Why the comparison between MS and Apple?
MS is not a device company and Apple is not a software company (at least not primarily). Microsoft does not sell computers and Apple does not sell software. Resellers and hardware manufacturers sell their devices with MS software (or Linux)embedded through distribution and retail outlets; Many profit along the way. IOS can not be installed on all CPU's (such as tablets, AMDs, DVRs, and the like) and Apple sells directly to the consumer, leaving no one to profit except Apple (the above profit charts do not represent accurate marketshare).
MS allows resellers and manufacturers to make profits using MS products. MS can be apllied uniquely on any given device. MS does not control the quality of its' use; that is an inherent flaw with MS (as well as open source OSs like Linux).
Apple totally controls its' OS making every single device exact (no personality). However, this garantees the quality of its products. Since its' priced considerably higher than any competitor AND, the fact that Apple profis the entire cost of ther products sold, they can more than afford sterile-like stores and higher customer service.
The two are unalike. My two cents is that MS puts $ into too many pockets for it to disolve. Apple will continue to grow as there is a huge market for consumers that are willing to pay to have Apple decide how to make their devices work. MS is modifyable, allowing you to configure, and MISconfigure your whole OS (also true of Linux).
The two do not compare just as commercial OSs do not compare with open source. They have their place in the market for completely different reasons. I happen to use little of each, Mostly MS. But to be clear,I don't hate Apple, I just don't like iTunes controlling my life.
