Apple to Begin Advertising Push Targeting Windows 7 Launch?

[Veri]

My experience with Windows 7 RC gets me psyched about it being another nail in the coffin of Microsoft.

If you think the bad trip that was Vista is in any way a reflection of Microsoft's future (on the desktop), you should check out how Apple was looking in the mid '90s for an illustration in spectacular recovery through a willingness to learn from one's mistakes. And Apple, unlike MS ever, was actually looking financially rotten.

Now, list for me what's actually wrong with Windows 7. What doesn't work for you? What works better in OS X? All I've seen so far are "Windows has more viruses" (yawn) and "Windows UAC doesn't ask for a password" (so? try downloading a trojan into Applications then running it: count how many times OS X asks for a password).

The only thing that boggles my mind is why there are hardcore windows fans on an apple website?

In my case, I'm pleasantly surprised by Windows 7, and disappointed at Apple's loss of (technical) principles. I'm still sitting on an iMac next to an iPod, while across the room is a PowerBook and in storage we go right back to a Mac Plus. But there's also a Linux box humming away, and XP terminals scattered around the house. Tool for the job. I bounced to OS X for a primary workstation 2 years ago, and I think I'm going to bounce right back to Windows again. I have no loyalties to corporations.

 

[3D0G]

The only thing that boggles my mind is why there are hardcore windows fans on an apple website? Wouldn't you be more comfortable in some MS forum?

I see no reason a windows user would sign up for this site, excluding those who have iphones and possibly touch's other than to troll every thread/post regarding windows and turn it into some huge argument. Doesn't anyone have anything better to do?

I was wondering the same thing. I mean, I would never think of signing up for a Microsoft site, because Microsoft just doesn't excite me. So, the only thing I can think is that there's something about Apple that excites these people (in a positive way), and they WANT to hear about it, but they just can't yet bring themselves to admit it. They're conflicted, which is why they troll. Otherwise, really, why do they bother??

 

[AidenShaw]

You mean like Win64-Bit where most programs are 32-bit running in Wow64? (Yes I know its not called Wow64 anymore)

And "most programs" are 64-bit in OSX? LOL.

At least on Windows x64, a 64-bit program runs in a pure 64-bit environment.

On Apple OSX, that 64-bit program may be forced to waste time interfacing with a 32-bit kernel. You may have an x64 CPU, but Apple won't load the 64-bit kernel.

FWIW, the only Windows program (that is, installed by the Win7 OS install) running on my Win7 RTM system that's 32-bit is IE8 (for plugin compatibility). Everything else is x64 - even Notepad, Paint, Calculator and Solitaire!

Does Windows 7 still "lock up" the UI when a UAC message is on the screen? I only use 7 occasionally for games, so i don't have a deep understanding of how it works in every situation... I can see where that would be a good thing in some cases (FORCE you to answer the question), but I do like how I can go somewhere else before I decide to enter my admin password in OS X. UAC kindof reminds me of modal dialogs in classic Mac OS. Or maybe I'm just missing how to do it...

Yes, the UAC prompt is a system modal dialog that dims the screen. That's part of the security - it's much harder to spoof that behaviour, whereas just about any app (or even web page) could pop up a box that says "Enter the root password".

While playing a game, you shouldn't be seeing any UAC prompts - the game shouldn't be installing software or making other system changes.

(Indeed, within a year I expect even netbooks to sport around 4 GB of RAM and use Intel's new Atom N450 CPU with the "Pine Trail" chipset. These netbooks will run the full Home Premium edition--and in 64-bit mode, too.).

Expect to see almost all new Win7 systems shipping with the x64 version (except netbooks with x86 Atoms, of course). The days of 32-bit are numbered...

If I download a Windows 7 trial via the link in your signature, do you get a dollar?

...I wish!

The link was posted earlier in this thread - I put it in my sig as a "sticky" so people don't need to search.

And perhaps, some people will try Win7 before making stupid comments like "it's just like Windows 95".

