When Customers Don't Obey
If you’re in the market for a new computer, are you excited that you’ll get to try out Windows’ Vista operating system? If not, don’t worry you’re hardly alone. Lately those Mac/PC ads that Apple runs on television have focused on the fact that many people who did upgrade to Vista ran into big problems, and that the ones who didn’t upgrade are now scrambling to figure out how they can avoid doing so.
People I know who were forced to buy a computer running Vista (most stores when it first debuted stopped carrying Windows XP models) are dissatisfied. Granted, that’s not a scientific study, but the problems range from slow speed to incompatibility with peripheral devices. After a backlash from users who complained they didn’t want to be forced into upgrading, some manufacturers now offer computers with XP again. As the Mac commercials say, “they’re downgrading.”
Personally, after seeing Vista in action, I was worried that the next time I bought a computer I’d be forced into downgrading to a supposedly updated system. I’d never consider switching to a Mac, but I will definitely stick with XP if the opportunity is still available.
Sony has experienced a similar problem following the release of the PlayStation 3, which was hyped as infinitely better than its predecessor, the PS2. Sales were less than Sony expected, both because of the high cost ($600 initially, now as little as $400) and because many gamers didn’t see enough reason to invest in a new system. As a result Sony continues to manufacture the PS2 and games are now released for both consoles, most notably recent hits like Guitar Hero III and RockBand.
The situations put Sony and Microsoft in a predicament. They pushed their new products on users, saying they were great advancements over the old systems, but users pushed back. Both companies could have held out and hoped it all blew over, that is until their partners saw they’d be feeling the pain as well (computer manufacturers in the case of Microsoft, game designers for Sony). Microsoft says they’ll stop licensing Windows XP early next year, and Sony hasn’t announced plans to stop making the PS2.
What should they do? Should Microsoft have caved in to demands that they continue to offer XP? Should Sony continue to sell the PS2 alongside its upgraded model? If Vista and the PS3 are light years ahead of their older siblings, why do customers still want the older products?
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I probably should have clarified that statement a little better. My first two computers were Macs (an LCII and LC575 if memory serves) and I've used Macs throughout my school and work life when they're required. I just find that Windows programs are easier to work with for what I need to do, and I like having the choice of different hardware providers.
As for objectivity, I let my opinions be known on the blog because that's the nature of a blog. However, as a reporter I try not to let my personal feelings get in the way of the stories we write in the magazine, neweletters, or on 1to1media.com. Hopefully I live up to that standard.
"I'd never consider switching to a Mac..." Well, that certainly is an open-minded position. I'm sure you have your reasons, but a statement like this makes me wonder how objective your thoughts are on other items.