It’s back-to-school time for many young adults and with that comes the inevitable: a new computer. Many folks are purchasing for the first time, and even more are considering the switch from Windows to Mac. Windows has typically had a much larger following of established users, but that’s changing. It started with the original iPod and has only snowballed since. It’s called the “halo effect:” “a cognitive bias whereby the perception of one trait is influenced by the perception of another (or several traits) of that person or object.”

In Apple’s case, the iPod & iPhone have shown loyal windows users that they [Apple] not only make impeccable hardware, but that they create beautiful, functional, simple and powerful software that outperforms even the best competitors —- including Microsoft.

As more and more people are using iPods and iPhones they are left thinking: “If this device is this good, this simple to use, i wonder what their computers might be like.” That’s when they consider switching.

For a long time, Apple had to put out a message that when comparing Apple to Windows, Apple was far superior…you remember the commercials, right? “I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC.” Well, Apple has since stopped those commercials, but it looks like Microsoft has been forced to start. Nothing on television yet, but they did make recent news with this terribly designed page (right): an attempt to dismay potential switchers. Apple still maintains their page (also right), showing how easy it is to switch and how easy it is to use a mac.

In a smart article, Mac | Life has taken on each of Microsofts claims and I have been complelled to not only reprint there content here, but add my comments as well. Their original article can be found here.

Mac | Life in purple:

1. Microsoft says: Manage windows more easily with Windows 7

Hold on, what? Apple invented Windows when they created the Finder back in 1984, and things have only gone uphill for Mac OS users. Windows 7 touts the fun new feature of “snapping” windows together–arranging windows side by side neatly snaps them in place, and dragging borders instantly maximizes–but this is kids stuff compared to Expose and stacks–all features Windows 7 copied directly from OS X!

Managing windows within Windows has always been a chore. With Windows 7, Microsoft has finally introduced a few management techniques for their users, including those described above. But, i still think that they are missing the mark. Rather than incorporating features that are usable (as Apple has), they are throwing in whiz-bang gimmicks that they claim will improve usability. I disagree. Take the new “Shake” feature for example: Microsoft says “Need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Now with Windows 7, you can just click, hold down, and give your mouse a shake. Voila! Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again—and your windows are back.”

huh? how is that usable? or productive? disrupting the existing window to isolate others? and what if aren’t using a mouse? On a trackpad, you’d need to click the titlebar with one finger and use the other to “swipe back and forth, quickly” on the track pad itself. Silly.

Even if Apple had NO other window management features, Expose alone outshines everything, even the whiz-bang, on Windows. Getting in the habit of using Expose amplifies productivity like few other tools —- whether you are using Photoshop, Word, iMovie OR the Finder [desktop windows].

2. Microsoft says: Macs can take time to learn

We’re not really sure where this point comes from, unless you’re a hardcore Windows user switching over to a Mac–then certainly, a Mac will be less familiar than Windows. We can only assume Microsoft is targeting the most casual user, who hasn’t chosen sides yet. And with programs that sync your entire life out of the box, and a file structure with clear labels, you can’t get simpler than a Mac. Microsoft, tell us, have you started hiding the C:/ drive yet?

My argument doesn’t steam much from ML’s above. The statement is not only generic, but misleading. Switching anything in life will require some getting use to, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Imagine going from an automatic car, to a manual transmission…

Apple has the advantage in that at least their applications and operating system are notoriously intuitive —- hello drag & drop!

3. Microsoft says: Networking is easier.

Microsoft points out that you can access wireless networks in “as few as three clicks.” We’ll stop them right there. In OS X, it takes one! As we know, OS X conveniently displays a drop down of accessible networks in the status bar. Also, OS X automatically sees Windows PCs. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about Windows 7.

Having spent many years networking college campus’ and offices (with both Macs & Windows PCs), i can attest that there is no easier platform to network with than a Mac. Not only do they automatically discover one another, they easily find and link with Windows computers.

4. Microsoft says: Manage devices more easily.

In this day and age, most of our external devices are iPods and iPhones. iTunes manages these devices and is much more stable on the Mac. What about printers, you say? Mac has been doing plug and play for ages.

ML makes a good point here, but i’d like to go a little further with Apple’s help:

“Almost any device that connects to a computer via USB, audio cable, or Bluetooth will work with a Mac. That includes digital cameras, external hard drives, printers, keyboards, speakers, and more.

You can even use a right-click mouse with a Mac. And with thousands of device drivers included with Mac OS X, you can start using these devices as soon as you plug them in — no need to manually download additional software.”

It’s also worth pointing out that all new Macs come with iPhoto: Apple’s award winning, free, photo management application. Plug your digital camera into your Mac and iPhoto magically knows to open it. It guides you through downloading pictures, retouching them, organizing them and sharing them. Windows users have no viable counterpart & are often left to install the manufacturer’s sub-par applications JUST to download and manage their photos. That may not have been such a big deal when digital cameras were first emerging in our lives, but just think about how many photos you have, digitally, now. Furthermore, Apple rethought the nature of the personal computer back in 2001, calling it our “Digital Hub.” They were the first computer company to identify that it is no longer the primary device in our lives, but instead, a device that brings all our other devices and information together.