 

[VoR]

I was wondering the same thing. I mean, I would never think of signing up for a Microsoft site, because Microsoft just doesn't excite me. So, the only thing I can think is that there's something about Apple that excites these people (in a positive way), and they WANT to hear about it, but they just can't yet bring themselves to admit it. They're conflicted, which is why they troll. Otherwise, really, why do they bother??

The post above yours is a pretty good answer - if you read most of these threads, he's not the only one.
Signing up for a microsoft site (a what?)? Trolling? Bothering?
Anyone that's debating with the slightest amount of common sense most likely isn't doing so out of some immature 'I love corporation X' mentality - it's not a competition.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

They've already done that one.

Thats one of the few attack ads i actually enjoyed. MS just needs a business, home, and server version. Thats it. Apple has just home and server, but their enterprise software isnt enough to warrant a separate disc.

And "most programs" are 64-bit in OSX? LOL.

At least on Windows x64, a 64-bit program runs in a pure 64-bit environment.

On Apple OSX, that 64-bit program may be forced to waste time interfacing with a 32-bit kernel. You may have an x64 CPU, but Apple won't load the 64-bit kernel.

FWIW, the only Windows program (that is, installed by the Win7 OS install) running on my Win7 RTM system that's 32-bit is IE8 (for plugin compatibility). Everything else is x64 - even Notepad, Paint, Calculator and Solitaire!




Yes, the UAC prompt is a system modal dialog that dims the screen. That's part of the security - it's much harder to spoof that behaviour, whereas just about any app (or even web page) could pop up a box that says "Enter the root password".

While playing a game, you shouldn't be seeing any UAC prompts - the game shouldn't be installing software or making other system changes.




Expect to see almost all new Win7 systems shipping with the x64 version (except netbooks with x86 Atoms, of course). The days of 32-bit are numbered...

+1
One thing that really does bug me about windows 7 is that game developers still wont compile x64 apps. Crysis is the only x64 game i have ever come across and it runs much smoother than the x86 app (though this may be partly psychological). As soon as Mozilla gets their act together and makes a x64 Firefox everything will be x64 on my machine too.
Apple is way late to the x64 kernel party. MS has had x64 kernels since XP, there have been x64 linux kernels for a while (i dont know the exact date), and Apple is just now getting a x64 kernel out and it only runs on a few of their already limited (as in selection) machines.
Apple doesnt seem to care about OSX any more, its all about the iPhone for them.

 

[3D0G]

The post above yours is a pretty good answer - if you read most of these threads, he's not the only one.
Signing up for a microsoft site (a what?)? Trolling? Bothering?
Anyone that's debating with the slightest amount of common sense most likely isn't doing so out of some immature 'I love corporation X' mentality - it's not a competition.

I think the original poster was referring to the Apple-hater types. At least, that's what I had in mind. I mean, we've all seen plenty of posts from people who seem like they'd be happy to have Apple go out of business. It's those people who probably don't belong here since they aren't constructively contributing to the conversations.

I don't call people "trolls" just because they criticize Apple--I too have on occasion criticized Apple for what I perceive to be shortcomings. And I don't like Microsoft much at all, but I don't mouth off about it, and I certainly wouldn't do so on a Microsoft (fan) site. Because, again, what's the point?

 

[cumanzor]

I think the original poster was referring to the Apple-hater types. At least, that's what I had in mind. I mean, we've all seen plenty of posts from people who seem like they'd be happy to have Apple go out of business. It's those people who probably don't belong here since they aren't constructively contributing to the conversations.

I don't call people "trolls" just because they criticize Apple--I too have on occasion criticized Apple for what I perceive to be shortcomings. And I don't like Microsoft much at all, but I don't mouth off about it, and I certainly wouldn't do so on a Microsoft (fan) site. Because, again, what's the point?

