Apple fans supporting MS monopoly.

[MacMonster1985]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products? Xbox 360 comes to mind. By paying for the Xbox 360 + LIVE you're basically guaranteeing that MS will have a monopoly in the next gen consoles.

[yg17]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products? Xbox 360 comes to mind. By paying for the Xbox 360 + LIVE you're basically guaranteeing that MS will have a monopoly in the next gen consoles.

I buy some MS products because I'm not a stupid, ignorant Apple fanboy. And MS doesn't have a monopoly in the console market. There's the PS3 and Wii :rolleyes:

[AdeFowler]

I buy what I need, if it performs a task that I need it to do. The manufacturer's really not an issue.

[MacMonster1985]

I buy some MS products because I'm not a stupid, ignorant Apple fanboy. And MS doesn't have a monopoly in the console market. There's the PS3 and Wii :rolleyes:

But you are contributing to the future monopoly. Where do you think MS gets all the money to buy out exclusives from Sony? That's right, Xbox Live.

[stridemat]

I buy what I want to buy, I will leave it too the competition watchdog to determine if they are operating in a monopoly market.

Anyhow how is me subscribing to xbox live increasing this monopoly? I pay for the service and it my own choice. I could have got a PS3 and not paid for the equivalent of xbox live but in having that choice it is not a monopoly.

[Heilage]

Same as the guy above here, I'll buy the best product for my needs. In this generation, the PS3 with it's Blu-Ray capabilities has the most to offer me, but in time I will also buy an X360, since there are a lot of good games for it too. The Wii is further down, doesn't have much to offer me.

I do hope the PS4 fails like the PS3 did. Sony had a very strong brand towards the end of the PS2 cycle, with a ton of great games. It was also the console which really kicked off the DVD-sales. It's unlikely that a PS4 can do the same thing, since Blu-Ray is already quite well established, and will be even better by the time the next generation of consoles are released.

[Dagless]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products? Xbox 360 comes to mind. By paying for the Xbox 360 + LIVE you're basically guaranteeing that MS will have a monopoly in the next gen consoles.

Not you again, we have enough of these super fanboys posts in the console forum :rolleyes:.

I buy what I bloody well want. Microsoft make a good console with many good games. They make good peripherals and good operating systems (excluding Vista of course :p). They're a good company to have around and the only ones who have any chance of forcing Apple to step up their iPod Touch game.

[yg17]

But you are contributing to the future monopoly. Where do you think MS gets all the money to buy out exclusives from Sony? That's right, Xbox Live.


Yes, it's all one giant conspiracy to put Sony and Nintendo out of business :rolleyes:

Microsoft has a better product, I buy it. Simple as that.

[thejadedmonkey]

But you are contributing to the future monopoly. Where do you think MS gets all the money to buy out exclusives from Sony? That's right, Xbox Live.

If something works well, why wouldn't you get it. Let me turn this around, and ask you: Why would you spend over a grand on a mac, when you can get a computer that serves your purpose for half that price?

[eawmp1]

1) While there are viable alternatives, MS doesn't have a monopoly
2) If you want to complain about morals of a company, chose one that clubs baby seals (or some other reprehensible behavior)
3) I'll spend my money in this capitalistic society how I please. The best product should be rewarded (p.s. I don't own a MS gaming system; nor am I claiming they have the best one.

Go away troll.

[jointsmoking]

Microsoft doesn't have a monopoly to support.

[MisterMe]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products? Xbox 360 comes to mind. By paying for the Xbox 360 + LIVE you're basically guaranteeing that MS will have a monopoly in the next gen consoles.You need to get your facts straight. Microsoft has a monopoly that is legally defined as the market for operating systems for computers with Intel processors.

Microsoft does not have a monopoly in video games by any definition. The Xbox is not even No. 1 and never has been. That honor currently belongs to the Ninetendo Wii. Microsoft loses money on the Xbox. Although the original Xbox was based on Intel processors, the Xbox 360 is based on the Cell, a derivative of the Power PC.

