No thank you Google. I could buy an iPad 2 for that price (without the free sleeve) or an Asus Eee Pad Transformer for $50 less!

Mac enthusiasts are likely to counter that they get value for the extra expense—simplicity of use, freedom from [...]]]> Microsoft is running new video ads, Lauren is one,  that highlight the affordability of Windows computers compared to Macs. The ad is quite good, the best that Microsoft has done in recent memory.

Mac enthusiasts are likely to counter that they get value for the extra expense—simplicity of use, freedom from malware, good support. Those are good points.

The freedom from malware is likely to disappear in the future, perhaps the near future. Macs are not immune from malicious software. They are far less secure than Windows machines. They have avoided being the targets of attacks in the past primarily due to low sales. Today they are a far more tempting target to bad guys because they represent a significant, minority share of the US computer market and they are all unprotected.

Simplicity of use is a relative thing. I often encounter Mac users who do not understand that closing a window on a Mac usually does not close the application. You have to quit the application to remove it from memory. Consequently, they experience mysterious slowdowns due to the fact that they are unknowingly running a lot of different memory intensive applications. There are other UI/UX issues I see with Macs. They are different than Windows issues but they do exist.

Windows 7 should also give lie to some of the current Mac advantages in simplicity of use and cool design. I also believe that Windows 7 will reduce the need for support in networking and sharing, two very confusing features in Windows Vista and XP. Furthermore, the shift to more-and-more browser based computing relieves both Apple and Microsoft of some of the traditional need for support.

Microsoft may be on to something here.