Anyone that's debating with the slightest amount of common sense most likely isn't doing so out of some immature 'I love corporation X' mentality - it's not a competition.

a
I agree, but there's an issue when X-brand user believes he is absolutely right and Y-brand user is an idiot, and this happens often with Apple users. Heck, there is a post in this thread saying that 90% of computer users are idiots because they use Windows. I've read posts from people saying that they would die before using a Windows computer again, in Macheads you see a crazy-lady saying she would never have sex knowingly with a Windows user (lol). People are crazy, everywhere. Don't get me started with Stallman followers and their freedom ******** (and this is coming from a Linux User).

Oh, and what about people in here making fun of Zune users?

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

I find this push to be a bit funny if they do it this way.

For one, attacking the Windows install for XP users isn't all that wise because if they buy a Mac then they'll have to reinstall all their software and transfer all their data too, either via Genius or some other way. So getting a Mac isn't any easier. And if they're just upgrading then why spend an extra thousand plus bucks if you like your hardware?

Touting the lower susceptibility to viruses could also backfire because of MS' free Security Essentials, which is quite good, and the huge security holes that have opened up in OS X recently. And if the general public ever hears about Snow Leopard's problems then it will hurt them more.

Apple just botched the Snow Leopard release, putting out a buggy version of their OS just to try to beat MS to the punch.

Windows 7 is a massive problem for Apple. The perception of the general public is going to shift and Apple's OSX will be viewed as being no where near as premium as it once was. And that will make people less than happy about paying a huge premium for Apple hardware, especially when that hardware has had a lot of problems of late from fraying power cords to failing power supplies on Time Capsules to bad capacitors that blow up.

Apple needs to either differentiate itself or see its computer marketshare decline even more as people see Apple as more and more of a rip off.

 

[cumanzor]

Ha, so interesting that you would try and make an excuse for how stupid the Windows UAC is. What's the difference between typing in a password and simply pressing OK? Are you serious? Well think about that the next time someone sits to your computer. Spare me with the commentary of, "I'm not foolish enough to allow someone to use my computer", it's reality, many people do. Also people do make minor mistakes by pressing the wrong button, they can just as easily press OK instead of cancel. Please accept the reality of the everyday end user and not the geek world of reality.

Spoken like someone who knows **** about how UAC works internally!

It would be extremely rude, if I share my computer to a friend, and when I come back I find him in a terminal trying to install software or change system-wide settings.

It is completely irresponsible, to share your computer to anyone and let them use YOUR user account. That's the reason why Windows and OS X have a guest account. That's the reason why DEs like Gnome or KDE offer a guest account implementation out of the box. If you cherish your privacy, you won't let your best friend work in your account. It's common sense.

Now, if you want to talk about th reality of every day user.... there is no reason why someone should be installing software in someone else's computer in the first place.

You know how in a corporate environment you are asked to lock your workstation whenever you leave your desk, never share your passwords, and never leave your notebook alone? The same education should apply to every single user of every single platform.

 

[charlituna]

Hopefully those ads will be for new iMacs

i was thinking the same thing. the ads won't be to lure folks away from Windows. they will be pretty "I'm a new soul" ads about new imacs/minis/whatever else gets released

and I do hope they announce them on Monday or Tuesday and have them out by the weekend. pity it doesn't look like the two stores in Mission Viejo will be open then. that would be fun to go down and watch

I think a great move for them would be to include an option to have Win 7 pre-installed on a Mac.

1. why when they make and want folks to use their OS would they do that

2. they give you an option to have them install it and then they don't support it. oh yeah that will go well

3. don't want to consider the license fees they would be charged for that

 

[iStudentUK]

I'm tired of Apple telling us how good Mac OS X is compared to Windows, just tell us how good it is in absolute terms. I hope new advertisements would be more like this.

If MS wanted to they could probably do some Mac-bashing. "Hi I'm a PC and I don't have an intrinsic fault that causes a small number of you to lose all your data!" Frankly, Apple would deserve it too! They released a buggy OS that I'm considering getting rid of.

Bring back the fantastic 10.5.8. (Or bring out 10.7?!)

 

[LagunaSol]

I agree, but there's an issue when X-brand user believes he is absolutely right and Y-brand user is an idiot, and this happens often with Apple users.

I regret to inform you that this happens often with Windows users too.

