Computer Notebook Owners Don't Want Windows

Preston Gralla writes that while Microsoft owns the PC market, it's hold is loosening on computer notebooks.

Most of them are Linux-based or Macs.

At the price-comparison site PriceGrabber, only five of top 15 most popular laptops are Windows-based. The top seller is a Linux-based Asus Eee PC. In fact, three versions of that Linux notebook are in the top 15 sellers. And in the top 15 sellers there are a total of seven --- yes, that's right seven -- different sizes and configurations of MacBooks. HP, Toshiba, and Sony are the only manufacturers of Windows-based laptops in the top 15.

This isn't only happening on just PriceGrabber. Over on Amazon, things are even worse for Windows laptops. The nine top best-selling laptops are either Asus Eee PC Notebooks running Linux or Macbooks. Of the top 15, only three are Windows-based, made by Toshib and HP.

Now, keep in mind that these numbers are quite skewed. Online retailers don't take into account direct sales like Dell, or corporate sales --- and those numbers are quite large. There's no doubt that when those numbers are taken into account, Windows-based laptops far outsell Linux and Mac machines.

Still, these numbers should scare Microsoft. It shows that Web-savvy consumers are turning away from Windows-based laptops. They tend to be influencers, so where they go, others will most likely follow.

You can make the argument that this trend has nothing to do with Microsoft's actions. Above all, these laptop buyers seem to be making their choices based on price, size, and overall design. Microsoft doesn't make the hardware, so you can argue that Microsoft isn't to blame for design, size, and price.

You certainly can make that argument, but you'd be wrong. Take a look at the buyers that Microsoft is losing. The Asus and MacBooks represent two different types. The Asus laptops appeal to those who want very light laptops, as well as bargain hunters and techies. Linux can run quite well without high-end hardware, so very light, inexpensive laptops can be built around it. In addition, manufacturers don't have to pay Microsoft for Windows, keeping the laptops cheap.

MacBooks represent a different end of the spectrum. They certainly aren't cheap, and generally cost more than their Windows-based counterparts. But they are beautifully designed, and because both OS and hardware come from the same vendor, don't have the same kind of hardware woes that affect Windows-based laptops.

For both types of buyers, Windows is at least part of the reason why buyers are flocking to Asus and the MacBook. Vista is a hardware hog, and so you simply can't design a workable, inexpensive, ultralight laptop that runs it. It requires higher-end processors and graphics cards, and a relatively capacious hard disk. So for those who want laptops that are both light and cheap, the Asus is the only way to go.

Those who are willing to pay, on the other hand, choose MacBooks because they feel Mac OS X is superior to Vista. Once again, then, Windows is to blame.

Microsoft can't compete on the low-and-cheap end because Windows has too many heavy requirements for it to be able to run on cheap, light hardware. It can certainly run on light hardware, but you have to pay through the nose for light. And it can run on cheap hardware as well, but then you'll be lugging around a laptop with too much weight.