The average consumer has no clue about Windows Vista. (The average consumer doesn't even know what an operating system is.)
People buy Windows machines because:
1. it is what they have at work
2. it is the safe choice
3. the store doesn't sell Macs
4. Dell doesn't sell Macs
5. Macs are too expensive
6. their expert friend told them to buy Windows

The delay in Windows Vista changes none of this behavior.

,dave

I can't say I disagree much with Dave's cogent analysis. There's a lot of sense in that list.

I think there are opportunities to convince consumers if Apple does a good job of marketing the stagnation of Windows vs. the cool new features of Leopard. But, I agree it's an uphill battle.

Also, I could see some power-users switching because of the delay in Vista. Though, I suppose most of them have already switched.

I don't think so.

First, consider that WWDC is in August. So, in theory, developers would have three months to prep their apps for 10.5? I don't think so.

Apple said at the last WWDC that they were looking at early 2007, so I think that's when Leopard will ship.

Apple also said that they would set up the Leopard releace to coincide with the Vista release. So 10.5 in January is possible.

On the other hand, look what happened when Apple released the Intel Macs in January instead of June. You just never know what will come, nor when it will come.

I also agree with Dave, my wife for example does not know the difference between Windows and Office, just sees everything as "the computer".

Quote

macinnerd wrote:
On the other hand, look what happened when Apple released the Intel Macs in January instead of June. You just never know what will come, nor when it will come.

Jobs never said Intel Mac’s would come out in June. What he said was “by this time next year.” When i heard that, i immediately expected a MWSF rollout. Only the folks who don’t listen carefully expected a June 2006 intro. Granted, that was a large crowd!

Way to gargle peanut butter there, Windows team.

Looks like its gonna be an Apple Xmas. Yay!

Anyone following the Vista legacy through MS employee blogs, beta testers, and media slips has some real horror stories to recount about Microsoft's new train wreck.

The revelations are astounding in number and type. Current computers can't install it. If they can it takes up to 8 hours. The software is way buggy. More documented security holes before its official release than OSX & OS9-7 have had combined. Media player problems galore. Pay to rent, not own. For Gawd's sake-WHY!?

There are reasons not worth going into that answer this, but time is precious. I'll enjoy my Mac and what it does for me and just smile as all those dummies put good money after bad as they line up for the next round of MS Abuse-version 6.0.
Oh yes, take it back to code boys, meantime I'll keep on producing stuff Windows users can only dream about, gaining praise for my inovative work that I simply develop-sometimes-in iLife. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this!

It is also worth noting that Leopard will ship with a non-beta release of Boot Camp integrated into the Operating System.