And vocal Windows users can be far nastier than vocal Mac users. Yeah, it's true.

Oh, and what about people in here making fun of Zune users?

Zune users deserve the abuse. (Though I haven't actually seen a Zune user out in the wild yet - no lie.)

 

[cumanzor]

I regret to inform you that this happens often with Windows users too.

And vocal Windows users can be far nastier than vocal Mac users. Yeah, it's true.



Zune users deserve the abuse. (Though I haven't actually seen a Zune user out in the wild yet - no lie.)

Well, as I said, both sides have their bad apples (no pun intended). The reality is Windows deserves it's bad reputation, BUT, things are way different and way better than the Windows 95 days.

meh, I'm getting a W7 Professional license for free from school on Tuesday . Probably going to my sister though, since I'm now full time Linux user now. I still run XP on a VM because of office 2007 and visual studio.

 

[kate-willbury]

The only thing that boggles my mind is why there are hardcore windows fans on an apple website? Wouldn't you be more comfortable in some MS forum?

I see no reason a windows user would sign up for this site, excluding those who have iphones and possibly touch's other than to troll every thread/post regarding windows and turn it into some huge argument. Doesn't anyone have anything better to do?

and this is whats wrong with a lot of mac folk. they think people can ONLY like mac. they don't seem to understand anything else beyond that.

 

[MorphingDragon]

a
I agree, but there's an issue when X-brand user believes he is absolutely right and Y-brand user is an idiot, and this happens often with Apple users. Heck, there is a post in this thread saying that 90% of computer users are idiots because they use Windows. I've read posts from people saying that they would die before using a Windows computer again, in Macheads you see a crazy-lady saying she would never have sex knowingly with a Windows user (lol). People are crazy, everywhere. Don't get me started with Stallman followers and their freedom ******** (and this is coming from a Linux User).

Oh, and what about people in here making fun of Zune users?

Who is there to make fun of? The Zune has never officially gone out of America!

 

[kate-willbury]

I see many people saying how macs are more expensive than PC. Thing is; Apple has a small number of models comparing to other brands (HP/Dell/etc), so it's difficult to compare properly.

It's the typical car analogy. Get a Audi and a Ford; Both have a 6 cylinder engine with 200+ hp and four doors. Why the audi is more expensive? Are they charging for the four rings (logo)??? Put leather seats, rooftop, etc in the Ford and you'll see how competitive the audi is. I don't need to say why the audi might be slightly more expensive (quality of product) but I don't see companies charging for the brand logo like many people say.

Who drives and audi/mercedes/bmw etc, know why they are paying a little extra. Same applies to mac.

Get similar specs and you'll see the macs are actually very competitive!

What I noticed; Other brands have better graphic cards but fail miserably in battery life and design. To buy a heavy/ugly/noisy laptop, just buy a desktop.

And what about the marketing lately? A "good" computer has a a big screen (dot pitch and screen res is unimportant) and a processor with a lot of Ghz (i.e. pentium 4).

people really need to get over the lame car analogy. it doesn't work anymore when essentially everything inside a mac is basically the same thing in a similarly built pc (which will always be cheaper)

 

[ecapdeville]

Hello everybody, I dont use to write here a lot but read very interesting posts here and I need to post too...

I have been using computers for +15 years, I have use PCs with DOS and every windows´flavor on it, but for almost 3 years I turned to the "apple way" because I loved the simplicity of the OSX and their utility.

I´m a graphic designer, a musician and photographer so the software that came bundled with the diversity of macs I have owned are perfect for me, buyed Lightroom for my pic library and I am as happy as I can be.

When I realized, I had plenty of Mac hardware working fine, everyone working with a different version of OS (9 - Snow lepoard) and all of them giving me the work I need and look, so I can say I am a really happy hardware and software owner who doesnt buy macs only because it "looks" I have them because they "perform".

My dad is not from the "computer" age, he used to have PCs to write letters, send emails and such little things... I advice him to buy a Mac when he decided to recollect all the old printed family pictures we had at home and scan it to save digitally, I showed him Iphoto and he liked the idea...soon he bought his first ipod and the idea to have a mac was ok for him.

