Apple's Leopard vs. Microsoft's Vista Advertising Seeks to Leverage Word of Mouth Concerns

As the year winds down, I've considered upgrading our office computers. In the past, I simply would have purchased the latest and greatest PC. However, this time I'm delaying the decision because I have many doubts about Microsoft's new Vista operating system.

Many friends who use Vista say that it still has many bugs and they have struggled with both hardware and software incompatibilities.  Their experiences make me think that Microsoft has launched Vista too early. I'm sure that the system will improve over time; however, I'm very leery of serving as a Microsoft beta tester.

I don't understand why Microsoft has a consistent record of launching products before they work well. When Microsoft spends millions of dollars  launching a flawed operating system like Vista, they are actually accelerating negative word of mouth. Rather than spend money on marketing, Microsoft should focus on creating a positive product experience that gets its users excited to tell their friends and colleagues about the benefits of using Vista.

I'm seriously considering switching our  office from PC to Mac.  Why? The run of positive press for Apple's Leopard operating system vs. Vista such as a Walter Mossberg's  article and video  on the Wall Street Journal's website is driving my thinking. Also, Apple's funny and effective tongue-in-cheek  "I'm a Mac, You're a PC" advertising campaign is fanning my concerns about Vista and keeping the Apple option alive.

Comments

[Michael Linehan]

At the risk of being tedious... I recently persuaded one client to buy a Mac. He had never used the Mac OS before. Just a few days later, while still learning (!), his comment was, "I feel like I just got out of prison."

[Patrick Galvin]

Michael,

Thanks for taking time to comment. I'm glad to hear that your client adjusted so quickly to Mac. My partner, who has worked on PCs almost exclusively, is leery about a long learning curve so I'll make sure to share your experience with her.

Best,
Patrick

[Gerald]

I switched two years ago and wish I had done it sooner. That said, remember: Macs have FEWER problems, NOT zero problems.

Also, Macs are easy to use, but you won't be an instant expert. There is a learning curve (about 100 hours, in my opinion) and there WILL be frustration.

And most of all: A Mac isn't for everyone. If you find it's not right for you, give it to a spouse, sibling, or parent. Chances are they'll love it.

Check out VersionTracker.com for software, Macsales.com for hardware, Macsurfer.com for news (good AND bad), and DaringFireball.net for commentary from a non-zealot.

Beware of MacRumors.com and Digg.com's Apple section. That's where the stereotypical MacZealots hang out. The Unofficial Apple Weblog and AppleInsider can be fanboys, but they are less "out there" than the other two.

And if you're a "tinkerer" or a gamer... don't buy a Mac. You will be unhappy.

If you have any questions about how a Mac works or what it can do, write a blog entry and just ask.

Solving other people's Mac woes is a hobby of the community at large.