And Apple’s software isn’t exceedingly protective? As a matter of fact Apple Corp likes it that way so they can charge more for it. And that isn’t predatory?
They created a mystique about a product through superior public relations, get enough people to buy into it, then price gouge them.
A full OS X license is $129. A Home Premium Windows 7 license is $199. The more similar Windows Ultimate is $319. Who is price gouging on their more expensive software?
Also, there is no serial number to enter with OS X. If you were so inclined you could buy the single user license and install it on as many computers as you want.
Paid $99 bucks for my Logic Express upgrade from 8 to 9. Got 300 dollars invested in a pro-sound/multi-tracking/mixing & mastering software. Similar software that is as user friendly, feature-rich & of similar sound quality for Windows is much much more expensive.
Also the upgrade price from Leopard to Snow Leopard was 29 dollars. :)
Apple’s software exceedingly protective? I just don’t grasp what you are trying to say.
Apple’s OS is less expensive than MS Windows.
Apple’s productivity suite is FAR less expensive than MS Office
Apple’s web browser is free
Apple’s music software (iTunes) is free
Apple’s iLife suite of creative tools is free with new computer purchases (not a time or feature-limited demos like what comes on most Windows-based PC’s).
That same-said iLife is still very reasonably priced. If you wish to use a 3rd party’s software to accomplish what you could with iLife (some may have a need for more advanced stuff) - there are zero blocks to doing that.
Apple has high-end software that, again, can be done with 3rd party software as well - no blocks to that.
How many times have I felt “gouged” by Apple? Never. I buy what I need, and don’t buy what I don’t need.
There are very few things one can’t do if they buy a new Mac - all without buying a single piece of additional software. In fact, other than those who are tethered to Microsoft Office (and even then - there are solutions to that too - for free), I cannot think of a single thing you would be beholden to Apple to be able to accomplish.
Where is the predatory, over-priced software you mention? Please back up your statements.