He bought a Black Macbook and as soon he put his hands on the laptop he knew what to do as the software was so "friendly" to him, so now he could organize the pictures and his music easily, and meanwhile he could surf internet and do all the simply stuff he used to do with the PC with less struggle.

The bad thing is that he cant manage his banks accounts from the Mac because the Banks systems only works with I.E. and hate Safari, even with other internet explorers the damn thind refuse to work from time to time... so he bought a little netbook with Windows XP to do all the "other" stuff.

This is a trully commentary from someone that doesn care if the OS is ugly or beauty...or have more time on TV commercials, or all the technicall things everybody posted...

I love Macs because they work...thats it.

But that wont stop me to give a snap to Windows 7... sounds good... I have Pcs at home too...

Greetings from mexico city.

 

[Jimmy James]

In have both a Windows laptop and a Mac laptop. There are some definite annoyances with the Mac:

1. Startup sound - there is no [official] way to turn this off. Seriously?
2. External monitor - 90% of the time I use my laptops at home while hooked up to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. The Windows computer is just so much friendlier with this type of interface. The Mac is a pain.

 

[HLdan]

Now, list for me what's actually wrong with Windows 7. What doesn't work for you? What works better in OS X? All I've seen so far are "Windows has more viruses" (yawn) and "Windows UAC doesn't ask for a password" (so? try downloading a trojan into Applications then running it: count how many times OS X asks for a password).

.

Interesting how you somehow left out the Registry which is the biggest reason why Windows fails in the first place and is the biggest reason I left Microsoft's crap of an OS. The Registry gets clogged and requires maintenance that the end user shouldn't have to do.
What's better about the Mac in terms of this? Mac OS X's programs are all self contained in their own folder so there's no interaction of files from one program mixing with others like the way it happens in the Windows Registry which is one big reason the Windows system has so many problems. Couple that with the viruses that also get consumed in the Registry just makes the experience in Windows a big Fail.

When I'm done with a Mac program and no longer want it, I just drag the file and drop it in the trash. No worries, affects no other programs. Don't dare try that with the almighty Windows, the Registry requires the program to be uninstalled and it still leaves files in the Registry that negatively interact with other programs.
What happens when you choose to uninstall ALL of it instead of some of the files? Windows throws a fit because now other programs will be negatively impacted.

Please don't hand us the usual BS from the Windows fanboy crowd. These PC fans need to stop pretending that Windows 7 is now the end all, when it's still the same Windows. You PC fans just can't admit to it.

 

[Eidorian]

...

What's that about privilege escalation again?

 

[Terminal.app]

Why do you post without checking to see if there's any basis in truth to what you're typing?

Windows UAC is almost exactly like that of Apple OSX and other unix-like systems.

Q: What happens if a normal user tries something that needs privileges?

A: The screen darkens, a system modal dialog box appears, and she's asked to provide an administrator's password - JUST LIKE OSX/UNIX​

(see attachments)

Sheesh, the blind leading the blind....

I have *never* seen a UAC pane that asked me for my password, even on an admin account. The "cancel or allow" pane, yes.

I might be "full of hot air" but you sir are full of bile and vitriol. I am not a blind Apple fanboy, how about you take it down a notch?

And vocal Windows users can be far nastier than vocal Mac users. Yeah, it's true.

Correct. Check out Encyclopedia Dramatica's article(s) on Macs and Mac users, if you really want to see Windows-fanboy venom being spewed. Just a warning, though, it's VNSFW.

Zune users deserve the abuse. (Though I haven't actually seen a Zune user out in the wild yet - no lie.)

Why, though? I know a few Mac users who hate iPods and use their Zunes with Boot Camp.

 

[hiimamac]

Why go through all that hassle making back ups?

Much easier to buy a copy of Vista to install over XP, then buy a copy of W7 and upgrade again !!

