Apple Soars to Third Place in U.S. PC Market With 10.7% Share

[AidenShaw]

Of course it is. Asia is rife with bootlegged Windows OS disks. Those bootlegged copies count toward market share for Windows, even though they don't bring a dime into Redmond.

This is not true - the reports that this article is quoting are based on computer shipments from manufacturers. It's unlikely that any of the big players are shipping significant numbers of bootleg Windows installations.

Your comment is true if applied to "net share" statistics based on web traffic, but not to manufacturers' shipments.

When you get to 32GB of RAM on a Windows machine you'll be buying server class hardware, and will have far surpassed the cost of a Mac, which would make your life soooo much better and easier.

• $4523 - Apple Mac Pro - 32 GiB, quad 2.8 GHz, 1 TB, Radeon HD 5770 1 GiB, Applecare
• $4884 - Dell T1600 - 32 GiB, quad 3.1 GHz, 1 TB, Quadro 600 1 GiB, 3yr onsite warranty

I hardly consider that "far surpassing" the cost of an Apple, I consider it little more than noise.

 

[Thunderhawks]

Me and all my friends who have macs (about 10 or so). Although the hardware is second to none, it's impossible to deny that a lot of consumer software is written in Windows-only format. Especially games.

Plus don't forget the fact that most converts are n00bs who don't know the finer points of Mac OS, and feel much more comfortable in Windows, which is why Apple probably offers Bootcamp in the first place.

Converts is what keeps Mac sales growing, and converts still like Windows.

I'd say the fact that you can run windoof AND OSX on one machine is what will keep it going.

With every round of MAC and PC system software they'll get closer to each other.

Only MACs are truly universal computers.

 

[AidenShaw]

Explain Hackintoshes then....

Only MACs are truly universal computers.

Only due to Apple's EULA, DRM and obfuscation attempts - not due to any differences between the underlying hardware.

 

[Aviboy97]

I own an Acer Aspire (iMac copy) running Windows 7. I have had it little over a year. It was actually a gift by my father in law becasue the Gateway we were using was on its way out.

Anyway, it worked ok for about 6 months and then the USB ports stopped working and the computer would freeze once the home screen came on. I had to send it to Acer, which was in Arizona, and it cost $75 to send it UPS. Even though it was under warranty, I still had to pay to ship it and have it insured. They did fix it and now it works ok. My wife is the primary user of it.

The point is I don't think Acer makes a high quality product and they are not as known in the US as they are in the rest of the world, so a 22% drop in sales in not surprising.

In all reality, it's a decent computer, but, there are obviously better PC's available. In all honesty, as much as I love my Mac, I did get used to using it and Windows 7 does work pretty well. However, when it starts acting up and turning off for no reason, I remember why I bought a Mac in the first place

 

[fourthletter]

Only the share of sales.

This is only the share of sales, they have a long way to go to even get close to the install base of Windows, especially outside the US.

 

[fourthletter]

I own an Acer Aspire (iMac copy) running Windows 7. I have had it little over a year. It was actually a gift by my father in law becasue the Gateway we were using was on its way out.

Anyway, it worked ok for about 6 months and then the USB ports stopped working and the computer would freeze once the home screen came on. I had to send it to Acer, which was in Arizona, and it cost $75 to send it UPS. Even though it was under warranty, I still had to pay to ship it and have it insured. They did fix it and now it works ok. My wife is the primary user of it.

The point is I don't think Acer makes a high quality product and they are not as known in the US as they are in the rest of the world, so a 22% drop in sales in not surprising.

In all reality, it's a decent computer, but, there are obviously better PC's available. In all honesty, as much as I love my Mac, I did get used to using it and Windows 7 does work pretty well. However, when it starts acting up and turning off for no reason, I remember why I bought a Mac in the first place

I could tell the same story for my wife's Macbook, we had to take it 20 miles to be repaired (it took a week to fix a cracked case) becuase the Apple Store is 50 miles away even though we live in the capital of Scotland (Edinburgh)
My old Acer laptop was collected from my door and returned three days later so it goes to show everyone has a good and bad support story to tell.

