Windows-only devices source of frustration for Mac users – and it’s time that ended
Apple has done a great job of marketing the Intel-based Macs ability to run Windows, but has confused some ordinary users into thinking all new Macs come with a built-in ability to run Windows software and use third-party devices designed only for Windows-based PCs.
Twice this week I have had co-workers seek my counsel with this type of query. Both had bought peripheral devices for a Mac user before discovering the device was not Mac compatible.
Both said they had heard new Macs could run Windows and expressed hope the destination Macs still would be able to use the devices. I had to tell them that while the newer Intel-based Macs can indeed run Windows, the user must buy and install a retail copy of Windows to enable that capability.
Though disappointed, they understood.
I’m not sure what Apple should do to clarify this point for its growing legions of non-technical users, but it might behoove Cupertino to give it some thought. People who hear “Macs can now run Windows” not unreasonably may expect it to do so out of the box.
Apple does not need thousands of annoyed customers calling its tech support personnel to ask why this or that Windows thingy won’t work with their new Mac, only to be told the feature requires a bit more money and effort on their part.
Of course, the real culprit in this scenario is neither Apple nor the innocent user, but those companies that continue to manufacture third-party peripherals incompatible with Macs.
In this blog I have noted often the Mac’s steadily increasing market share, particularly in the United States. Those market share increases are coming mostly from consumers switching from Windows – consumers who buy lots of peripherals.
When the Mac’s market share was mired in the sub-5 percent zone, it was easy for tech companies to dismiss it. The numbers for the Mac this year have consistently shown growth; in October Gartner reported overall Mac share at 8 percent (which translates to much higher consumer market share, given the Mac’s low profile in the business world). Last week ChangeWave Research released data from November revealing that 29 percent of those who intend to buy a computer in the next 90 days would choose a Mac.
At some point the Mac user base will become too large to ignore with impunity. Companies that refuse to make their peripherals Mac compatible will start to lose business to the ones that do. Such market forces eventually should make the absence of Mac compatibility among peripheral devices a rarity.
Perhaps someday we’ll even see “Not Windows Compatible” devices. Heh heh.
Comments
The thing that ticks me off are websites that prevent the use of Macs and Mac browsers such as Safari for no reason. I have been to many sites that say they don't support the Mac and/or Safari. It is possible in Safari to open the "Debug" menu and change the "User Agent" so that you are identified as using Microsoft's Internet Explorer on a Windows-based computer. Instantly, with no other change, that website becomes accessible and works fine with Safari on a Mac.
Sometimes it's not that things aren't really compatible with the Mac, it's just that they are literally include additions that shut Macs out.
As you know, Microsoft pays companies in cash or with "coupons" if they support the HD-DVD. Michael Bay, director of Transformers, claims Microsoft is paying $100 million to film studios to only support the HD-DVD format. Do that also do this to certain websites to support only Windows-based computers and Internet Explorer?
Posted by: Don | December 20, 2007 3:06 PM
Don,
" Get your info correct. Toshiba was and is the original backer of HD-DVD, not Microsoft.
Kevin Collins, the head of Microsoft's HD DVD unit, flatly denied that Microsoft had any financial involvement, saying that reports that Microsoft made the payments were "unfounded and inaccurate." He did acknowledge that the reports that Paramount had received an "advertising incentive" from Toshiba to make the switch were accurate."
Similar things are done with Sony and BluRay. Thats why Target and Blockbuster were going to selling/renting Blu Ray over HD-DVD.
Consider the sources of your information. Neither side in this mess have clean hands.
Part of the windows only problem (regarding web sites) is that a lot of people doing web sites aren't very skilled. They use a tool sold by Microsoft which naturally enhancements that only work with IE.
If designers and companies would test their sites according to standards then we wouldn't have this mess.
Rich
Posted by: Rich | December 20, 2007 5:32 PM
@ Rich-
Perhaps a little history is in order. This will help you to understand Microsoft's motivations. Please see-
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2007/08/29/origins-of-the-blu-ray-vs-hd-dvd-war/
Posted by: James | December 20, 2007 6:55 PM
"Thats why Target and Blockbuster were going to selling/renting Blu Ray over HD-DVD."
Actually, I suspect it's that Blu-Ray outsells HD DVD 2-to-1 and that the discs tend to be cheaper. It would pretty much take a bribe for a store to stock HD DVD these days. Microsoft and Toshiba are kind of beating a dead horse with HD DVD at this point. Bribes only go so far.
Posted by: Sam | December 21, 2007 9:16 AM
If you are going to reference a web site at least reference a credible one. Roughlydrafted and Daniel Eran have no credibility, just rants from someone who lists information without sources and apparently can't handle that fact not everyone loves all Apple products.
The two formats are the same quality wise in terms of exceeding the 19.3 Mbps data rate required for HD, Compatible with MPEG2, MPEG4, and VC1 Encoding.
Blu Ray DVDs can hold more data but that has nothing to do with quality of video.
As Sony should have learned the first time, pricing usually wins battles and right now HD DVD players are less expensive. The only thing keeping Blu Ray in the battle is the PS3 and a lot of adults have no desire to buy a gaming machine.
Personally I don't care who wins or if a 3rd party (unlikely) ends up winning. The whole thing just annoys people. Kind of like all the Apple and Microsoft nuts who can never give any credit to the other company.
Posted by: Rich | December 22, 2007 1:10 AM
On the issue of HD DVD, I understand from a source that MSFT had no choice but to ram through an alternative format because to have SONY dominate the next generation high def format would mean Sony would have an advantage over MSFT in the console games market. Hence, for MSFT, pushing through the HD DVD was a competitive imperative, not because it truly believes it is a "better format" for consumers. Just another example of MSFT acting against the interests of consumers. Once it "dominates" the format (hopefully it does not), it might take the likes of the browser war that it won ~ no updates, not improvements for years until another competitor somehow manages to wiggle out.
Posted by: Robert | December 28, 2007 11:50 PM