I agree that Apple is a good development platfrom, but from the consumers point of view it is becomming less and less viable. One of the earlier posters mentioned that I wanted apple to port Cocoa/Carbon to Linux. This is not actually the case. I am suggesting that Apple dump Cocoa/Carbon and use standard Linux libraries. I am simply suggesting that Apple can do a much better job of implementing a Linux GUI, using existing technologies, than anyone has managed yet. If they can make the first consumer friendly Linux distro, thats big business we're talking about there.
I agree that it is currently as easy as it has ever been to port apps from Linux to OS X. However, once Apples market share has dropped below a certain critical point (say 1%), software companies wont bother porting regadless of the ease. Its just not worth the time in development, support, and distribution. Additionally, once Linux is mainstream not all the software will be free. Currently most software for linux is also opensourse. So any developer with the inclination to do so could port a Linux app (eg. Openoffice) to the Mac without too many problems. However, when large companies like Adobe and Macromedia get into the act they will have to decide whether to support the Mac or not. In many cases the will decided not too.
However, if Macs are running a custom version of Linux (custom to the extent that the interface has been customised using standard Linux technologies) any Linux compatible software will work on the Mac. This will make it a viable platform for anyone looking for a Linux machine (there will be a lot of these guys in the future).
I would also like to comment on the posts saying that profitability is important, not market share. I hope you realize that the two are completely linked. The only way that tha Mac can stay profitable is if there is a decent selection of software for it. Very few people will shell out $3000 for a machine so that they can run OS X, iApps, and a handfull of Apple pro applications.
It was recently announced (by some rather credible surveys) that Linux now has a larger installed userbase worldwide than the Mac. So if you dont think its starting to become a viable platform, you better re evaluate your position on the Mac as well. The primary impitus for Linux right now is comming from Governments and Companies. Governments, particularly non US, are very weary of being dependant on an American company. There is a major issue of trust involved here. The Chinese, in particular, have adopted Linux as the standard OS for their government and are pushing it very aggressively in the general population (and you know how aggressive the Chinese government can be).
I also believe that Linux will really take off in India. The Indians are in the process of becomming worldwide software giants. It is only a matter of time before they start churning out quality Linux distros.
One of the advangages Linux has is that it is completely customizable. Particularly in non western countries, using Windows or Mac OS can be a hassle due to language barrier. With Linux however, the distro can be customized to meet the regional needs of any particular country. It can even be customized for different professions and devices.
Anyway, I dont want this to turn into an endless rant about Linux, however I am just trying to show that it will be the next big thing. The Chinese and Indians combined right now have a population of over two billion and a middle class of about 300 million. This is just two countries we are talking about here. If you don't think Linux is going to take over, youre dreaming. Apple may actually be in a better position in this new world if they play their cards right (and no OS X will not be good enough).
I agree that it is currently as easy as it has ever been to port apps from Linux to OS X. However, once Apples market share has dropped below a certain critical point (say 1%), software companies wont bother porting regadless of the ease. Its just not worth the time in development, support, and distribution. Additionally, once Linux is mainstream not all the software will be free. Currently most software for linux is also opensourse. So any developer with the inclination to do so could port a Linux app (eg. Openoffice) to the Mac without too many problems. However, when large companies like Adobe and Macromedia get into the act they will have to decide whether to support the Mac or not. In many cases the will decided not too.
However, if Macs are running a custom version of Linux (custom to the extent that the interface has been customised using standard Linux technologies) any Linux compatible software will work on the Mac. This will make it a viable platform for anyone looking for a Linux machine (there will be a lot of these guys in the future).
I would also like to comment on the posts saying that profitability is important, not market share. I hope you realize that the two are completely linked. The only way that tha Mac can stay profitable is if there is a decent selection of software for it. Very few people will shell out $3000 for a machine so that they can run OS X, iApps, and a handfull of Apple pro applications.
It was recently announced (by some rather credible surveys) that Linux now has a larger installed userbase worldwide than the Mac. So if you dont think its starting to become a viable platform, you better re evaluate your position on the Mac as well. The primary impitus for Linux right now is comming from Governments and Companies. Governments, particularly non US, are very weary of being dependant on an American company. There is a major issue of trust involved here. The Chinese, in particular, have adopted Linux as the standard OS for their government and are pushing it very aggressively in the general population (and you know how aggressive the Chinese government can be).
I also believe that Linux will really take off in India. The Indians are in the process of becomming worldwide software giants. It is only a matter of time before they start churning out quality Linux distros.
One of the advangages Linux has is that it is completely customizable. Particularly in non western countries, using Windows or Mac OS can be a hassle due to language barrier. With Linux however, the distro can be customized to meet the regional needs of any particular country. It can even be customized for different professions and devices.
Anyway, I dont want this to turn into an endless rant about Linux, however I am just trying to show that it will be the next big thing. The Chinese and Indians combined right now have a population of over two billion and a middle class of about 300 million. This is just two countries we are talking about here. If you don't think Linux is going to take over, youre dreaming. Apple may actually be in a better position in this new world if they play their cards right (and no OS X will not be good enough).
and it listed 5 stores:
