[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Apple can benefit from lukewarm Windows 8 reception here

[Keinichn]

I don't foresee enterprises or large businesses going Apple for business critical machines and operations unless some major changes happen on Apple's end. Currently, Apple devices are difficult to manage in a domain style environment since they don't play nice with group policies and the "consumer centric" nature of an Apple device. They're just not geared for businesses with exception of media editing work.

[hayesk]

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I don't foresee enterprises or large businesses going Apple for business critical machines and operations unless some major changes happen on Apple's end. Currently, Apple devices are difficult to manage in a domain style environment since they don't play nice with group policies and the "consumer centric" nature of an Apple device. They're just not geared for businesses with exception of media editing work.

Wait, so they do play nice with domain style environments when they're doing media editing work? Or IT departments make exceptions because they're so much better and media editing work?

If IT can make exceptions for them, they can make exceptions for other kinds of work. And if they are making exceptions in the first place, then how important are domain style environments and IT policies as they exist today.

Doesn't Apple use Macs throughout their company? It's odd how people say Macs can't be used in enterprise when the one of the most valuable enterprises in the world uses them exclusively.

[berock212]

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Wait, so they do play nice with domain style environments when they're doing media editing work? Or IT departments make exceptions because they're so much better and media editing work? If IT can make exceptions for them, they can make exceptions for other kinds of work. And if they are making exceptions in the first place, then how important are domain style environments and IT policies as they exist today. Doesn't Apple use Macs throughout their company? It's odd how people say Macs can't be used in enterprise when the one of the most valuable enterprises in the world uses them exclusively.

Well no wonder Apple uses mac's exclusively for there enterprise, they make mac's. That would look pretty bad if Apple was using pc's for there enterprise. Just because Apple uses macs doesn't mean they are optimal for Enterprises. PC are much better but mac's can function in a enterprise environment. And I don't see how Mac's are any better than for Media editing work.

[rob53]

"consumer centric" nature of an Apple device"

What's the difference between business and consumer computers? Most of it is in the mind of the user, not the actual equipment. Macs work great in business environments. They work great for anything someone wants to write software for. If by "business" you mean simple typing and working on oversized spreadsheets on a small monitor, Macs can do that. If you mean being able to buy garbage hardware, then PCs have that market cornered. Macs can work very well in an enterprise environment. The problem is many business environments are saddled with Microsoft infrastructure systems that make it difficult for any non-Windows device to operate. Macs don't have any problem working in a real LDAP environment (AD is a screwed up LDAP environment) with full group policies. With Lion and Profiles, Macs can be configured the same way AD GPOs work (without the overhead of AD).

As for Windows 8, I doubt you'll see much acceptance on desktops in businesses because it isn't meant for desktops. Turn off the eye candy and you have Windows 7, which hasn't been installed on all business PCs. Many businesses still use XP because programs were written specifically for XP and IE6 and are difficult to update.

The comment about Apple mobile devices not having an impact on Windows shows you have your head in the sand like most Microsoft people. iPads are being purchased at a higher rate than computers where I work (large government contractor) and I haven't heard anyone even mention Windows 8 phones. We have a large installation of Blackberries, which are being replaced with managed iPhones. (Oops, forgot Apple devices don't play well with others)

[toothie007]

So let me guess. There isn't any learning curve to using OS X right? It is so simple and so intuitive, yet only a handful of people, relatively speaking, uses it, including me some times. Are you really trying to say that anyone who has never been on a MAC can just pick up a MAC computer and just use it? Keep on pimping APPLEWorld. I would like to think that if you have been using windows all along, you will pick up windows 8 faster than you would OS X if you have never use a MAC computer. In 20 minutes or less, I knew all I needed to know in windows 8. But I suppose you are thinking that people are dumb.

