Don’t fall for Apple’s scam

Considering I have stock in Apple, I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but I have fewer readers than I have fingers, so what the hell.

If you want to buy the latest version of OS X, Snow Leopard, Apple’s website will tell you that you have two options:

1. Users of Leopard, you can buy the upgrade version. It is $35.
2. Users of OS X versions prior to Leopard, you have to buy the Mac Box Set. It is $199.

I’m here to tell you that’s a bunch of bullshit. Both packages contain the same disc for Snow Leopard. The Mac Box Set also comes with install discs for iLife and iWork, I presume so the Apple execs have something to tell the masses when they come with their torches and pitchforks, but unless you absolutely crave that bloatware you’re much better off to save your money and buy the cheapo version. It’s the same thing.

Now… why is it that no one is crying foul that Apple is charging for this to begin with? Take the last two upgrades… from Tiger to Leopard and now to Snow Leopard. The improvements between the three are no greater than the improvements Microsoft launched for their Vista OS in the same time frame: from Windows Vista to Vista SP1 and then to SP2. Same number of upgrades, similar complexity to the improvements, same time frame. Yet Microsoft is giving theirs away for free while Apple is charging.

Is it because Apple are smart enough to give each new cat a nice shiny makeover? Maybe. Perhaps people feel they’re getting their money’s worth because they can now see their desktop through the top menu bar, or they can browse their files using an iTunes interface. Whatever the reason it’s a bunch of bullshit. And then to charge more for the same thing? More bullshit.

So I’m telling the world. Or, rather, the 7 people who read my blog. Now you know, go tell others.