> > when I found out it didn't I bought a Mac - so I think people would
> > buy it. I would've bought OSX for x86 instead of the G4 - so that one
> > sale would have sucked for apple (99 vs 1,200). For it to work I
> > think they need volume - whole companies moving their x86 boxes to OSX
>
> No, I am not talking about invading Iceland -- rather invading Redmund
>
> Here is an interesting article -- tho a little dated.
>
> http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/pulpit20020214.html
I agree with most of that article, I think even die hard M$ heads
would like to have a solid x86 desktop contender as MS would probably
have to lower their inflated prices. And by my calculations either
Apple, IBM or Sun is going to move into position - Apple would be
cool.
> > I personally think that the OSX GUI is better than Gnome, KDE, Icewm,
> > fluxbox, etc; I also think that OSX has a better usability creditably
> > then Linux desktops.
>
> I agree ( except no experience with fluxbox?)
It's the window manager I was running before I switched my workstation to Mac
http://www.fluxbox.org/screenshots.php
> Noone does better than Apple on the UI -- and the UI is everything!
Next to a solid OS, I agree. It's like a car, if the car doesn't run
then the steering wheel doesn't really matter, but if it does run it
sure is nice to have a good steering wheel.
> > So, yes I think people would buy it. Some would feel more comfortable
> > with an Apple backed x86 OS than say using a Red Hat desktop.
>
> How about compared to a MS-backed x86 OS?
Again, the trend I see in my travels is people realizing that the MS
jokes they tell all day "save early save often", "well its windows
what do you expect" are not an unfortunate reality, but a bum deal
that they don't have to put up with - a lemon - they got ripped off. I
also live in the Bay Area which is a Linux friendly city as you know,
but as the downward trend continues with no end in sight until 2005
when MS changes the trash can icon again and passes it off as a system
upgrade I think more people will be apt to switch to *anything* that
is stable and secure enough for them to just do their jobs -
especially an OS that doesn't make them have to redo their entire
infrastructure.
It would be a good time to have a viable alternative. I don't think
it's needed, nor a good idea, to attack MS head on. I don't think you
can convince someone to switch. Just be available when they chase
their own customers away.
Long way around, when they are abandoning ship I think OSX would make
a more business friendly desktop than Linux (and I really dig linux)
On the flip side, if MS would come out with MS Linux I think they
could do some really interesting things. There is nothing that says MS
can't do a Linux distro, or base Shorthorn off of BSD. I find it odd -
if my customers asked for something, and it was in my power to provide
it, why would I not provide it? People are leaving MS for Linux, why
not just provide a cheap version of Linux and keep the customers?
> >
> > > > > Could Apple grab the Linux/Unix desktop?
> > > >
> > > > I don't think so only because Linux has more drivers for x86
> > hardware
> > > > then BSD (and therefore OSX)
> > >
> > > Can't they buy that capability?
> >
> > From who? Some Linux drivers are GPL which would be right out. They
> > would have to port some LGPL over from Linux (minimal perhaps), or
> > convince the vendors to port their windows versions over to BSD (or
> > OSX if that part is different enough). I guess they could have a
> > smaller set of supported hardware, but to be effective it would have
> > to run on a wide array of systems and hardware I think.
> >
> don't know how to respond -- is is doab;e?
It is doable - with a lot of time, a bit of money, and some good
connections. However, Linux has pretty good hardware support today.
> >
> > > Good -- I'll find a polka for K
> > She'll like that now that she is running her little iMac and is in
> > love with iTunes - you've created another monster :-o
> >
>
> Good -- you don't deserve her, yet!
Doubt I ever will ;)
Enough OT chatter - wheeeeee
Cheers Dick
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