Microsoft Vista™: Gimped Edition
In reading a New York Times article titled Apple Profit Rose 78% in Quarter, I came across this interesting passage.
Apple may also benefit in the coming months as consumers begin to consider replacing their computers after Microsoft introduces its Vista operating system. Many industry analysts say they believe that the delay in getting that system to market significantly hurt the sales of Windows-compatible PCs in the last quarter.
On Wednesday, Microsoft introduced new price plans for PC users who wish to upgrade their existing systems. The company said that high-end versions of Vista will ship with new PCs even though consumers will have access initially only to the more basic functions. They will then be able to unlock additional features by purchasing upgrades. [Emphasis mine]
Mr. Jobs noted that Apple’s operating system, Macintosh OS X, comes in only one version, and that sophisticated features like its FileVault, which protects data privacy, are standard. Microsoft users will have to buy the most expensive version of Vista, Vista Ultimate, for as much as $199 above basic Vista, to obtain BitLocker, a similar feature of that operating system.
It never ceases to amaze me that Microsoft can unload a steaming pile of crap into the Operating System market–late, mind you; then the company gimps less expensive, home user versions by locking certain features, while charging people $200.00 for the full operating system.
And many, many people pony up the bucks, take a big ol’ whiff of Bill Gates’ steamy pile, and call it roses.
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Ha!
I wonder if it’s a “we’re the big dogs, people will do anything for our product” syndrome. Eff the masses. I’m Bill Gates. Yeah.
Comment by Heather — Thursday, 18 January 2007 @ 12:53 pm
I’d really, really, love to see a 30/30/40′ish type split to the OS market. We wouldn’t see this type of abuse, were that the case, and we’d all have a much better software experience. At least, that’s my belief - I could see an argument being made to the contrary though.
Comment by Step — Thursday, 18 January 2007 @ 4:58 pm
I think it’s more a feeling that they have such a huge chunk of the market that they can do what they want, as sloppily as they feel like doing it, and people will have to accept it. Microsoft feels folks have no choice but to buy their product, because of their dominance.
There is choice, and hopefully people will begin taking advantage of it. One day, I’d like to see that 30/30/40 split in the OS market…with Apple controlling the 40%.
Comment by greypilgrim — Thursday, 18 January 2007 @ 5:57 pm
I have been pretty displeased with what I’ve read about Vista, including Microsoft’s own propaganda.
If I built/purchased a new machine during the next couple of years, I’d try my hardest to install XP instead. I wish I had enough nerve/brains to use Unix.
Comment by Mel B. — Saturday, 20 January 2007 @ 4:38 pm