http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
1. Corporate use of Vista is growing. (From 7.3% in July 08 - 11.9$ March 09)
2. Windows XP use declined 4.1% in the same period.
3. OS X use increased from 2.7% in July 08 to 3.6% in March 09

Just my $0.02 worth.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Users aren't stupid and they can see that Vista Pro is not much change from Vista. So why upgrade to Vista Pro in
this economy.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 8:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 8:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 9:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
And anyone who bitches about Apple's high margins, perhaps you should look at MS's quarterly statements: (from Google Finance )

Microsoft: 3 months ending 2009-03-31
Total Revenue = 13,648,000,000
Cost of Revenue = - 2,814,000,000
Gross Profit = 10,834,000,000

Thats a freakin 79% gross profit margin!
]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Linux is easily a "stable" alternative, the big question is is it a "usable" alternative for average people. With enough support from hardware manufacturers, the answer is yes. The primary issue with Linux (read Ubuntu) adoption is the fact that consumers are used to Windows and are too lazy to want to learn a new OS.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
(And retail stores too. Woot!)

P.S. when are they going to boot Ballmer already?]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/ they do have a choice linux. im not saying that they should stuff it down the consumers throats but at least put a linux distro as an option when ordering pc's off the computer vendor website. back to the article this isn't as bad as engadget making it seems they still made a PROFIT this year and with windows 7 coming out they'll probably make crap loads of cash off of all the xp users wanting to upgrade to a new stable os. ]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
No, Microsoft will not escape the usual complaints of virsues, spyware, etc etc with Windows 7, but then again Microsoft will never escape those complaints. Especially when you have a user base as large as Microsoft does.

I think we are at a point now where most people are aware of the Mac as an alternative to Windows if they were looking for something different. Yet, look what the majority are still choosing to purchase.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
The problem with Linux is the near-complete lack of a consumer-friendly software library.

I installed a Ubuntu virtual appliance on my Mac (I also run XP and 7 RC on my Mac using VMware). I got it up and running just fine. Then I sat and stared at the screen and thought "Now what?"

Browser? Open Office? ??? It's just not enough. :(

If you're just doing browser-based computing, it's fine for the average consumer. Otherwise, not so much. Linux needs more software, and I don't know how its going to get it.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Of course Microsoft has a higher gross profit, they're selling software, not hardware (for the most part) Apple is selling hardware along with its software, of course they are going to have higher cost of sales. You would have to compare Apple's profit margins to say, HP's profit margins, to make a proper analysis.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
...Really? You're previous arguments atleast had a pinch of knowledge and logic, but this...this is atrocious. Calling most people cheapskates...ok. If your definition of cheapskate is "people who do some research and then buy a computer because it's worth it and not blatantly overpriced", then it works. Otherwise, then no, cheapskate is not the appropriate word here. More like, "level-headed".

And did you not read the argument for why most PCs bought are under $1000? Yes, it is partially because of competition, but it's also because of the fact that PCs under $1000 are more than powerful enough for more people. As for the "Well, your next best competitor is using the same OS, so the only way to compete is through low prices." statement, guess who PCs also compete against? Apple computers.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Well whose fault is it that apple only allows their OS on their hardware . They could easily gain a huge market share if allowing other companies to use their OS (easier anyway). ]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
The question is, how long will it take?"

The thing is, the same can be said for Leopard. Or the previous version of Linux, or whatever OS. If people find the previous version good enough, why would they change?

Now with XP, that's what happened with Vista, but now the hardware that is running those XP machines is really starting to get old. People didn't like Vista so they made what they had work, people like 7 so they'll be more inclined to upgrade. So there are many potential sales for 7 right there.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
And is it really that Apple users are not cheapskates or is it that people who buy their computers just have no problem throwing money around? The iPhone didn't hit the masses until it was cheap - yet iPhone users are Apple customers. The iPod did not reach the success it did until a few generations in when the price was lower - yet iPod users are Apple customers. ]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Assuming all Mac users are not cheap is about the most ignorant thing I have ever heard. Also, the point still remains if you don't feel a new OS adds anything you must have why bother to spend any money upgrading.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/I think you are confused. There is a big difference with being frugal and being cheap.
Besides, I am willing to bet more than anything that if Apple makes OSX so that it runs on third party hardware, it'll crash more than any OS available on the market right now, and it STILL won't sell more than Windows.
Get your mouth out of SJ's penis and join the real world.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
...

Oh no, not the drop in profits. That was a given and next quarter will be worse.

The surprise is that people still reply to Paul. Quite remarkable really.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Windows 7 will succeed because there are many people who did not upgrade their hardware with Vista but now need/want to. They will get it pre-installed. The power users have most likely already pre-ordered it, but beyond that it won't sell much retail.

OS's hardly ever sell much retail - except this time around Snow Leopard will because that's pretty much the only way most Mac users will upgrade unless they want to finally get off of Power PC.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
If people are cheapskates, why did HD-DVD fail? It was far cheaper than Blu-Ray, and as an additional, you might also claim that it was cheaper AND inferior - 2 key points you claim Microsoft's O/S's and PC's are compared to Apple.

Set up a few more strawmen.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/You are still an idiot. Your own opinion does not speak for every Apple owner so you can't make that assumption. You thrown in statements like "The price of owning a Mac is actually lower if you compute the productivity factors and the fact that Mac last longer than your average PC." which you have no evidence to support and completely just threw in there. When tons of people don't give a crap about productivity. People buy things for different reasons, not just one completely untruthful one.

]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 7:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
That is about the most illogical, trolling, no basis or facts to back it up, asking to start flame war comment that I have ever seen, and I have seen many.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 7:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Yes, it's up to them to decide what the best value for their dollar is. Just because they've decided a PC is the best value for their dollar vs a Mac does not make them a cheapskate. It makes them a consumer who is thoughtful of their needs and wants vs cost. Just because a Mac costs more doesn't necessarily make it a premium. Some cars cost more than others yet they are definitely not premium. And trust me, Macs are not the Ferrari's of computers.

Unless of course, you are an "Anything other than Apple Hater". Where have you been this past week, it's been quite pleasant without you here.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 8:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 8:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
I never thought I'd say this, but maybe I should just go to Gizmodo so I don't have to scroll past you 12-year-olds stating the same inane comments on nearly every article.]]>Jul 23rd 2009 9:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 9:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 9:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 10:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 10:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 11:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Apple, the heavyweight champeen of the world with less than 10% market share is dancing around in the ring. Read about it in tomorrow's news' rags.

Hey, how come Steve Ballmer looks like he's grabbing some fat lady's tits?]]>Jul 23rd 2009 11:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
As for you, paulachapel, correlation =/= causation. ]]>Jul 24th 2009 12:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
But my point still stands. I'm blaming all of you who engage in these stupid arguments, not just Paul. But since Paul seems to be the catalyst to it all, he stands out in particular.

It's just aggravating to see what are basically the same stupid arguments in almost every post, and I'm just disappointed that there are so many commenters on Engadget contributing. The quality of comments on here has seriously declined in the last few months, and it's a bit disheartening.]]>Jul 24th 2009 3:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
Apple has 91% of the 'revenue' market share (not 'actual' market share) in computers sold at a price above $1000. There's a difference.]]>Jul 24th 2009 3:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 24th 2009 4:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
http://images.birdy.nu/images/lightningballmer.jpg ]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/Jul 23rd 2009 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/microsoft-sees-first-annual-sales-decline-in-its-history-for-fis/
I say it's a single boob squeeze from two different pairs. That Balmer is an animal. ]]>Jul 23rd 2009 6:56PM