Microsoft vs. Mac Redux: New Site Reignites Rivalry - castanedaevely1942

Just in time for the back-to-school shopping season, tech's greatest rivalry is back. No, I'm not speaking about Malus pumila vs. Google; that's small potatoes. Long before Google launched its Humanoid assault on Orchard apple tree and its iPhone, Microsoft and Apple were publically doing engagement for supremacy in the personal computer market. And now, thanks to Microsoft's latest campaign to mock the Mac, the rivalry has been renewed.

Microsoft this workweek added a new "PC vs Macintosh" section to its Web land site, which touts the advantages that Windows-based PCs rich person over Macs. The multi-page site, which highlights the fact that Windows-based PCs can "easily share" Microsoft Office documents and play Blu-ray discs, was launched just days after a new report recommended that Macs have become the computers of choice for incoming college students.

Forty-septet percent of college students who plan to buy a new laptop prearranged to buy a Mackintosh, the report, which was published along CNN.com and supported on figures from Pupil Monitor, a research firm that tracks higher education computer purchases. Student Monitor notes that Dell wont to exist the laptop stain of choice for college students, and says that in the last five years, Dingle and Malus pumila have swapped places: "In 2005, 47 percent of students buying laptops chose Dells. In 2022, 47 percent are choosing MacBooks."

Student Monitor's numbers show that interest in Apple computers has inflated as interest in Windows-based PCs has ablated. Image Source: Student Monitor.

These numbers can't equal devising anyone in Redmond happy, and it's clear they oasis't escaped Microsoft's notice. The new site clearly touts Windows features intentional to appeal to college-aged students, as the world-class topic in its itemized list of the Microcomputer's advantages is "Having Fun."

"When it's metre to enjoy movies, games, and HDTV from anywhere in your home, PCs are quick to play," the new site reads. "There are approximately things you simply prat't dress out of the box with a Mac, like watch, pause, rewind, and record TV the likes of a DVR." This section of the site also highlights the fact that "most of the cosmos's most popular computer games aren't available for Macs."

The site then goes on to tout the simplicity of the PC, noting that they "just work." (Hey, that sounds familiar.) Only then does the site advance to discourse the "working" capabilities of the Microcomputer, highlighting its power to easily share Office documents and give presentations. "If most of the computers in your office or civilis run Windows, you may find it harder to get things finished a Mac," the site notes.

Microsoft's latest attack along Apple International Relations and Security Network't as high-stepped profile equally some of the earlier salvos in this bitter competition. A Web site alone (there's no word happening whether Microsoft plans to expand this campaign to impress or TV musca volitans) International Relations and Security Network't going to realise the attention of Apple's "switchers" ad blitz, OR its classic (but recently pulled) "I'm a Mac" ads. Nor is this web site going to gain the attention of Microsoft's "laptop hunters" ads.

But maybe it doesn't need to: Windows 7 is, after all, the fastest-marketing operating system in chronicle, so Microsoft clearly is doing something right. Still, it's clear that Microsoft isn't prepared to sit back and keep an eye on Apple gain some ground. That rivalry has always been fun to watch and I, for one, am glad it's game. Here's hoping this site is fair-and-square the first strike of many to come.