Consumer Reports Really Warms Up to the Mac

In their March issue, CR concludes:

"HOW TO CHOOSE: Opt for Windows or Macintosh. Simplicity and outstanding customer service have earned Apple's Macintosh computers a loyal customer base. Apple's latest showing in laptop support demonstrates the company's continued commitment to support. Macs are also less likely to be plagued by viruses and spyware."

CR also continues to rate Apple's desktop and laptop models the best in repair and tech support.

Unfortunately, all is not rosy in the article. CR repeated the price myth, i.e. higher prices for Macs than "comparably featured Windows model(s)." No supporting data are offered for this bogus assertion. But they do mention the Mac mini and plan to look at it closely. In addition, CR badly flubbed the software comparison. While it rightly points out that much of the software on Wintels is demoware, it fails to point out Apple's oustanding suite of free software, including the iApps, AppleWorks, etc. [Dana Baggett]