P>Boot Camp, the software that makes it possible to boot up in Windows on a Macintosh compute, is making the Mac more appealing to Switchers, according to Apple COO Tim Cook. The claim came during Appleis Q3 conference call with analysts Wednesday.

Bill Hope of JP Morgan asked Apple execs on hand for the conference call if Boot Camp was showing specific signs of boosting the number of Switchers to the Mac platform. Though Apple has a history of being cagey about such specifics in its dealings with analysts and the press, Mr. Cook answered the question directly.

"We released the beta in April," he said. "The number of downloads that weive had are significant, and the customer feedback that we have had on Boot Camp is very, very good. Itis clear that for a Windows user that is considering switching to a Mac, that it makes it even more appealing to them to switch."

Apple reported selling 1.327 million Macs in the June quarter, up from 1.182 million Mac year over year, a 19% growth. IDC released a report Wednesday putting Appleis market share up to 4.8% in the U.S., up from 4.4% in the June quarter, 2005.

The markets have so far reacted positively to Appleis results, with the stock trading higher in extended hours at 58.83, up 6.07 (+11.50%).

*In the interest of full disclosure, the author holds a small share in AAPL stock that was not an influence in the creation of this article.  

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