[Dagless]

Microsoft loses money on the Xbox.

Every 360 sold makes a profit, and has done since Jan 2008.

[MacMonster1985]

No one is saying MS has a monopoly. I said that buy continuining to buy into M$ products and pay for subscription services like Xbox LIVE, you're basically guaranteeing MS will have a monopoly in the future.

[BoyBach]

I can't believe so many people support Apple products. iPods comes (sic) to mind. By paying for iPods + music though iTunes you're basically guaranteeing that Apple will have a monopoly in the next gen portable music players (sic).

[nicmacc]

I love it when people assume Mac fans are anti-microsoft...it's cute in that daft little way :p

I also love it when people throw terms around when they have no clue what it actually means.

A company holds a monopoly on a market when they can control how users can access that market. in lay terms - if lets say a company makes gaming consoles and they buy out every other console maker, that company would hold a monopoly in the console market...they control the entire market...consumer choice is eliminated.

Microsoft hold no such monopoly. Dont want a Zune? buy an iPod, or a cheap generic MP3 player. Dont want windows? OSX or Linux. Don't want a 360? go knock on Nintendo or Sony's door.

for the foreseeable future, Microsoft won't be buying out Sony. They won't be making the next Nintendo console. I cant see Microsoft putting an offer in for Apple. This monopoly you seem to have invented for them doesnt exist ;)

(on a side note, monopolising a market is illegal, and there are laws in place to prevent them. Don't worry, young microsoft hater...you can wake up tomorrow knowing that Microsoft don't rule the world. They won't the day after that either ;))

[Hellhammer]

One thing I hate, fanboyism...

I can't say I like MS very much but I have nothing against it. ~90% of computer users use Windows, X360 is a great console and their other software is good too. OS X will never be the most used OS because Apple doesn't want it to be. iPhone will never be the most used phone either. If MS offers something that other company does not or MS offers better price, I choose MS.

Is there a company which is a dictator in its category? I think no, all companies have competitors.

[yg17]

No one is saying MS has a monopoly. I said that buy continuining to buy into M$ products and pay for subscription services like Xbox LIVE, you're basically guaranteeing MS will have a monopoly in the future.

No you're not, because there will always be fanboys like you who refuse to buy Microsoft products and would buy the competition even if the MS product was better in every way

[trip1ex]

But you are contributing to the future monopoly. Where do you think MS gets all the money to buy out exclusives from Sony? That's right, Xbox Live.


No they get their money from their other monopolies - Windows and Office.

I do worry what happens if MS gains control of the console market given the cash flow from those 2 monopolies.

[thejadedmonkey]

No they get their money from their other monopolies - Windows and Office.

Both of which have alternatives. I believe entire governments have switched over to Linux and OpenOffice.org.

Additionally, you're probably typing this on a PC that runs OS X, which, as far as I know, is not made my Microsoft either ;)

[MisterMe]

No they get their money from their other monopolies - Windows and Office.

I do worry what happens if MS gains control of the console market given the cash flow from those 2 monopolies.Not to worry. With each new new generation of video game console, a new market leader emerges. Currently it is the Ninetindo Wii. In the previous generation, it was the Sony Playstation 2. In the next generation, it will be something else. It could very well be the next generation Xbox. However, the track record shows that Microsoft or whoever is on top during the next generation will hold that position for only one generation.

[Consultant]

MS actually lose money if you buy xbox without buying games. But for certain titles computer gaming are much better, because computing gaming doesn't have auto aim.

Can you actually buy used games for xbox?

[neiltc13]

Microsoft is in third place in the console market in many territories. Nintendo are way ahead and Sony are doing very well too.

Xbox Live is a great service and is well worth the money in my opinion.

[belvdr]

Can you actually buy used games for xbox?

Sure:

http://www.gamestop.com/browse/search.aspx?N=80

[rwilliams]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products?