[QasimGardner]

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I don't foresee enterprises or large businesses going Apple for business critical machines and operations unless some major changes happen on Apple's end. Currently, Apple devices are difficult to manage in a domain style environment since they don't play nice with group policies and the "consumer centric" nature of an Apple device. They're just not geared for businesses with exception of media editing work. Wait, so they do play nice with domain style environments when they're doing media editing work? Or IT departments make exceptions because they're so much better and media editing work? If IT can make exceptions for them, they can make exceptions for other kinds of work. And if they are making exceptions in the first place, then how important are domain style environments and IT policies as they exist today. Doesn't Apple use Macs throughout their company? It's odd how people say Macs can't be used in enterprise when the one of the most valuable enterprises in the world uses them exclusively.

They seem to have no issues in the Education arena when it comes to Domain environments. Universities and other schools do it.

[MKZ1945]

The learning curve of swapping from Windows XP or 7 to Windows 8 is minimal compared to making a swap to Mac OS X from either of those operating systems. I keep seeing the remark that Windows does not play well on a desktop computer, but I’ve not had any significant problems with either of the two computers I have it on. Granted, it was designed to be user friendly to the touch screen environment, and I’ve found that it is, but I’m still leaning towards that old mouse of mine most of the time. It tickles me that the start screen is made such and issue when all one has to do is to think of it as the start menu in Windows XP or 7. When you’re in that start screen, right click that mouse and then left click on the “All Apps” selection in the lower right and there’s your start menu of all apps on the computer.

I agree with a lot of rob53’s comments. If a business was to make a swap to the Mac environment, the changeover would probably be best done when abandoning Windows XP, but the majority of business would all have to make such a move around the same time in order to be in a compatible world with each other. That may sound strange to some out there, but believe me it’s a major consideration for companies that have to send documents to each other. It’s still a (Microsoft) PC World for most of the business and I expect it’s a fair bet the majority of those 45,000 PCWorld readers mentioned in the article are not working in many of those businesses. I’m no software writer, but I would also expect that if a company has to have their proprietary software rewritten, it’s going to be much cheaper to do it for Windows 7 or 8 then for the Mac.

I’ve spent most my life working as a contractor, and over the last 30 years being forced into the world of being a heavy computer user in government and non-government organizations. I’ve seen a lot of changes occur that some thought would never happen, like going from DOS based computers to Windows 3.0, but those changes did occur. I believe the one thing that will drive any major move to Windows 8 phones, laptops and tablets (after the bugs get worked out), is how well they all play together in a business environment.

[SimeonJeanJulien]

OSX will be a treat when Mac hardware goes down in price, up in security, up in software, and apple loosening its grip on the OS. Seeing as most of those wont likely happen I foresee apple pcs remaining at 10% or less of the pc market.

[thewazak]

Apple once had the opportunity to dominate PCs - but blew it.
It's last chance was with the Psystar debacle. But instead of licensing, it increased the height of the walled garden - guaranteeing that it will never be a "big boy" in the computer business. Advantage Microsoft.

Apple's dictatorial attitude, forcing it to come late the the mini tablet game with an 11th hour U-turn, probably has sealed it's fate in the small mobile devices too. Advantage Samsung!

But you can dream!
"A survey of 45,000 PCWorld readers found that a majority prefers Apple laptops."
Really, Tony. an iPCW survey? I am shocked!
You really are scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one!

[DotKhan]

Its funny seeing Windows 8 ads at the bottom of an article about less than a spectacular enthusiastic response to that OS.

@ Simeon - A prevailing view is that Macs seldom get viruses. The few exploits in the past few years are a tiny fraction compared to Windows.
There is tradeoff of slowing down one's computer with anti-virus programs that have also messed up many computers.
I'm not sure I trust using a product developed by someone wanted for questioning regarding a Central American murder.

[artzy65]

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So let me guess. There isn't any learning curve to using OS X right? It is so simple and so intuitive, yet only a handful of people, relatively speaking, uses it, including me some times. Are you really trying to say that anyone who has never been on a MAC can just pick up a MAC computer and just use it? Keep on pimping APPLEWorld. I would like to think that if you have been using windows all along, you will pick up windows 8 faster than you would OS X if you have never use a MAC computer. In 20 minutes or less, I knew all I needed to know in windows 8. But I suppose you are thinking that people are dumb.

