Mac Sales Not Hurt by Windows Vista and May Even be Increased, Analyst States

Contrary to what you may have read elsewhere yesterday, the research report by analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray resulting from his survey of 50 Best Buy stores concludes that sales of Windows Vista will not negatively affect Mac sales. While Windows Vista sales have been less than expected so far, as noted in Munster's report, delayed purchases of Windows PCs waiting for Vista could result in a second quarter spurt of Windows PC sales that would affect Apple's market share in the short term but not Mac sales. In fact, Mac sales could increase.

"We also believe that widespread computer upgrades could lead consumers to evaluate their options, which may allow Apple to sway buyers toward the Mac platform," Munster wrote.

[Bill Fox]