Do Apple and Microsoft have an agreement?

As we observe at least a partial settlement between Apple and Psystar regarding the installation of the Mac OS on Psystar computers, a very serious question comes to mind.

Is Microsoft somehow involved in these events?

Or, is Apple secretly involved in talks with HP, DELL, Acer, Lenovo or others to legitimately preinstall the Mac OS on systems?

You have to ask why Apple would want to restrict itself to only its own hardware when that certainly restricts the ability of the OS to reach a better market share. And it is possible that help from the major OEMs might actually triple Apple's market share as far as the OS is concerned.

And if the Mac OS gained a significant share of the OS marketplace, applications would be certain to follow. Lots of applications. Applications that could easily be ported to Linux as well.

Now it is easy to see why Microsoft would not like that. And it is possible that Microsoft has told Apple in certain words that as long as Apple restricts itself to its own premium hardware, Microsoft will continue to offer the office suite on Mac. If it does not, it might cease doing that.

And of course these questions give rise to the probability that Microsoft is pulling for Apple in the Apple v Psystar suits rather than pulling for Psystar. Certainly if Microsoft ever thought of pulling an Apple and restricting its OS to Microsoft only hardware, it would want Apple to be successful against Psystar. Not?

Of course we do not know.

But, we do know that Apple and Microsoft do discuss the availability of the MS office suite on Apple systems. They do that all the time. Particularly when Microsoft wants something from Apple. Apple may even dial the phone from time to time.

But, is there an agreement as such? Has Microsoft agreed with Apple that the suite remains in play as long as Apple refuses to license OEMs to preinstall the Mac OS? Or, sue anyone who pops with such a plan?

As I suggested: We do not know.

But, clearly Microsoft benefits from Apple restricting its market plans.

Now maybe Apple likes the idea of selling premium hardware and its OS exclusively. Maybe it does not need Microsoft's encouragement. But, if Microsoft is somehow involved in the Apple v Psystar dispute, I think it is more likely that Microsoft is telling Apple what it wants done. And that Microsoft is happy with the developments of that case to date.

Speculation aside, the industry and consumers would be much better off if Apple changed its spots. Certainly Microsoft would not like that at all. The Mac OS certainly appears to be an equal if not superior OS to anything that Microsoft has spit out. And as it stands now it is limited to use on premium hardware. And that has to restrict its appeal to the vast majority of consumers. And enterprises too.

Nothing Psystar does is going to change anything. But a change in Apple's policy could very well make substantial changes to the marketplace. Do you think Dell and HP are interested? I am sure they are.

And if Apple hardware really is better than the stuff (crap?) sold by HP, DELL, Acer, Lenovo and others, Apple would retain a market advantage.

By the way, just so that you know, I have not bought a complete hardware/software system since the early 80's when I bought a Televideo 286 machine. I think it came with MS Dos 3.0 or 3.1. Since then it has been all parts and more parts. Software when I need or want it. Hardware when I need or want it. Forget those idiots who are afraid to compete. And that has completely eliminated both Apple and Microsoft. So I put together the kit I need or want.

But, everyone benefits when fair and open competition is able to thrive. And that is why both Apple and Microsoft are so against it.