I've been on Macs since 1995, and didn't switch to OS X until early 2008. Let me tell you, it was a lot harder than I expected. So yeah, it would be harder for a Windows user to switch to OS X from XP than to Windows 8. I have used XP Pro a fair bit (emulated on a couple of my Macs to vet my web site designs in IE6-7) and didn't find it too frustrating although it is butt-ugly.

[RenzoLazarte]

Just when I thought the favouritism towards apple was gone when thy cleaned the site the last time, there it is... Also what survey?

[RenzoLazarte]

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Apple once had the opportunity to dominate PCs - but blew it. It's last chance was with the Psystar debacle. But instead of licensing, it increased the height of the walled garden - guaranteeing that it will never be a "big boy" in the computer business. Advantage Microsoft. Apple's dictatorial attitude, forcing it to come late the the mini tablet game with an 11th hour U-turn, probably has sealed it's fate in the small mobile devices too. Advantage Samsung! But you can dream! "A survey of 45,000 PCWorld readers found that a majority prefers Apple laptops." Really, Tony. an iPCW survey? I am shocked! You really are scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one!

I didnt see any survey granted I only read from my phone but I'm buying the upgrade to win 8, and may buy a new pc next year, not everyone is a mac tard that needs desperately to buy overpriced garbage every revision.

[karthiq]

My guess....both microsoft and apple know that mass migration of enterprises from windows to osx wont happen......well atleast this decade. Thats why MS took a chance with win8 and apple isnt even aiming for the enterprise with its OSX. Mobile devices are another matter altogether, but in the pc space....not gonna happen.

[karthiq]

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Just when I thought the favouritism towards apple was gone when thy cleaned the site the last time, there it is... Also what survey?

All tech blogs....not just pc world......survive on playing fans against each other. The resulting comments bring in clicks and clicks bring in revenue.

[TechJunkieCA]

Apple machines are more expensive because they are beautifully designed and always made with the top current technology. They are designed to be the best in performance, and aesthetics. That appeals to me as a consumer, but as a business owner... Not so much.

Take the iMac starting at $1299.99 equipped with corei5, 8gb ram, 21" screen. For my employees? Compare it with a Vizio all-in-one, core i5, 6gb ram, 24" screen running at $899. A 30% difference is huge to a business owner purchasing 20 machines. For him or her, the computer is simply a tool. Just a cost of doing business and the point is to be at maximum productivity, minimum cost.

Why would any business owner pay $8000 more in a scenario like this? Their is zero gain in productivity for an employee who is using Office, email, web and basic applications. Also, the Vizio is an all-in-one, you get more savings in the traditional desktop + 3rd party monitor. Which is why this article is silly. It weighs factors that business owners don't think about and leaves out what we do make decisions on. Apple simply doesn't design for business, it'll never happen

[yarrum31]

in my opinion win 7 is better for business than Macs. not Win 8 for mouse desktops. also its the apps that count rather than the OS. MSFT needs to do a better job assisting business to adapt to newer OSs and apps.. and listening.

[philipm]

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I don't foresee enterprises or large businesses going Apple for business critical machines and operations unless some major changes happen on Apple's end. Currently, Apple devices are difficult to manage in a domain style environment since they don't play nice with group policies and the "consumer centric" nature of an Apple device. They're just not geared for businesses with exception of media editing work.

That's a pretty ignorant statement. MS servers are hard to integrate with because they aren't standards compliant. A Mac-based setup is far easier to administer centrally in a mixed-use setup including Linux and proprietary UNIX systems.

[iCrapple]

Is the author retarded? The survey was not to see if people preferred apple laptops. If was to see about mac user satisfaction. We all know that mac users will say anything to justify their over priced purchases and support.

The other report he referenced dealt with mobile devices.

So to make a long stupid article short, this has nothing to do with seeing if a majority of people prefer mac or not, it is just to spread more fud.

Apparently the author is retarded.