Mac OS X Sales Growing in Japan, Windows Growth Declining

November 12th, 2007 at 2:00 PM - News by John Martellaro

Japanis Business Computing News noted on Tuesday that sales of Mac OS X rose dramatically in Japan in September and October while Windows sales growth plummeted. The results were attributed to Vistais pricing and packaging compared to Mac OS X.

The BCN report was covered by Electronista and noted that Mac OS X sales growth climbed at a rate of 15.5 percent year-over-year, to 60+ percent, while the sales growth of Windows declined from 75.3 to 28.7 percent. While that still leaves Microsoftis sales growth rather healthy, itis a bad sign for Windows.

The report attributed the changes to the high price of a Vista upgrade in Japan (US$179 equivalent) and even more for the full edition (US$276). Apple sells a full version of Mac OS X there for US$134. Also, the ability of Mac OS X/Leopard to run on older Macs compared to the PC/Vista combination is adding to the appeal of Mac OS X.

BCN believes that Appleis approach of more frequent major updates is validated and showing results with customers. The publication noted that Leopardis growth is much greater than when Tiger was released in April 2005.

In spite of all this, Japan remains one of the most difficult markets for Apple to prosper in because customers there tend to opt for lower cost computers.