It's already been said a few times, but the reason why OS X runs so well is because it doesn't need to support the "ba-jillion" pieces of hardware that Windows must.
I've got a desktop XP box and a PowerBook. The PowerBook is a joy to use (notice I said "use", not "maintain").
OS X is like the old days of PC computing... When I want to perform a function, I launch the appropriate app. For example, to browse the web I open Safari or Firebird. With Windows, I can do it this many ways:
Start | Run... |
http://sitename
Open IE
Open My Computer | C: | type URL in address bar
In any Office application
While the above may be convenient, it's one of the reasons for the law suits of integrating the browser into the OS and the myriad of security flaws that plague Windows. And besides, I want to be in control of my OS - not the other way around.
Perhaps Apple has no reason to go after Windows customers. They'll never make a dent in the Fortune 500 but they will maintain and grow their Creative and Scientific user base. I guess I see them like Mercedes and BMW - not everyone can afford them but they still sell. On the contrary, Windows is the Volkswagen: trying to appease everyone and trying to achieve the "luxury" status of Apple....and still lagging behind.
Just like VW's recent $70,000 Phaeton that got poor reviews by the media. But I am digressing...