In a recent TWiTcast, it was proposed that Microsoft should just "call it a day", pay everyone off, and quit the business.

This made me wonder: what would happen to Apple if there was no Microsoft? While I don't believe Microsoft intends to quit anytime soon, it is curious what Apple might do in that case.

I suspect that Apple would lose the "sexy" edge it pushes today. I think you know what I'm talking about. The smooth white chasse (or gray, depenpending on which Apple product you own), the flashy but accessible interface. These are the things that superficially set Apple apart from the competition. Windows does the bloated but works thing, and Unix (save for Mac OS X) does the access/change everything theme. But Macintosh is sexy.

With no Microsoft to compete with, the neccessity of a sexy product would drop. Apple could get away with less appealing designs. If it costs less money, and judging by the price of Apple products, I think it does, then Apple would simply stop "designing" their computers.

I know it is superficial, but I happen to like what my iBook looks like. I'd hate to go to a PC-style design (if that makes sense). So, Microsoft, if you can hear me: please keep on competing with Apple. Give them hell.

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