Because there's no contract that I had to sign that said that if I liked Apple products, I had to immediately start hating all things Microsoft. Hey, I prefer Pepsi, but I like Coke too. Oh noes!! :rolleyes:

[belvdr]

Because there's no contract that I had to sign that said that if I liked Apple products, I had to immediately start hating all things Microsoft. Hey, I prefer Pepsi, but I like Coke too. Oh noes!! :rolleyes:

Pepsi and Coke?!? That's the craziest thing I've ever heard! ;)

[Rodimus Prime]

Just wondering why so many Apple fans support MS products? Xbox 360 comes to mind. By paying for the Xbox 360 + LIVE you're basically guaranteeing that MS will have a monopoly in the next gen consoles.

Thank you for proving why apple fans are thought of as blind idiots who can not think for themselves.

Of all the fanboys out there I honestly think apple ones are the worse.

[Dagless]

MS actually lose money if you buy xbox without buying games. But for certain titles computer gaming are much better, because computing gaming doesn't have auto aim.

Can you actually buy used games for xbox?

As I posted a few posts above yours - the Xbox 360 has been making a profit since Jan 2008. I don't know if the PS3 is but Nintendo always make a profit on their systems.
And of course you can buy used games for Xbox. Why wouldn't you be able to? :confused:

[chachster]

I will immediately return my XBox 360 and PC running Windows. Oh yeah, and cancel my XBox Live service. Cannot continue to support their coffers. Sheesh... I like having a choice of what to spend my money on. I guess I am not allowed to own a PC with Windows and a Mac with OS X.

[thegoldenmackid]

This argument has been made before:
Sony makes a portable music player and has been much longer then Microsoft
Sony also makes notebooks, headphones and other products that compete against Apple's products.

Nintendo's portable device has been specifically targeted by the iPod touch.

[Antares]

You know what? The OP is actually kind of on to something.

Why is it so wrong for someone to refuse to pay for a company's services or products if they don't like that company for legitimate and fundamental reasons? If you don't like Microsoft's business practices, monopolistic tactics or whatever, you should stand up for what you believe in. You should not support Microsoft financially by paying for any of it's products or services...irregardless of what good products they may and actually (reluctant to admit) occasionally do have.

The same can be said of Walmart. They may have cheaper prices than other stores and are conveniently located near where you live and/or work. However, if you don't like Walmart's business practices, how they treat employees or distributors and what happens to smaller/independent businesses because of them, you should stand up for what you believe in and not buy anything from them.

Let me give some analogies. Note: These are extreme examples meant only to illustrate a point.
1. If a company bought slaves and used them to manufacture a product and sell it to you for 1/3 the price of every other competitor, would you buy that product from them because it's a good product and so much cheaper? If you disapprove of slavery yet still buy that product from that company, you are essentially supporting slavery, yourself.
2. Would you buy a blood diamond knowing that many people were killed to obtain it? Do you justify it by saying that the blood diamond is cheaper than other diamonds of equal quality or even of better quality than other diamonds....ingnoring the human deaths associated with it?

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I think the OP didn't clearly say what he really wanted to say...but I could be wrong. This has nothing to do with being a Mac/Apple fan. Let me try rephrasing his question:

For all those people who say that they hate how Microsoft uses their size and immense cash reserves to buy themselves into markets, how they use anti-competative practices to gain an unfair advantage over other companies, etc., why do you help them continue doing so by purchasing their products and/or services?

The debate should flow from there.

---------------------

I think the OP is trying to uncover why so many people seem to be so hypocritical at times. Along with the fact that most people don't even realize it.

A lot of people speak out against a company's business practices yet they keep buying products from them (It could be Microsoft...or it could be any other company). Why? Because they say that they like some of their products or those products cost less than the competing products? When it comes down to it, a lot of people don't put their money where there mouth is. They only truly stand up against something or for something when it is economically convenient for them.