5. Microsoft says: More options and color choices.

If by color choices they mean black and beige, we’ll take white and silver any day. It’s no secret that people like Macs because they look good. And you pay for the PCs that do–just Google the price of a nice Sony Vaio. Microsoft also seems to forget that you can build a Mac to spec–and damn, does it look good!

I differ from ML’s opinion a little here because there are many more color/shape options for Windows users, but not without a compromise. While you can get a pink laptop, or a translucent tower, you are often forced to get them from one of the thousands of computer builders that Microsoft licenses to. Anyone could be building your computer in their basement and selling it. Is that a compromise you are willing to make? just for a colored computer? What happens when the computer or hardware fails? Will that company be able to provide the service necessary to repair or replace it?

Still, ML is right; people have long been drawn to the beauty and simplicity of the Mac and they way that they look. If you insist on having more color options for your Mac, there are plenty of 3rd party options to help.

6. Microsoft says: Compatibility.

Maybe 20 years ago, but these days all files are cross compatible between Macs and PCs, including Microsoft’s own proprietary formats, like .docx, and plug-ins like Silverlight. You have to buy Word for a PC just the same as you do for a Mac!

I’m actually surprised that Microsoft has been foolish enough to try and use the idea of cross-compatibility as a selling point for Windows. Not only does the Mac have versions of Microsoft’s Office Suite, but they have a host of alternatives. Google docs are free and read and write office documents with ease. As we’ve forged further ahead in technology (and as the web has continued to redefine accessibility), formats are no longer just proprietary. Many of them are becoming standardized. Think about it: .mp3, .mpeg, .rtf, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .zip, .txt, etc.

Even more impressive is the Macs ability to actually RUN WINDOWS. That’s right, you can actually buy a copy of windows and run it on your Mac if you want. Everything you need is built right in. For those that only require a few “windows-only” applications (perhasp Microsoft Access), there are many elegant solutions (like Parallels) available for running windows on your Mac with ease.

If you have a PC, it is impossible to run Mac-only software. Want iPhoto? iMovie? iDVD? You’re out of luck.

7. Microsoft says: Easily create movies.

We’re not sure what they mean by easy, but nothing is more direct than making a movie with iMovie, which is free with every new Mac and integrates beautifully with the entire iLife suite. On a PC, we could stick with something like Adobe Premiere, but we have to pay for it!

I couldn’t have said it better myself. The fact that Microsoft even believes they have a leg to stand on (in this particular area) is laughable. A family friend recently made the mistake of trying to create a video for her daughter’s 4th birthday using her “top-of-the-line” Windows PC. After weeks of frustration, she finally gave up and bought a Mac. Her video was done & on DVD in less than 24hrs. She told me, “it was easy, I had fun doing it, and I’m surprised at how professional it looks…for a novice.” Nuff said.

8. Microsoft says: Quickly find what you’re looking for.

Spotlight has been doing this for ages now. Microsoft, you seem to love taking OS X features and saying they’re a reason to use a PC! We’ll give you props for implementing them at least, even if you’re a little late to the game.

Not only is MSFT late in the game, their implementation is not nearly as sophisticated as Apple’s. Spotlight has become a revolution and continues to change the way people use their computers and find their information. In it’s simplest form, it finds documents, pictures, contacts, and visted websites instantly. Go a little further and you’ll be using it to launch applications, scanning networks, etc. Having Spotlight built-into Apple’s Mail application is a dream. Finding an email from three years ago is as easy as typing a word that would have been in it. Microsoft’s Outlook has nothing that even compares. Searching still requires hunting, pecking & re-reading.

9. Microsoft says: Get quicker access to all of your stuff

Windows 7 has jump lists. Mac OS X has stacks. We’ve been dragging stuff to our dock to access it on the fly for ages, and it works great. Windows 7′s new taskbar just emulates our dock a little more. Did we mention we can drag and drop stuff there?

There isn’t much more to say here, except that Microsoft was forced to copy Apple’s dock & stacks after it quickly surpassed the usability of the Windows taskbar. While copied, it’s still not the same.

10. Microsoft says: Share files among multiple PCs

Hey now Microsoft, we have networks, too. And, even better, we have things like iTunes home sharing. It let’s us not only listen to music from other computers over the network, but allows us to consolidate our music libraries too, out of the box. Can you do that?

First, see number 3 above.

After re-reading all that, consider that Apple has long been the leader in sharing your data & media among multiple Macs. In addition to music sharing (as described by ML, above), we have photo sharing. Need to get a file from one computer to the next, just drag and drop. Want to mount a hard drive (connected to another Mac) to the one you are using (wirelessly) on the couch? It’s a click or two.

Apple has even one-uped Microsoft by building VNC directly into the Finder. You can log into ANY Mac of yours, ANYWHERE in the world, easily. Not sure how to set it up? You can follow a tutorial, or just sign your Mac into MobileMe & it will all happen automatically. Windows has nothing even close.

As you can see, there are many, many arguments here and even more that I could make to nearly every point Microsoft might argue, but I think i’ve said enough. The race is no longer as tight as it was, years ago, because Apple has done a superb job of innovating and refining their operating system and computers.

If your considering a new computer, consider a new Mac. If you are a student & are still unsure, consider this: more college students (new and graduating) are buying Macs than any other computer.

Oh, and Apple’s currently offering a free iPod Touch and printer to all students buying a new mac.

Steve Jobs image courtesy of Six Revisions.
Student Statistic chart courtesy of MacRumors.

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