Technofile: Apple is bringing out faster Macintosh computers that can also run Windows software. So is it time to consider switching to Mac, writes Mike Butcher.
The battle between Microsoft and Apple is often played out in the media as if it were between equals. It isn't. At last count, Apple had about 4 per cent of the global market in computers compared to Microsoft's 95 per cent (the remainder are enthusiast-driven platforms like Linux).
Where Apple has managed to lead the PC field, however, is in producing an operating system which, for a long time, was easier to use than Windows. But without the market share of Windows, it was stuck in a rut.
The game may now have changed. In the last quarter, Apple has re-launched the Mac on Intel chips, a firm long associated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Because of the Intel chip, it was then but a short hop to produce software which could boot a Mac into the Windows operating system. Boot Camp was launched this month and does just that, as long as you have a legitimate copy of Windows XP.
The analysts have made approving noises. Brand research company Millward Brown said Boot Camp creates a big opportunity for revenue and growthand SG Cowen & Co recently surveyed 1,000 US consumers and found 20 per cent say Boot Camp would make them more likely to buy a Mac.
The latest addition to the Mac family makes the argument about switching more forceful. Following the launch three months ago of the 15-inch Mac Book Pro comes the 17-inch version (priced from €2,929 including VAT).
The new laptop features a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, which runs up to five times faster than its PowerBook G4 cousin. It also features a new system architecture with a 667 MHz front-side bus, four times as fast as the old Powerbook, and in-built 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, which can be expanded to 2GB.
The hard drive options start at 120GB, a brighter display and an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 PCI Express graphics card.
The machine has a built-in iSight video camera with PhotoBooth software and Apple's useful iLife '06 software.
The 17-inch model also features Apple's new patented MagSafe Power Adapter, a very useful innovation which magnetically couples the power cord to the MacBook Pro and magically disconnects if you trip over the chord.
So we now have a combination of increasingly faster Macs, with Intel's faster chips, and the ability to run Windows software.
As Apple has seen its profits jump by over 40 per cent, in part due to the success of the iPod, Microsoft has been forced again to delay delivery of its new Windows Vista system. It may be the market leader, but it's not looking good.
Finally, if you are agnostic about Macs versus PCs, should you go Mac? My advice is no. Not because the argument to switch now isn't strong, but these things are about timing. Not all Apple software runs "native" on the new "Macintelosh", so it would be better to wait for for the technology to settle down. After that, I'd say there is nothing to stand in the way of going Mac.