 

[VitaminD]

It seems highly unlikely that a "convert" would want to install the same old Windows OS that they are running away from. Why cripple a Mac?

They are not running away en masse from Windows given that Windows 7 is an excellent OS. It doesn't cripple a Mac. Though I take it you were joking around about that. On the MacBooks, though, I agree, it can reduce battery life and run a bit warmer when one runs Windows on it.

What a fair number of "converts" are running away from is the lack of hardware quality and customer service experienced among the major PC manufacturers. And not for nothing, a Mac's styling and engineering contributes to the purchasing decision also.

As for myself, I'm not a convert to Mac, per se. I own a number of PCs from HP and Lenovo. I am fortunate enough to not have had any issues or Malware with any of them. I bought iMacs because they fit the requirements I had that I couldn't fulfill with any other manufacturer. I happily run both OS X and Windows (Bootcamp and via Parallel's VM) on them. An ability that truly makes Mac's shine. (Though a Windows PC can run OS X, just not legally due to Apple's EULA.)

 

[Popeye206]

Why does this has to turn into a Mac vs Windows discussion? What does that matter?

These numbers are showing that Apple's doing a great job selling Macs.

I would think most people get attracted to the Mac for several reasons...

• It's cool (great designs, highly respected company)
• Quality and Reliability.
• Service.
• Halo affect from iDevices.

PC fans can say all they want, but Apple is doing a great job bringing out a quality product and providing great customer service compared to the industry standards. The numbers show it as they continue to do well when so many are doing poorly.

 

[Aviboy97]

I could tell the same story for my wife's Macbook, we had to take it 20 miles to be repaired (it took a week to fix a cracked case) becuase the Apple Store is 50 miles away even though we live in the capital of Scotland (Edinburgh)
My old Acer laptop was collected from my door and returned three days later so it goes to show everyone has a good and bad support story to tell.

I think there is a big difference between a hardware/software issue when compared to a cosmetic issue (cracked case). But, I guess we are splitting hairs here. My main issue is the hardware in the Acer is not as good as other computers. A polycarbonate case is not really considered hardware, in my opinion, but, whatever. I get your point.

I noticed how you said you were in Scotland. Acer is more prevelant in Europe than it is here in the States. And Apple has a bigger presence here in the States than it does in Europe. Could location be a factor in customer support? I think so.

 

[KYPackrat]

Now, how's that: Apple could buy Dell from Cash, instantly become the market share leader and would be less profitable than it is now...

HP, Dell, and Acer are holding onto market share exclusively using dumping techniques (IMHO). Selling a $200 netbook or $400 laptop counts as much of 1 unit as a $2000 MacBook Pro or a $2000 Alienware. OTOH, those $200/$400 units are at best generating a few dollars of profit, and usually are going for a loss. Their only value is using up bulk orders of parts from the more expensive lines and helping break open contracts for the servers, high-end workstations, and services.

HP is a services company that sells ink and servers for a profit, and desktops and printers for volume. Dell is a financing company that is trying to break into services, and delivers hardware to drive its lease and loan business. IMHO, Dell is especially similar to GM in the early 2000s: a finance company that loss-led cars.

Apple is a remarkable company: it's making profits off of a commodity business, and gaining market share doing it.

 

[VitaminD]

Why does this has to turn into a Mac vs Windows discussion? What does that matter?

These numbers are showing that Apple's doing a great job selling Macs.

I would think most people get attracted to the Mac for several reasons...

• It's cool (great designs, highly respected company)
• Quality and Reliability.
• Service.
• Halo affect from iDevices.

PC fans can say all they want, but Apple is doing a great job bringing out a quality product and providing great customer service compared to the industry standards. The numbers show it as they continue to do well when so many are doing poorly.

Exactly and well said. Considering that Apple is more than just an OS company, the Windows versus Mac arguments are a bit adolescent.

