Should Apple buy Microsoft?

[671417]

If Apple were to buy Microsoft, it could gradually replace Windows with OS/X. It could start with the kernel, which would really shake up the hardware market since everyone would have to write drivers for OS/X.

Or Apple could just buy Microsoft and shut down the operating system division.

Or Apple could keep Windows where it is, indefinitely, as a cash cow.

 

[miles01110]

Microsoft is not for sale, so your idea is silly.

 

[maflynn]

Or Apple could just buy Microsoft and shut down the operating system division. Or Apple could keep Windows where it is, indefinitely, like a generic product for the masses.

You forgot a few things in your thought process.

1. MS would not allow this, they would consider this a hostile take over and probably have measures to prevent such actions
2. The gov't would block such a sale.
3. Apple would be screwing over customers that actually need and use (and want) windows.

 

[671417]

1. MS would not allow this, they would consider this a hostile take over and probably have measures to prevent such actions.

You didn't read my posting: I said one clear option was to keep Windows alive.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Strangely interesting though, you registered just for making this thread.

Anyway, it will not happen, as that would be against the law due to creating a very big monopoly. MS is almost a monopoly. The government will not allow such asinine move.

 

[ChristianVirtual]

Don't think it makes any sense; the approach from MS to support a huge number of different hardware compared to Apple deliver HW and SW.

If Apple would be interessted either just open up OS X to non Apple HW; no need to waste money to buy MS. Buying something like HTC, Motorola (missed) or AT&T would make more sense.

Appe should really think about getting some carrier and actually be able to deliver the content to the end device. Or build up a WiFi infra structure.

 

[maflynn]

You forgot something in your thought process: There is something called a "hostile takeover".

In addition, you didn't read my posting: I said one clear option was to keep Windows alive.

Yes as I mentioned most corporations have poison pill measures in place to fight off hostile take overs.

Or Apple could just buy Microsoft and shut down the operating system division. Or Apple could keep Windows where it is, indefinitely, like a generic product for the masses.

I was referencing this comment about shutting down their operating system division. That would alienate all the people who want and need windows (like OSX the OS needs to continue to be updated).

 

[noisycats]

You forgot a few things in your thought process.

Namely...why?

What legal benefit would it be for Apple to buy MS? Just because you don't like them?

 

[neiltc13]

For years, ever since Windows Vista, I've hated Windows. They really made a mess of the operating system after XP. And that is not just my opinion. Lots of Windows users hate post-XP Windows -- Vista, 7.

Yes they made a mess of Vista, but not only did they resolve all of the major issues with post launch patches, they then went on to release Windows 7, which is easily the most stable and reliable operating system Microsoft has ever shipped.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Are we doing this again?

 

[Angelo95210]

Windows Seven is a good operating system. Why the hell would you like to shut it down?

 

[maflynn]

Namely...why?

What legal benefit would it be for Apple to buy MS? Just because you don't like them?

I neither like/hate apple or MS. They're both multibillion dollar corporations whose goals are to make money.

I pointed out a few obstacles in the OP's idea that's all. My personal feelings have nothing to do with it.

For instance, No government would allow apple to buy MS just to " shut down the operating system division." (OP's own words). Conversely the board of directors would in all likely fight apple tooth and nail over a take over attempt. Again, just using common sense.

Whether this is a good idea or not is immaterial because its not feasible on a number of levels.

 

[yg17]

What's with all of these "Should Apple buy _______?" threads lately

 

[dXTC]

What's with all of these "Should Apple buy _______?" threads lately

Probably because of the pile of cash Apple's been sitting on for a while. Apple is starting to look like the Huguette Clark of the tech industry.

 

[*LTD*]

Apple can't just go out buy companies left and right like you and I would buy things at the corner store.

 

[FluffyPop]

For someone who grew up during the 90s, like me, the idea that someone would as much as suggest that Apple should buy Microsoft sounds absolutely crazy

 

[santabreganze]

I personally believe that the companies remain separated but the competition between the products and their usability should be considered by both the companies.

