I have no hard evidence of this but I hear rumors that not only is Microsoft killing Vista quietly (cheers from Vista users, boos from hipster Mac geeks) but that it is rebuilding the new OS called Windows 7 around a Unix or Linux kernel.
Lets assume that the Borg pull this off without alienating all the millions of computer makers out there. Remember that part of the problem MS faces in designing new Operating Software, is that they have to make it work with thousands of peripherals, motherboards and who knows what geegaws. But lets say they commit to this change, what happens to Macintosh?
More to the point, as pro users, is the most important thing to you function and stability? And would you opt for the potentially more ubiquitous and less expensive option? Or, as creatives, are we still attracted more to the form and culture that Apple brings to its products?
Me, I say that it only helps Apple solidify itself as the most stable, secure and high quality product out there. I think that Apple will continue to be the Mercedes to MS's Chevy. But I dont think that Apple will ever push past a 15 or 20% market share, nor do I think they want to, not as long as they dominate the online music and handheld market. Hmmmm, I bet there's something to that.
Anyway, even if its not actually built around Linux, there is fear that it will kill Linux because it seems to work well on netbooks. Um, guys, um, Linux is FREE.
Geof Bowie
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Yeah, like I said, I dont have confirmation on my source. However the rumor extends to the notion that the current beta for Win7 is indeed built on Vista, but that there is another distro that is in the works based on Linux/Unix. Note also that Mac desktops took a beating last quarter (down 24% based on year to year) and the only reason they came out ahead was because of portable sales (UP 34%). http://tinyurl.com/bvvkn4.
Posted by: Geof Bowie | January 28, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Not sure where you get the Unix kernal bit from. I thought the base was just as Vista. No way has MS rebuilt it from scratch. That would have taken them some years, and they're not that clever.
As for Apple, it will be happy selling as many as people wish to buy, without being forced or strong armed to do so. If that's 12 or 16 or 26% so be it, they'll be fine with it, and us users will hardly complain. As for their market, it is already well established. It's the non-junk end.
And in a recession, as we are seeing, people will either go for quality or for the cheapest, hence Mac and Netbook sales are the only areas still growing.
Posted by: Jon T | January 28, 2009 at 09:26 AM