- Question: How many system crashes does it take for someone to switch from a new, fully loaded Vista PC to a Mac, or vow to stay with XP forever?
- Answer: 2
The way Vista (AKA “Longhorn”) has gone about crashing PCs, making them painfully slow or worse (DEAD) makes me think of Star Trek, with Dr. McCoy saying, “He’s dead, Jim!” over and over again!
The Warning Signs… or Hope Is for Sissies
I have always been a diehard PC guy. I liked that PCs were cheap and reliable, and I was extremely comfortable with Microsoft operating systems (especially Windows XP). I never thought Microsoft would go so wrong with Vista, after all the years of hard work and delays.
First there were rumors here and there that Vista was not working properly. Then came news of noncompatibility with numerous hardware and software programs. I still went on hoping… after all, stability came to the XP platform after Service Pack 2.
The Downfall… or Vista Strikes Evision
Nobody cares about suffering until the enemy is at the gates. In my case, our company had 2 Vista crashes within the same month. Now the news about Vista being a disaster were not “rumors” anymore. Alas, like a plague of the industrial age, Vista had my office in its grip.
The Aftermath… or Good News for Apple
With all the technology intellect floating around in our offices, we could not save the two machines: one was returned (after many wasted hours trying to reinstall the system) and the other is running XP.
My partners and I decided against getting any new computers that use Vista. As a result, my 2 partners have each bought a MacBook over the past few months, something they never would have considered if not for Vista.
Now imagine all the Vista-loaded computers that were shipped to non-computer-savvy people. They have as much right to use computers as any of us. Imagine the horror and disappointment when they cannot get anything to work properly on a brand new computer they just bought.
What Next?
Microsoft is phasing out the XP operating system on June 30. Here is a link to the petition to save XP. It is one of Microsoft’s most reliable operating systems, yet they are pulling the plug on it before providing a stable replacement option.
On the bright side, there is a HUGE opportunity… for Apple to come into the corporate and business market and promote its Mac series. Mac sales have seen a 51% year over year growth! Anyone think that Vista should get credit for it? Now would be a good time for Apple to send some cupcakes to the Vista developing team with THANK$! written on each one!
Helen Keller may have been referring to Microsoft when she famously quoted, “Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all — the apathy of human beings.”
I look at this opportunity in two ways. Coming from a marketing perspective. Mac can take advantage of the situation and increase its quanity price due to the increase in quanity demand. This is a usual tactic for business, however, Apple/Mac is unlike Microsoft. Therefore the quanity price will remain the same.
On the other hand, a computer illiterate like myself would think of it as a good time to invest in a valuable low cost product like the XP version because Microsoft is discontinueing them.
I think in the anatomical world. Therefore would it be wise to go out and commit to transplanting a defective mechanical heart in place of a slowly whithering one that you have? Or would you scrape up the last pennies to your name to transplant the human heart from a donor? I’m very price sensitive so I continue to use my whithering heart(XP).
Comment by RobertO — 22 May 2008 @ 7:37 AM
I think XP is more of a Braveheart than anything MSFT has to offer. I plan to stick with it and hold off until the next upgrade. Windows 7 is expected to hit the market in 2010 but might get hit by delays like Vista.
With Apple, it’s not only the look and feel, but also the system’s stability that makes it expensive. The irony is that Vista actually runs better on a Mac.
By introducing Intel chips, Apple has left users the option to run the Mac as a PC. Great move to get people to switch. Who knows… someday I might get a Mac!
Comment by Vikram — 22 May 2008 @ 9:51 AM