Which company do you like the most (or hate the least): Microsoft or Apple?

[moogle]

i don't like apple because like others said it's overpriced, and I hate their itunes crap needing to be installed for quicktime. qa ftw!

[pauldarkside]

Voted for Microsoft - I prefer to select my own combination of hardware components and with the software I use, they provide a reasonable layer (the OS) which allows me to do so relatively easily. Apple are just too proprietary for my liking despite the similarity in core components.

and I hate their itunes crap needing to be installed for quicktime.

No it doesn't, you can download and install QuickTime without iTunes.

[Stewart]

Not fussed really, Microsoft make the boring stuff that works, Apple the flashy, expensive stuff for a bit of fun.

Microsoft get you through the week with Windows XP on your beige box, Apple are for your Sunday best - iPhones and things made out of purple, see-through plastic.

Life is far too short to 'hate' a company that makes PC bits and phones though, unless you have a real reason.

And 99.9% of the people on this forum don't have a real reason.

[nichomach]

No it doesn't, you can download and install QuickTime without iTunes.

At which point, Apple Software Update turns itself on and prompts to "Update" your machine with iTunes. At least they're 'fessing up to the fact that installing an entirely different web browser on your machine isn't an "update" either, but they still leave the box ticked by default in the Update app. So yes, you can, but then you will never, repeat NEVER get the %&%^*%&s out of your face afterward....

[pauldarkside]

At which point, Apple Software Update turns itself on and prompts to "Update" your machine with iTunes. At least they're 'fessing up to the fact that installing an entirely different web browser on your machine isn't an "update" either, but they still leave the box ticked by default in the Update app. So yes, you can, but then you will never, repeat NEVER get the %&%^*%&s out of your face afterward....

Then don't use Apple Software Update or uninstall that "feature"?

I do agree however that Apple shouldn't be so underhanded and install anything without your permission. The only reason I still use it is because I had to pay for it years ago to do some encoding for a work project - it was a cheap, quick and simple solution - it's just stuck with me ever since. I know its pitfalls but I'm content to live with them.

[moogle]

No it doesn't, you can download and install QuickTime without iTunes.

wasn't available when I was using it. they probably got the hint now but QA is much better anyhoo.

[Andaho]

As far as corporate image goes, I think Microsoft does a much better job of managing it. We're past the era when it's cool to like Apple and hate Microsoft because they've put a lot of hard work into helping out IT Professionals through things like MSDN, Technet and so on. Not to mention, the entire concept of Microsoft certification exams are a useful goal to aim for.

Apple, I've yet to see do anything positive that benefits the IT industry.

I agree 100% with your comments

I think Apple have a selfish corporate image.

Need some kind of spoilt ballet paper option, some kind of Monster Raving Loony Party option.

I think a Mod should add acorn.

I deliberatley left it with only 2 options, because the question is which company do you like the most, if you have to choose... Polls like this with a 3rd option don't work so well, because many will not even think about it and vote the 3rd option.

[nichomach]

Then don't use Apple Software Update or uninstall that "feature"?...

Unfortunately, I have to use QT for work, and if you have to use QT, you can't get rid of the Apple Software Update.

[pauldarkside]

Unfortunately, I have to use QT for work, and if you have to use QT, you can't get rid of the Apple Software Update.

That's odd, "Apple Software Update" is an uninstallable option for me using Vista - no doubt it's the same for XP too. After doing a quick test, uninstalling it, QuickTime is still fully functional.

[fuddam]

in the TV / Broadcast production world, a lot of people ask whether they will find it difficult to adjust to the move from PC to Apple

a wise man responded on one forum: It's not the software that is difficult to handle, it's the users

[Guy]

I use both platforms regularly, and tbh its just stupid to have a poll like this, everyone here has to use a computer for a different reason, we all have different levels of understanding, and different tastes and personalities.

so that would be a neither for me then!

[arthurleung]

Consider the Mac now runs on x86 arch, why the hell they don't just sell OS X as a standalone OS like XP/Vista. Sure a lower price tag means more people would buy an OS rather than a (overpriced) Macbook.

I'll probably use OS X if they do so dell it seperately. I would much like a Macbook but then it cost so much more than other laptop with same spec with Vista.

May be Apple just have no interest in the "mainstream" consumer.

IPhone -> Great
35 quids per month contract locked in? -> Insane

[pauldarkside]

Consider the Mac now runs on x86 arch, why the hell they don't just sell OS X as a standalone OS like XP/Vista. Sure a lower price tag means more people would buy an OS rather than a (overpriced) Macbook.

I'll probably use OS X if they do so dell it seperately. I would much like a Macbook but then it cost so much more than other laptop with same spec with Vista.

May be Apple just have no interest in the "mainstream" consumer.

Are you talking about just the OS or opening up the Mac-compatible market as that's been done before and it nearly finished Apple. As far as I'm concerned, the only reason they're able to maintain their stability is the fact that they have control/final say in what their products contain. If they opened it up to support everything they'd be subject to the same compatibility/security issues Microsoft has had to face.

[Ramedge]

You can hate MS and Apple mac but those opinions don't really count for any thing at the end of the day. Its all down for what you need a computer for and personal preference.

My area of work is music production, I've tried using an MS system and its pants, so I am guessing thats the reason that every decent studio in the world is running a few G4s, G5s or Mac Pros.

if your a programmer however MS is going to be an obvious choice seeing how popular the .NET environment is.

I think the people who have said "how can you hate either company?" are right to ask this. Every one has their own tastes and needs when it comes to computers.

And any way if you phone up Apple and order one of their machines and say your at blah blah university you end up with the HE discount. Normally works out at just under the price of the machine ex. VAT. That brings the prices down to something a lot more reasonable.

[directhex]

tricky question

microsoft is a huge company. as in ENORMOUS. and the problem with enormous companies is how easy it is for one end to be very different to the other - for example, one end of sony works on nice products like the ps3, the other end works on rootkits and suing their customers.

ignoring some of their more ethically dangerous business divisions, microsoft have some of the better people - their gaming team are pretty dedicated, and they've shown willing to listen to and work with their customers. apple on the other hand are masters of industrial design, but worse than microsoft when it comes to "not invented here" syndrome. consider their licensing of their DRM, for example.