Having switched to Mac in 2007, I'm going to miss out on all that fun

Not if you're a teacher/student, I know three, four, maybe more, use mac most of the time, have a legit copy of Vista, for $29 I wouldn't mind having a legit copy of Win 7, its fast and the DVR entertainment functions are great, no need for DVR at all, or Apple TV for that matter.

 

[rjohnstone]

When I'm done with a Mac program and no longer want it, I just drag the file and drop it in the trash. No worries, affects no other programs.

Another Mac myth...
Don't forget all those "extra" files that get orphaned in the Library folder when you drag the app package to the trash.
A lot of apps will place things like plsit files and other support files in the Library folder when they are first executed. Go browse the Application Support folder every once and a while. It gets pretty big after a while.
When you drag the app to the trash, those support files get left behind. They can also give you headaches later on when you install other apps that run into these orphaned files.
Many apps for OS X should have an uninstaller or at least a list of where it dropped it's crap when you first launched it.

Every try and completely remove Adobe CS2 from OS X?
Have fun sifting through 30, yes I said 30 different folders to get rid of the stragglers.
I wish they would have provided an uninstaller for it.
Thank god Adobe wised up and provided one with CS3.

Don't dare try that with the almighty Windows, the Registry requires the program to be uninstalled and it still leaves files in the Registry that negatively interact with other programs.
What happens when you choose to uninstall ALL of it instead of some of the files? Windows throws a fit because now other programs will be negatively impacted.

I have no love for the Windows Registry, but it serves it's purpose and has improved over the years.
Contrary to your statement, the registry does not contain any files whatsoever. Just information on where the files are located and what settings they require.
You can also safely delete many application in Windows without running an uninstaller.

Just like OS X, it all depends on how the application developer designed the applications structure and dependencies.

And I haven't seen an Uninstall All request since VB run times were dropped.

 

[hiimamac]

I don't get this. Surely "any time up until now" has been a window of opportunity for Apple to market themselves up against the (real and perceived) problems with Vista.

But "now" is surely less of an opportunity. People aren't going to wait months to replace their PC in order to get Windows 7 pre-installed, and then decide to buy a Mac instead. If they genuinely waited that long, they'll buy Windows 7.

The only opportunity for Apple is in a couple of months time if the Windows 7 adoption is problematic for a lot of users. Unless/until that happens, any Apple marketing is likely to be drowned in the wave of hype Windows 7 generates.

This just sounds like a little opportunistic attention-seeking from Apple.

Not only that it's expected I.T. companies all over the world will upgrade from XP to Win 7 which means many cinsumers upgrading and I would not be surprised to see many $29 dollar versions.
I use mac 90% of the time but Apple has made a mess out of things the last five years or so.

When Vista came out, Micro had to support all of these,
At the time of Vista, Microsoft had to support:
Windows 2000 NT 5.0.2195 Extended Support until July 13, 2010[19]
Windows XP NT 5.1.2600 Extended Support until April 8, 2014 for SP3 and July 13, 2010 for SP2. (RTM and SP1 unsupported). 8
Windows XP 64-bit Edition (IA-64) NT 5.2.3790 Unsupported 6
Windows Server 2003 NT 5.2.3790 Current for SP1, R2, SP2 (RTM Windows XP Professional x64 Edition NT 5.2.3790 Current 8July Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs NT 5.1.2600 Current 8
(volume licensing)
Windows Vista NT 6.0.6002 Current. Version changed to NT 6.0.6001 with SP1 (February 4, 2008) and to NT 6.0.6002 with SP2 (April 28, 2009). 8
Windows Home Server NT 5.2.4500 Current 8
Windows Server 2008 NT 6.0.6002 Current. Version changed to NT 6.0.6002 with SP2 (April 28, 2009). 8
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 NT 6.1.7600 RTM

So now all they are doing is getting rid of XP, and will focus on Win 7. Remember when Apple had Exchange support on Mobile Me? That was one third party software and look how ugly it turned out, deleting 100,000 of emails, not working, down time, et-cetera and MSFT had to support CERTIFIED software in the thousands plus hardware.

