Percentage of Switchers

[Ladybug]

As a recent switcher myself *April 06*, I was wondering what the approximate percentage was for switchers before Apple went Intel? I see Apple reports that 50% of sales on the new Intel machines are from switchers such as myself. I thought it might be interesting to know what percentage of sales went to switchers before Apple made the leap. Anyone have any insight?

 

[FFTT]

I think it's been at a gradual pace all along since Windows is so troublesome for many users.

In the work sector it wasn't such a big deal because companies had IT departments
to oversee and maintain their systems, but when people got home away from
those protective measures, their experience was growing less and less enjoyable.

I think this recent influx of switchers has a lot to do with people who still must have a Windows compatible system for those one or two work related Windows Only applications.

The rest are simply tired of all the hassle and they appreciate the quality
of Apple hardware and Mac OSX.

It doesn't hurt when you see publication after publication praising Apple for their
innovation.
Even some of the most militant P/C publications are extremely impressed with
these new products.

 

[Ladybug]

Very interesting FFTT. Thanks for the input.

 

[Queso]

In addition to FFTT's comments, I think a lot of the gradual increase in switchers is down to the Apple stores. It's not that long ago when most computer buyers were never even shown the Mac as an option, or if they were it was sat doing nothing at the back of the store. Now you have this "Temple of iPod" concept drawing buyers in to a place where they are exposed to Macs and more importantly what Macs can do.

It's no surprise to me that the biggest increase in Mac market share is happening in the USA, where the vast majority of Apple stores are located. If Apple would release figures for sales in the UK rather than bundling them in with Apple Europe I think we'd see a similar trend.

 

[FFTT]

I would like to see this year's final report on market share for just this year in sales.

I have a feeling that the numbers might surprise a lot of people.

It will also be interesting to see how things turn out when CIO's are faced with
a decision to go with Vista or if they'll select something that is known to be secure.

How much will they want to spend on new hardware, new software, licensing & training.
How many new computers could they buy for their company if they could reduce
IT staffing?

It's kinda funny too because these very important decison makers also have kids
with iPods and Macs who are having very little trouble with their systems.

I must admit that Apple still needs to put together a streamlined, very basic
iMac data entry desktop if they ever hope to take on enterprise, but they could
if they want to.

They also need to add MS Access and Project to the Office for Mac suite,
IF Microsoft will let them.

Now that Googles CEO is on the Apple board, we might be looking at a new
improved browser/search engine and possibly a complete iWork Office Suite.

It's going to be a very interesting 2007

 

[danielbriggs]

I'm a switcher!

(since a week ago!)

The main reason I switched was, not that Windows was rubbish or that it crashed etc. It was simply the reason that I want to try something new! I could of chose linux *shudder* or something, but I thought I would give Mac a go!


Like it!

I intend to run the 2 systems together (Desktop and Laptop) and would hate to "phase" out either the Win or Mac!


Dan