. We have ten flags to set off and a motherboard is more than 4. Windows on boot needs seven to pass. I have never seen anyone turned down for activation with a legitimate product key.
- Charitable Nature: Bill Gates is one of the most giving philanthropist of our generation. At least, the biggest public philanthropist figure. Steve Jobs swindled over $20 million in stock from his own company and chooses to give nothing back to society, only lottery-type winnings when one person purchased the billionth song on iTunes.
