Apple Gains A Milion New Users . . .

Here is a story that I found quite interesting. It seems that Apple has gained a million new users switching over from the PC platform in 2005. This is in spite of the higher cost of Mac hardware and OS X based software. What was the deciding factor for those users? The article attributes this to the viruses and spyware that afflicts PC hardware. Personally, I don't know a single person who migrated to Mac's for that reason. It's cheaper to install a good virus program. The cost and time required to transfer from PC's to Mac's is what deters many consumers.

I presently use PC's for web design because the hardware and software is cheaper. Also, it is the platform of most Web users in general. However, my personal preference is the Mac platform, primarily because of the coolness factor. PC's remain clunky, unimaginatively designed boxes. PC laptops rarely conjure the sort of tech lust that an Apple Powerbook routinely inspires. I am amazed that not a single major PC manufacturer has created a product that carries the polished design of Apple hardware.

The "coolness factor" also applies to the OS X interface. Although Windows is more stable than ever, it still looks like it was designed by nerds for nerds. OS X makes you want to caress the screen with its simplicity, cool colors and jellybean buttons.

Good design sells. If Apple ever figured out a way to make its pricing more competitive with PC's, that great design would find its way into alot more homes!