It;s a known fact that numerous I.T. departments will upgrade from XP to Windows 7.
No corprate companies updated to Vista, zero.

Now having tried Vista as well as Windows 7, 7 is much faster and can use older hardware than Vista could, so they have done something correct with the coding. Plus they will no longer have to support a dozen operating systems, just Win 7, Vista (hardly any), Server 03and 08 which will also be replaced with Windows 7 server.

Windows 7 will be huge and since most workers will have it at their office, they won;t think twice about getting a new machine with Windows 7 and if the COURIER NOTE PAD is REAL, this means for the first time, like Apple, Microsoft will have 100% control over their hardware and this will be a game changer.

Now, let's take a look at Apple, coming from an Apple fan himself:
 They dropped .mac and went with something that looks like windows with mobile me and when released, remember the nightmare trying to support something that was not theirs, Exchange? It was a nightmare yet MSFT has to do this with thousands of software and support. The windows CERTIFIED normally means, in addition to the company paying MSFT, but also means there will be no problems. As mentioned above.
 Dropped the word computer from their name, catering to consumers more than pro's.
 Apple 1 to 1 support used to be part of Apple Premium Support *can;t remember what it's called, which got you faster service, plus the 1 to 1 trainers used to know Shake, Final Cut Pro, Logic, Motion, et-cetera, now all they know (TRAINERS) is iLife and most of the customers are iPhone and Vista switchers who want to learn how to send a e-mail attachment, sad really.
 Used to have Mac Pro PPC machines at $1400 plus most iMacs had Matte so you would find them in many design studios all over the world.
 Apple released a Macbook that once had a 171% openGL rating that did NOT affect gamers but did allow ussers to run MOTION, a few weeks later,  released an update which dropped it all the way down to 71%, affecting only the Pro users, or ProSumers, those who kept them afloat BEFORE the iPhone.
 Apple then released a faster GPU Macbook, but this time it didn't have FIREWIRE, again, a slap on the faces of the Pro USERS.
Fanboyz, who are the JOBS CAN DO NO WRONG stated over and over it was a SPACE issue with the lack of Firewire. Of course, they were proved wrong with the newer Macbook that had FIREWIRE and BETTER GPU. Boy did that quiet the fan boys.
 Is still under the impression that the PRO MARKET will be hurt if they release a machine that could do a lot, quad or 8 core i7 machines, eating away at Mac Pro machines when the truth is, Gamers alone= more sales then MUSIC and VIDEO combined.Gamers alone= more sales then MUSIC and VIDEO combinedGamers alone= more sales then MUSIC and VIDEO combinedGamers alone= more sales then MUSIC and VIDEO combined JUST WANTED TO GET THE POINT ACCROSS AS THIS IS BIG MONEY!!!
 once again, has it wrong.
Then you have the enthusiast video editor who cannot afford a Mac Pro and why should they? The Mac Pro uses ON PURPOSE, ECC memory and SERVER CPU'S, this is INSANE, this is supposed to be a work station, not a server as it's made with server parts. Then of course there are millions of musicians which now record at home, they need more CPU/FPU power, not thinner, the iMac is not a desktop, not when it's made of mobile parts.
 Has yet to release a mid range machine like they did just a few years ago.

Avid/Digi design, the owners of Avid and Pro-Tools, saw the writing on the wall and purchased the company M-Audio,
http://www.m-audio.com/
Note the tagline Avid M-Audio now - they new sales of Pro Tools TDM were falling, studio's closing and their are only a few really large studios left as even FAMOUS artists track at home and mix in the studio due to the sound design, walls, foam, bass traps, et-cetera..
M-Audio, which sells millions in PRO SUMER hardware,  has yet to realize that if they released a mid range machine that had quad/octo i7 cores, not only would gamers buy these machines (REMEMBER, the sales are larger then MUSIC and VIDEO COMBINED), they would be purchased by PROsumer Musicians, Editors, Teachers, Start up producers, as well as all PRO users as they would have these machines as back up.