And not for nothing but Parallels is doing great business with their flagship desktop 6 Windows virtualization for Mac products as well as VMware as many Mac users have a need to run Windows concurrently with OS X.

Using the right tool for the particular job is nothing that should cause dismay.

 

[L I G H T I N G]

Don't get too giddy Apple fangirls.

Looking at the bigger picture for every one Mac, there are 6 PCs, it would be more but you guys are lucky Microsoft is putting more attention to XBOX 360 and Bill Gates is not the COO/CEO anymore.

 

[AidenShaw]

19 to 1, not 6 to 1

Don't get too giddy Apple fangirls.

Looking at the bigger picture for every one Mac, there are 6 PCs, it would be more but you guys are lucky Microsoft is putting more attention to XBOX 360 and Bill Gates is not the COO/CEO anymore.

Isn't the worldwide ratio "for every Apple sold, 19 PCs are sold"?

 

[the8thark]

Isn't the worldwide ratio "for every Apple sold, 19 PCs are sold"?

And those 19 PCs sold generate less profits then the 1 Apple sold.

 

[AidenShaw]

And those 19 PCs sold generate less profits then the 1 Apple sold.

I think that if you'll compare gross margins, you'll find that isn't true.

 

[jive turkey]

My last Windows machines were XP, so certainly things might have changed. But if my experience is any indication, we can never expect Apple to gain too much in the sales department, regardless of price, because their computers simply perform at a higher rate for a longer period of time. That is to say, after 3 years of operation, my Windows machines would be obsolete or at the very least be a point where I would have to reinstall the OS every few months. On the other hand, the Mac I'm sitting at right now is now 3.5 years old and it is still running as well as it did the day I took it out of the box. That is with no wasted time running registry cleaners, reinstalling the OS, finding an anti-virus that is compatible that doesn't slow my computer to a crawl, etc. The only money I have spent on this machine is $29 to upgrade to Snow Leopard.

That to me is well worth the so-called "Apple Premium." You can say the hardware in Macs & PCs are the same all you want, but the parts sure seem to work a lot better in my Apple products. I was constantly having to screw with drivers and obscure settings on Windows. Like I say, things might be better now, but I love what I have too much to even think about spending a penny on a PC.

 

[AidenShaw]

when will this urban legend die?

My last Windows machines were XP, so certainly things might have changed.

You really don't need to say much more than this - you've already handicapped your argument.

But if my experience is any indication, we can never expect Apple to gain too much in the sales department, regardless of price, because their computers simply perform at a higher rate for a longer period of time..

And since I'm typing this on a Windows 7 x64 laptop that was purchased on 18 June 2006 (5 years, 1 month) - my experience says otherwise.

Any data that suggests that Apples last longer should be adjusted for the price of the system - of course one would expect a $2000 computer to last longer than a $299 special.

My Latitude was priced similar to a MacBook Pro from that era.

Note that no Apple purchased 5 years ago will be able to run Lion, while Windows systems from that period run Win7 just fine.

 

[VitaminD]

My last Windows machines were XP, so certainly things might have changed. But if my experience is any indication, we can never expect Apple to gain too much in the sales department, regardless of price, because their computers simply perform at a higher rate for a longer period of time. That is to say, after 3 years of operation, my Windows machines would be obsolete or at the very least be a point where I would have to reinstall the OS every few months. On the other hand, the Mac I'm sitting at right now is now 3.5 years old and it is still running as well as it did the day I took it out of the box. That is with no wasted time running registry cleaners, reinstalling the OS, finding an anti-virus that is compatible that doesn't slow my computer to a crawl, etc. The only money I have spent on this machine is $29 to upgrade to Snow Leopard.

That to me is well worth the so-called "Apple Premium." You can say the hardware in Macs & PCs are the same all you want, but the parts sure seem to work a lot better in my Apple products. I was constantly having to screw with drivers and obscure settings on Windows. Like I say, things might be better now, but I love what I have too much to even think about spending a penny on a PC.

