Slashdot Mirror
Mac v. Microsoft TCO
NickFitz writes "MacWorld UK has some comments from industry analysts on the question of whether Total Cost of Ownership, Microsoft's favourite metric, is lower for Apple Mac versus Windows. The MS website has no figures to refute the claim that 'An Apple technician may cost twice as much, but he comes to see you half as often.'" Bottom line: neither platform is the clear winner.
If there is a lack of overall interest in the platform, why does Microsoft Office exist for the Mac OS?
It exists to make sure that the Mac platform is viable. Since "See? it can run Office!" is the main claim to strength of Mac software, you can see how things would fizzle if it wasn't there.
Microsoft wants the Mac to stay afloat to help blunt court claims that it is a monopoly. This is why it bailed out Apple wish cash a few years ago, and this is why it make sure that such important software is available on the platform.
What exactly ARE these unmet software needs that "the majority" is clammoring for?
The latest first person shooter?
Specialized programs, general apps, what have you. From software specific to running a flower shop to file converting to hobbyist packages: there are apps for the PC for these, but not for the Mac. The Mac only satisfies its little niche and the "least common denominator". I wasn't even talking about games, but the situation is just as bleak in games.
Your generalizations are completely unfounded.
It is factual, and very well founded. Just take some time to compare the software catalogs. I've done it. It is one of the main reasons I ditched the Mac. For example, there were lots of terminal programs for the PC: only a few weren't crap. On the Mac, there were just a few, and none weren't crap.
We can go now to download.com, and look for programs to deal with midi files. You' find 213 for PC vs 17 for the Mac. Since there's a variety of possible things to do with MIDI files, you know there are going to be many things you can do with them with the PC that you just can't do with the Mac due to lack of software.
I wasn't even looking for an example that made the Mac look bad. This was just the first thing I tried.
Next thing I tried: Fishing? Fishing is not the most obscure hobby. You are out of luck using a Mac to enhance it: 15 titles for Pc, NONE for Mac.
With the Mac you are out of luck if you "Think different".
Your G4 is not an excellent gaming platform. I dropped the UT2004 demo on my PowerBook (1.25GHz, Radeon 9600) yesterday and it blew goats.
What you need is an Athlon 2500 and a 9600XT. And plenty of RAM.
Or a Playstation.
But Mac gaming is awful.
Dave
I write a blog now, you should be afraid.