It's not just business, it could be other things in life... People speak out against a politician but they don't bother going through the effort to vote for someone else....or even voting at all. Or...people say how the environment is important to them but they keep buying the gas guzzling cars, wasting electricity, don't use more environmentally friendly products, don't live a more sustainable lifestyle,etc.. The examples can go on and on.

This isn't a debate about choice or buying the products that are good for your purposes. It's a debate on why if you say that you don't like something, do you turn around and continue to support it?

[uuaschbaer]

I like Apple to be and stay the underdog, it stimulates it to invest and impress. You wouldn't want the coming iMac update to be as shabby as the latest iPod Touch update, would you? The OS(computer) market isn't quite a monopoly of course, it's an oligopoly if I'm not mistaken.

[pdjudd]

Monopolies are a tough thing - the fact that they are a monoploy maks them difficult to avoid. I don't purchase Microsoft products becasue I despise what they do, yet I really have little choice but to work for compies that support Microsoft products and services. I have to use Windows and Office simply because thats what we use and thats what we settled on. The company is going to purchase MS components no matter what I do. I would love to work for an Apple based company, but the reality is that I can't pick and choose. If I want a job that pays me enough to live, I gotta choose a Windows shop.

Of course I choose Apple whenever possible, but in many instances, the decision is made for you simply due to prevalence. Microsoft is so prevalent, that no matter what you do, you support them in some shape or form.

[pkoch1]

I thought it was Hasbro that has a Monopoly.

[belvdr]

I thought it was Hasbro that has a Monopoly.

And a Junior one at that!

[neiltc13]

Monopolies are a tough thing - the fact that they are a monoploy maks them difficult to avoid. I don't purchase Microsoft products becasue I despise what they do, yet I really have little choice but to work for compies that support Microsoft products and services. I have to use Windows and Office simply because thats what we use and thats what we settled on. The company is going to purchase MS components no matter what I do. I would love to work for an Apple based company, but the reality is that I can't pick and choose. If I want a job that pays me enough to live, I gotta choose a Windows shop.

Of course I choose Apple whenever possible, but in many instances, the decision is made for you simply due to prevalence. Microsoft is so prevalent, that no matter what you do, you support them in some shape or form.

I would love to know what Microsoft does that makes you and many others here despise them so much. It's a publicly traded company and both it and Apple have the same goal - to make money for shareholders.

[dmmcintyre3]

Pepsi and Coke?!? That's the craziest thing I've ever heard! ;)
What, I just buy whichever is cheaper at the time

[skottichan]

My GF and I are hard core Apple fangirls (she was long before I was), and we happily have our Elite and XBL accounts. It's perfectly okay to support your favorite brands' competitors, it's not like Mr Jobs is going to come to your house and smash up your 360.

As to the whining about MS buying exclusives, hate to tell you hon, but all three of the major console makers do it, they always have. I personally think that console exclusivity is pretty crappy, I think only first party games should be exclusive (like God of War/Sony, Mario/Nintendo, Halo/MS, etc.), and third parties should reap the benefits of multi-platform.

If you're going to complain about the 360, I would have gone with something like the notorious ~50% failure rate, or things like $100 for a friggen wifi dongle, then you wouldn't have come across as much of a stereotypical Apple fanatic.

[lunari]

You need to get your facts straight. Microsoft has a monopoly that is legally defined as the market for operating systems for computers with Intel processors.

Microsoft does not have a monopoly in video games by any definition. The Xbox is not even No. 1 and never has been. That honor currently belongs to the Ninetendo Wii. Microsoft loses money on the Xbox. Although the original Xbox was based on Intel processors, the Xbox 360 is based on the Cell, a derivative of the Power PC.

Sorry if this has been brought up already, as I haven't finished reading the thread. The 360 has a PPC chip in it, it's the PS3 which has the Cell processor. :apple:

Edit: Also, what's wrong with supporting MS when it comes to consoles. One of the largest single orders from Apple was an order for G5s that MS placed while the 360 was being developed and sent out to game developers since the processor architecture was so close to being the same.