For some time now I've been wondering what to do with my Apple Power Mac G5. At the moment it's basically an iTunes server for my music and video. However that seems like a waste of a good powerful computer. So I'll be upgrading the computer and installing Linux, replacing Mac OS X, but I have to say I'm very disappointed in Apple. Here's why.
When Apple decided to switch to Intel processors in the June of 2005 I was happy with the move. However I never expected Apple would within two years release an upgrade to OS X, being Leopard, that would not be supported by my PowerPC G5. So here I have a computer that is just over 4 years old and I'm told that future versions of the operating system that Apple produces won't be supported on my computer. Wow, talk about sticking it to the consumer. And it's not like I bought a low end computer. Apple computers have always been more expensive than their PC counterparts. And this was just the beginning in a series of moves by Apple that disappoints me. In their aggressive efforts to get the iPhone they sacrificed quality in my opinion. I have two iPhones, the original and a 3G version. Both run well most of the time but are susceptible to locking up and are hardly rugged. My previous Blackberry Pearl was rock solid and never crashed even when banged up a bit.
With Linux getting better with every year and running on more hardware at a lower cost than Apple computers it makes me wonder if I'll ever by another Apple. I've already made the switch with respect to servers for my company, we build our own boxes now. I like Apple products, don't get me wrong, but with higher prices than other providers and an attitude that doesn't put the customer first, I have to question their long term future. Windows 7 is coming and Microsoft may have learned from it's mistakes, Ubuntu and other Linux distros are making great strides, especially everywhere outside of North America, so Apple better adjust to the market or its market share will shrink again.