 

[Tsuchiya]

Firstly, no. Apple doesn't need Microsoft, and Microsoft doesn't need Apple. Also, the government wouldn't allow it. Microsoft already has the monopoly on operating systems, the two companies together would be a little too big.

Secondly, Steve Jobs had obvious contempt for the company Bill created. I'm sure that he wasn't alone in that sentiment at Apple. I highly doubt they would ever consider buying Microsoft.

Lastly, Windows 7 is a solid OS. I understand the Vista hate, it was just a **** OS, but W7 is a massive improvement.

 

[noisycats]

I neither like/hate apple or MS. They're both multibillion dollar corporations whose goals are to make money.

I pointed out a few obstacles in the OP's idea that's all. My personal feelings have nothing to do with it.

For instance, No government would allow apple to buy MS just to " shut down the operating system division." (OP's own words). Conversely the board of directors would in all likely fight apple tooth and nail over a take over attempt. Again, just using common sense.

Whether this is a good idea or not is immaterial because its not feasible on a number of levels.

Sorry for the confusion, I was merely borrowing your words. The post was for the OP who apparently wants Apple to buy MS simply because he doesn't like them. Or something.

 

[Stella]

I doubt regulators would approve any take over of Microsoft by Apple.

Microsoft do more than just windows, Xbox, office and other public visible products. A lot of extras.

Jut because you don't like windows doesn't mean it should be canned.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

For years, ever since Windows Vista,

Woah, you're way old school. Man... I thought only "I" remembered those days. What was that, like 4 years ago!?!? Crazy.

 

[shyam09]

i don't want to turn this into a whole windows vista thing, but i have a question
what exactly was the huge problem of Vista. i had been running vista on my PC [until my recent upgrade to 7, which is hands down better], but while I was using Vista, it didn't seem like a huge problem to me (except for minor things like using more RAM, taking up a bit more space, etc.).. in fact it ran quite nicely for me?

kinda curious

 

[thejadedmonkey]

i don't want to turn this into a whole windows vista thing, but i have a question
what exactly was the huge problem of Vista. i had been running vista on my PC [until my recent upgrade to 7, which is hands down better], but while I was using Vista, it didn't seem like a huge problem to me (except for minor things like using more RAM, taking up a bit more space, etc.).. in fact it ran quite nicely for me?

kinda curious

1. Vista, when it first came out, didn't have a few optomizations that were added in SP1.. so it was a slower OS.
2. When Vista came out, it was loaded onto computers that were made for much lower system requirements. My friend got Vista on a 1.6ghz single core Pentium 4, and 1/2 a gig of RAM. It was put on hardware it never should have run on.
3. The drivers were... bad. I think something like 50% of crashes were caused by nVidia drivers not working well. Even the drivers that did work well, weren't mature.

Taken together, it wasn't a great OS at launch. Even just 2 years later, the cheapest hardware was much better, the drivers were mature, and the OS was more ram efficient.

 

[maflynn]

1. Vista, when it first came out, didn't have a few optomizations that were added in SP1.. so it was a slower OS.
2. When Vista came out, it was loaded onto computers that were made for much lower system requirements. My friend got Vista on a 1.6ghz single core Pentium 4, and 1/2 a gig of RAM. It was put on hardware it never should have run on.
3. The drivers were... bad. I think something like 50% of crashes were caused by nVidia drivers not working well. Even the drivers that did work well, weren't mature.

Taken together, it wasn't a great OS at launch. Even just 2 years later, the cheapest hardware was much better, the drivers were mature, and the OS was more ram efficient.

The other problem was pent up expectations. MS over promised what Vista was (when it was called Longhorn) and so but surely as deadlines slipped over and over, they started removing features. In the end for the consumer there was very little in terms of features that they could enjoy but conversely issues with drivers hardware.

 

[mrsir2009]

Why would Microsoft sell their company to Apple?