Things have gotten a lot better with Windows since the XP days. But I can definitely related to what you recalled about Windows. Drivers and DLL-hell. Also reinstalling XP every 6 months or so. Fond memories, that.

Windows 7 on the other hand, is well done. Haven't had to reinstall it or do any special maintenance on any machine I own since installation. And it runs as well as day 1. Just like my OS X and Linux installations.

But I agree, the "Apple Premium" or "Apple Tax" seems for the most part to be worth it given many of Mac's unique qualities. And you tend to get what you pay for. Opinions vary of course.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I may be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure market share is based on sales, not on established base. So if Apple sold 1 computer and nobody bought a Windows machine during that time, then Apple would be reported to have 100% market share.

Years ago people used to argue that Apple's computers last longer and aren't replaced nearly as often, leading to a larger established base than market share numbers would imply.

90% of the worlds computers run Windows. Twist it anyway you like. Apple is nowhere near catching Windows in market share. That's not a bash, it's a simple fact.

The bolded part may be a bit misleading. 89.3% of all purchasers in the US seem to agree with you, but a very sizable portion of that is for business and not home use. It's possible in theory that Apple market share among home users is much higher than 10.7%.

I wasn't able to find any numbers doing a quick google search. The closest I found was a 2009 report stating that 12% of all US homes have an Apple computer (link). This is 2 years old and may not apply now, but it is at least food for thought.

You should also do a search and check out what percentage of Mac users also own a Windows pc. And how many Mac users run Windows on their Macs.

 

[VitaminD]

Note that no Apple purchased 5 years ago will be able to run Lion, while Windows systems from that period run Win7 just fine.

I believe that Apple made the switch to Intel in 2006. So, yes, those older Macs wouldn't be able to run Lion. But that's OK. The switch to Intel means Macs can run other OSs besides OS X.

Many PCs from 2006 can't run Win 7 to its fullest given that the GPU is not powerful enough. And let's face it, running Win 7 in all its Aero glory is "where it's at."

But I agree that no one manufacturer has a lock on longevity as just last year I sold 2 Dell Inspiron 8100's and 8200s on eBay that I bought new in 2001 and 2002 respectively which were in near perfect, fully functional condition.

 

[Aduntu]

Queue *LTD*

 

[*LTD*]

Macs always sell well - good economy or bad economy.

Takeaways from this news:

1. The box-makers (not Apple) are victims of the Post-PC era. It's starting to show.

2. Macs will still sell well during this transition and even after. At the head of the Mac push into the Post-PC era is the MBA, of course. The MBA is the blueprint for all mobile Macs to come. The MBA line itself will also act as the entry-level Mac. This is significant.

 

[ssk2]

Macs always sell well - good economy or bad economy.

Takeaways from this news:

1. The box-makers (not Apple) are victims of the Post-PC era. It's starting to show.

2. Macs will still sell well during this transition and even after. At the head of the Mac push into the Post-PC era is the MBA, of course. The MBA is the blueprint for all mobile Macs to come. The MBA line itself will also act as the entry-level Mac. This is significant.

Yeah, with 90% market share, those 'box-makers' really are struggling...

 

[rjohnstone]

Many PCs from 2006 can't run Win 7 to its fullest given that the GPU is not powerful enough. And let's face it, running Win 7 in all its Aero glory is "where it's at."

A simple video card swap will take care of that. Remember, most PC's from back then, and even today can be upgraded with little effort.
Of course laptop users will be left out just like most iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Book/Pro users.

Aero in Win 7 doesn't really require that aggressive of a GPU to run nicely.
I have an old Dell 1525 (2007 model) laptop that runs OS X 10.6.7 as well as Windows 7 Ultimate and it only has an Intel integrated GPU (GM965 Express).

And to answer the Lion question, many older Intel Macs will not run Lion.
Read the release notes... the devil is in the details.

 

[iMaci7]

Im selling my dell and buying a iMac soon...Hopefully i push their market share higher!