I keep asking myself why I keep thinking I want to buy a Mac. I’ve used Windows for years, not because I’m a fan of Microsoft, but like many others, it’s what I grew up with and have become accustomed to. Sadly, the more time goes by the more I’m starting to realize that what I’m accustomed to isn’t such a great thing and maybe it’s time for a change. When I see stuff like this, it makes me wonder even more if I shouldn’t just get in the car and head to the Apple Store.
Jim Allchin is a former Microsoft executive for 16 years, were he was responsible for leading the development of a number of the companies operating systems, a position that today seems to have earned him the title, “Father of Vista”. On the day Microsoft launched the new Windows Vista operating system, Allchin retired.
While not so dramatic itself, there are a few things are destined to follow him forever. Namely an email he sent to both Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, in January of 2004 where he states “I would buy a Mac today if I was not working for Microsoft“.
That quote, I suspect, is going to live on for a long, long time. But for someone like me, seeing that, along with the associated email it comes from, and having it come from a top ranking Microsoft executive, just reienforces my beliefs it’s time to change. I’ve no desire to tackle this new operating system. Windows XP works just fine for me, assuming of course, I’m willing to settle for the never ending issues I have with it.
Is the grass greener on the other side? I have some coworkers that sure think so. Sporting new Mac Book Pro’s they never miss an opportunity to point out how they “just work”. I think I can understand where Mr. Allchin was tring to go in that email. Vista is a grand vision, but as a consumer, I just don’t see what benefit it has for me. Allchin comments in the email that Apple “thinks simple” and they “think fast”. Simple is good, simple is key. Too many things are so over complicated nowadays that it takes hours upon hours to just get them working and then many more hours to keep them working.
So tell me, oh ye of the PC world. Am I wrong in my thinking? Is the whole basis for which Windows is now built over complicated? Is a Mac the answer or should Microsoft embrace a more simplified approach? You tell me, because I’d like to know.
You can read the full email from the iowaconsumercase.org website.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m 14 and a Mac user. I started, just because I started. and getting a Mac dosen’t mean you need to leave the Windows world. That is the great thing. I brought my Mac to Run Windows mainly (but prefer OS X) so buy a Mac as a all in one rather then a PC with just Windows.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen
lol
” Too many things are so over complicated nowadays that it takes hours upon hours to just get them working and then many more hours to keep them working.”
And that’s the key to Apple’s success – success with Macs and with iPods. People want the electronics that they buy to “just work.” Don’t make me read instruction manuals to tweek balky software or hardware. Plug and play is the hallmark of good consumer products.
I was forced to learn MS Word at work when they switched over to PC’s. It took me a few minutes to write a report on sources of teleconferencing activities for schools and then hours to fix the auto-formatting that it imposed on me. If this is typical of all MS software, I’m amazed anyone gets anything done in the PC world!
Software and hardware should be simple, so you can work quickly and easily. It should not get in the way of getting the job done!
it is very good,i love it.you are beautiful.