Presently, call Symphony Video in Burbank that teaches Final Cut but mostly AVID. They, as well as many companies I have been to such as Bravo, and other MAC users, that this school switched to PC servers as it gave more bang for the buck, especially when rendering, and Apple has yet to fill that gap either.

 Has made a lot of mistakes but to think that anything other than their Mac Pro, are all MOBILE PARTS, thinks that Windows is going to be a flop at a time when MMS just came out on the iPhone, Tethering is not allowed (unless jailbroken), and that all macbook pro's except the 17" no longer have express slots..(NEEDED VERY MUCH BY AUDIO/VIDEO USERS as it takes the load off the CPU), is a scam as you can no longer buy a 13/15 as a and call it a pro machine with the lack of express slot - - Pro machine.
BELOW - This is just ONE example of an express card uses, makes all the older machines worth more actually for pro or prosumer users. It also takes a huge load off the CPU too as it (in this example), offers, EQ, REVERB, COMPRESSION, DELAY, FATTING, and so on.
Link: One example of express card, another would be, example, a eSata card for Raid, now you can only get these in the 17 inch models.

http://www.uaudio.com/products/uad/uad2sl/index.html

 Should not force users to spend several thousand dollars for a MBP or a SERVER WORKSTATION, crap, even Ô TV still doesn't have DVR, why not? Because they want you to BUY the episodes from iTunes, not record them, same reason FLASH is NOT on the iPhone, Google "REAL REASON FLASH IS NOT ON iPhone" and you will get dozens of hits talking about Apple feeling threatened by FLASH APPS and VIDEO as then you could (example), watch ABC LOST SEASON 1, ALL, 2, ALL, 3, ALL, 4, ALL and most of 5, but again,  would rather have you spend the money on iTunes, purchasing each episode at $1.99 or $2.99, offer a DVR on Apple TV and FLASH on iPhone and the iTunes business model is gone.

Windows 7 is going to be HUGE and updated everywhere and now that they have the $29 teacher/educator special pricing, it will be that much bigger as everyone wants a legit copy.

Is Apple going to fall of the face of the earth, of course NOT, but will Windows 7 and possibly the new Courier make a difference? Yes, huge. As every company in the world that still uses XP will update and everyone know's a teacher or two that will have them buy a copy of Windows 7 for $29 dollars. Kimitedor not, it;s legit and means customer support.

The only help I see  getting is if they release a mid range sub $999 headless quad/octo machine based on the i7 and stop worrying about the minuscule sales that the Mac Pro's make.

Time for  marketing to get it together.

My past titles:
National Marketing and Promotional Director, Composer for Trailers, Studio Manager for very famous composer, Director of Artist Relations, Sound Designer, I.T. Professional mostly MACS, PR, (ala Publicity which Apple gets a lot of free due to the ON PURPOSE HYPE/LEAKS, and Business Affairs, reading contracts and determining royalties.

Just something to think about.

Peace all.

Again, I use Apple 90 percent of the time but I do see Windows 7 as being huge and I don't know how Apple can react, or how they can even begin to react, especially if the new stores feature the very first MSFT owned and controlled "Courier" and licenses all the other Touch technology to 3rd party developers.

It's a great time to be a consumer/ProSumer right now and Apple will have to react with more than just price cuts, especially if they want to continue to domiate the creative crowd as I have some real APPLE FANBOY friends and they RAVE on and on about how cool Windows 7 media player is, how well it works with the likes of Hulu and such, things you cannot do or watch STILL on the iPhone.

Two more things, with regard to Windows mobile 6,5, not out yet, google it, it looks more like Mac OS X then Win 7 does.

And with regard to Leopard and innovations, watch Sun Microsystems Project Looking Glass... http://www.sun.com/software/looking_glass/ mid left, go in 1:53 when they go on stage, you will see things very familiar in Leopard and this was years ago.

Peace.

 

[Eidorian]

I have *never* seen a UAC pane that asked me for my password, even on an admin account. The "cancel or allow" pane, yes.

It was clarified here.