C|Net: Apple Considers Demoing Windows Next To Macs In Apple Stores

by , 7:30 AM EDT, June 7th, 2002

C|Net has published a very interesting article about Apple's retail strategy. The article deals with Apple's market share and the fact that it is increasing in some areas, the company's approach to building stores, and other facets of Apple's ongoing battle to grow. The most interesting tidbit concerns some ideas the article says Apple is considering to help convert Wintel users. From the article:

Apple Computer is expanding its retail store strategy as it considers new ways to draw Windows users to the Mac, according to sources close to the company's plans.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is considering a number of in-store demonstrations to attract potential PC users, the sources said. One strategy under consideration would involve bringing Windows PCs into the stores, where customers could presumably be shown the advantages of Macs.

If the proposal is adopted, PCs from one or more manufacturers would be compared with Macs, the sources said. Apple also plans to run Connectix VirtualPC--emulation software for running Windows on Macs--on store demo units. This too would be part of the "conversion" strategy, showing potential PC customers that they could continue using current Windows software on their new Macs.

There is a lot more information in the full article, and it is a very good read. We strongly recommend this article.

The Mac Observer Spin:

We would love to see Apple adopt this strategy. Side-by-side comparisons would do so much for Apple's efforts to bring in new customers from the Dark Side. Windows users would be more comfortable seeing their regular OS in front of them, and it's natural that being more comfortable with being in an Apple Store is going to lead to more sales. It would also show potential Mac buyers that Apple isn't afraid of a comparison, and that too will have a good psychological impact on potential customers.

Last, but not least, we think that Mac OS X will win hands down every times in a side-by-side comparison with any but the most ardent Windows lovers.

C|Net Article